7 of the Top Ecommerce Platforms, compared (Free as well as Paid)

That's why there are different eCommerce platforms that are available for sale to satisfy various needs. The key is to determine which one is best for your needs.

In this review, we compared the top 7 ecommerce platforms so you can have all the key details and see the one that is perfect for your unique business needs.

We'll cover their features price, pros and cons, and whom they're most recommended for, and so, have a look.

Sound intriguing?

Let's get started!

1. WooCommerce

  Principal Features  

• The WooCommerce plugins and extensions are WooCommerce-specific and come with an diverse e-commerce features.
• Easy blog integration.
• Unlimited items.

  Prices  

• Technically free, but you still have to cover hosting costs.
• Based on the features you want and the amount you're willing to pay from $200 to $0 and even more for extensions/plugins.

  Pros  

• Have your own personal data.
• Scalable price that starts at $0.
• Limitless products and images.

  Cons  

• Hosting not included.
• A small learning curve is required for WordPress If this is your first time using it.

  Highly Recommended for...  

Examples of Online Stores using WooCommerce

2. BigCommerce

All you have to be aware of regarding The BigCommerce website is right there in the title: it's big. The e-commerce platform was designed for big enterprises and stores with a large selection of merchandise, or else small stores planning an imminent expansion.

The big array of options is evident in the cost. Smaller stores that are that are just beginning it's likely to cost you the features that you don't require yet and it's difficult to justify the expense. Rather, BigCommerce is best for existing stores that need some extra "power under the hood."

  Principal Features  

• Allows for large quantities of product.
• Highly adaptable.
• Security included.
• Migration and importing options.
• There are no transaction costs.

  Prices:  

• BigCommerce Standard: $29.95 per month.
• BigCommerce Plus: $79.95 per month.
• BigCommerce Pro: $299.95 per month.
• BigCommerce Enterprise: Varies.

  Pros:  

• A sophisticated suite of tools to satisfy complex business models.
• Sell as many goods as you want.

  Cons:  

• More difficult to navigate than the other online platforms.
• The price is a little steep if you're just starting out.

Highly Recommended for...

Established stores or stores that sell a lot of products benefit from BigCommerce. Small and new stores will not end up using a lot of these features in the first place. BigCommerce is a powerful ecommerce platform, so only use it if you need all that extra power.

Ample of Online Stores that use BigCommerce

3. Shopify

Another popular ecommerce platform one is Shopify that is a leader in ease of use and convenience. Although a Shopify site may take days to set up, you can launch an operational Shopify website in a matter of minutes. However, the downside is that Shopify doesn't offer more options for customizing your website as you do with WooCommerce.

Shopify is a great option for those who don't want to bother all that much with the design and coding aspects of operating an e-commerce store. Shopify is heavily template-based, so you simply choose the theme you want to use and then fill in your information.

While that's frustrating for people who have bold ideas, it's perfect for people focused only on the business. Shopify offers all the online shopping accommodations you'll need including the option of different kinds of promotions, and a built-in ratings system.

  The Key Features  

• User-friendly interface.
• Template-style design.
• Out-of-the-box functionality.
• App store for extra functions.

  Prices  

• Shopify Lite: $9 per month.
• Basic Shopify: $29/month.
• Shopify: $79 per month.
• Advanced Shopify: $299 for a month.
• Shopify Plus: $2,000 - $40,000 per month.

  Pros  

• The most user-friendly of all the platforms for e-commerce.
• Can set up a store swiftly and effortlessly.
• No design skills required.
• Works well for both small and large retail stores.

  Cons  

• Limited customization.
• Difficult to stand out from other Shopify sites.
• The fees for third-party gateway transactions can get pricey.

  Highly Recommended for...  

We've mentioned it before, Shopify is ideal for users who prefer to focus solely on the business. Shopify isn't the most flexible when it comes to designs however it's a great all-inclusive guide to marketing strategies for businesses, sales promotion as well as social media marketing.

An example of online stores using Shopify

4. Volusion

What makes Volusion excels is in subscription and recurring payments. Ideal for subscription boxes as well as similar business models, Volusion provides these kinds of payment straight away.

  Principal Features  

• Drag-and-drop site editor.
• No transaction fees.
• Unlimited bandwidth.
• Accepts subscription and recurring payments.

  Prices  

• Personal: $29 per month.
• Professional: $79 per month.
• Business: $299 per month.
• Prime: Custom.

  Pros  

• Low-cost ecommerce platform, especially since there aren't charges for transactions.
• Easy site editor attuned to first-timers.

  Cons  

• Features are limited.
• No blogging integration.
• No selling digital products.

  Recommended For...  

In light of the cost-effective and simple site editor, Volusion works best for smaller e-commerce companies. It's a good option to get your feet wet and you don't require advanced features while you're just beginning to learn the fundamentals.

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A case study of online stores that use Volusion

5. 3dcart

This is why 3dcart optimized those zones for you so that there's no need to fret about these areas. The benefits of a template site-builder, but with the assurance that you will get top SEO.

3dcart has the same limitations as Shopify, though: not much customization. This is particularly unfortunate, given that the themes on 3dcart tend to be dated.

  Principal Features  

• Internal SEO design.
• Themes pre-built specifically for SEO.
• Unlimited products.
• Unlimited bandwidth.
• No transaction fees.

  Prices  

• Startup Store: $17.10 per month
• The Basic Store $26.10 per month
• Plus Store: $71.10 per month
• Power Store: $116.10 per month
• Pro Store: $206.10 per month

  Pros  

• Everything about this website, from all the way down, is for SEO.
• Many perks to enjoy, such as the ability to provide 24/7 assistance.
• Easy template-style site designer.

  Cons  

• Little in the way of personalization.
• Templates may need updating.

  Recommend For...  

Examples of online stores using 3dcart

6. Big Cartel

Big Cartel is an online marketplace for artists, craftspeople, and other artisans who like selling their work. If that's the kind of business you run, Big Cartel is perfect... however, for the majority who don't create their own products It's best to go at other options.

All of Big Cartel caters to small, creative businesses, including the creative options for designing websites. The most appealing feature to creative entrepreneurs is the affordable cost of the service -- the absence of listing fees, and also there are no transaction costs. All you pay is the cost of a monthly subscription There's also free accounts that include most of the features anyway.

If you're an independent creator, plenty of the other platforms for e-commerce have more appealing bargains. A lot of the creative designs aren't suitable for more serious brands.

  The Key Features  

• There are no transaction costs.
• No listing fees.
• Creative design possibilities.

  Prices  

• Gold Free
• Platinum: $9.99 per month
• Diamond: $19.99 per month
• Titanium: $29.99 per month

  Pros  

• Comparatively cheap next to the other platforms for e-commerce.
• One of the more creative and innovative site builders.
• Transparent and transparent business practices.

  Cons  

• This is just for a limited group of sellers.

  Recommended For...  

It's no secret it's a fact that Big Cartel is recommended for artists and craftspeople. Although their market isn't as big however they serve it effectively. Even if you're an independent creator, you still have to pick among Big Cartel and Etsy.

The benefit of Big Cartel is owning your own store: it's better in terms of branding, and it's more flexible when you're ambitious.

Example of Online Stores Using Big Cartel

7. Ecwid

Like Big Cartel targets artists, Ecwid is also targeting small companies. From setup to costs to pricing, the entire process is designed for small and emerging businesses.

Ecwid falls in the same category as Shopify as well as 3dcart Easy, simple setup, but only limited options for customization. In order to show their dedication to small-sized businesses, they offer a free plan where you can list up to ten items. However, once your store grows to a certain amount the benefits of Ecwid don't appear like they're as useful.

In the same way, more advanced payment options are able to connect their stores with other sales channels like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. This can make Ecwid a great central base when operating a multichannel ecommerce business.

  The Key Features  

• Simple setup and easy-to-use site design tools.
• Syncs directly with social media stores.
• Integrates with other sales channels.
• No transaction fees.

  Prices  

• Free Plan: No Cost.
• Venture: $15 per month.
• Business: $35 per month.
• Unlimited: $99 per month.

  Pros  

• Ideal for multichannel strategies.
• For small and medium-sized businessesaffordable and easy to use.

  Cons  

• Not many interesting design options
• Not scalable -- good for small-sized businesses but not for big business

  Recommend For...  

In its design, Ecwid is recommended for small businesses. The lower cost is good for just starting out and also it is able to integrate with other social media platforms, so you can still use it as lifelines. In addition, integration with social media and marketing is a great option for small businesses looking to get their name out to the world.

Examples of Online Stores using Ecwid.

The Best Ecommerce Platform to Launch Your Online Store

These answers will assist you in determining the best ecommerce platform for you.

The ideal platform to sell expensive jewelry could be the worst one for selling made-to-order T-shirts. Consider your company's needs before deciding on your platform.

The time is now for you to choose to decide which one you prefer? Why did you end up picking that platform over the other? Comment below!

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