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

Sep 22, 2022
ecommerce platforms

That's why there are different online platforms available for purchase to meet a variety of needs. The key is to determine which one is best for you.

In this article we have compared the best seven e-commerce platforms to ensure you can have all important information and find which is the best for the specific needs of your business.

The review will cover their pricing, features, pros and cons, and who they're recommended for, and so check them out.

Sounds interesting?

Let's get started!

1. WooCommerce

ecommerce platforms: woocommerce logo
WooCommerce

Principal Features

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

Prices

  • Technically , it's free, but it is still necessary to pay hosting charges.
  • Based upon the features you'd like to have and the amount you're willing for, you can pay anywhere from $200 to $0 and even higher for plugins and extensions.

ProsPros

  • Do you have your personal information.
  • The price of a scaleable option starts at $0.
  • Images and products are endless.

Cons

  • Hosting is not included.
  • There is a small amount of learning needed for WordPress If this is your first use of it.

Highly Recommend as a...

Some examples of Online Stores using WooCommerce

Weber, the South Africa branch of the famous grill maker
Weber Weber, one of the South Africa branch of the well-known grill maker
Best Bud, CBD oil company
Best Bud, CBD oil business
Porter & York, premium meat delivery
Porter & York, premium meat delivery

2. BigCommerce

ecommerce platforms: BigCommerce
BigCommerce

Everything you need to be aware of about the BigCommerce website is right there in the name It's huge. It was created for big enterprises and stores with a large selection of merchandise as well as small-scale stores which are contemplating an expansion.

The huge range of options available can be seen in the price. For smaller stores that are just beginning it's likely to cost you those features that you don't require yet and it's difficult to justify the expense. Instead, BigCommerce is best for existing stores that need some more "power underneath the hood."

Principal Features

  • This allows for huge amounts of products.
  • Highly versatile.
  • Security included.
  • Import and migration 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.
  • You can sell as many items as you like.

Cons:

  • More difficult to navigate than the other online platforms.
  • The cost is high for someone who is just beginning their journey.

Highly Recommend to...

Stores that are established or sell a lot of products profit greatly from BigCommerce. Smaller or new stores might likely not benefit from many of these functions at all. BigCommerce is a formidable e-commerce platform. Use it if you're in need of the extra strength.

Ample of Online Stores that use BigCommerce

Skullcandy, high-end headphones
Skullcandy, high-end headphones
Bliss, skincare company
Bliss is a skincare business
Carolina Panthers, the official NFL shop store
Carolina Panthers, the official NFL store

3. Shopify

ecommerce platforms: Shopify
Shopify

Another popular ecommerce platform one is Shopify that has a leading position in ease of use and convenience. Even though Shopify's Shopify site may take days to set up, you can launch an operational Shopify website in a matter of few minutes. However, the downside is that Shopify doesn't offer more options for customizing your website like WooCommerce does.

Shopify is a fantastic choice for people who do not want to be bothered with the design and coding aspects of running an e-commerce store. Shopify's template-based system is a lot of fun, so you simply choose the design you'd like to work with and complete your details.

Even though this isn't ideal for people who have bold ideas It's a great solution for those solely focused on their business. Shopify offers all the conveniences you'll require for shopping online, with the possibility of a variety of kinds of deals, and built-in rating systems.

The Most Important Features

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

Pricing

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

Pros

  • The most user-friendly of all the platforms used for selling online.
  • Can build a store swiftly and effortlessly.
  • No design skills required.
  • Works well for both smaller and larger retail shops.

 Cons

  • Customization is limited.
  • Difficult to stand out from other Shopify sites.
  • The fees for third-party gateway transactions are often expensive.

Highly Recommend for...

As we've said before, Shopify is perfect for people who would rather concentrate on the company. Shopify isn't the most flexible when it comes to designs however it's a great all-inclusive information on marketing strategies for businesses, sales promotion as well as social marketing via social media.

An example of online stores using Shopify

haus, a London furniture store
Haus is a London furniture store
The Candi Factory, a fashion line based in Toronto
The Candi Factory, a fashion company based in Toronto
Biko, a “modern nostalgic” jewelery line
Biko, a "modern nostalgic" jewelry line

4. Volusion

ecommerce platforms: Volusion
Volusion

What makes Volusion excels is in subscription and recurring payments. Ideal for subscription boxes as well as similar business models Volusion offers these types of payments immediately.

Principal Features

  • Drag-and-drop site editor.
  • Absolutely no transaction charges.
  • Unlimited bandwidth.
  • Accepts subscription and recurring payments.

Prices

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

ProsPros

  • E-commerce platforms that are low cost, in particular because there's no charge for transactions.
  • Easy Site Editor tuned for newbies.

Cons

  • The features are not as extensive.
  • No blogging integration.
  • No selling digital products.

Due to the price-efficient and easy site editor Volusion works best for smaller online retailers. This is an excellent way for getting your feet wet and you don't require complex features while just starting to understand the basics.

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A case study of online stores that use Volusion

Sesame Street Live, the show’s live performance ticket hub
Sesame Street Live, the show's live performance ticket hub
Notch, innovative hats for sunglasses
Notch, innovative hats for sunglasses
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop, artisanal cheeses
Antonelli's Cheese Shop, artisanal cheeses

5. 3dcart

ecommerce platforms: 3dcart
3dcart

This is why 3dcart optimized those zones to ensure that you have no reason to worry about those areas. Advantages of the template-based site builder but with the assurance that you'll get the best SEO.

3dcart comes with the same restrictions like Shopify but it is not able to offer much customization. This is especially unfortunate given that the themes on 3dcart tend to be outdated.

Principal Features

  • Internal SEO design.
  • Themes pre-built specifically to be used for SEO.
  • Unlimited items.
  • Unlimited bandwidth.
  • Absolutely no transaction charges.

Price

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

ProsPros

  • Every aspect of this site down down, is intended for SEO.
  • There are many benefits to be enjoyed including the capability to be available 24/7 for assistance.
  • Easy template-style site designer.

 Cons

  • Very little in terms of personalization.
  • Templates might need to be revised.

 Recommend for...

Examples of online stores using 3dcart

France Luxe, fashion accessories
France Luxe, fashion accessories
eLeMeNO-Pee, modern parenting products
eLeMeNO-Peeis the newest products for parenting
Havvn, mood-enhancing skincare
Havvn, mood-enhancing skincare The mood-enhancing skincare

6. Big Cartel

ecommerce platforms: Big Cartel
Big Cartel

Big Cartel is an online marketplace designed for artisans, crafters as well as other craftspeople who like selling their work. If that's your type of company you manage, Big Cartel is perfect... however it's not for everyone. do not create their own goods You should look at other options.

The entire Big Cartel caters to small, creative businesses, including innovative options to design websites. The feature that is most appealing to entrepreneurs who are creative is the low costs of this servicethere are no charges for listing, as well as the fact that there are no transaction costs. You pay only the cost of a month-long subscription. You can also get free accounts that come with most of the functions.

If you're an artist who is independent there are many alternative platforms that sell e-commerce offer more appealing bargains. Some of the most innovative styles aren't appropriate for established brands.

The Key Features

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

Price

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

Pros

  • Comparatively cheap next to the different platforms used for online shopping.
  • One of the more imaginative and creative website builders.
  • Transparent and transparent practices in business.

Cons

  • This sale is to a select group of sellers.

It's no secret it's a reality that Big Cartel is recommended for artists and craftspeople. While their marketplace isn't quite that big, they can serve it effectively. If you're an individual creator, you still have to decide between Big Cartel and Etsy.

The advantage from Big Cartel is owning your own store: it's better when it comes to branding as well as more adaptable in the event that you're ambitious.

Examples of Online Stores using Big Cartel

RODA, store for artist Jose A. Roda
RODA, store for the artist Jose A. Roda
Little Upside Down Cake, cooking supplies
Little upside cake, baking supplies as well as baking equipment
Laurie Lee, custom art and prints
Laurie Lee, custom art and prints

7. Ecwid

ecommerce platforms: ecwid
Ecwid

As Big Cartel targets artists, Ecwid is also targeting small companies. From setup to costs to pricing, the whole process is intended for smaller and new businesses.

Ecwid falls into the same class like Shopify along with 3dcart. Easy with its simple set-up, however, they offer limited options for customization. In order to show their support for small businesses the company offers a complimentary plan that allows you to add up to 10 items. However, once your store grows to a certain amount the benefits offered by Ecwid aren't as useful.

The same is true for modern payment solutions are able to connect their websites to sales channels including Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. It can be an ideal central point of reference when running a multichannel online business.

The Most Important Features

  • Simple setup and easy-to-use website designing tools.
  • Syncs directly with the social media stores.
  • Connects to other channels of sales.
  • No transaction fees.

 Pricing

  • Free Plan There is no cost.
  • Venture: $15 per month.
  • Business: $35 per month.
  • Unlimited: $99 per month.

Pros

  • Perfect for Multichannel strategies.
  • For small and medium-sized businessesaffordable and easy to use.

 Cons

  • Not many interesting design options
  • It is not scalable. Good for smaller-sized companies, but not for big business

Recommend for...

In its design, Ecwid is suggested for small businesses. The lower cost is good for just starting out and it also has the capability to integrate with other social media platforms, so you are able to use the platform as your lifelines. In addition, integration with marketing and social media is an excellent option for smaller companies looking to make their name out to all the world.

Examples of Online Stores using Ecwid.

Miu Mau, artist store
Miu Mau, artist store
Tenina, cookbooks and kitchenware
Tenina Cookbooks, kitchenware and cookbooks
Hansen Distillery, spirits and events venue
Hansen Distillery, spirits and event venue

It's the Best Ecommerce Platform to Launch Your Online Store

The answers provided will aid you in choosing the right online shopping platform.

The ideal platform to sell expensive jewellery could be the worst one for selling custom T-shirts. Think about the needs of your business before deciding on your platform.

The time is now for you to choose to decide which one you prefer? How did you come to selecting that particular platform over another? Let us know in the comments here!

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