11 Best Ecommerce Platforms Compared & Rated For 2025

Launching an ecommerce business? The first big decision that’ll shape your success: picking the right platform.

Think of it like choosing a storefront location—but for the internet. Your platform determines how fast you grow, how smooth your operations run, and how much pain you’ll deal with along the way.

Make the right call, and you’re set up to scale. Choose poorly, and you’re looking at roadblocks, limitations, and a blown opportunity that could’ve been avoided.

Let’s be real—there’s no one-size-fits-all ecommerce platform. Each one comes with its own set of strengths, quirks, and dealbreakers. Some shine for small shops. Others scale like a beast. And a few? They’re only worth your time if you’ve got a dev team and a caffeine drip.

That’s why this isn’t just another ho-hum guide.

We built a legit comparison engine so you can filter, sort, and zero in on exactly what you need—from SEO features and multi-channel selling to payment options, shipping tools, and support that doesn’t ghost you.

Whether you’re bootstrapping a side hustle or scaling a seven-figure brand, we’ll help you find a platform that fits your business, your goals, and your growth path. No fluff. No smoke and mirrors. Just the info and tools you need to make a smart, confident move.

Ecommerce Platform Comparison

Ecommerce platforms come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of “wait, what is this even doing?”

You might already have a rough idea of what you need—but our comparison table makes it crystal clear. We break down each platform by business model so you can find what fits your hustle—whether you’re running B2B, launching a print-on-demand side gig, or scaling into enterprise.

Our list includes both website builders and marketplaces, because let’s face it—some of you want to build a brand, others want to plug into a platform with built-in traffic. And if you want both? Shopify is your unicorn. It’s the only platform that lets you sell on your own branded domain and through a growing marketplace (Shop app) with serious reach—rivaling even Amazon.

Heads up though: if you’re scaling to enterprise-level, you’ll likely need to upgrade to Shopify Plus to unlock all the firepower you need.

Here’s how we define the ecommerce business models used in our platform comparison:

• B2B (Business to Business): Selling in bulk or offering tailored pricing and invoicing for other businesses. Think wholesale, recurring orders, or trade accounts.
• Dropshipping: You sell it, the supplier ships it. No inventory, lower risk—but you’ll need solid integrations and fast fulfillment.
• Marketplace: Platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart where you list products alongside other sellers. Great for reach, but watch those seller fees.
• Print on Demand: Custom apparel, accessories, and products printed and shipped as orders come in. Ideal for creators, brands, and side hustlers.
• Enterprise: High-volume businesses with complex needs—custom workflows, multiple storefronts, international selling, and tight integrations across systems.

The bottom line? Your platform should match your current needs and your long-term goals. Don’t get dazzled by bells and whistles—go with a platform that can scale with your real hustle.

Pricing and Value: Don’t Get Played

Pricing isn’t just about what’s on the platform’s pricing page—some look like a steal upfront, but once your sales take off, hidden thresholds and revenue-based fees can sneak up and sting.

Take BigCommerce. Plenty of folks in the Ecommerce CEO community loved it at launch—great features, solid support. But as sales picked up, they got bumped into higher pricing tiers. Why? Because BigCommerce scales its price with your success. That’s a reality check worth planning for.

Enterprise platforms like Adobe Commerce and Salesforce Commerce Cloud go even further—they dip right into your revenue stream. The bigger you get, the more they take. And with marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart, it’s the opposite problem: lower upfront costs, but hefty seller fees and commission cuts on every sale.

Even if you start on Shopify and later expand to a marketplace, your entire pricing model may need a redo. That’s not just annoying—it can crush margins if you’re not ready.

Bottom line: don’t just chase the lowest monthly fee. Look at how pricing is structured. Know what you’re really paying for—and what it’ll cost you when your business starts to soar.

Features

There are hundreds of ecommerce features out there—and yeah, some of them are cool. But if you’re just starting out or scaling up, chasing shiny add-ons can turn into a senseless hodgepodge of subscriptions and stress.

So let’s simplify. For most ecommerce businesses, there are 5 must-have features that’ll give you real traction without the fluff:

• 1-Click Selling: Fewer clicks = more conversions. Streamlined checkout processes like one-click upsells and saved payment options boost your bottom line and reduce cart abandonment.
• Marketing Automation: Set it and scale it. From abandoned cart emails to welcome flows and upsell offers, automation keeps the revenue flowing while you sleep.
• Multi-Channel Sales: Meet your customers where they shop—whether that’s your website, Instagram, Facebook, or marketplaces like Amazon.
• Store Builder: You need control. A drag-and-drop builder (no coding needed) lets you launch fast and make changes on your own terms.
• Sell on Your Own Domain: It’s your brand—own it. Selling on your own custom domain builds trust, improves SEO, and gives you long-term control over your customer relationships.

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💡 Pro Tip: Shopify is the only platform that lets you do it all—sell on your own branded domain and leverage a massive built-in marketplace through Shop. They’re the clear leader when it comes to all-in-one flexibility.

Don’t get overwhelmed by the noise. Lock in these five, and you’re building on a rock-solid foundation. Everything else is just bonus. We do have more detailed breakdowns on other pages of the site and you can click into each platform and check out the fine print.

Multi-Channel Integrations

Maximizing your reach is invaluable in ecommerce. Though not a focus for some companies, integrating with popular marketplaces and social media platforms can be an incredible way to reach new customers quickly. In fact, your business model may necessitate which integrations your platform needs.

For example, if you have great reach on social media, Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Walmart are probably not good options as they lack Facebook and Instagram integrations. On the other hand, if you plan on handling most of your business on your own website, these integrations probably aren’t important.

That said, it never hurts to choose a platform with more integrations. You may choose to expand into new channels in the future, in which case you will be very glad you kept your options open!

Popular Integrations

Ecommerce doesn’t run on hype—it runs on systems that work together. From fulfillment to custom product creation, the right integrations can save you time, boost margins, and let you focus on what actually grows your business.

We’ve listed just a few of the most popular integrations we see again and again inside the Ecommerce CEO community. The full comparison table dives deeper, but these are consistently top performers.

If you’re scaling fast and tired of packing orders yourself, fulfillment partners like ShipBob, ShipMonk, and ShipStation can handle storage, inventory, and 2-day shipping without the chaos. For brands going the print-on-demand route, Printful and Printify are the go-to picks. We’re seeing major wins from sellers who connect them with Etsy and Amazon to launch low-risk product lines with zero inventory.

The takeaway? Integrations aren’t just tech add-ons—they’re growth engines. And choosing a platform that supports the tools you plan to use can save you from a world of hurt later.

Ease of Use

Running an online store is enough work on its own—your ecommerce platform should make life easier, not more complicated.

It’s not just about having a clean dashboard. It’s about how fast you can launch, how easy it is to make changes, and what kind of support you get when something goes sideways.

That’s where a few key features start to separate the pack. In our breakdown, we looked at phone support, live chat, dedicated account managers, and fulfillment options. And honestly? Some of the results were surprising.

A lot of platforms still don’t offer live chat with a real human. That’s a problem when you’re stuck and need help fast. It’s one reason platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Square rank high for usability—they offer 24/7 support that actually shows up when you need it. For first-time founders or small teams, that kind of access can be a game changer.

Then there’s fulfillment. Most startups hate dealing with it. Packing boxes, managing inventory, setting up shipping rates—it’s a massive time suck. Platforms like Wix quietly win here by offering built-in fulfillment options that simplify the whole process without needing third-party tools from day one.

And while WooCommerce gives you tons of freedom, it comes with a major tradeoff: you’re basically on your own. No official support, no help desk, no live chat—just forums and fingers crossed.

If there’s one lesson from the Ecommerce CEO community—it’s this: choose a platform that supports your growth and your peace of mind. The right setup doesn’t just help you sell—it gets out of your way so you can run your business.

Security

Security & Fraud Protection

Let’s be clear—most major ecommerce platforms do a decent job with basic security. SSL encryption, data protection, PCI compliance… those boxes are mostly checked.

But here’s where it gets real: what happens when things go wrong?

Only a handful of platforms offer built-in fraud protection with reimbursement—and surprise, it’s mostly the big names. Shopify and Salesforce Commerce Cloud, for example, back you up when fraud hits. That means you’re not left footing the bill if a shady transaction slips through.

BigCommerce? Doesn’t cover fraud. You’ll need to purchase extra protection through a third-party service if you want that kind of safety net.

And if you’re using WooCommerce—you’re taking on more risk than you might think. It’s not PCI compliant out of the box, and since it’s self-hosted, you’re on the hook for security updates, plugin conflicts, and potential breaches. It’s flexible, yes—but far less safe unless you really know what you’re doing.

The takeaway? Most platforms do fine on paper. But only a few actually have your back when it counts. If you want to sleep at night, choose a platform that doesn’t just keep things “secure”—but stands behind you when fraud hits the fan.

Shopify

Shopify is the most popular ecommerce platform in the world—and for good reason. It’s easy to use, fast to launch, and flexible enough to support a side hustle, a growing brand, or even a global business. Whether you’re just starting or scaling fast, Shopify gives you the tools and support to make it happen.

What You’ll Get With Shopify

Shopify makes it simple to get your store live with a visual editor, mobile-friendly themes, and the most extensive app marketplace in the industry. You can start small, expand as you grow, and manage everything—from inventory to marketing—in one dashboard.

Highlights include:

• 24/7 live chat support and help center access
• Seamless POS integration for in-person sales
• Built-in fraud analysis and secure checkout with Shopify Protect
• Easy print-on-demand and dropshipping integrations
• Access to the Shop App, a marketplace with 100M+ active users

It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the ease of setup and strong multi-channel tools make it a favorite in the Ecommerce CEO community.

What to Keep in Mind

Shopify can get pricey as you add apps and features. And if you’re a developer or SEO purist, the platform can feel a bit limiting. But for most ecommerce businesses, it’s a reliable, well-supported platform that helps you grow without getting in your way.

If you want simplicity, speed, and scalability—Shopify’s tough to beat.

Amazon

Amazon is the heavyweight of ecommerce. If your goal is fast exposure and sales at scale, it’s one of the most powerful platforms out there. Listing your products gets you immediate access to a massive built-in audience—no need to build a website, drive traffic, or create complex funnels.

But that convenience comes at a cost. Between referral fees (often 8–15%), optional FBA charges, and a $39.99/month Professional seller fee, your margins can take a hit fast if you’re not careful.

That said, many in the Ecommerce CEO community still use Amazon as a smart first step—especially to test product demand before investing in their own storefront. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a huge value add: Amazon stores your inventory, ships your products, handles returns, and even manages customer service. The convenience is real—and it helps you stay lean as you scale.

Just know what you’re giving up. You don’t control the customer relationship. You don’t build brand equity. And your listings live side-by-side with your competitors’. Amazon owns the experience—you just rent space on the shelf.

If you’re okay with that tradeoff, Amazon can be a serious growth engine. But for most sellers aiming for long-term brand control, it’s best used as a channel, not your entire foundation. Fast sales? Absolutely. Sustainable ecommerce brand? That’ll take more than a listing.

Wix

Wix is a favorite among small business owners and first-time sellers looking for a fast, affordable way to build a professional-looking online store. With its intuitive drag-and-drop website builder and hundreds of sleek templates, Wix makes it easy to get up and running—no coding required. It’s not as powerful as some of the bigger ecommerce players when it comes to scaling, but for solo entrepreneurs or niche shops, it delivers just the right mix of simplicity and customization.

Where Wix really shines is in the details. It gives you full creative control over your storefront without needing a developer, plus you can manage products, track inventory, and accept payments all from one clean dashboard. Wix also supports selling on social media and marketplaces, with built-in tools to help manage your presence across channels.

• Flexible drag-and-drop site builder
• Clean mobile-responsive templates
• Solid integration with Printful and dropshipping tools
• 24/7 customer support and knowledge base
• Marketing tools like email automation and coupons

For founders who want to spend more time building their brand than wrestling with tech, Wix is a solid pick. That said, there are limits: advanced features often require third-party apps, and scaling to large catalogs or international markets can get clunky. But for small shops and service-based businesses, Wix keeps it simple, stylish, and stress-free.

Etsy

Etsy is the go-to marketplace for handmade goods, vintage items, and custom creations. If you’re a maker, artist, or creative entrepreneur, it offers immediate access to millions of shoppers specifically looking for one-of-a-kind products. You don’t need to build a site or manage hosting—just open your shop, list your products, and start selling.

Ideal for Creatives and Niche Products

Etsy is especially powerful for small-scale sellers who want to tap into a loyal customer base without running full ecommerce operations. You get exposure and sales without worrying about tech or marketing funnels.

• Easy setup with built-in traffic
• Low upfront cost to start
• Great for personalized or made-to-order products
• Etsy Ads and social integration for promotion
• Active seller community and resources

Know the Limits

You don’t own your customer list, and Etsy has the final say on your store’s visibility. Fees add up too: $0.20 per listing, 6.5% transaction fees, plus payment processing. For creatives who don’t want to deal with a full-blown ecommerce site, it’s a great launchpad. But if you want more control or brand flexibility, you’ll eventually need your own platform.

Ecwid

Ecwid is a flexible ecommerce solution designed to turn any existing website into an online store. Rather than forcing you to start from scratch, Ecwid embeds seamlessly into platforms like WordPress, Wix, or even a Facebook page. It’s a great choice if you already have a site or blog and want to layer ecommerce on top of it.

Fast Setup for Existing Websites

Ecwid stands out for its simplicity. You can add products, accept payments, and manage orders from a central dashboard. There’s even a forever-free plan with basic features, which is rare in this space.

• Plug-and-play install on any website
• No need to redesign your site
• Multi-channel selling on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon
• No transaction fees on paid plans
• Mobile app for store management

Good for Startups, Limited for Scaling

Ecwid is perfect for side hustles or small businesses already running a website. But it has limits. Advanced features like product filters or deep customization require higher-tier plans. It’s not built to scale like Shopify or BigCommerce—but for lean, quick-launch ecommerce, it’s one of the best tools available.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a robust ecommerce platform built for businesses that want to grow without constantly paying for third-party apps. It’s packed with built-in features for SEO, inventory, and marketing—making it ideal for merchants who want enterprise-level power without the complexity of custom development.

Built for Growth Without Plugin Headaches

BigCommerce includes features other platforms charge extra for, like product filtering, faceted search, and multi-currency support. It’s also known for strong SEO tools and native integration with Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping.

• No transaction fees on any plan
• Strong SEO and customizable URLs
• Built-in B2B features
• Multi-channel support (Amazon, Facebook, Instagram)
• 24/7 support with phone, chat, and email

Pricing Tiers Based on Sales Volume

One catch: BigCommerce will automatically upgrade your pricing plan as your annual sales increase. It’s transparent—but can feel limiting once you hit certain revenue thresholds. Still, for businesses looking for serious features without constantly hunting for apps, BigCommerce is a top-tier contender.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a fan favorite among ecommerce founders who want total control and customization without the typical monthly platform fee. As an open-source WordPress plugin, WooCommerce lets you build your online store exactly the way you want it—no limits, no forced features, no inflated pricing tiers. It’s especially loved by developers, tech-savvy shop owners, and growing brands who want to scale on their own terms.

But with great freedom comes real responsibility. You don’t just get a store—you build it. That means securing your own hosting, setting up a domain, choosing a theme, and managing extensions. Hosting might cost you $3.99/month on the low end, and domains usually run around $15/year. Themes and plugins vary wildly in price, depending on how advanced your needs are. Most founders start lean and build their stack as they grow.

Here’s the flip side: because you’re piecing it all together, security and support fall squarely on your shoulders. WooCommerce has faced some payment security issues in the past—and while they’ve responded quickly, it’s a reminder that protecting customer data takes ongoing vigilance. There’s no centralized fraud protection or 24/7 support team to bail you out.

Still, if you’ve got the grit to build your own stack and the discipline to keep it secure, WooCommerce gives you a flexible, cost-effective foundation that grows with you—on your own terms. Just know going in: you’re the engine, not just the driver.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is a high-end ecommerce platform designed for large retailers and B2B sellers. It offers robust personalization, AI-powered product recommendations, and deep CRM integration with the Salesforce ecosystem.

Enterprise Features for Enterprise Needs

This is not a plug-and-play solution—it’s built for brands that need scale, customization, and deep integrations across departments.

• Advanced AI (Einstein) for personalization
• Powerful B2B and B2C tools
• Seamless integration with Salesforce Marketing, Sales, and Service Cloud
• Omnichannel support and headless commerce options
• Enterprise-grade security and uptime

Price Reflects the Power

Salesforce Commerce Cloud uses a revenue-sharing pricing model, making it one of the most expensive platforms out there. It’s overkill for small businesses—but a serious weapon for large, complex organizations that need enterprise performance across digital channels.

Square Online

Square Online is a natural choice for businesses already using Square’s POS system. It allows for fast setup of an online store with zero coding, syncing perfectly with your in-person inventory and sales.

Made for Brick-and-Mortar + Online

If you’re running a physical location, Square Online is a no-brainer. It offers a free plan to get started, and lets you manage both your online and offline sales in one place.

• Seamless POS and online store sync
• Free plan available with essential features
• Mobile-optimized templates
• Built-in order fulfillment tools
• Accepts all major payment types

Not Built for Complex Catalogs

Square Online keeps it simple—and that’s both the strength and the limitation. It’s not ideal for large-scale ecommerce or international expansion. But for restaurants, service businesses, and retail shops adding online sales, it delivers quick wins.

Adobe Commerce (Magento)

Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) is an open-source, enterprise-grade ecommerce platform known for its power, flexibility, and scalability. It’s a developer’s dream and a DIY nightmare for beginners.

Ultimate Customization—If You Have a Team

Adobe Commerce lets you build almost anything with the right resources. It supports complex catalogs, global currencies, and custom user experiences.

• Open-source and self-hosted
• Advanced B2B and B2C capabilities
• Supports multi-store and multi-language
• Robust APIs for headless setups
• Strong security and compliance features

Built for Big Budgets

Adobe Commerce is expensive to implement, host, and maintain. You’ll need developers, and likely a dedicated agency. But for businesses with complex needs or multi-brand portfolios, it’s one of the most powerful ecommerce engines available.

Walmart Marketplace

Walmart Marketplace offers an incredible opportunity for ecommerce sellers to get their products in front of millions of ready-to-buy shoppers. With over 255 million customers served weekly, the platform gives you access to one of the largest audiences in retail—without the noise, fees, or saturation of other major marketplaces.

Sellers can leverage Walmart’s built-in trust, fulfillment services, and massive infrastructure to grow fast. But make no mistake: this isn’t a plug-and-play setup. You’ll need a proven track record and tight operations to get approved and succeed. If you’ve got your logistics dialed in and you’re ready for real exposure, Walmart Marketplace can be a game changer.

Built for Scale, Powered by Trust

Selling through Walmart means your brand is instantly aligned with one of the most recognized names in retail. That reputation boosts buyer confidence and can accelerate conversion. Walmart also handles key operations like fulfillment and customer returns through its WFS program, giving you a logistics edge without having to reinvent the wheel.

Know Before You Dive In

This platform is best for established sellers with solid performance metrics—not side hustlers just testing the waters. Approval is rigorous, support can feel hands-off, and seller policies are strict. But if you’re ready to play in the big leagues and meet Walmart’s standards, the long-term growth potential is massive.

What Platform Will You Use In 2025?

Picking the right platform isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a launchpad. To make the smartest move, you’ve got to know your business model, understand your audience (and where they’re located), get real about pricing structures, and lock in the features that’ll drive growth—not stall it.

That’s why we built this guide—and our comparison tools—to help you filter based on what matters most to you. Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling something massive, you’ll find honest reviews and real-world insights straight from other Ecommerce CEOs who’ve been there.

Still on the fence? Shopify stands out as the most legit, founder-friendly platform on the market—a proven bet for long-term success. Try Shopify free and see why it’s trusted by millions.

We’re building this community to help you win—faster, smarter, and with fewer costly mistakes. Use the tools. Share your experience. Learn from others. That’s how Ecommerce CEOs rise—together.