Choosing the right e-commerce platform can make or break your online business. With over 60 platforms available, each serving different needs and budgets, this comprehensive guide breaks down your options with direct links, pricing, and key features to help you make an informed decision.
SaaS (Hosted) Platforms: Ready-to-Launch Solutions
Best for: Beginners, small to medium businesses, and those who want minimal technical hassle.
Key advantage: No hosting, security, or maintenance worries.
| Platform | Pricing | Target Market | Key Features | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | $29-$2,300/month | B2B & B2C | Easy setup, app store, Shopify Plus for enterprises | shopify.com |
| BigCommerce | $39-$399/month | B2B & B2C | SEO-friendly, strong B2B features, no transaction fees | bigcommerce.com |
| Wix eCommerce | Subscription | B2C | Drag-and-drop builder, beautiful templates | wix.com/ecommerce |
| Squarespace Commerce | Subscription | B2C | Design-focused templates, integrated marketing | squarespace.com/commerce |
| Square Online | Free-$72/month | B2C | Integrates with Square POS, great for retail | squareup.com/online-store |
| Ecwid | Free-$99/month | B2C | Embed store on existing websites | ecwid.com |
| Volusion | Subscription | B2C | Built-in analytics, no transaction fees | volusion.com |
| Weebly by Square | Subscription | B2C | Simple setup, integrated payments | weebly.com |
Current Pricing Spotlight (2025):
- BigCommerce: Standard ($39/month), Plus ($105/month), Pro ($399/month)
- Shopify: Basic ($39/month), Shopify ($105/month), Advanced ($399/month)
Open Source Platforms: Maximum Flexibility
Best for: Developers, businesses needing custom features, and those with technical expertise.
Key advantage: Complete control and customization, no monthly fees for the platform itself.
| Platform | Pricing | Target Market | Key Features | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WooCommerce | Free + Extensions | B2B & B2C | WordPress integration, 50,000+ plugins | woocommerce.com |
| Magento Open Source | Free | B2B & B2C | Highly customizable, large community, enterprise-ready | magento.com |
| PrestaShop | Free | B2B & B2C | Large module library, multi-store capabilities | prestashop.com |
| OpenCart | Free | B2B & B2C | Lightweight, easy to set up, multilingual | opencart.com |
| Saleor | Free | B2B & B2C | GraphQL-first, headless architecture | Contact for details |
| Bagisto | Free | B2B & B2C | Laravel-based, multi-vendor support | Contact for details |
| Sylius | Free | B2B & B2C | Symfony-based, highly customizable | Contact for details |
Hidden Costs to Consider:
- Hosting: $10-$500/month depending on traffic
- SSL Certificate: $50-$200/year
- Developer costs: $50-$200/hour
- Extensions and themes: $0-$500+ one-time
Enterprise Platforms: Built for Scale
Best for: Large businesses, high-volume stores, complex B2B operations.
Key advantage: Advanced features, dedicated support, and enterprise-grade performance.
| Platform | Hosting Type | Target Market | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salesforce Commerce Cloud | Enterprise SaaS | B2B & B2C | CRM integration, AI personalization |
| SAP Commerce Cloud | Enterprise | B2B & B2C | Omnichannel, enterprise scalability |
| Oracle Commerce | Enterprise | B2B & B2C | Robust enterprise features |
| IBM WebSphere Commerce | Enterprise | B2B & B2C | Complex catalog & order management |
| Digital River | Enterprise SaaS | B2B & B2C | Global payments, tax compliance |
| VTEX | Enterprise SaaS | B2B & B2C | Latin America leader, unified commerce |
Pricing: Custom quotes typically starting from $10,000+/month
Headless/API-First Platforms: The Future of E-Commerce
Best for: Businesses needing omnichannel experiences, custom frontends, or mobile-first approaches.
Key advantage: Flexibility to build custom user experiences while leveraging robust backend commerce functionality.
| Platform | Type | Target Market | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CommerceTools | Headless SaaS | B2B & B2C | Microservices architecture, infinite scalability |
| Elastic Path | Enterprise Headless | B2B & B2C | API-first, composable commerce |
| Commerce Layer | Headless SaaS | B2B & B2C | API-first, multi-market support |
| Vue Storefront | Headless Frontend | B2B & B2C | PWA frontend for headless backends |
| Medusa.js | Headless Open Source | B2B & B2C | Node.js, customizable, free |
| Saleor | Headless Open Source | B2B & B2C | GraphQL-first, Python-based |
Specialized B2B Platforms
Best for: Wholesale operations, complex pricing, and business-to-business sales.
| Platform | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Handshake | SaaS | Wholesale ordering platform |
| Pepperi | SaaS | Sales rep tools, mobile ordering |
| OroCommerce | Open Source/Headless | Advanced B2B features, flexible |
| Znode | Enterprise SaaS | Multi-store, headless B2B |
Marketplace Solutions
Best for: Building multi-vendor marketplaces like Amazon or eBay.
| Platform | Pricing Model | Target Market | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharetribe | Subscription | B2B & B2C | Quick marketplace setup |
| Mirakl | Custom Pricing | B2B & B2C | Enterprise marketplace solution |
| CS-Cart Multi-Vendor | One-time License | B2B & B2C | Self-hosted multi-vendor |
Regional Leaders
Don’t overlook platforms dominating specific regions:
- VTEX: Leading in Latin America
- Shopline: Popular across Asia
- Allegro: Market leader in Poland
- Jumia: Strong presence in Africa
Making Your Decision: Quick Selection Guide
For Beginners:
Start with Shopify or Square Online for simplicity and support.
For WordPress Users:
WooCommerce offers seamless integration with existing WordPress sites.
For Developers:
Magento Open Source or Saleor provide maximum customization.
For Enterprises:
Salesforce Commerce Cloud or SAP Commerce offer comprehensive solutions.
For B2B:
Consider BigCommerce, OroCommerce, or Handshake.
For Multi-Vendor:
Sharetribe or CS-Cart Multi-Vendor enable marketplace functionality.
Key Considerations Before Choosing
- Budget: Factor in platform fees, hosting, development, and ongoing maintenance
- Technical Expertise: SaaS platforms require less technical knowledge
- Scalability: Ensure the platform can grow with your business
- Integration Needs: Check compatibility with your existing tools
- Support Requirements: Enterprise platforms offer dedicated support
Getting Started
Most platforms offer free trials or demo versions. Take advantage of these to test functionality, ease of use, and performance before committing to a long-term solution.
The e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, with headless commerce and API-first approaches gaining traction. However, traditional SaaS solutions remain the best starting point for most businesses due to their balance of features, ease of use, and reasonable pricing.
Ready to start? Pick a platform that matches your current needs and technical capabilities, knowing you can always migrate or upgrade as your business grows.