Compare the Best E-Commerce Platform of 2024
| Company | Forbes Advisor Ratings | Superlative | Starting Monthly Price | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
    | Best for No Transaction Fees | $25 | On Ecwid’s Website | |
| | Best E-Commerce Platform for SEO | $39 | Read Forbes’ Review | |
 | Best E-Commerce Platform for Beginners | $27 | On Squarespace’s Website | |
| | Best E-Commerce Platform for Dropshipping | $39 | On BigCommerce’s Website | |
| | Best for Service Businesses | $2.75 per month | Read Forbes’ Review | |
| | Best E-Commerce Platform for Scaling Up | $39 | On Shopify’s Website | |
| | Best Free E-Commerce Platform | Forever free plan available.Starting subscription cost is $59 per month | ||
| | Best Cheap E-Commerce Platform | $15 | Read Forbes’ Review | |
| | Best E-Commerce Platform for Solopreneurs | $29 | On Wix’s Website | |
| | Best Analytics and Reporting Features | $27 |
The Best E-Commerce Platforms of 2024
Methodology
Forbes Advisor determined the best e-commerce platforms by compiling a list of 21 providers from across the industry, which we tested and evaluated. These platforms were then compared according to 52 criteria points, including our expert’s score, value, website tools, customer sentiment and payment processing. A higher score indicates the product has more advanced features, user-friendly interfaces and strong customer reviews.
| Decision Factor | Scoring Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Value | 31% | Based on the plan’s monthly or annual cost and their limits on features such as caps on products and storefronts. |
| App Review | 5% | If an app was available, it was assessed based on reviews in the Apple App store or Google Play store. |
| Consumer Sentiment | 40% | What business owners have to say matters. We looked at what other users have to say about ease of use and setup, payment gateway integration, customization, features and overall satisfaction. |
| Service and Support | 6% | Based on the diversity and availability of support options, such as live chat, phone, email and a self-help knowledge base. |
| Website Tools and Features | 15% | Based on features for shop creation and management. This includes shop creation tools like templates, essentials like hosting and SSL certificates, and promotional tools like social media integrations and email marketing. |
| Payment Processing and Accounting | 2% | Based on transaction fees for payment processing, the ability to accept recurring payments and accounting software integrations. |
| Additional Features | 1% | We looked for additional perks that help to streamline shop management, such as built-in return and refund processing or an abandoned cart recovery tool. |
How To Choose the Best E-Commerce Platform
Every business owner has their own needs. So, if you’re wondering how to compare e-commerce platforms for your e-commerce business, these are some of the most essential features and factors to consider before purchasing.
Essential E-Commerce Platform Features
Here are features you shouldn’t compromise on when selecting an e-commerce platform.
- Web hosting. You need a host to get your website online. Therefore, providers that include hosting are favorable.
- Payment processing availability. Providing options for your customers regarding third-party payment can be crucial. Check which payment providers are accepted and what fees you might encounter when using them.
- Security features. In today’s world, protecting your customers’ sensitive information is more critical than ever. Check if features such as SSL certificates, which encrypt data, are offered.
- Web creation tools. Although not always necessary, templates can help you speed up getting set up from scratch.
- Marketing perks. Getting your name out there is one of the most important parts of owning an e-commerce business. Therefore, functions such as social media integrations and email marketing tools can improve your chances of success.
- Customer support. Time is money, and if your site goes down or experiences a glitch, you could lose sales. Therefore, reliable customer support options are crucial.
Value
Although price is almost always an important factor for most business owners, it isn’t always wise to choose the cheapest option available. Spending slightly more money to get a better bang for your buck is often worthwhile.
Consider your business needs: Do you have a lot of products to list? If so, OpenCart might be a good option, as the free plan allows unlimited product listings. Is your business service-based? If so, consider Web.com or Big Cartel. If your business is still growing, Shopify is a great option for its ease of upgrading plans. Weigh your options based on the features you think your business will utilize the most.
Ease of Use
You’ll want a user-friendly e-commerce platform that’s simple to navigate and customize, such as ready-made templates or integration with other tools to streamline processes. You want your website to be easy for both you and your customers to use.
Scalability
Businesses can be ever-changing and ever-growing. That’s why you may consider an e-commerce platform that allows you to upgrade–or downgrade–if needed. Make sure to do your research ahead of time and set realistic expectations for your business growth.
Reputation
Just like most other products or services, real customer reviews can be extremely telling of the experience you might have as well if you decide on that platform. If there’s an app available, check out the Apple App store or Google Play store for more insight.
Which E-Commerce Platform Is Best For Your Business?
Deciding which e-commerce platform to use for your business depends on your specific needs and which features your business will rely on the most. Here are some examples of things you may want to consider:
For Small Businesses Just Getting Started
If you’re just starting in the e-commerce world, you’ll want to consider a platform that will simplify the process, such as Squarespace. This platform offers AI-powered tools and ready-made templates that can help you get your site up and running in no time. Once it’s up, management is also made simple with functions to manage the entire process from start to finish.
For Small Businesses on a Budget
If price is your biggest concern, then consider OpenCart. OpenCart, unlike many other platforms, has no product limit. However, it’s important to note that there are many limitations with the free version, such as no hosting or SSL included, and switching to the paid version can be relatively expensive compared to other options.
For Small Businesses That Are Rapidly Growing
Your small business might be small but mighty at the moment, but there’s no telling what the future holds. That’s why Shopify might be a good option for an actively growing business. Shopify makes it simple and easy to scale up to a different sized plan if you need it. It also includes good customer service options if you encounter any problems.
Featured Partners
1
Wix
$17 per month
Yes
Yes
2
Squarespace
$23 per month
Yes
Yes
3
Shopify
$29 per month
3 days free + First Month for $1
Drag & drop editor, AI Tools, Customize with 8k+ apps, Sell everywhere
4
Web.com
$2.75 per month
Yes
Customiz-able templates, easy drag-and-drop technology, SSL certificate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is an E-Commerce Platform?
An e-commerce platform is a software platform businesses use to build and run online storefronts. This can include hosting, payment processing, website design, appointment booking and more.
The best e-commerce platform options include diverse features and integrations and a user-friendly interface to help you develop a customized store suitable to your business needs.
Which e-commerce platform is best for dropshipping?
According to our analysis, BigCommerce is the best e-commerce platform for dropshippers. It offers a ready-made database of dropshipping suppliers, automated tools and educational materials for first-timers.
What is the best B2B e-commerce platform?
Web.com and Big Cartel can accommodate service and product selling, which can be useful for business-to-business (B2B) selling.
How do I build an e-commerce website?
There are numerous ways to build an e-commerce website. You can use an e-commerce platform like Shopify or BigCommerce, WordPress with an Ecwid plugin or a website builder like Squarespace.
What is a headless e-commerce platform?
A headless e-commerce platform separates the front end from the back end of your website. It can be challenging to set up or manage, but it allows for greater flexibility and customization overall.
What is an open-source e-commerce platform?
You can access or modify the code for your website with an open-source e-commerce platform, which is useful if you want to add custom features or integrations. OpenCart is one such platform that offers this functionality.
