Best e-commerce platforms of 2024

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Best e-commerce platforms of 2024

Launching an online business is streamlined with the right ecommerce platform. These specialized website builders provide a comprehensive suite of tools to help you establish and expand beautiful, efficient online shops that will captivate your customers.

Navigating the myriad of ecommerce options available can be overwhelming, as each claims to be superior. Cutting through the promotional jargon to find the ideal fit for your venture can be challenging.

Our specialists have rigorously evaluated the leading website builders designed for ecommerce to guide you in making an informed decision. The top picks in our roundup excel in delivering fundamental features like shopping cart software, payment processing, and user-friendly editors, along with a wealth of themes, templates, and customization options to distinguish your online store.

Standing out as the premier choice, Wix is celebrated for its broad selection of tools and functionalities, coupled with its simplicity of use. Ecommerce-inclusive plans commence at an accessible price point of $29 per month, making it a viable option for most budding and developing online businesses.

Ready to embark on or enhance your ecommerce journey? You’ve found the perfect starting point.

Pressed for time? We’ve curated a concise list of our three elite ecommerce software selections, each accompanied by a brief rationale to highlight their significance for your online store’s creation.

Bluehost + WooCommerce

Essential Insights:

WooCommerce, distinct from a self-contained ecommerce platform, is a complimentary plugin that transforms a WordPress site into a full-fledged online store. While open-source solutions like WooCommerce may present a steep learning curve for beginners, Bluehost offers a streamlined WooCommerce setup with pre-installed themes and plugins, simplifying the process.

Creating an ecommerce site on WordPress can seem formidable, but Bluehost’s user-friendly approach eases this task. For those new to website building, platforms like Wix might be more suitable. Despite our expertise with website builders, certain aspects of initiating and managing a WordPress-based ecommerce site were somewhat perplexing.

Plans and Pricing:

Bluehost’s website builder comes in three tiers. The Basic plan, at $2.95 monthly for a year-long commitment (renewing at $10.99 monthly), caters to personal sites and blogs. For online stores, the Pro and Online Store plans are the go-to choices. The Pro plan costs $9.95 monthly for a year (renewing at $14.99 monthly), while the Online Store plan is $24.99 monthly, renewing at $39.95 monthly.

User Experience:

Bluehost’s intuitive drag-and-drop builder facilitates swift website creation and customization. The bespoke WooCommerce platform within Bluehost is designed for ease, leveraging WooCommerce’s robust features without the complexity.

Features:

All Bluehost plans come with essential hosting features, including complimentary SSL and domain name for the first year, as well as hosting services. The Basic plan also boasts free CDM and 50GB SSD storage.

The Bluehost Website Builder, layered over WordPress, aims to offer a simplified, direct experience for crafting websites on WordPress. The drag-and-drop interface is especially beneficial for novices, allowing the construction of sophisticated websites without needing coding expertise or WordPress familiarity.

Support:

Our direct interactions with Bluehost’s billing and customer support were positive. However, Trustpilot reviews suggest varied experiences, with Bluehost currently holding a 3.2 out of 5 rating. Customer feedback often points to challenges with technical support and billing inquiries.

Bluehost has phased out its ticket-based support, leaving phone support, live chat, and a comprehensive Knowledge Base as the primary support channels. The Knowledge Base is organized into eight categories, each with detailed, step-by-step guides.

Shopify Best e-commerce platforms

Key Takeaways:

Shopify stands as a leading name in ecommerce software, having evolved significantly since its 2006 launch. It boasts a user-friendly platform that doesn’t demand technical or design expertise to craft an attractive online store.

As a comprehensive ecommerce solution, Shopify equips you with all the essentials: a template-driven site builder, an extensive product catalog, streamlined payment processing, automated shipping through various apps and integrations, inventory control, and robust analytics.

My personal experience with Shopify was remarkably smooth, making it an excellent choice for businesses of all scales due to its user-friendly yet powerful features.

Owain Williams, Editor at TechRadar Plans and Pricing:

Shopify’s Basic plan starts at $29 monthly, offering an SSL certificate and unlimited bandwidth, storage, and product listings. Limitations include two staff accounts and transaction fees of 2.2% + 20p for online and 1.7% + 0p for in-person payments.

The $79 Shopify plan reduces online credit card fees to 1.9% + 20p and in-person to 1.6%, plus additional perks like gift cards, professional reports, five staff accounts, and support for five locations. The ‘Advanced Shopify’ tier, at $299 monthly, further slashes fees and supports up to 15 staff accounts and eight locations. Shopify also extends a 14-day free trial without requiring credit card information.

While Shopify is tailored for online stores, it’s not the most budget-friendly. Weebly presents a cost-effective alternative, with free basic online selling capabilities and paid plans starting at $10 monthly.

User-Friendly Design:

Shopify’s interface is designed for simplicity, with a sidebar categorizing features and a dashboard guiding you through the setup process. Despite its minimalist design, a sophisticated search function helps locate specific features when needed.

Capabilities:

Shopify’s CMS allows for comprehensive site management, accessible via mobile apps. Features include live chat, support for 3D models and videos, and customizable Facebook and Instagram storefronts.

Shopify’s hosting is unlimited, with detailed analytics on visitor interactions and potent marketing tools like SEO optimization, discounts, coupons, gift cards, and email campaigns.

Customer Support:

Shopify’s customer service is available 24/7 through phone, live chat, and email. Our tests confirmed the responsiveness and effectiveness of their support team, ensuring assistance is at hand for any challenges in managing your online store.

BigCommerce

Key Points to Consider:

BigCommerce, established in 2009, has emerged as a top-tier ecommerce platform renowned for its scalability, ensuring it adapts and evolves with your business.

Offering a selection of templates and themes akin to Shopify, BigCommerce aids in quickly launching visually appealing stores. Users have the flexibility to craft their own design or utilize BigCommerce’s design services. The platform boasts a comprehensive CMS, enabling the management of a complete website, not just an ecommerce storefront.

Our evaluation revealed that BigCommerce is replete with the expected tools and functionalities of a specialized ecommerce software. However, its complexity may be more suited for seasoned ecommerce entities familiar with such platforms.

Plans and Pricing:

The Standard plan of BigCommerce, priced at $29.95/month, provides all the foundational elements for starting an online store. The Plus plan, at $79.95/month, builds upon the Standard with additional features like customer segmentation and advanced analytics.

The Pro plan, BigCommerce’s entry-level website builder, begins at $299.95/month, offering enhanced features including Google customer reviews and advanced product filtering, with a sales cap of $400k annually.

Ease of Use:

BigCommerce’s feature-rich environment facilitates effortless website creation, thanks to its drag-and-drop builder that requires no coding expertise. The platform also streamlines store management post-launch, from product additions to inventory tracking. However, the extensive range of tools may pose a challenge for beginners.

Features:

BigCommerce users gain access to meticulous product management, SEO optimization, and an array of marketing tools and analytics.

The platform supports payments through over 65 gateways and allows for tailored shipping configurations. Recent updates include Amazon Import and Link, as well as Instagram Stories shopping features.

Automated order processing, adaptable tax regulations, and support for over 140 currencies enhance the platform’s capabilities. Additionally, BigCommerce integrates BitPay, a leading Bitcoin and cryptocurrency payment service.

Support:

BigCommerce provides immediate assistance via live chat on its website. For those preferring voice communication, phone support is available. Email support is also an option, with a promise of a response within 24 hours upon submitting an online form.

Weebly

Here’s what you should know:

Since its inception in 2006, Weebly has carved out a niche as a favored website builder that marries ease of use with robust functionality. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface simplifies site customization, making it an attractive choice for launching an online store.

Weebly shines as a cost-effective solution for online stores, albeit with some limitations in customization, product offerings, and storage. For larger or more ambitious ecommerce ventures, dedicated platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce might be more appropriate.

Plans and Pricing:

Weebly’s subscription options cater to diverse business requirements. The Personal plan is priced at $10/month when billed annually (or $13 on a monthly basis), providing key features for individuals and small enterprises. The Professional plan, at $12/month annually (or $18 monthly), adds more ecommerce functions and prioritized support.

For businesses seeking comprehensive features, the Performance plan, at $26/month annually (or $29 monthly), includes PayPal integration, abandoned cart recovery, and a suite of advanced tools.

Ease of Use:

Weebly’s user-friendly website builder, with its drag-and-drop functionality, ensures a smooth experience for both tech-savvy users and beginners alike, offering straightforward customization and guidance throughout the site-building journey.

Features:

Our thorough examination of Weebly’s toolkit revealed a robust array of mobile-responsive themes and key functionalities such as SEO optimization and ecommerce tools. However, the quality of some templates and the level of customization may not fully meet the standards set by other platforms.

Support:

Weebly’s customer support is accessible and accommodating, ready to address your inquiries via email, live chat, or phone. Higher-tier plans benefit from enhanced support services, including priority assistance and telephonic support for complex issues.

Squarespace

Here’s the scoop on Squarespace:

Squarespace stands out as a comprehensive solution for website needs, offering domain acquisition, cloud hosting, and the creation of visually impressive online stores. Its platform is designed for ease, allowing anyone to craft a professional site without needing deep technical knowledge, thanks to a straightforward drag-and-drop interface.

While Squarespace’s templates are among the most visually appealing in the industry, customization has its boundaries. Our comparative analysis with Wix suggests that if extensive template editing capabilities are a priority, Wix might be the better choice.

Pricing and Plans:

Squarespace’s pricing structure includes four plans, ranging from $16 to $53 per month, with annual payment options available. Each plan comes with vital features like unlimited bandwidth and storage, plus a free custom domain. Notably, the “Business” plan includes a 3% transaction fee on sales, which could affect growing businesses. However, the Commerce plans, both Basic and Advanced, eliminate transaction fees, positioning them as excellent choices for sales-driven businesses.

Ease of Use:

Squarespace is synonymous with user-friendliness, offering a seamless website-building experience for novices and experts alike. The drag-and-drop interface, coupled with an extensive array of templates, simplifies the process of developing a professional website. However, users should note that changing templates later requires starting anew, as template transitions aren’t fluid.

Features:

Exploring Squarespace’s features, we found a comprehensive toolkit that enhances website functionality, including media marketing and ecommerce integration. The platform’s analytics tools also provide valuable insights into website performance. While unlimited product additions and SEO and social media tools are available, some features like manual payments and multi-currency sales aren’t as developed as those on platforms such as Shopify.

Support:

Squarespace offers a robust support system, with options like live chat, email, and social media assistance readily available. Live chat support is particularly accessible during weekdays for immediate help. The Help Center is a treasure trove of resources, including video tutorials and a community forum for self-help. However, for those who prefer phone support, this service is not offered at present.

GoDaddy Best e-commerce platforms

Key Insights:

Established in 1997, GoDaddy is not only a powerhouse in domain registration and web hosting but also provides a robust website builder. Known for its simplicity and affordability, GoDaddy’s builder is particularly appealing to those new to creating an online presence.

For existing GoDaddy customers or those considering their services, the website builder is a noteworthy option. However, for those in need of advanced ecommerce capabilities, alternatives like Shopify might be more suitable.

In our comparison of Wix and GoDaddy, we found that while Wix offers a more comprehensive and customizable platform, GoDaddy provides all the necessary features for setting up a straightforward and cost-effective online store.

Pricing and Plans:

GoDaddy caters to a wide range of users, from individuals to e-commerce businesses, with a variety of plans. A free plan is available for trial purposes before upgrading to a paid subscription.

The Basic plan starts at $10.99/month, including SSL, domain connection, and support. The Standard plan, at $10.49/month, adds more email and social media capacity, plus SEO tools.

The Premium plan, at $14.99/month, offers unlimited social media interaction and appointment features. The Ecommerce plan, beginning at $16.99/month, comes with comprehensive online selling tools. Note that these are introductory rates, and renewal costs may be higher.

Ease of Use:

GoDaddy’s website builder is user-friendly, ideal for those with minimal experience in site creation. It utilizes artificial design intelligence (ADI) to streamline the building process, though this may limit design flexibility.

Features:

The builder includes a suite of business tools like appointment scheduling, email marketing, and CRM. While these tools cover basic needs, they may not suffice for more complex requirements. Design customization and app integration options are somewhat limited, which could be a drawback for those seeking extensive creative control or functionality.

Despite these constraints, GoDaddy’s website builder remains an accessible choice for startups and small businesses looking for an all-in-one online platform.

Support:

GoDaddy is known for providing a wide array of support resources to cater to its users’ diverse needs. The platform’s knowledge base is rich with instructional videos and guides, ensuring users have access to the information they need. Additionally, GoDaddy offers 24/7 customer support, maintains an active community forum for peer assistance, and shares valuable insights through its blog.

For direct assistance, GoDaddy’s live chat support begins with a chatbot that can handle initial inquiries and then seamlessly transitions to a human agent for more complex issues. Phone support is also available, with toll-free numbers in various countries for convenience.

While GoDaddy strives to offer prompt support, it’s important to note that response times can fluctuate based on the current demand for support services.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST E-COMMERCE PLATFORM

In the dynamic realm of online commerce, selecting the ideal ecommerce software is pivotal for your business’s success. Amidst a sea of options, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your specific requirements to ensure that the chosen platform dovetails with your business objectives and demands. Here’s a streamlined guide to consider when choosing an ecommerce platform that best fits your business:

1. Tools and functionality

When scouting for ecommerce platforms, prioritize foundational security features such as SSL certification, fraud prevention, data backups, and PCI compliance to safeguard customer information.

Enhance your website’s online presence by choosing platforms with SEO-friendly tools—customizable meta tags, blogging features, and customer reviews. Ensure the platform supports responsive design for optimal viewing on various devices.

For strategic business insights, select platforms with integrated analytics to monitor store metrics and identify trends. Embrace platforms that facilitate multi-channel selling, including social media and online marketplaces, to broaden your customer base and revenue.

Finally, choose platforms that offer a wide range of integrations and plugins for tailored functionality, and value platforms with active community support for continuous enhancement and prompt problem-solving, keeping your ecommerce business competitive.

2. Price and costs

Open-source software might seem economical initially, but it’s important to account for additional costs such as web hosting, security measures, and regular upkeep. Moreover, be vigilant about transaction fees which can add up and impact your total expenses.

Conversely, subscription-based platforms typically involve a recurring monthly charge. However, they frequently encompass maintenance and support, which can render them a more financially prudent choice over time. When assessing ecommerce software pricing structures, always factor in your budget constraints and long-term expansion objectives.

3. Security

In today’s digital landscape, where online threats are ever-present, prioritizing security in ecommerce software is imperative. Opt for platforms that offer robust security protocols, including SSL encryption, data encryption, and fraud prevention tools. It’s vital to select a platform dedicated to the continuous protection of customer data, with regular security updates to combat new threats.

Ensuring your ecommerce platform is fortified against cyber risks is not just about security; it’s about fostering customer confidence and sustaining a thriving online business.

4. Ability to grow your store

For enduring success in the ecommerce realm, scalability is a non-negotiable. Seek out a platform that can gracefully scale with your business, offering flexible infrastructure, customizable designs, and smooth integrations with external apps.

Moreover, platforms that facilitate omnichannel marketing are invaluable, enabling you to engage with customers through various touchpoints and drive sales.

Ultimately, selecting the right ecommerce software is akin to solving a puzzle; each piece must align with your specific needs and goals. With careful consideration of these factors, you can choose a platform that not only fits but also propels your online business to new heights.

FAQS

Will I be charged transaction fees?

Some ecommerce platforms might impose a fee per transaction on their free or more affordable plans. However, these transaction fees are often waived when you subscribe to a higher-tier plan.

Deciding between a lower-cost plan with transaction fees and a higher-priced plan without them hinges on your sales volume. For most dedicated online stores, investing in a higher subscription to eliminate transaction fees is advantageous.

When crafting your ecommerce strategy, consider the balance between initial costs and long-term benefits to select a plan that aligns with your business’s financial goals.

Can I create my own ecommerce solution?

If you’re aiming for full control over your online store, crafting each page from the ground up is the way to go. Here’s a streamlined guide for those considering hiring a web developer:

Request live samples of the developer’s work for evaluation.
Draft a comprehensive brief for your website, detailing every requirement to prevent any misunderstandings.
Clarify the cost and the scope of revisions included in the price.
Insist on a formal contract before any work starts.
Discuss hosting responsibilities; ascertain if you can manage updates or if they’re handled exclusively by the agency at an extra fee.
Secure the copyright to your design, affirming it as a vital asset of your business.
Include termination terms in your contract to resolve potential disputes amicably.

Alternatively, purchasing a template offers a foundation with essential pages, which you can personalize yourself or with a developer’s help.

Adding ecommerce capabilities to an existing website can be smoothly accomplished using platforms like XCart, Kryptronic, and CubeCart. These applications seamlessly integrate online store features, enhancing your site with ecommerce functionality.

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