My journey in digital advertising and marketing started at an e-commerce company. I labored carefully with purchasers operating their companies on e-commerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento.

It was there that I developed a powerful basis in understanding what makes an e-commerce platform useful:  absolutely linked performance, scalability, and ease of use. I’ve all the time been inquisitive about which platform would go well with most companies. I wished to check e-commerce platforms that might help not simply my dream pet retailer enterprise but additionally a digital retailer and a e-newsletter sooner or later.

I don’t love coding, and I wished instruments that might help me from the get-go. To make sure a well-rounded analysis, I collaborated with totally different enterprise homeowners to grasp how these platforms have developed through the years to satisfy fashionable enterprise wants.

Beneath, I’ll share my expertise with the six greatest e-commerce platforms after hands-on testing and detailed evaluation. Whether or not you are launching a pet retailer, promoting digital merchandise, or constructing a e-newsletter, this information will make it easier to select the very best e-commerce platform on your small enterprise and past.

The 6 greatest e-commerce platforms I like to recommend attempting in 2025

In my expertise, e-commerce platforms have made operating an internet retailer easy for everybody. They can help you listing merchandise, course of funds, observe stock, and handle orders, all from one place. However the very best e-commerce platforms go properly past the fundamentals. They’ve developed into complete enterprise hubs that deal with each advertising and marketing and analytics.

Throughout my testing, I found how far these instruments have are available serving to companies develop. Options, together with AI-powered suggestions, automated stock monitoring, and integrations with marketplaces and social platforms, are all frequent. These platforms are designed to optimize each step of the client journey, from looking to checkout, and once they personalize that journey properly, corporations sometimes see a 10–15% income carry.

• Core options for e-commerce platforms ought to cowl all of the necessities: product itemizing administration, fee gateways, stock monitoring, and order success. I prioritized platforms that additionally provide superior options reminiscent of multi-channel promoting, deserted cart restoration, and built-in website positioning instruments. These options make sure that companies can streamline operations whereas maximizing gross sales potential.
• Ease of use is a should for all instruments. Managing an internet retailer includes advanced duties, so a clear, accessible design makes all of the distinction. I regarded for platforms with easy navigation, drag-and-drop design choices, and dashboards that make it straightforward to handle stock, orders, and analytics with out requiring technical experience.

• Scalability and suppleness permit companies to develop with out worrying about switching instruments. I evaluated platforms primarily based on how properly they accommodate growing product catalogs, larger visitors, and increasing gross sales channels. Platforms that permit for in depth fine-tuning, whether or not via APIs, third-party apps, or themes,  ranked larger, as they’ll adapt to particular enterprise wants over time.

• website positioning and advertising and marketing instruments are nice-to-have options which can be essential for driving natural visitors and maximizing visibility. That’s why I paid particular consideration to platforms that provide important website positioning options like customized URLs, meta tags, schema markup, and web site pace optimization. Platforms that simplify the method of implementing these website positioning greatest practices stood out to me as a result of they permit companies to rank larger on search engines like google and appeal to extra clients.

• Integration Capabilities with third-party instruments make it easier to join with your corporation’s most essential channels. I regarded for options that simply join with in style apps and providers like accounting software program, CRM programs, and different marketplaces. I additionally worth integrations with social media platforms and analytics instruments.

• Any dependable platform should provide efficiency and safety to deal with excessive visitors volumes with out lag or downtime. I evaluated the platforms’ efficiency, uptime, and loading speeds to make sure they meet the wants of each clients and enterprise homeowners. Safety was one other essential issue. I regarded for platforms that provide SSL certificates, PCI compliance, and environment friendly fraud prevention measures.

• Buyer Help could make an enormous distinction when points come up. I assessed the standard of every platform’s help, together with the provision of 24/7 stay chat, cellphone help, and complete documentation or boards. Platforms with energetic person communities are undoubtedly a giant win, as they supply further troubleshooting sources.
• Pricing is all the time an element, however it’s additionally about worth for cash. I thought of how properly every platform balances pricing with the options it provides. Clear pricing constructions, reasonably priced plans for small companies, and scalability for rising enterprises have been key concerns.

Over the previous few weeks, I’ve examined six e-commerce platforms that basically stood out. Though this listing is brief, it has one thing for each enterprise dimension. And like me, additionally, you will relate to a few of the wins and a few losses for every platform.

The listing under incorporates real person critiques from e-commerce platforms. It’s essential to notice that within the context of this listing, distributors providing a free trial are additionally thought of free. 

To be included on this class, an answer should:

• Assist corporations run their e-commerce enterprise on a single, unified platform
• Handle e-commerce services, in addition to product info
• Ship commonplace choices to create on-line shops that may be personalized
• Embody performance for personalization to enhance the client expertise
• Present options for or combine with drop transport and stock administration software program
• Monitor and handle clients, their order historical past, and on-line habits
• Enable corporations to decide on between a number of fee choices and gateways
• Help the headless commerce structure and supply native cell apps
• Provide safety, or encryption of knowledge and knowledge, or each, and adjust to laws
• Embody options for e-commerce knowledge administration, integration, and search

*This knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some critiques could have been edited for readability.  

1. Shopify: Designed for small and medium-sized companies
2. Shopify Plus: Designed for enterprise high-growth, high-volume manufacturers.

I used to be fortunate sufficient to check each these platforms in numerous eventualities. For small and medium companies, I discovered Shopify to verify all the precise bins. I liked their person interface again then, and I nonetheless find it irresistible now. And the largest win for me? No coding is required for this device’s most elementary setup. As per G2 Information, it’s hottest with smaller companies, the place 80% of customers are small companies and 15% are mid-market.

It was straightforward to arrange a retailer and hyperlink up with third-party platforms to import dropshipping merchandise. I additionally take pleasure in their spectacular library of themes, which aren’t simply fairly but additionally purposeful and optimized for cell. I additionally respect the fee integration choices on Shopify, that are easy to arrange. 

Their enterprise providing, Shopify Plus, was a unique expertise altogether. Once I labored with purchasers operating a bigger enterprise, Shopify Plus was a boon to them. Enterprises and high-growth companies require these further superior options and configurability.

I personally liked that I may create a number of storefronts beneath one account. It is a game-changer if you happen to function in numerous markets or languages. The account additionally comes with entry to Shopify’s Launchpad device, which helps you intend and automate gross sales occasions.

Yet one more constructive? You’ll additionally get devoted help from Shopify Plus, which features a service provider success supervisor. Working with them was like having my very own private information for the platform. Shopify Plus API additionally permits for superior modifications, which helped me combine programs with none effort.

Shopify and Shopify Plus provide a nice vary of templates, making it straightforward to arrange a visually interesting retailer with out in depth design expertise. Nonetheless, customizing pages wasn’t all the time easy; I both needed to depend on builders or spend additional time studying Liquid, Shopify’s coding language. That mentioned, as soon as mastered, this flexibility made it doable to create tailor-made, distinctive retailer designs that higher matched my model.

Shopify typically runs easily and handles day-to-day operations with ease. Some reviewers did be aware that updates sometimes induced lags, which may disrupt retailer administration in actual time. Even so, many respect that Shopify persistently rolls out enhancements, and better stability throughout updates would make an already dependable platform even stronger.

One other function value highlighting is Shopify’s promoting integrations, which permit companies to trace and optimize their advertising and marketing efforts. Whereas some customers encountered inconsistencies in measurement, these instruments nonetheless present precious visibility into campaigns. With refinements to monitoring accuracy, they may turn out to be an much more highly effective asset for performance-driven groups.

Total, Shopify and Shopify Plus ship sturdy worth via devoted help, customization choices, dependable efficiency, and advertising and marketing integrations, with most reviewers agreeing that the platform empowers companies to scale efficiently.

What I dislike about Shopify:

• Whereas updates are essential, I observed occasional lags in efficiency after system updates, which typically disrupted my workflow. These minor hiccups made duties like product updates or navigation really feel much less fluid.
• Shopify’s promoting integrations are helpful, however inconsistencies in advert efficiency knowledge made monitoring marketing campaign outcomes extra time-consuming and fewer dependable, particularly when evaluating metrics throughout platforms.

What G2 customers dislike about Shopify:

Although it is easy to arrange, the charges are a bit of excessive, and you’re restricted as to how a lot you may actually do with out including plug-ins. Relying on the kind of enterprise, their fee gateway additionally doesn’t work, and it’s important to get hold of a third-party POS. When points do happen, they trigger plenty of lag time because it’s exhausting to Determine the proprietor of the problem.

– Shopify Overview, Ishan P.

What I dislike about Shopify Plus:

• Shopify’s frequent updates add worth, however I noticed efficiency lags after some updates on G2. Smoother rollout administration would assist.
• The app ecosystem is highly effective, but I noticed (and G2 customers report) that prices stack up shortly when many apps are wanted; clearer bundled pricing or extra built-in options would cut back shock bills.

What G2 customers dislike about Shopify Plus:

One draw back of Shopify Plus is the associated fee, which may be steep, particularly if you issue within the want for extra apps to get the performance you need. Whereas the platform is highly effective, some options you may count on to be included require third-party apps, including to the expense. Moreover, whereas the help is mostly good, there may be instances when it feels a bit sluggish or not as thorough as you’d like, which may be irritating if you’re coping with pressing points.

– Shopify Plus Overview, Gautama S.

In my expertise working with e-commerce purchasers, I discovered WooCommerce to be one of many best to work with, and the information backs it up. In accordance with G2 Information, it ranks #1 for ease of use within the e-commerce platforms class. After all, in case you are conversant in WordPress, getting accustomed to WooCommerce is simple. With its WordPress integration capabilities, it was straightforward to see why many companies selected this platform.

Considered one of my favourite issues about WooCommerce is the numerous free and premium plugins that allow you to customise your retailer precisely the way you need. From fee gateways to monitoring stock, it made dealing with the consumer’s web site straightforward. The ultimate factor that I like about this device is that it’s free to begin! WooCommerce itself doesn’t include a price ticket, and plenty of options are accessible with out paying a dime.

Whether or not you’re promoting bodily merchandise, digital downloads, and even subscriptions, this device is flexible and versatile for all wants. I’ve run small passion shops, they usually maintain up properly.

Whereas the bottom platform is free, I noticed my purchasers paymentl the pinch in some circumstances. Many superior performance requires paid extensions, reminiscent of superior transport choices or sturdy analytics. These additional prices can add up over time, although many reviewers be aware that the flexibleness to decide on solely what’s wanted makes it simpler to scale affordably.

One other space I used to be caught fixing wbecause the plugins. Some plugins broke others or induced sudden bugs, requiring trial and error to discover a stable mixture. G2 reviewers have talked about related challenges, emphasizing the necessity for cautious plugin choice to keep away from compatibility points. That mentioned, the broad plugin ecosystem can be what makes WooCommerce extremely customizable for distinctive enterprise wants.

WooCommerce labored like a appeal for my small passion retailer. However performance tends to decelerate with a big product catalog or visitors spikes. With out technical know-how, reminiscent of caching and database optimization, sustaining pace can turn out to be difficult. Nonetheless, when optimized, many reviewers say WooCommerce scales properly and delivers dependable efficiency.

Lastly, I do know not everyone seems to be conversant in WordPress. WooCommerce doesn’t work as a standalone resolution, making it much less accessible for these with out WordPress expertise. On the identical time, the tight integration with WordPress is what offers WooCommerce its flexibility and management over retailer design and performance.

Total, WooCommerce stood out as some of the dependable e-commerce platforms for digital merchandise. It provides versatile supply choices and product entry controls whereas offering the extensibility wanted for long-term progress.

What I dislike about Woocommerce:

• The plugin ecosystem makes WooCommerce versatile, however I noticed plugin conflicts and breakages in apply. On G2, curated, compatibility-tested plugin bundles would save time.
• Constructed on WordPress, it provides management. Nonetheless, I noticed (and G2 customers be aware) that efficiency can undergo at scale. Simple built-in caching and optimization would assist non-technical customers.

What G2 customers dislike about Woocommerce:

In the event you depend on premium plugins on your e-commerce retailer’s web site, the month-to-month or annual prices can start to extend. Among the free or lifetime buy plugins cease being developed, leading to a have to search for new options. It may be tough to know what to make use of to develop performance whereas conserving prices down. Be sure you actually take into consideration your retailer, what performance it’s going to want, what plugins might be wanted, and what the overall prices might be. In the event you needn’t depend on an internet developer to do all this, it might assist maintain prices low.

– WooCommerce Overview, Jeffrey Okay.

I do know that Salesforce provides nearly each enterprise resolution you may consider, however what about e-commerce platforms? Salesforce Commerce does an awesome job right here, too. Just like Shopify, Salesforce provides each B2C Commerce and B2B commerce platforms. 

I’m a fan of a very good person interface, and Salesforce Commerce completely nails this side, when you get the hold of it. Navigating the platform feels intuitive, and I used to be capable of handle merchandise, clients, and even promotional campaigns uninterrupted. 

For B2C? It’s simply as environment friendly with personalised purchasing experiences and integration with CRM instruments. In the event you’re in B2B, you’ll love how flawlessly it handles advanced catalogs and tiered pricing. 

Integration is one other space during which I discovered Salesforce to be dependable. The platform syncs superbly with different Salesforce merchandise (after all, it’s Salesforce!), which suggests I used to be not scrambling to piece collectively buyer knowledge from totally different programs. Plus, API help is one other favourite of mine. It makes connecting third-party instruments like fee gateways and transport providers comparatively painless.

Salesforce’s scalability is one other constructive. I used to be in a position to make use of Salesforce Commerce with none points for each mid-sized and enterprise companies. 

What I dislike about Salesforce Commerce for B2B:

• Customization capabilities are deep, although I noticed a steep studying curve echoed on G2. Extra out-of-the-box templates and less complicated admin instruments would pace up onboarding.
• Integrations work properly throughout the Salesforce stack, however I noticed occasional slowdowns beneath heavy load (reported on G2). Focused efficiency tuning throughout peak occasions would enhance reliability.

What G2 customers dislike about Salesforce Commerce for B2B:

Customization and Flexibility: It supplies sturdy instruments for customizing the person expertise, permitting companies to tailor the platform to their particular wants and business necessities.

Integration Capabilities: The platform integrates seamlessly with different Salesforce merchandise and third-party purposes, enabling a unified view of buyer interactions and enterprise processes.

Superior Analytics: Salesforce Commerce for B2B consists of highly effective analytics and reporting instruments that assist companies achieve insights into buyer habits, gross sales developments, and efficiency metrics. Scalability: It helps a variety of enterprise sizes and might scale as your corporation grows, accommodating growing transaction volumes and increasing product catalogs.

– Salesforce Commerce for B2B Overview, Mohd B.

I used to be pleasantly shocked whereas testing SAP Commerce Cloud. One of many issues I like about it’s its integration capabilities. 

If your corporation depends on SAP ERP or S/4HANA, the seamless connection between these programs may be very useful. The platform can be nice at juggling each B2B and B2C fashions. It handles the complexities of those totally different enterprise varieties with ease, making it extremely versatile.

SAP Commerce Cloud additionally shines in the case of scalability. Whether or not deploying new microservices or scaling up to satisfy seasonal demand, the platform holds up properly. The cloud-based structure appears tremendous dependable.

From what I’ve seen in G2 critiques, the price of SAP Commerce Cloud could be a consideration for smaller companies, particularly if you happen to’re new to SAP’s ecosystem. I additionally felt the setup course of was a bit advanced at first, however as soon as configured, the platform’s flexibility actually stands out,  a energy that many G2 customers additionally spotlight.

Throughout deployment, I observed efficiency slowdowns, significantly when updating incessantly. Plenty of G2 reviewers talked about related challenges, particularly for companies that depend on common updates. That mentioned, as soon as issues stabilize, the system runs easily and delivers the reliability you’d count on from SAP.

When it comes to help, I discovered responsiveness a bit of inconsistent at instances. Whereas SAP supplies a variety of sources, getting well timed assistance on tough points may very well be sooner. Nonetheless, the provision of documentation, boards, and knowledgeable communities makes it simpler to search out options, one thing many customers on G2 additionally respect.

What I dislike about SAP Commerce Cloud:

• SAP excels at enterprise integration, but I noticed that the setup complexity may be overwhelming, which G2 customers additionally point out. Starter configurations and clearer migration guides would ease adoption.
• The platform scales successfully, however I noticed update-related slowdowns throughout deployments (famous on G2). Stronger staging and rollback instruments would cut back operational threat.

What G2 customers dislike about SAP Commerce Cloud:

One of many issues we favored the least was the customization functionality. Though it’s customizable in most features, a talented improvement workforce is critical to make any modifications, even when they’re easy at a visible or performance stage.

– SAP Commerce Cloud Overview, Ivan R.

Once I first began my profession in digital advertising and marketing, Wix was one of many best websites to arrange and experiment with. For an individual with no coding expertise, I had a completely purposeful web site up and operating very quickly.

Wix’s drag-and-drop editor is my absolute favourite. The templates are good for beginning a weblog, launching an internet retailer, or showcasing your portfolio. In reality, 90% G2 Customers reward this perform. 

Wix additionally provides many design choices. Need to tweak a coloration right here or transfer a piece there? No drawback. Wix additionally packs in options like contact kinds, e mail integrations, and even e-commerce instruments. I discovered organising an internet retailer for purchasers surprisingly easy. 

From my expertise and what I’ve seen in G2 critiques, Wix is a good platform for learners due to its ease of use and suppleness. I did run into some challenges when exploring extra superior options, however for anybody simply beginning out, the training curve is minimal and the setup feels easy.

I additionally observed that customization and third-party app integration are sturdy factors for Wix. It’s straightforward to adapt your web site to particular wants, and plenty of customers respect the broad app market. That mentioned, lengthy loading instances on cell units,  particularly for these with slower web connections,  have been a recurring concern on G2. With higher efficiency optimization, this may very well be even stronger.

Lastly, from each my expertise and reviewer suggestions, Wix works greatest for less complicated web sites and small companies. Whereas superior customers could discover it limiting, it stays a stable start line for tech startups exploring e-commerce providers. Its steadiness of simplicity and performance makes it interesting for these trying to get on-line shortly with out heavy technical calls for.

What I dislike about Wix:

• Wix’s drag-and-drop design makes it straightforward; nonetheless, I noticed inconsistent cell load instances cited on G2. Improved cell optimization would increase conversions.
• The editor is beginner-friendly, however I noticed limits for superior customization that G2 customers flag. Including superior builder choices with out code would assist energy customers.

What G2 customers dislike about Wix:

We typically have difficulties getting ready pictures to work in numerous templates. This problem is most definitely attributable to our restricted design capability fairly than a flaw in Wix. We might respect tutorials on the right way to use the photograph blocks extra simply.

– Wix Overview, Ram S.

Ecwid was not a device that was acquainted to me earlier than this testing, however I’m glad I stumbled upon this super-easy-to-use device! As per G2 Information, it caters nearly completely to small companies, with 97% Small-Enterprise and solely 3% Mid-Market illustration.

If you’re like me and dread sophisticated tech setups, you’ll respect Ecwid’s effortless-to-use design. The step-by-step setup information walked me via the whole lot, from importing my product pictures to configuring fee choices. I particularly favored how the dashboard offered clear prompts for duties like connecting a website or enabling transport choices.

One other factor I respect is how customizable the whole lot is. I used to be capable of tweak the shop to suit my model’s feel and look by utilizing Ecwid’s built-in themes and plugins.  In addition they provide widgets that permit me to embed my retailer immediately into my present web site with out problem. 

The platform additionally excels at buyer administration. Its options embrace monitoring orders, sending notifications, and even organising reductions or particular provides, which makes buyer retention simpler.

Product administration is one other space during which Ecwid shocked me. I discovered including, updating, or organizing merchandise very easy, which is a large plus if you’re managing a rising stock.

From what I’ve seen in G2 critiques and in my very own expertise, the free plan is a good way to get began with Ecwid. It supplies a stable entry level for learners. That mentioned, many superior options,  like deserted cart restoration, multichannel promoting, and detailed gross sales analytics,  are locked behind paid tiers. Reviewers be aware this as a limitation, although unlocking these options can considerably assist streamline operations for rising companies.

I discovered Ecwid to be very user-friendly for fundamental retailer setups, which makes it a powerful selection for learners. Nonetheless, as I superior in utilizing it, I wanted for extra sturdy capabilities. Options like buyer segmentation and real-time gross sales monitoring would add plenty of worth, and a number of other G2 customers have additionally expressed the identical want.

Design flexibility is one other space with room for enchancment. Whereas the platform works easily out of the field, I’d respect extra customization for checkout and product pages with out counting on third-party apps or additional charges. This aligns with suggestions from 52 G2 customers who additionally highlighted this as a chance.

Total, Ecwid’s plug-and-play options make it a powerful contender for entrepreneurs in search of a straightforward option to arrange an internet retailer. It offers companies a quick, easy begin with loads of potential to scale.

What I dislike about Ecwid:

• The free tier is a good starter, however I noticed the product cap and locked superior instruments pressure upgrades earlier than anticipated (generally talked about on G2) — a extra versatile mid-tier or à-la-carte add-ons would prolong runway.
• Embedding and setup are easy, but I noticed restricted checkout/product-page customization (52 G2 customers highlighted this). Native template flexibility for checkout would cut back reliance on third-party apps.

What G2 customers dislike about Ecwid:

I are likely to make a number of merchandise from one emblem; I simply want as I created the primary product, I may select what product I wish to accompany a complete outfit or dwelling decor in a single fell swoop. Ecwid offers about 5 choices at a time for clothes; I’m an influence person, and I would wish to see at the very least 15-20 choices to shortly create a number of merchandise on the identical time, principally higher batch processing of a number of merchandise, and mock-up downloads needs to be a bit extra streamlined.

– Ecwid Overview, Shindon B

Shopify and Wix are glorious selections for small companies attributable to their ease of use, affordability, and built-in options. Shopify provides scalability and a strong app ecosystem, whereas Wix supplies flexibility and beginner-friendly instruments.

Q. Which e-commerce platform is greatest for scaling my enterprise because it grows?

Shopify and Salesforce Commerce are glorious selections for companies targeted on progress. Shopify provides a scalable construction with instruments like Shopify Plus, designed for high-growth companies needing superior options like automation and multi-channel promoting.

Salesforce Commerce, then again, is constructed for enterprise-level scalability, providing in depth customization and integration choices to help advanced operations. These platforms develop with your corporation, making certain they’ll deal with elevated visitors, bigger inventories, and extra demanding buyer wants with out compromising efficiency.

Q. Which e-commerce platform provides the very best website positioning instruments to assist my retailer rank larger on search engines like google?

WooCommerce and Shopify are glorious for website positioning. WooCommerce supplies in depth flexibility with plugins for customized URLs, meta tags, schema markup, and quick web page load instances. Shopify simplifies website positioning for learners with built-in instruments and options like auto-generating sitemaps and optimizing web site pace.

Q. Can I combine my e-commerce platform with social media channels or marketplaces?

Sure, most e-commerce platforms, reminiscent of Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce, permit integration with social media platforms like Instagram and Fb, in addition to marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. These integrations make it easier to promote throughout a number of channels seamlessly.

Q. Do e-commerce instruments assist with managing deserted carts and retargeting clients?

Sure, many platforms, together with Shopify and Ecwid, provide deserted cart restoration options. These instruments routinely remind clients to finish their purchases and assist with retargeting campaigns.

Construct, scale, and develop with the precise e-commerce platform

Whether or not you’re simply beginning your e-commerce journey or trying to scale a longtime enterprise, choosing the proper platform is the muse on your success. The platforms I’ve explored listed here are designed to deal with the challenges of contemporary on-line retail, providing instruments to streamline operations, optimize buyer experiences, and develop your corporation effectively.

As somebody who has labored in digital advertising and marketing and examined these instruments firsthand, I can say that the precise platform is about discovering the one which aligns with your corporation objectives, technical expertise, and progress plans.

To decide on the very best e-commerce platform for you, make sure you discover the choices and make use of these free trials! I hope this listing helped clear your confusion on which device to strive.

Try our information on the greatest advertising and marketing automation software program to spice up engagement and gross sales.