Best E-Commerce Platforms for 2025: Compare Price & Features

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At Sonary, we are committed to providing accurate and reliable information so you can make the best e-commerce decisions for your business. We go beyond surface-level descriptions, we conduct in-depth evaluations of the software we feature. Our expert team tests and actively uses the tools we review to understand their features, performance, and value. Our hands-on approach ensures you get insights tailored uniquely to your needs.

By choosing Sonary, you’re choosing a partner committed to you. We cut through the noise to provide well-researched content and recommendations to help your business needs. We are here to help you discover your best e-commerce solution.

Global e-commerce sales are projected to reach $6.09 trillion in 2024, marking an 8.4% year-over-year increase. This growth is expected to continue, with sales reaching $6.56 trillion in 2025 and $8.09 trillion by 2028 (Shopify).  Total U.S. e-commerce sales reached $1.19 trillion in 2024, representing 16.2% of total retail sales. This figure is expected to grow to $1.29 trillion by the end of 2025 (SellersCommerce).

Why Consider E-Commerce Over Traditional Retail?

While brick-and-mortar stores offer valuable face-to-face interactions, they often come with high overhead costs like rent, utilities, and staffing. E-commerce, however, levels the playing field by offering lower setup costs, access to a global audience, and scalability that traditional stores simply can’t match.

For instance, a small craft business can reach customers nationwide through an e-commerce site, while a traditional retail store may only attract local foot traffic. Additionally, an online store can host a massive catalog of products without physical space limitations. You’ll also have access to customer data and behavior, allowing you to optimize your marketing and your customer relationships. You will want to find the best e-commerce solutions to ensure your online business’s success, so keep reading to learn more.

Why Choose E-commerce for Your Business?

If you’re looking to expand without the high overhead or are testing the waters of online retail, e-commerce is your ideal path. An online store allows you to reach customers worldwide, offering more flexibility and options with less physical overhead. Whether it’s reaching millions or testing a market, e-commerce has the capabilities to fulfill your goals.

Top E-Commerce Platforms for 2025

These are some of the most recommended eCommerce solutions:

4.5

(6)

4.5

(6)

Shopify

Create your ecommerce store for $1/month

Starting from:

$5 /mo

Trusted by millions of businesses globally

Drag-and-drop store creator

Visit Site

4.7

(11)

4.7

(11)

Wix eCommerce

All-in-one eCommerce platform

Starting from:

$29 /mo

Dropshipping-friendly

Social Media & Amazon selling integration

Visit Site

4.3

(3)

4.3

(3)

Square Online

Build your online store with ease

Starting from:

$0 /mo

Start free with unlimited product listings

Built-in SEO tools and Google integrations

Visit Site

4.2

(4)

4.2

(4)

BigCommerce

Get one month free with BigCommerce

Starting from:

$29 /mo

240+ design templates

Drag & drop product merchandising

Visit Site

4.6

4.6

WooCommerce

Scalable from startup to enterprise phases

Starting from:

$0 /mo

Vast ecosystem of extensions

Enables limitless customization

Learn More

What is an eCommerce website?

An e-commerce website can go by many names like an online shop, online store, e-commerce storefront, etc. The name isn’t as important as what it’s designed to do. It’s an outlet or storefront that manufacturers, retailers, and even distributors use to sell their products and services online in a much larger geographic area than is able with a physical location. An e-commerce website can be direct to consumer (DTC), or business to business (B2B). There are many types of e-commerce businesses from small businesses to large online retailers, but they all provide convenient online shopping to users via direct sales, drop shipping or other e-commerce models.

How Much Does an E-Commerce Platform Cost?

The cost of an e-commerce platform can vary significantly based on the features, scalability, and level of customization you require. Prices can range from as low as $1 per month for basic platforms under promotional offers to over $299 per month for advanced functionalities tailored to larger businesses. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay based on your business needs:

• Basic Platforms: For small businesses or startups that require minimal features, entry-level options start around $20 to $30 per month, providing a solid foundation for new e-commerce ventures.
• Mid-Range Platforms: For businesses that are growing and need more robust functionalities, typical plans start around $30 per month. These platforms provide more comprehensive tools for scaling operations and enhancing customer engagement.
• High-End Platforms: Larger businesses or those needing extensive features, such as advanced inventory management, extensive payment options, and superior SEO capabilities, might consider plans that can go up to $300 per month. Additionally, enterprise-level solutions often require custom pricing that can run into thousands per month depending on the scale and complexity of the operations.

Factors Influencing E-Commerce Platform Costs:

• Inventory Size: Platforms capable of handling extensive inventories typically cost more due to the advanced database management and processing power needed.
• Store Complexity: More complex stores requiring advanced customization, integration capabilities, and automation will need more powerful platforms, which are priced higher.
• Payment Options: Incorporating multiple payment gateways to accommodate various payment methods can add to the cost of the platform.
• Payment Processing: Platforms that handle payment processing usually charge a transaction fee, which could be a percentage of the sales plus a fixed fee.
• SEO Capabilities: Enhanced SEO features for better online visibility may be included in higher-tiered plans or available as add-ons.
• Web Design: Some platforms offer custom design services which can significantly increase costs but provide a tailored brand experience.
• Platform Migration: Migrating from one platform to another, especially for large or complex stores, may incur additional fees depending on the level of data and customizations being transferred.

Global E-Commerce Platform Market Share (2024–2025)

Source: Statista

Essential E-Commerce Platform Features: What to Look For

When choosing an e-commerce platform, it’s crucial to consider the features that will help you streamline your operations and deliver a great shopping experience to your customers. Here’s a breakdown of the essential features and why they matter:

1. Robust Product Management:
   • Why it matters: A streamlined system for adding, editing, and organizing your products is vital. This ensures you can manage a growing inventory efficiently, whether you have a few products or thousands.
   • Look for: Features like bulk editing, product variations (sizes, colors), image management, and categorization options.
2. Secure Payment Processing:
   
   • Why it matters: Offering multiple payment options, like credit cards, digital wallets, and alternative payment methods builds trust and can increase conversion rates.
   • Look for: Integration with multiple payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, etc.) and secure checkout options.
3. Efficient Order Management:
   
   • Why it matters:Tracking and fulfilling orders can be complex. A good order management system will help you track orders, process shipments, and handle returns more smoothly.
   • Look for: Features such as order tracking, shipping labels, inventory alerts, and automated customer notifications.
4. Simplified Shipping and Tax Settings:
   
   • Why it matters: Managing shipping rates and sales taxes correctly is critical for legal compliance and avoiding extra costs.
   • Look for: Tools to set shipping rates based on location, automatic tax calculation, and integration with shipping carriers.
5. Built-in SEO and Marketing Tools:
   • Why it matters: Getting your products found by customers online requires SEO (search engine optimization) and marketing tools. These will help you get more visibility in search results and connect with customers on other channels.
   • Look for: Tools such as SEO optimization, integrations with email marketing platforms, and social media sharing capabilities.
6. Customizable Themes and Design:
   • Why it matters: Your online store should be an extension of your brand, which means your store needs to be appealing and user-friendly.
   • Look for: A range of customizable templates and design options to tailor your online store’s look and feel to fit your brand.

What to Look for in eCommerce Website Builders

When you learn more about eCommerce websites, you’ll find out that there are many e-commerce solutions to make building your own website easy. They range from less to a hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on what you need. E-commerce platforms can be as simple as a WordPress site with a secure shopping cart addon, or a full-featured BigCommerce or Shopify site with integrated email marketing, social media marketing, and other features. Here are a few things to consider when trying to determine the best one for your situation.

Design flexibility

An e-commerce website that looks like every other one is far from ideal. One of the first things to consider is the ability to customize the store design. Can CSS and HTML be added or tweaked? Can the templates be changed or fully adjusted? How flexible is the editor and how many elements does it have? Wix eCommerce is an e-commerce builder that gives you a lot of control over the website design.

Inventory management

Without accurate inventory management, it’s nearly impossible to maximize profits and keep an e-commerce store well-stocked. Any e-commerce builder you choose should have multiple inventory controls and notify you when stock is low. Square Online is an e-commerce builder that does this and so much more.

Multiple payment options

The simple act of providing multiple payment options to customers can increase conversions – especially if the website is new. An e-commerce builder should directly integrate with popular services like Stripe and PayPal and alternative payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay. Shopify does a great job of providing multiple payment gateways.

Why should you sell online?

There are many benefits to be gained through online sales, but one of the biggest is reaching your target audience with less effort. You don’t need to open up large retail outlets which have their own fixed costs and staff. 10 people managing an online store can produce the same revenue as multiple retail outlets with 10 staff members each. In addition to a larger reach, you can also. have thousands of items on your product pages. That isn’t possible with traditional retail.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an E-Commerce Platform

Selecting the right e-commerce platform is a major decision that can significantly impact your online business. It’s more than just a purchase; it’s an investment in your company’s future. Here’s what you need to consider:

1. Pricing and Transaction Fees:

   • Pricing Structures: Each platform has its pricing model, from free tiers suitable for startups to premium tiers for established businesses. Assess which model fits your budget while meeting your needs.
   • Transaction Fees: Some platforms charge a transaction fee, affecting your margins. Consider how these fees might impact your profitability as your sales volume grows.

2. Ease of Use and Customization:

   • User-Friendly Interface: Whether you’re tech-savvy or not, platform ease of use is critical. Look for user-friendly interfaces that simplify your day-to-day operations.
   • Customization Capabilities: Depending on your brand’s specific needs, customizing your online store’s look and functionality can be vital.

3. Features and Integrations:

   • Essential Features: Evaluate each platform based on fundamental features like inventory management, analytics, and customer management.
   • Integration Options: The best platform should seamlessly integrate with other tools you use, such as CRM systems, analytics tools, and marketing software, enhancing your operational efficiency.

4. Scalability:

   • Evaluate whether the platform can grow with your business. It should handle increased product ranges, higher traffic, and more complex transaction needs without a platform switch.

5. SEO and Marketing Tools:

   • SEO Features: Strong SEO capabilities ensure your store ranks well in search engines, driving organic traffic.
   • Marketing Tools: Integrated marketing tools help execute campaigns directly from the platform, potentially reducing additional software.

6. Support and Community:

   • Customer Support: Reliable support can drastically reduce downtime and improve your operation. Consider platforms that offer comprehensive support through various channels.
   • Community Strength: A robust user community can be invaluable for sharing insights and solutions.

7. Security and Compliance:

   • Robust Security: Prioritize platforms with strong security measures to protect customer data and prevent breaches.
   • Compliance: Ensure the platform complies with relevant legal standards and regulations, especially when handling customer data and payment transactions.

8. Payment Processing:

   • Check the types of payment methods supported and ensure they align with your customer’s preferences and geographical needs.

Understanding The E-commerce Ecosystem: Related Tools and Software

Software related to e-commerce platforms encompasses a wide range of tools and applications that integrate with or complement the main functionalities of the e-commerce system. These tools enhance an online store’s efficiency, effectiveness, and capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of some key types of software commonly associated with e-commerce platforms:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software:

  • Purpose: To manage company interactions with current and potential customers.

  • Integration: Integrates with e-commerce platforms to synchronize customer data, sales history, and communication logs.

  • Benefits: Helps segment customers, personalize marketing efforts, and improve customer service.

• Supply Chain Management (SCM) Software:

  • Purpose: To manage the flow of goods and services, including all processes that transform raw materials into final products.

  • Integration: Links with e-commerce platforms to streamline inventory management, order fulfillment, and logistics.

  • Benefits: Improves efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances order processing speed and accuracy.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software:

  • Purpose: To manage and integrate a company’s core business processes, often in real-time.

  • Integration: Combines with e-commerce systems to synchronize data across finance, sales, and customer relationships.

  • Benefits: Offers a unified view of business operations, improves data accuracy, and facilitates better strategic planning.

• Marketing Automation Software:

  • Purpose: Automate repetitive marketing tasks such as emails, social media postings, and ad campaigns.

  • Integration: Works with e-commerce platforms to utilize customer data for personalized marketing.

  • Benefits: Increases marketing efficiency, enhances campaign targeting and drives customer engagement.

• Analytics and Data Visualization Software:

  • Purpose: To analyze large amounts of data and present it in an easy-to-understand and actionable way.

  • Integration: Connects with e-commerce platforms to pull data on sales, customer behavior, and website interactions.

  • Benefits: Provides insights into business performance, identifies trends, and supports data-driven decision-making.

• Payment Gateway Software:

  • Purpose: To facilitate online payments.

  • Integration: Directly integrates with e-commerce platforms to handle transactions securely.

  • Benefits: Expands the range of payment options available to customers and ensures secure transaction processing.

• Cybersecurity Software:

  • Purpose: To protect e-commerce platforms and customers from digital threats.

  • Integration: Supplements e-commerce platforms with additional security layers.

  • Benefits: Safeguards sensitive data, builds customer trust, and complies with regulatory requirements.

E-commerce Platforms: Choosing the Right Type for Your Needs

Understanding the types of e-commerce platforms will help you choose the right platform for your needs. Here are some common types:

1. SaaS (Software as a Service) E-commerce Platforms
SaaS platforms are cloud-based solutions that provide everything needed to run an online store. These platforms, like Shopify and BigCommerce, offer ease of use, regular updates, and hosting as part of the subscription. They are ideal for businesses with a hassle-free setup and minimal technical management.

2. Open-Source E-commerce Platforms
Open-source platforms, such as WooCommerce and Magento, offer full control over the customization and functionality of the online store. They require hosting and technical expertise but provide unmatched flexibility for businesses wanting a tailored solution.

3. On-Premise E-commerce Platforms
These platforms are hosted on a business’s own servers and managed in-house. While they offer total control over data and security, they require significant IT resources for setup, maintenance, and updates. Examples include Oracle Commerce and SAP Hybris.

4. Headless E-commerce Platforms
Headless platforms decouple the front-end presentation layer from the back-end commerce functionalities. This allows businesses to deliver content across various channels (web, mobile, IoT) while managing the backend separately. Platforms like commerce tools and BigCommerce support headless commerce, offering flexibility and a seamless customer experience.

5. B2B E-commerce Platforms
These platforms cater to business-to-business transactions, supporting features like bulk ordering, price quotes, and account management. Examples include OroCommerce and InsiteCommerce, which focus on meeting the complex needs of B2B operations.

6. Marketplace Platforms
Marketplace platforms enable businesses to create multi-vendor marketplaces similar to Amazon or eBay. These platforms, like Sharetribe and CS-Cart, allow multiple sellers to list their products on one site, providing a diverse product range to customers.

7. PWA (Progressive Web App) E-commerce Platforms
PWA platforms combine the best features of web and mobile apps, offering a fast, reliable, and engaging user experience. They are designed to work seamlessly on any device, making them an excellent choice for businesses aiming to improve mobile user engagement.

8. C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer) E-commerce Platforms
These platforms facilitate consumer transactions, often through second-hand sales or peer-to-peer exchanges. Examples include eBay and Etsy, which provide the infrastructure for individuals to buy and sell directly to each other.

9. Hybrid E-commerce Platforms
Hybrid platforms offer a combination of SaaS and open-source features, providing flexibility in customization while maintaining ease of use. They allow businesses to benefit from the scalability of SaaS with the control of open-source solutions.

E-Commerce Use-Cases: What Can Your E-commerce Platform Achieve?

E-commerce platforms can be used for different types of businesses. Here are some common use-cases:

• Retail Stores
  Sell physical products online with inventory management, payment processing, and shipping integration.

• Digital Products
  Offer downloads like e-books, software, or courses with secure digital delivery.

• B2B Commerce
  Facilitate bulk ordering, custom pricing, and account management for business clients.

• Subscription Services
  Manage recurring payments and deliver products or services on a subscription basis.

• Marketplaces
  Enable multiple vendors to sell their products on a single platform, like Amazon or Etsy.

• Dropshipping
  Run a store without holding inventory, partnering with suppliers who ship directly to customers.

• Global Sales
  Reach international markets with multi-language, multi-currency support, and global shipping options.

• Event Ticketing
  Sell tickets for events, with features for digital delivery and attendee management.

Conclusion

An online store is a powerful way to grow your brand or launch it from scratch. Many tools will help you succeed such as e-commerce website builders, advertising platforms, and social media platforms. They’re only as effective as you make them. The first step is understanding how to use them properly to reach your goals. If you’re looking for the right e-commerce website builder then be sure to check out our helpful reviews so you can quickly shortlist the best candidates based on your situation.

E-commerce Platform FAQs

1. What is an e-commerce platform, and how can it help my business?
An e-commerce platform is a software application that provides the tools to create, manage, and sell your products and services online. It allows you to manage product listings, order fulfillment, handle payment processing, and track user behavior and analytics. By choosing the right platform, you can greatly enhance the shopping experience for your customers, while also making it easier to manage your business and reach more customers, both locally and globally.

2. How do I choose the right e-commerce platform for my business?
Consider factors such as your business size, budget, product type, customization needs, and technical expertise. Look for features like ease of use, scalability, integration options, and customer support.

3. Do I need technical skills to set up an e-commerce platform?
Many e-commerce platforms are user-friendly and offer drag-and-drop builders, so technical skills are not always necessary. However, some platforms may require more technical knowledge for advanced customization.

4. What are the costs associated with using an e-commerce platform?
Costs vary depending on the platform and plan. Common expenses include monthly subscription fees, transaction fees, payment gateway fees, and additional costs for premium themes, plugins, or custom development.

5. Can I customize my e-commerce website?
Yes, most e-commerce platforms offer customization options, such as themes, templates, and plugins, allowing you to design your site to match your brand’s identity. Advanced customization may require coding skills or developer assistance.

6. How do e-commerce platforms handle payments?
E-commerce platforms typically integrate with various payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or credit card processors. They ensure secure transactions and offer multiple payment options to customers.

7. What about shipping and fulfillment?
Most platforms offer built-in or integrated solutions for managing shipping and fulfillment, including real-time shipping rates, order tracking, and inventory management. You can also connect with third-party logistics providers for more comprehensive solutions.

8. How secure is an e-commerce platform?
Reputable e-commerce platforms prioritize security by offering SSL certificates, PCI compliance, and secure payment gateways. It’s essential to choose a platform with robust security features to protect customer data.

9. Can I integrate my e-commerce platform with other tools?
Yes, most e-commerce platforms support integrations with various tools and services, such as email marketing, CRM, accounting software, and social media, to streamline operations and enhance functionality.

10. How do I market my online store?
E-commerce platforms often come with built-in marketing tools like SEO features, email marketing, and social media integration. You can also use third-party tools for advanced marketing strategies, including PPC advertising and retargeting.

11. What is the difference between hosted and self-hosted e-commerce platforms?
Hosted platforms, like Shopify, manage the hosting, security, and updates for you. Self-hosted platforms, like WooCommerce, require you to manage your hosting, security, and updates but offer more control and customization options.

12. Can I sell digital products on an e-commerce platform?
Yes, most e-commerce platforms support the sale of digital products such as e-books, software, or online courses, with features for instant download or access after purchase.

13. How do I handle customer support on an e-commerce platform?
E-commerce platforms often integrate with customer support tools, such as live chat, help desks, or ticketing systems, to help you manage customer inquiries and provide excellent service.

14. How do I track the performance of my online store?
Most e-commerce platforms offer analytics and reporting tools to track key performance metrics like sales, traffic, conversion rates, and customer behavior. These insights help you make data-driven decisions to grow your business.

15. Can I operate a multi-language or multi-currency store?
Many e-commerce platforms support multi-language and multi-currency options, allowing you to cater to a global audience and provide a localized shopping experience.

16. What are the steps for building an ecommerce website?

Building an e-commerce website is a multi-step process. Here are the common steps to go from idea to a fully functional online store:

1. Do Preliminary Research: Understand the advertising channels, e-commerce website design, and your target audience. Research the competition for insights into their site design, marketing, and market targets.
2. Choose a Website Builder & Set Up: Select your e-commerce platform (you can use the reviews above to choose) and get your storefront setup, including a custom domain.
3. Customize Your New Website: Personalize the look and feel of the website by using your brand’s color palette, clean designs and by making sure to create compelling product imagery.
4. Integrate Payment & Fulfillment: Set up payment options and integrations with fulfillment providers. This may be via the e-commerce platform you chose, or via a 3rd party.
5. Promote, Collect Feedback, & Repeat: Market your store using social media, paid ads, SEO, email marketing and create partnerships. Collect customer feedback and use it to improve your products and processes.