If you're starting an eCommerce business, currently running one, or generally in the industry, you've heard several eCommerce platform names tossed around. While there are hundreds of different platforms to build your brand's eCommerce website on, the top five most frequently discussed are WooCommerce, Shopify, Wix, Adobe Commerce, and Big Commerce. In this post, we'll explore each platform and discuss the key features, benefits, and drawbacks, to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right eCommerce platform for your business.
The Top eCommerce Platforms
WooCommerce: An open-source eCommerce plugin for WordPress.
Marquee Brand: Ripley's
Best For: WordPress users
Stores: 3,871,379
WooCommerce is an open-source eCommerce plugin for WordPress that empowers users to create an online store within their existing WordPress website. The most significant advantage of WooCommerce is its user-friendliness, affordability, and extensive customization options. However, the most considerable disadvantage of WooCommerce is its management complexity, which could pose a challenge for users lacking technical proficiency.
Shopify: A cloud-based eCommerce platform that provides an all-encompassing solution for online stores.
Marquee Brand: Kylie Cosmetics
Best For: Easy, all-in-one store building
Stores: 2,054,387
Shopify is a cloud-based eCommerce platform that offers an all-in-one solution for online stores. Users can create and tailor their online store, process payments, and manage orders on Shopify. The most significant advantage of Shopify is its simplicity, with a straightforward interface, several integrated features, as well as a comprehensive app store for out-of-the box plugins. However, the most significant disadvantage of Shopify is its relatively high cost, particularly for small businesses at the outset of their operations.
Wix: A website builder that provides eCommerce capabilities for small businesses and individuals.
Marquee Brand: Celebs on Sandwiches (pls look this up 😭)
Best For: Individual sellers
Stores: 654,945
Wix is a website builder that provides eCommerce capabilities for small businesses and individuals. Wix enables users to create and manage their online store without any technical expertise. The most significant advantage of Wix is its simplicity, affordability, and ease of use. However, the most significant disadvantage of Wix is its potential unsuitability for larger businesses or those with complex eCommerce requirements.
Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento): A powerful eCommerce platform designed for large businesses with a high degree of customization options.
Marquee Brand: HP
Best For: Businesses needing a highly tailored/custom platform
Stores: 163,312
Adobe Commerce (previously Magento) is a powerful eCommerce platform designed explicitly for large businesses with intricate customization options. Adobe Commerce boasts a broad range of features and customization options, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking a highly tailored platform. The most significant advantage of Adobe Commerce is its flexibility, scalability, and ability to handle substantial volumes of data. However, the most significant disadvantage of Adobe Commerce is its complexity, which could pose challenges for setting up and maintaining the platform.
BigCommerce: An eCommerce platform designed for growing businesses with a wide range of features made for scale.
Marquee Brand: Sony
Best For: Enterprises that require process scale
Stores: 47,853
BigCommerce is an eCommerce platform specifically designed for growing businesses with a broad range of features suitable for scale. BigCommerce offers users a seamless experience managing their online store, including payment processing, order management, and shipping products. The most significant advantage of BigCommerce is its scalability, with features that support businesses looking to expand. However, the most significant disadvantage of BigCommerce is its potential complexity, which may not be suitable for smaller businesses or those with more straightforward eCommerce needs.
Conclusion
After reading this article, If you are still unsure of which platform is right for you, go with Shopify. Shopify is widely known for being the best all-in-one platform for eCommerce due to its out of the box ease-of-use coupled with long term extensibility. Many budget-conscious brands that decide to start with Wix or WooCommerce end up transitioning over to Shopify in less than a year after running into feature limitations and needing more out of the platform. Unfortunately, re-platforming can be incredibly costly and timely and is something that should be avoided at all costs!
