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What Is an E-commerce Platform?
An ecommerce platform is a software solution that helps you build and manage your online store. It allows businesses to sell products or services over the internet with ease. Through an ecommerce platform, you can create a website, list products, manage inventory, and process payments using secure e-commerce payment systems.
It also supports essential functions like handling customer orders, tracking deliveries, and managing returns. Many platforms come with built-in tools for marketing, customer engagement, and analytics—helping you attract new buyers, retain existing ones, and make informed decisions to grow your business.
Top 10 E-commerce Platforms
1. Shopify
Shopify is a top e-commerce platform that lets you manage everything from website design and product listings to payments and shipping in one place. Whether you’re starting a home business or expanding globally, its single admin panel simplifies operations. It offers over 100 mobile-friendly themes and an AI assistant to help with designs and content. Shopify has helped businesses grow from small startups to international brands, proving its flexibility and scalability.
Pros
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Easy to use for people just starting out
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Can handle more sales as your business scales
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Generate original branded storefronts with AI
Cons
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Transaction fees unless Shopify Payments is used
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Limited customisation without coding knowledge
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Higher cost compared to some other platforms
G2 Rating: 4.4/5
2. Wix
Wix is a user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder that bundles design templates, hosting, and domain registration into one platform. However, to unlock e-commerce features, such as accepting payments and managing orders, you’ll need to opt for a paid plan. Thanks to its intuitive interface, Wix makes it easy to integrate your online store with social media channels like Facebook and Instagram through third-party apps. You can also manage your store on the go with mobile access or use its POS system for in-person sales.
Pros
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Ready-made designs to choose from
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Simple to use if you’re not tech-savvy
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Social media integration for multichannel selling
Cons
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Lacks inventory management tools (like low-stock warnings that Shopify has)
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Can’t transfer your content if you want to change designs
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Free version shows Wix ads and domain; you have to pay to remove these
G2 Rating: 4.2/5
3. BigCommerce
BigCommerce offers a hosted e-commerce solution with built-in tools for SEO, international selling, and marketplace integrations, making it ideal for large-scale businesses. You can connect your store to platforms like Google Shopping, Facebook, Amazon, and Etsy. It also provides you with an option to manage inventory through its mobile app, though some features are only available on Android. While BigCommerce provides premium features at competitive prices, its interface is less flexible and harder to use compared to others.
Pros
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Premium features included at lower price plans
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Over 65 payment providers with more than 140 currencies
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Phone and live chat support on all plans
Cons
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Less intuitive setup
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Limited website design customisation
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Only 12 free themes available
G2 Rating: 4.2/5
4. Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento)
Adobe Commerce is a powerful, self-hosted ecommerce platform designed for large businesses and developers who need full control over their online store. It offers extensive customisation, making it ideal for businesses with specific requirements. It also integrates with platforms like Amazon and supports high-level custom development to tailor your ecommerce experience.
Pros
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Open Source edition is available at no cost (with limited features)
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Extensions can expand functionality
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Includes promotions, email templates, and newsletter
Cons
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Requires technical knowledge
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Lacks out-of-the-box e-commerce features
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A little expensive paid version
G2 Rating: 4/5
5. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free, open-source plugin that turns your WordPress site into an online store. It’s ideal if you already run a blog-focused WordPress site and want to add e-commerce features like product listings, shopping carts, and checkout. While it supports payment providers and sales channels, integrations can be disjointed. You can manage products and view analytics through its mobile app and use a native POS system. WooCommerce is popular among kids’ apparel stores, blogs, and small businesses for its flexibility.
Pros
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Available at no cost with open-source code and customisable design options
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Provides basic e-commerce features without extensions
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Active community of experts
Cons
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For WordPress users only
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Plug-ins and hosting can add up and increase costs
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Limited customer support
G2 Rating: 4.4/5
6. Squarespace
Squarespace is a user-friendly, drag-and-drop website builder known for its sleek templates and intuitive design. When upgraded to a higher-tier plan, it transforms into a capable ecommerce platform, offering secure checkout options via Stripe, PayPal, and Apple Pay. It also allows you to manage inventory, print shipping labels, and sell subscription-based products. For those already using Squarespace, it’s possible to integrate a Shopify Buy Button for ₹207/month to access Shopify’s advanced checkout and product management features.
Pros
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Fully customisable templates
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Ability to sell physical products, services, gift cards, and digital downloads
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24/7 customer support via email, AI chatbot, and social media
Cons
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Limited localisation for international markets (only displays one currency at a time)
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Small app market compared to Shopify
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No phone call support available
G2 Rating: 4.4/5
7. Big Cartel
Big Cartel is a hosted e-commerce platform designed for artists and independent makers who need a simple way to sell online. Its free plan allows for up to five products, making it ideal for beginners. The platform offers all basic e-commerce features and 18 mobile-responsive themes, perfect for small-scale sellers looking to get started quickly.
Pros
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Free plan available for sellers with five or fewer products
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Over 10 free, mobile-responsive themes
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Automatic sales tax calculation and remittance for US sales
Cons
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Limited customisation options without coding knowledge
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Small app marketplace compared to other options
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No built-in payment gateway (relies on third-party options like Razorpay and PayPal)
G2 Rating: 4.2/5
8. Shift4Shop
Shift4Shop is a user-friendly e-commerce platform designed for businesses that require easy setup and mobile-friendly designs. It integrates seamlessly with platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Facebook, offering API access for added flexibility. With a wide range of customisable templates, Shift4Shop allows businesses to create a professional online store with minimal effort, making it an ideal solution for small businesses looking for a cost-effective platform.
Pros
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Mobile-functional themes with unlimited pages
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Single-page checkout option
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Compatible with over 160 payment processors
Cons
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Free plan only for US-based merchants
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Interface can feel overwhelming due to numerous features
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Inconsistent customer support
G2 Rating: 3.9/5
9. Volusion
Volusion is a simple e-commerce platform tailored for small businesses selling physical products online. It supports over 30 payment gateways, offers CSS customisation, and features a mobile app for store management. While it lacks some advanced features, it provides a solid foundation for small-scale online stores.
Pros
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CSS editor for site customisation
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Supports a wide range of payment options
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Offers a mobile app
Cons
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Limited features in the basic plan, which remains costly
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Sales volume and product listing limits
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No support for selling digital products
G2 Rating: 3.2/5
10. OpenCart
OpenCart is a free, open-source e-commerce platform that offers easy setup and multi-store management from a single dashboard. It provides access to over 13,000 modules and free themes, allowing for significant customisation to meet business needs. This flexibility makes it a great choice for businesses seeking a tailored online store experience.
Pros
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Free open-source platform
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Multi-user management with different roles and privileges
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Compatible with numerous payment methods
Cons
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Outdated platform compared to newer alternatives
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Limited template options
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Fewer plug-ins than other self-hosted platforms like WooCommerce
G2 Rating: 4.3/5
Types of E-commerce Platforms
Choosing the right type of e-commerce platform is crucial for your business operations and long-term growth. There are two main types—hosted (cloud-based) and self-hosted platforms.
1. Hosted (Cloud-Based)
Hosted e-commerce platforms are cloud-based solutions where the provider takes care of hosting, software, security, and updates, allowing you to launch your online store quickly by paying a monthly or yearly fee.
Pros
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Affordable with low monthly or yearly subscription fees and no high upfront costs.
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Access your online shop from any device, no matter where you are.
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Scales easily as your business grows with flexible resources.
Cons
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Limited control over backend and customisation of the platform.
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Dependence on vendor for uptime, updates, and security.
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Requires a stable internet connection for smooth operation.
2. Self-Hosted
Self-hosted e-commerce platforms require you to host the software on your own server. You install, configure, and maintain everything yourself or through a developer.
Pros
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Complete control over your website, data, and hosting environment.
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Full customisation to meet your unique business needs and goals.
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Freedom to choose your own security and payment gateway solutions.
Cons
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Higher setup, infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance costs.
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You handle all updates, troubleshooting, and security management.
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Remote access may be difficult for teams working from different locations.
3. Self-Hosted vs. Cloud-Hosted: What’s the Difference?
The main difference lies in control and convenience. Think of self-hosted platforms as owning your business premises—you customise everything but also fix everything. Cloud-hosted e-commerce platforms are more like renting space—you follow the rules but get support, maintenance, and flexibility.
If you’re a startup or freelancer looking for simplicity, cloud-hosted is the best e-commerce platform for you. But if your business needs advanced customisation or full control over e-commerce solutions and e-commerce payment gateways, self-hosted platforms give you that power—at a cost.
Features Checklist for Choosing an E-commerce Platform
Choosing the right e-commerce platform is essential for establishing a successful online presence. The right platform enables efficient store management and smooth customer experiences. Depending on whether your business is small or scaling up, you’ll need to focus on different features.
1. Secure and Reliable Payment Gateways
Ensure your e-commerce platform supports secure and reliable payment gateways. Look for well-known and trusted options like PayPal, Stripe, or local payment systems that offer encryption and fraud protection. This helps build trust with your customers and ensures smooth transactions.
2. Options for Online and Offline Selling
Choose a platform that supports both online and offline selling. This allows your business to sell on your website as well as through physical stores, pop-up shops, or at events, enabling a seamless omnichannel experience for your customers.
3. Hosting Options
Check whether the e-commerce platform provides reliable hosting. Some platforms offer managed hosting, while others may require you to arrange your own hosting. Managed hosting is typically easier for smaller businesses, while self-hosted platforms provide more control and flexibility.
4. Inventory and Shipping Management
A good e-commerce platform should offer robust tools for inventory tracking and managing shipping. Features like automatic stock updates, inventory alerts, and integration with shipping carriers can simplify your operations and ensure timely deliveries.
5. Marketing and Growth Tools
Look for built-in marketing tools that allow you to promote your products effectively. These could include email marketing integrations, social media sharing features, SEO tools, and discounts/coupons management. These features will help grow your audience and boost sales.
6. Security Features
Security is paramount in e-commerce. Make sure the platform includes features like SSL certificates, two-factor authentication, and data encryption to protect your business and customers’ information. Secure platforms reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and build customer trust.
7. Financial and Business Management Tools
Choose a platform that offers financial and business management tools. This includes invoicing, tax calculations, and integration with accounting software. These features help streamline your operations and provide accurate financial insights for better decision-making.
8. Customer Support
Reliable customer support is essential, especially when technical issues arise. Ensure the platform offers multiple support channels, such as live chat, email, and phone, to resolve any problems quickly and minimise downtime.
How to Choose an E-commerce Platform Based on Your Business Needs?
To get the best results from your e-commerce platform, you must align it with your business goals. The platform should support your current operations and also adapt to future growth. Here are three key steps to help you choose the right e-commerce solution:
1. Understand Your Costs
When choosing an e-commerce platform, consider the full cost—not just the monthly subscription. Check for transaction fees, add-on charges, payment gateway costs, and setup expenses. Some platforms may seem affordable upfront but get expensive over time. Make sure the platform fits your budget now and remains cost-effective as you scale.
2. Find the Right Platform for Your Business Model
Your e-commerce platform should match your business model—be it B2B, B2C, dropshipping, or service-based selling. Each model has different requirements, so look for features that support how you operate. This ensures smoother workflows and better customer experience from day one.
3. Plan for Your Business Growth
Your e-commerce platform should support your growth over time. Look for one that offers flexible pricing plans, easy upgrades, and the ability to handle more products and traffic. Strong integration options with marketing, logistics, and analytics tools are also key. A scalable platform saves you the hassle of switching later as your business expands.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1: How many types of e-commerce platforms are there?
E-commerce platforms are mainly of two types—hosted (cloud-based) and self-hosted, each offering different levels of control, cost, and ease of use.
2: Which platform is best for e-commerce?
The best e-commerce platform depends on your business size, budget, and goals. If you want a solution that’s easy to set up and manage, go for a platform with built-in tools and hosting. If your business needs more control or flexibility, a platform that allows full customisation and self-hosting may be a better fit.
3: Do I need an e-commerce platform?
If you plan to sell products or services online, an e-commerce platform is essential. It enables you to manage your online store, process payments, track inventory, and provide a seamless shopping experience for your customers, all in one place.
4: Which e-commerce platform is most used?
Shopify, WooCommerce, and Adobe Commerce are among the most used e-commerce platforms globally, with Shopify being especially popular among small businesses and startups.
