Choosing the right eCommerce platform is like picking the perfect location for a brick-and-mortar store; it’s crucial for success.
These platforms offer the tools and services to build, manage, and grow your online store.
They help in reaching more customers, processing sales smoothly, and scaling your business as it grows.
With the right choice, you can set a solid foundation for your online business, making operations smoother and driving more sales.
It’s the first step in your journey to eCommerce success.
With that being said, let’s look at our 10 choices for the best eCommerce Website Builders.
10 Best eCommerce Website Builders: At A Glance
- Shopify: Best Overall
- Wix: Best for Creative Control and Flexibility
- BigCommerce: The Go-to for Large Volume Sellers and Scalability
- WooCommerce: Perfect for WordPress Enthusiasts
- Squarespace: Best for Beautifully Designed Stores
- Ecwid by Lightspeed: Best Free Plan
- GoDaddy: Best Marketing Tools Included
- Shift4Shop: Best For Businesses On A Budget
- Volusion: Higher Plans For Unlimited Products
- Square Online: Free And Paid Plans Available
What Makes the Best eCommerce Website Builder?
Choosing the right eCommerce website builder can be the cornerstone of your online business success.
But what exactly makes one platform stand out from another? Several key factors come into play, each significant in its own right.
Ease of Use
First and foremost, the platform should be easy to navigate.
This means intuitive design, straightforward setup processes, and minimal technical hurdles.
A user-friendly dashboard that allows for quick access to features like inventory management, analytics, and sales tracking is essential.
It’s all about making the eCommerce journey as smooth as possible for business owners, especially those venturing online for the first time.
Customization Options
Your online store should reflect your brand’s personality, and customization options play a huge role in this.
The best eCommerce platforms offer a variety of themes and design tools that let you tailor your site to your liking.
This could range from simple color scheme changes to more complex layout adjustments.
The more flexible the platform, the easier it is to create a unique online presence.
Pricing
Budget considerations cannot be overlooked.
Pricing structures vary widely, with some platforms offering free plans and others charging monthly fees based on features or sales volume.
Transparency in pricing is crucial, as hidden fees can quickly add up.
It’s important to find a balance between cost and the value provided by the platform’s features.
SEO Capabilities
For an online store to succeed, customers need to find it.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) features help improve your site’s visibility in search engine results.
This includes customizable page titles, meta descriptions, and URLs.
Platforms that offer integrated SEO tools give your store a competitive edge by attracting more organic traffic.
Integration Options
The ability to integrate with other tools and platforms can significantly enhance your store’s functionality.
This might include payment gateways, social media channels, or marketing automation tools.
A good eCommerce platform should offer a wide range of integrations to streamline operations and offer customers a seamless shopping experience.
Support
Lastly, reliable customer support is invaluable.
Whether it’s through live chat, email, or phone, being able to get help when you need it is crucial.
Support services should be accessible, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist with any issues that arise.
How We Evaluate and Test Apps
Our selection and evaluation process for eCommerce website builders is thorough and multifaceted.
It starts with firsthand testing, where we dive into each platform to explore its usability, features, and performance.
This hands-on approach gives us insight into how well the platform meets the needs of different types of businesses.
Feature comparison plays a significant role in our evaluation.
We look at what each platform offers in terms of design capabilities, SEO tools, integration options, and more.
This allows us to determine how well-suited each platform is for various ecommerce scenarios.
User reviews are also a crucial part of our methodology.
Hearing from actual users provides real-world insights into the pros and cons of each platform.
It highlights common issues, standout features, and overall satisfaction levels.
By combining our firsthand testing results with feature comparisons and user feedback, we aim to provide a comprehensive and objective overview of the best eCommerce website builders available.
1. Shopify: Best Overall
Shopify is a titan in the e-commerce website builder arena, acclaimed for its adaptability across various budgets and its extensive suite of features tailored for online retail.
From small businesses to sprawling enterprises, Shopify’s scalable platform is designed to power online stores of any size, currently supporting 6.4 million sites worldwide.
Its popularity is buoyed by a user-friendly interface, enabling quick store setup, and a wealth of customization options through themes and apps.
Moreover, Shopify’s operation on a SaaS model ensures businesses get a comprehensive package of tools for store design, management, and expansion, making it a one-stop solution for online merchants.
Our Favorite Features
- Unlimited Everything: Shopify does not limit storage, bandwidth, or the number of products you can sell, which is ideal for businesses looking to scale.
- Extensive App Integration: With over 6,000 apps, Shopify offers unmatched flexibility in extending your store’s functionality, catering to nearly any need.
- Abandoned Cart Recovery: This crucial feature helps recover potential lost sales, directly impacting revenue positively.
- Shipping Discounts: Shopify users benefit from up to 88% off shipping costs, which can significantly lower overheads and improve profit margins.
- 24/7 Support: Knowing you can get help at any time provides peace of mind, especially for businesses that operate around the clock.
- Multi-channel Selling: Shopify supports sales through various channels, including social media and online marketplaces, expanding your reach.
- AI-powered Tools: Shopify Magic and other AI tools streamline operations, from generating product descriptions to optimizing SEO.
Pricing And Plans
Shopify’s pricing structure caters to a broad spectrum of needs, starting from $29 for the Basic plan to $299 per month for the Advanced plan, with a special Starter plan at $5 per month and custom pricing for Shopify Plus.
An enticing three-day free trial, followed by a $1 per month promotional rate for the first three months, allows new users to explore the platform’s capabilities with minimal financial commitment.
Despite its slightly higher price point compared to some competitors, Shopify’s array of features and the potential for savings through shipping discounts and transaction fee waivers with Shopify Payments justify the investment for many businesses.
Pros
- Powerful sales and SEO features from the get-go.
- Advanced control over your storefront’s look and functionality.
- Extensive app marketplace with over 8,000 options.
- Integrated tools for email marketing and customer engagement.
- Robust security features, including SSL certificates and PCI compliance.
Cons
- Limited customization without relying on third-party apps.
- Higher-tier plans can be expensive.
- Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments.
Best For
Shopify excels as a comprehensive solution for businesses with extensive inventories and ambitions to scale.
Its robust set of features—from multichannel selling and AI assistance to shipping and SEO tools—makes it particularly suitable for dropshipping, multi-currency sales, and businesses that value integrated marketing and management tools.
While it may present a steeper learning curve and higher initial costs, the platform’s scalability and depth of features make it a top choice for serious e-commerce players.
2. Wix: Best for Creative Control and Flexibility
Wix eCommerce is a powerhouse in the digital marketplace, powering an impressive 220 million sites.
Recognized for its unparalleled blend of creative freedom and robust eCommerce functionality, it’s no wonder why it’s been crowned the best all-around eCommerce platform.
Designed with small online stores in mind, Wix offers a rich set of features without compromising on the ability to deliver a unique, visually engaging online presence.
Its drag-and-drop editor, alongside mobile-responsive templates and advanced sales tools, provides an intuitive yet powerful platform for entrepreneurs aiming to carve out their niche in the digital landscape.
Our Favorite Features
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Simplifies the website creation process, allowing for real-time site editing without coding skills.
- Mobile Responsive Templates: Over 900 templates, including more than 100 tailored for online stores, ensure your site looks great on any device.
- Multichannel Selling: Expand your market reach by enabling sales directly through Instagram and other platforms.
- Multilingual Support: Breaks language barriers, offering your products and services to a global audience.
- Advanced eCommerce Tools: From abandoned cart recovery to a comprehensive app market, Wix equips you with tools to engage and convert visitors.
- Wix Ascend: An all-in-one marketing solution to promote your brand, manage customer interactions, and automate workflows efficiently.
- SEO and Marketing Tools: Enhance your online visibility with built-in SEO guides, social media integrations, and email marketing campaigns.
Pricing And Plans
Wix eCommerce introduces an attractive pricing model starting at $27 per month for the Business Basic plan, scaling up to meet the needs of growing businesses with additional features in higher tiers.
Unlike many competitors, Wix does not charge transaction fees, allowing for unlimited product sales across all plans.
Coupled with a 14-day money-back guarantee, Wix’s pricing structure presents a low-risk option for businesses to explore its extensive features.
Pros
- No transaction fees and no turnover limits, supporting up to 50,000 products.
- Extensive customization with over 900 mobile-friendly templates.
- Comprehensive sales, marketing, and SEO tools are integrated into the platform.
- Multilingual site support for a global customer base.
- Affordable pricing with a wide range of features across plans.
Cons
- Limited scalability for larger stores.
- Design freedom may lead to deviations from eCommerce best practices.
- Performance issues with slow load times and low Google PageSpeed scores.
- Changing themes requires creating a new store.
Best For
Wix stands out as the go-to platform for businesses that prioritize creative control and flexibility in their eCommerce solution.
Its user-friendly interface, combined with the depth of customization and a wide array of sales and marketing tools, makes it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses eager to offer a unique shopping experience.
Whether you’re selling physical or digital products, managing subscriptions, or engaging in multichannel retail, Wix provides a solid foundation to build and grow your online store.
Its emphasis on design, coupled with effective eCommerce strategies, positions Wix as the best choice for entrepreneurs and businesses aiming to blend aesthetics with functionality.
3. BigCommerce: The Go-to for Large Volume Sellers and Scalability
BigCommerce stands out in the crowded e-commerce platform space, celebrated for its scalability and rich feature set tailored for businesses of all sizes.
From small startups to global brands like Ted Baker and Toyota, BigCommerce powers an impressive 95,000 sites worldwide.
Launched in 2009, it has evolved into a robust platform offering everything from multichannel selling to advanced SEO tools, making it particularly appealing for large-volume sellers looking to expand their reach and capabilities.
Our Favorite Features
- Unlimited Everything: From products to storage and bandwidth, there’s no cap, allowing businesses to grow without worrying about hitting limits.
- Multichannel Selling: Seamless integration with platforms like Amazon, Facebook, and eBay opens up vast new customer bases.
- Advanced SEO Tools: BigCommerce provides a strong SEO foundation to help improve your site’s visibility in search engine results.
- 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock access to support via live chat, phone, and tickets ensures that help is always available when needed.
- Single-Page Checkout: A streamlined checkout process can significantly reduce cart abandonment rates.
- No Additional Transaction Fees: Unlike some competitors, BigCommerce doesn’t charge extra transaction fees, making it more cost-effective at scale.
Pricing And Plans
Pricing for BigCommerce starts at $29 per month, with plans designed to accommodate businesses as they grow.
Each plan includes unlimited products, storage, and bandwidth, along with 24/7 support.
The major differentiator comes with annual sales thresholds, pushing businesses to higher-tier plans as they grow, thereby aligning costs with revenue.
This structure supports scalability, making BigCommerce an attractive option for ambitious businesses.
Pros
- Scalable platform that grows with your business.
- Extensive built-in features for e-commerce, from SEO to inventory management.
- Robust support options, ensuring assistance is always available.
- Seamless integrations with various marketplaces and social media platforms.
- No transaction fees across all plans.
Cons
- Complex setup and features may overwhelm beginners.
- Annual revenue limits could push businesses to higher-priced plans prematurely.
- A limited selection of free themes.
- Some customization and advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans.
Best For
BigCommerce is best suited for large-volume sellers and businesses poised for rapid growth.
Its scalability, comprehensive set of built-in features, and support for multichannel selling make it a powerhouse for businesses looking to expand their online presence.
While not as beginner-friendly as some alternatives, the depth of its offerings provides a solid foundation for businesses aiming to leverage the digital marketplace fully.
4. WooCommerce: Perfect for WordPress Enthusiasts
WooCommerce transforms WordPress websites into fully functional online stores, making it a favorite among WordPress enthusiasts.
As a free plugin, it integrates seamlessly with WordPress, offering a high level of customization with over 1,400 themes and extensive flexibility in site design and functionality.
Ideal for selling a variety of products and services, WooCommerce powers more than 3.9 million stores, showcasing its popularity and reliability.
Its open-source nature encourages a community-driven approach to e-commerce solutions, though it does present challenges such as a steep learning curve and the need for ongoing maintenance.
Our Favorite Features
- Seamless WordPress Integration: WooCommerce perfectly slots into WordPress, maintaining a unified backend for managing both content and commerce.
- High Customization: With over 800 extensions, the platform can be tailored to meet specific business needs, from payment gateways to marketing tools.
- Diverse Product Options: Supports physical products, digital downloads, subscriptions, and memberships, offering flexibility in what you can sell.
- Powerful Analytics: Comes with built-in tools for analyzing e-commerce performance, helping store owners make data-driven decisions.
- Global Support: WooCommerce is adaptable for international sales, supporting various payment methods and currencies.
Pricing And Plans
While the WooCommerce plugin is free, running an online store incurs costs such as domain registration, WordPress hosting, premium themes, and extensions for added functionality.
These costs vary based on the hosting provider, theme selection, and additional features required.
Despite these expenses, WooCommerce remains an attractive option for those already invested in the WordPress ecosystem, offering a cost-effective way to expand into e-commerce.
Pros
- Free to start with the option to extend functionality through paid extensions.
- Deep integration with WordPress allows for a unified management experience.
- Supports a wide range of product types and sales options.
- Scalable to grow with your business without needing to switch platforms.
- Offers a vast library of themes and plugins for customization.
Cons
- Requires a WordPress website, limiting its use to those within the WordPress ecosystem.
- The need for additional plugins can increase costs and potentially affect site performance.
- Frequent updates may lead to compatibility issues, requiring active management.
- The platform’s complexity and versatility can be daunting for beginners.
Best For
WooCommerce is the go-to choice for WordPress users looking to venture into e-commerce.
Its integration with WordPress makes it an ideal solution for those familiar with the platform, seeking to maintain a cohesive management system for their website and online store.
The plugin’s flexibility in design, product offerings, and scalability caters to small to medium-sized businesses poised for growth.
Despite its challenges, WooCommerce provides a powerful, customizable platform for entrepreneurs and businesses committed to leveraging the WordPress ecosystem for their e-commerce ventures.
5. Squarespace: Best for Beautifully Designed Stores
Squarespace is a distinguished name in the e-commerce and website-building industry, known for its beautifully designed stores and user-friendly interface.
With over 4.8 million sites powered by Squarespace, it’s clear the platform has made a significant mark.
Designed to cater to a wide range of business needs, Squarespace stands out for those who prioritize design and functionality equally.
Whether you’re setting up a booking system for a restaurant or selling subscriptions for an online magazine, Squarespace’s versatile platform, equipped with high-quality site features and an excellent inventory system, positions itself as a top contender for value for money in the ecommerce space.
Our Favorite Features
- Superior Design Options: Offers the best design options among ecommerce website builders, with customizable templates across various industries.
- Integrated SEO and Marketing Tools: Including Mailchimp integration and social media, these tools help elevate your online presence.
- Excellent Inventory System: A comprehensive system that supports digital products, physical goods, and services seamlessly.
- Versatile E-commerce Builder: Suitable for products or services, providing ultra-modern templates and flexible product pages.
- High-Quality Analytical Tools: For monitoring sales performance and optimizing your e-commerce strategy effectively.
Pricing And Plans
Squarespace’s e-commerce pricing is competitive, starting from $26.00, with options catering to both small and large retailers through its Basic and Advanced Commerce plans.
These plans are designed to provide specific features needed at different stages of business growth, including unlimited products, integrated SEO tools, and secure payment options.
The 14-day free trial offers a risk-free way to explore the platform’s capabilities, ensuring it meets your business requirements before committing.
Pros
- Beautifully designed, customizable templates optimized for e-commerce.
- A comprehensive suite of integrated SEO and marketing tools for business growth.
- Supports a wide range of product types including digital goods, services, and subscriptions.
- High-quality site features with excellent inventory and analytical tools.
- 24/7 support via email and Twitter, with additional live chat during specific hours.
Cons
- Smaller app store compared to competitors, offering less choice for extensions.
- Limitations in shipping and fulfillment options outside the US.
- Additional transaction fees on certain plans.
- Limited third-party integrations and payment gateway options.
Best For
Squarespace is ideal for entrepreneurs and businesses that prioritize design and want their online store to stand out with minimal effort.
Its user-friendly setup and versatile features make it suitable for selling a wide range of products or services, from physical items to digital downloads and memberships.
While it may not offer the breadth of third-party integrations found in other platforms, its beautifully designed templates and comprehensive built-in tools make it a strong contender for those looking to create an elegantly designed e-commerce store that reflects their brand’s aesthetics and values.
6. Ecwid by Lightspeed: Best Free Plan
Ecwid by Lightspeed is a dynamic e-commerce platform that stands out for its exceptional free plan, making it a prime choice for small businesses and startups looking to venture into online sales without hefty upfront costs.
Founded in 2009 and later acquired by Lightspeed in 2021, Ecwid has powered over 926,000 online stores globally.
Its versatility is showcased through the ability to sell on any website across different languages and currencies.
Despite its broad reach and capabilities, Ecwid maintains a user-friendly approach, offering straightforward integration with various CMS platforms, website builders, and social media sites.
Our Favorite Features
- Best Free Plan: Offers a unique opportunity to sell up to 5 products completely free, making it accessible for all businesses.
- Multi-Channel Sales: Enables sales across different platforms, including social media and online marketplaces, enhancing reach and customer engagement.
- Global Support: Supports selling in multiple languages and currencies, catering to a worldwide audience.
- Extensive Payment Options: Integration with 81 payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe facilitates secure and versatile payment methods.
- Seamless Integration: Easily integrates with existing websites, allowing businesses to add e-commerce functionality without the need for extensive redevelopment.
Pricing And Plans
Ecwid’s pricing structure includes a notable free plan alongside its paid plans starting at $19, $39, and $99 per month in the US, offering varying features and product limits.
This tiered approach caters to different stages of business growth, from startups to well-established enterprises.
Although pricing can be higher for non-US users, the platform’s no-transaction-fee policy across all plans remains a significant advantage, making Ecwid a cost-effective option for many.
Pros
- Offers a highly competitive free plan suitable for small startups.
- Allows for selling on any existing website or social media platform.
- Provides support for physical and digital products with extensive customization options.
- Features integrations with major shipping carriers for real-time rate calculations.
- Includes built-in automatic tax calculation and translation into 36 languages on specific plans.
Cons
- Limited access to phone support and lacks multi-currency checkout options on the free plan.
- SEO features are quite basic, limiting advanced optimization opportunities.
- Product variants and some key e-commerce functionalities are locked behind higher-tier plans.
- The number of apps and integrations is relatively limited compared to competitors.
Best For
Ecwid by Lightspeed is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, especially those just starting or looking to test the e-commerce waters without a significant financial commitment.
Its free plan provides a rare opportunity in the e-commerce platform market, allowing businesses to sell a small number of products with zero investment.
The platform’s simplicity, coupled with its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing websites and social media platforms, makes it a top choice for businesses aiming for a quick and easy online store setup.
For those prioritizing cost-efficiency and simplicity in expanding their sales channels, Ecwid by Lightspeed offers an unbeatable starting point.
7. GoDaddy: Best Marketing Tools Included
GoDaddy is a straightforward, user-friendly platform that stands out for entrepreneurs and small businesses eager to establish their online presence swiftly.
With its Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) system, GoDaddy facilitates the quick creation and management of online stores, accommodating over 40.7 million sites globally.
It’s renowned for its expansive support across numerous industries and possesses powerful marketing tools essential for engaging email campaigns and thorough performance analysis.
Offering plans that cater to various business sizes, GoDaddy makes selling online accessible, with packages starting as low as $9.99.
Our Favorite Features
- Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI): Simplifies website creation, allowing users to quickly build and customize their online stores.
- Extensive Industry Support: Caters to a broader range of business needs than many competitors, making it versatile.
- Powerful Marketing Tools: Integrated tools for email marketing, social media campaigns, and analytical insights help businesses grow their reach and understand their audience.
- Unlimited Product Listings: Available on the Commerce Plus plan, this feature allows businesses to scale without restrictions.
- Marketplace Integrations: With connections to Amazon, Etsy, Google, Instagram, and Facebook, businesses can easily expand their selling channels.
- No Additional Transaction Fees: Supports major payment processors like PayPal and Stripe without charging extra fees on transactions.
Pricing And Plans
GoDaddy offers two primary ecommerce plans: Commerce at $14.99/month and Commerce Plus at $29.99/month, both requiring annual billing.
The plans are designed to accommodate the growth from small to larger online retailers, with the Commerce Plus plan offering unlimited product listings and enhanced features for scaling businesses.
Pros
- Renowned for its ease of use, making it ideal for beginners.
- Includes essential marketing tools for promoting products and analyzing store performance.
- Offers 24/7 support through phone lines, live chat, and a dedicated Twitter account.
- Allows selling across major online marketplaces and social media platforms.
- Provides customizable, mobile-responsive themes for a professional-looking store.
Cons
- Lacks the depth in features and scalability offered by platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce.
- Limited customization options for those with specific design needs.
- Small app store compared to competitors, offering fewer third-party integrations.
Best For
GoDaddy Ecommerce is best suited for entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses looking for a quick and straightforward way to start selling online.
Its strength lies in its simplicity, making it possible for anyone, regardless of technical skill, to create a beautiful online store.
The platform’s included marketing tools provide an invaluable resource for businesses aiming to grow their online presence efficiently.
While it may not cater to large-scale enterprises seeking extensive customization and scalability, GoDaddy’s affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive customer support make it an excellent choice for those entering the digital marketplace.
8. Shift4Shop: Best For Businesses On A Budget
Shift4Shop, previously known as 3dcart and rebranded after its acquisition by Shift4 Payments in 2020, positions itself uniquely in the ecommerce platform market with a compelling offer for US-based businesses.
With a starting price of $0 under certain conditions, like utilizing its credit card processor, Shift4Shop provides an unparalleled opportunity for businesses on a budget to launch and scale their online presence.
It stands out not only for its affordability but also for its comprehensive suite of features, including unlimited products, advanced SEO tools, and integrations with major marketplaces.
Catering primarily to small and midsize retailers, Shift4Shop is celebrated for its robust free e-commerce plan, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious businesses.
Our Favorite Features
- Robust Free Plan: Offers a fully-featured ecommerce solution at no cost, including unlimited products and inventory control, under specific conditions.
- Comprehensive SEO Tools: Built-in SEO functionalities to enhance online visibility without extra costs.
- Marketplace Integrations: Facilitates selling across Amazon, Etsy, Google, Instagram, and Facebook, expanding market reach.
- Template Variety: Over 100 customizable templates cater to diverse industry needs, enhancing the shopper’s experience.
- No Transaction Fees: Shift4Shop does not impose additional fees on transactions, increasing profit margins for businesses.
- Advanced E-commerce Tools: From order management features and an abandoned cart saver to built-in CRM, the platform is well-equipped to support business growth.
Pricing And Plans
Shift4Shop’s pricing strategy is particularly appealing for businesses on a tight budget, with its standout free plan that includes comprehensive ecommerce functionalities for merchants meeting the minimum sales requirement of $500 per month and using Shift4Shop’s payment processor.
For those who prefer alternative payment options or not meeting the sales threshold, paid plans start at $29 per month.
This structure ensures businesses of all sizes can find a plan that suits their budget and growth trajectory.
Pros
- Access to a powerful free plan that rivals paid offerings from competitors.
- Extensive integration capabilities with major online marketplaces and social media platforms.
- A wide array of built-in ecommerce and marketing tools, reducing the need for external apps.
- Responsive customer support available 24/7 via multiple channels.
- Seamless migration service for businesses looking to switch to Shift4Shop.
Cons
- The free plan is exclusive to U.S.-based users, limiting global accessibility.
- Some users report a less intuitive user experience and occasional glitches.
- Limited customization options may not satisfy all design requirements.
- The minimum sales requirement for the free plan could be a barrier for very small or starting businesses.
Best For
Shift4Shop is best suited for US-based small to midsize businesses seeking a cost-effective yet feature-rich ecommerce solution.
Its unparalleled free plan, coupled with a wide range of ecommerce tools, makes it an ideal choice for businesses on a budget looking to maximize their online potential.
While it may present challenges in customization and user experience for some, Shift4Shop offers a solid foundation for businesses aiming to grow their online presence without hefty initial investments.
9. Volusion: Higher Plans For Unlimited Products
Volusion, established in 1999, is one of the pioneering ecommerce platforms tailored for online businesses to efficiently manage sales and services.
This Texas-based solution caters predominantly to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), aiming to provide a comprehensive toolkit for entrepreneurs to launch and scale their online presence.
With a focus on physical products, Volusion is celebrated for its unlimited product features on higher plans, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to expand their inventory without worrying about exceeding product limits.
Our Favorite Features
- Unlimited Products: Allows businesses to list an unlimited number of products, however, this is only available on the Business plan.
- Comprehensive Payment Gateway Support: Offers a wide array of payment options including PayPal, Stripe, Amazon Pay, and Apple Pay.
- Strong Analytics Features: Provides powerful insights and analytics tools to help businesses track and optimize their online store’s performance.
- Mobile App: A convenient mobile app for managing online stores on the go, ensuring business owners can keep their operations running smoothly from anywhere.
- Zapier Integration: Supports over 1,000 apps through Zapier, facilitating extensive customization and automation capabilities for ecommerce operations.
Pricing And Plans
Volusion’s pricing starts at $29/month for its Personal plan, which is slightly higher than some of its competitors.
However, it does allow up to 100 products on this plan, strong analytics, and comprehensive payment gateway support.
The platform does not offer discounts for annual billing, which could be a consideration for businesses planning long-term operations.
Despite this, the range of features and the scalability offered by Volusion’s plans make it a competitive option for businesses focused on growth and expansion.
Pros
- Supports an unlimited number of products on higher plans.
- Extensive support for various payment gateways, enhancing customer payment flexibility.
- Strong analytics and inventory management features aid in optimizing store operations.
- Mobile app availability for on-the-go store management.
- Comprehensive customer support options, including 24/7 chat support.
Cons
- Higher starting price point compared to some competitors.
- Limited customization options for website design can hinder brand representation.
- Lacks support for selling digital products and blogging functionality, which could limit content marketing strategies.
- Phone support is only available on more expensive plans.
Best For
Volusion is best suited for businesses prioritizing the need to list an unlimited number of products without facing additional fees or restrictions.
Its strong inventory management and product videos feature cater well to traditional stores focused on physical goods, making it a fitting choice for retailers looking to delve deeply into analytics rather than creative, brand-driven storytelling.
While Volusion’s platform may present challenges for businesses aiming to sell digital products or utilize blogging for SEO, its robust e-commerce and analytics capabilities position it as a strong contender for businesses on a budget seeking to maximize their inventory potential.
10. Square Online: Free And Paid Plans Available
Square Online, stemming from Square’s acquisition of Weebly in 2018, marks a strategic expansion into the e-commerce space, offering an integrated platform that simplifies online store creation for small to medium-sized businesses.
Recognized for its affordability and user-friendliness, Square Online is particularly appealing to brick-and-mortar stores looking to venture online.
It boasts a “game-changer” free eCommerce plan alongside more comprehensive paid plans, catering to a wide range of business needs with essential sales features and robust customer support.
Despite its design flexibility limitations, Square Online stands out for its seamless integration with Square’s payment gateway and extensive shipping options, positioning it as an attractive choice for businesses prioritizing ease of use and affordability in their e-commerce solution.
Our Favorite Features
- Free E-commerce Plan: A generous offering that supports unlimited product listings, making it accessible to businesses at no initial cost.
- User-Friendly Dashboard: Simplifies tracking sales, monitoring customer journeys, and managing abandoned carts, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Inbuilt Marketing Tools: Facilitates reach expansion through email marketing and paid advertisements directly from the platform.
- Extensive Shipping Options: Offers various methods to calculate delivery costs, accommodating diverse shipping needs.
- Automatic Tax Calculator: Simplifies tax compliance for sellers in the US and Canada, reducing the administrative burden.
Pricing And Plans
Square Online offers a free plan and three paid plans ranging from $29 to $79 per month, providing a spectrum of features tailored to different business scales.
The Performance plan, identified as offering the best value, includes advanced reports and a lower processing rate on the Premium plan, making it suitable for high-volume sellers.
Despite concerns about customer support limitations and transaction fees for high-volume sellers, Square Online’s pricing structure is designed to support businesses at various growth stages, from startups to more established operations.
Pros
- A cost-effective free plan that supports unlimited products and integrates seamlessly with Square POS.
- User-friendly interface and setup wizard facilitate quick and hassle-free store launches.
- Offers dynamic shipping rates, discounted postage, and a free POS for in-person sales.
- Provides built-in inventory management and the ability to sell products across multiple channels.
- Features automatic tax calculation and supports selling digital goods.
Cons
- Limited design customization and template selection may not meet all branding requirements.
- Mandatory use of Square Payments could limit payment flexibility for some businesses.
- Customer support has restricted availability, potentially impacting resolution times for issues.
- Paid plans are necessary to remove Square ads and unlock advanced features like abandoned cart recovery.
Best For
Square Online is best suited for small e-commerce businesses, particularly those with a physical storefront seeking to establish or expand their online presence.
Its straightforward setup, integrated payment processing, and comprehensive free plan make it an ideal platform for businesses on a budget or those testing the waters of online sales.
While it may present challenges in terms of design customization and support for high-volume sellers, Square Online’s robust sales tools and affordable plans offer a compelling solution for entrepreneurs and small businesses aiming to seamlessly bridge the gap between offline and online retail.
How to Choose the Right eCommerce Website Building Platform for Your Online Store
Selecting the perfect eCommerce website builder for your online store is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your business’s success.
With numerous options available, pinpointing the one that aligns with your business size, product type, and long-term goals requires careful consideration.
Understand Your Business Needs
Firstly, assess your business’s current size and future growth plans.
If you’re just starting out, you might prefer a platform with a simple setup and basic features that can get you up and running quickly.
For larger businesses or those planning to expand, look for platforms that offer scalability, advanced inventory management, and more robust sales tools.
Consider Your Product Type
The nature of your products plays a key role in selecting a platform.
If you’re selling physical goods, features like shipping calculations, inventory tracking, and integration with fulfillment services will be important.
For digital products or services, look for platforms that support digital downloads, subscriptions, and appointment scheduling.
Evaluate Design Flexibility
Your website is often the first interaction customers have with your brand, making design a critical factor.
Platforms that offer a wide range of customizable templates can help you create a unique and appealing online store.
Consider the level of design flexibility you need to ensure your brand stands out.
Assess SEO and Marketing Tools
A platform with strong SEO and marketing tools can help attract visitors to your store and convert them into customers.
Look for features like SEO-friendly URL structures, social media integration, and email marketing capabilities.
These tools can be vital in growing your online presence and driving sales.
Examine Payment and Shipping Options
Your chosen platform should support your preferred payment methods and offer flexible shipping options.
This not only enhances the customer experience but also streamlines your operations.
Platforms that integrate with a variety of payment gateways and shipping carriers offer greater flexibility to accommodate different customer preferences.
Determine the Level of Support You Need
The quality of customer support can greatly affect your experience with a platform.
Consider how and when you prefer to receive help, whether it’s through 24/7 live chat, phone support, or detailed online guides.
A platform with responsive and knowledgeable support can be invaluable, especially in the early stages of setting up your store.
Consider the Total Cost
Finally, factor in the total cost of using the platform, including any transaction fees, subscription costs, and additional expenses for apps or integrations.
A platform that seems affordable at first glance might become costly as you add necessary features.
Aim for a balance between the functionality you need and what you can realistically afford.
What About Makers and Creators?
For artists, craftsmen, and creators, the ideal eCommerce website builder is one that not only sells products but also tells a story.
These entrepreneurs need platforms that highlight their creativity, showcase their unique products, and connect them directly with their audience.
Let’s delve into what makes a platform stand out for makers and creators.
Emphasizing Customizability
Creators often seek platforms that offer extensive design customizability.
This goes beyond choosing colors and fonts; it’s about creating a virtual storefront that reflects the essence of their art or craft.
Platforms that provide a wide range of customizable templates, drag-and-drop design features, and the ability to fine-tune the look and feel of the site are particularly appealing.
This level of personalization helps creators establish a brand identity and make their online store memorable.
Showcasing Product Variations
Makers and creators frequently offer products that come in different variations, such as sizes, colors, or materials.
A platform that easily manages and displays these variations allows customers to find exactly what they’re looking for, enhancing their shopping experience.
Additionally, features that enable the creator to add detailed product descriptions, high-quality images, and even videos can help convey the uniqueness and value of their offerings.
Streamlining Shipping and Fulfillment
Shipping is a critical aspect of selling physical goods online.
Platforms that offer integrated shipping solutions can save creators a significant amount of time and hassle.
According to various sources, online shoppers care deeply about shipping costs and delivery options, with shipping being the No. 1 reason named for cart abandonment.
49.7% of people agreed that free shipping is the main reason they shop online.
Additionally, 45% of shoppers abandoned a cart when the order value didn’t qualify for free shipping, and 52% of consumers have added items to their cart intending to keep them to qualify for free shipping.
Look for features like automatic shipping cost calculations, printable shipping labels, and integrations with major carriers.
Some platforms also support dropshipping, which can be an attractive option for creators who prefer to focus on their craft rather than logistics.
Integrating Marketing Tools
For many creators, their story and process are as much a part of the product as the item itself.
Platforms that include integrated marketing tools—such as email marketing, social media integration, and blogging—allow creators to share their journey and connect with customers on a deeper level.
According to Simpli Learn, In 2022, the amount spent on digital advertising was up 16.2 percent from the previous year, reaching $491.70 billion.
This growth demonstrates the significant role digital marketing plays in businesses’ marketing strategies and the shift away from traditional marketing methods.
These tools can help build a loyal customer base that’s invested not just in the products but in the creator behind them.
Offering Flexibility and Scalability
Finally, the best eCommerce platforms for makers and creators are those that grow with them.
Starting with a basic plan might be sufficient at the beginning, but as the business grows, the platform should be able to accommodate increased traffic, more products, and additional features without necessitating a complete overhaul of the website.
What About Enterprise e-commerce Websites?
When it comes to enterprise-level eCommerce, the stakes are significantly higher.
Large enterprises not only deal with a vast array of products but also handle immense traffic volumes, complex operational needs, and extensive integration requirements.
The right platform for an enterprise must be robust, scalable, and flexible, offering advanced features that can support the intricate nature of a large-scale online business.
Extensive API Integrations
Enterprises often use a variety of software tools for different aspects of their business, from inventory management and customer relationship management (CRM) to accounting and marketing.
A platform that offers extensive API integrations is crucial.
This allows the eCommerce site to seamlessly communicate with other systems, ensuring a cohesive operation where data flows freely between tools.
This integration capability is essential for automating processes, improving efficiency, and providing a unified view of the business.
Advanced Analytics
Understanding customer behavior, sales trends, and operational efficiency is vital for any business, but for enterprises, the complexity is multiplied.
Platforms offering advanced analytics give large businesses the insights they need to make data-driven decisions.
According to a McKinsey study, organizations that use extensive customer analytics are more likely to generate above-average profits than those that don’t.
Companies in the top-quartile of analytics maturity were 2.6 times more likely to have above-average profits.
This can include detailed reports on sales performance, customer engagement metrics, and even predictive analytics to forecast future trends.
These insights can help enterprises stay ahead of the curve, optimizing their operations and marketing strategies for better results.
High Traffic and Catalog Management
High traffic volumes are a good problem to have, but they can also be a challenge if your platform isn’t equipped to handle them.
Enterprise eCommerce platforms must be able to support a high number of visitors simultaneously, ensuring fast loading times and a smooth checkout process.
Similarly, managing a complex product catalog—potentially with thousands of SKUs—requires powerful inventory management tools.
The platform should enable businesses to easily update and manage their products, set various pricing tiers, and offer personalized experiences based on customer data.
Security and Compliance
For enterprises, safeguarding customer data and ensuring transaction security are non-negotiable.
According to Metomic, In 2022, data breaches rose by 70% around the world.
A data breach can expose sensitive customer data, company secrets, and more, leaving people vulnerable to having their data stolen and accounts hacked into.
Furthermore, a recent Business Wire study found that 86% of consumers say they would take their business elsewhere if a company had just a small data breach.
The platform must offer robust security features, including SSL encryption, secure payment processing, and compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS.
Additionally, as enterprises often operate in multiple regions, the platform should support compliance with local laws and regulations, including data protection and privacy laws.
Scalability and Customization
Lastly, an enterprise eCommerce platform must be scalable, and able to grow with the business without significant overhauls.
It should offer a high degree of customization, allowing enterprises to tailor the platform to their specific needs, whether that’s customizing the checkout process, integrating unique shipping options, or offering a bespoke customer loyalty program.
Flexibility and scalability ensure that as the enterprise evolves, its eCommerce platform can adapt and support new business models, markets, and customer demands.
The Final Verdict
After conducting a thorough evaluation and comparison of various eCommerce website builders, Shopify has emerged as the clear winner.
It offers an unparalleled combination of user-friendliness, extensive customization options, comprehensive pricing plans, strong SEO capabilities, a wide range of integration options, and exceptional customer support.
Shopify’s easy-to-use interface makes it suitable for beginners, while its powerful features cater to the needs of more advanced users and growing businesses.
With Shopify, businesses of all sizes can confidently launch, manage, and expand their online stores, making it the top choice for entrepreneurs looking for a reliable, versatile, and feature-rich eCommerce platform.
FAQ’s
Is Shopify better than WooCommerce?
Shopify offers an all-in-one, user-friendly solution with various integrated features and dedicated customer support, ideal for those who prefer a straightforward setup.
WooCommerce, on the other hand, provides more flexibility and customization, being a free plugin for WordPress, but it requires more hands-on management and technical know-how.
If simplicity and direct support are your priorities, Shopify might be better. For customization and control, consider WooCommerce.
Is Shopify good for building a website?
Yes, Shopify is excellent for building websites, especially eCommerce sites.
It provides an intuitive platform with professional templates, comprehensive sales tools, and extensive app integrations, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes looking to sell online.
Its user-friendly interface allows even beginners to create a visually appealing and functional online store efficiently.
Is BigCommerce better than Wix?
BigCommerce and Wix cater to different needs.
BigCommerce is focused more on providing a comprehensive e-commerce platform with advanced sales and SEO tools, suitable for growing businesses and enterprises.
Wix, while it offers eCommerce capabilities, is generally more suited for individuals or small businesses that prioritize ease of use and design flexibility over advanced eCommerce functionality.
Is Wix good for online stores?
Yes, Wix is good for online stores, especially for small businesses and creators looking for design flexibility and ease of use.
It offers a range of attractive templates, simple drag-and-drop site-building tools, and essential eCommerce features, making it a viable platform for businesses aiming to establish an online presence quickly and with minimal fuss.
What is the most used website builder in the world?
The most used website builder in the world is Wix, with over 45% of the market share.
It is utilized on over 8 million live websites across the internet, making it the most popular choice among website builders.
Wix has experienced significant growth over the years, surpassing its competitors like Squarespace in market share.
How much does a website builder cost?
The cost of a website builder can vary widely, ranging from free plans with basic functionalities to premium plans costing upwards of $40 per month for advanced eCommerce features.
The price typically depends on the level of customization, the number of products, and the specific tools and integrations required for your site.
Do I need an e-commerce site to sell online?
While having an eCommerce site is one of the most direct ways to sell online, it’s not the only way.
Platforms like social media sites, online marketplaces (e.g., Etsy, Amazon), and third-party sales platforms can also be used to sell products online without a dedicated eCommerce site.
However, having your own site offers greater control and branding opportunities.
What is the cheapest eCommerce website builder?
From our list of options, GoDaddy is one of the cheapest in terms of monthly cost, however, there are also free options.