Our Top 10 Small Business Ecommerce Platforms
Let’s take a look at the 10 best ecommerce platforms for small businesses to scale their brands on. Because there’s always gotta be a top 10 list.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Ecommerce platforms are not created equal (I know this firsthand). Small businesses can't just throw a dart to choose the ecommerce platform that'll help them scale their store.
Some are for solopreneurs with few needs. Some are for enterprises with a long list of complex requirements. You need to find the ones that sit somewhere between those.
While the choices are many, the best for your small business are few. You just gotta know what you're wanting from your ecommerce platform.
You want something that's friendly to your budget, easy to use from the jump, deeply customizable without coding, integrated with the best tools, quick to respond to support requests, and so much more.
If you don't have a list of must-haves, start creating one now. It'll help you choose as we unveil our top picks of ecommerce platforms for small businesses, which is informed by our deep well of ecommerce expertise and our super fancy scoring system.
Without further ado...
Why Trust Our Ecommerce Platform Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing ecommerce software since 2021.
As ecommerce experts ourselves, we know how critical, and how difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different ecommerce use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
Learn how we stay transparent & our review methodology.
Comparing the Best Ecommerce Platforms For Small Business, Feature by Feature
First, we’ll highlight the pricing for each of these lovely small business ecommerce platforms. For more in-depth feature comparisons, click Compare Software below the table. You know you want to.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for customizable online stores | Free plan available | From $16/month (billed annually) | Website | |
2 | Best for subscription-based ecommerce models | 14-day free trial | From $29/month | Website | |
3 | Best all-in-one ecommerce platform | 15-day free trial | From $29/month (billed annually) | Website | |
4 | Best for non-technical users | Not available | From $25/month | Website | |
5 | Best customer service | 3-day free trial | From $19/month (billed annually) | Website | |
6 | Best online store template library | 14-day free trial | From $16/month (billed annually) | Website | |
7 | Best open source ecommerce platform | 14-day free trial | From $26/month | Website | |
8 | Best cloud-based retail POS system | Free demo available | From $89/month | Website | |
9 | Best for headless ecommerce | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best Wordpress add-on for ecommerce functionality | Free plan available | From $10/month | Website |
The Best Ecommerce Platforms for Small Business, Reviewed
Now, the good stuff. We’ve reviewed each of these top picks for small business ecommerce platform, including why we picked it, what it looks like, its top features, top integrations, and the pros and cons to look out for.
Wix is an all-in-one ecommerce platform that lets you create a fully customizable online store. You can sell products through your website, social media, and other sales channels or in person with POS.
Wix offers over 500 designer-made templates, allowing you to design your store exactly how you envision it. These templates are fully customizable, so you can tailor every aspect of your site, including your storefront, cart, and checkout, to create a unique shopping experience for your customers. Additionally, Wix provides a free library of high-resolution images and exclusive videos to enhance your site's visual appeal.
It also offers an AI website builder, Wix ADI. With just a few questions about your store’s goals and needs, Wix ADI automatically builds a tailored online store—complete with suggested layouts, product pages, and branding. This helps you get your business online quickly without having to design from scratch while still giving you the option to fine-tune the site to match your vision.
Wix even has multichannel sales capabilities. You can host your store on Wix and expand your reach by selling on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google Shopping, and eBay, all managed from a single dashboard. This feature helps you tap into various markets and manage your sales channels efficiently.
Other features include a mobile-optimized storefront, ensuring your online store looks great on any device—desktop, tablet, or mobile. You can also translate your store into over 90 languages with Wix Multilingual, creating local subdomains and optimizing all translated sites for SEO to cater to an international audience.
Some integrations include Klaviyo, Easyship, AfterShip, Privy, SoundCloud, Mailchimp, Importify, Cart2Cart, Dropbox, Google Drive, AdScale, 123FormBuilder, JivoChat, Meta for Business, and Eventbrite.
Subbly is a subscription ecommerce platform that's designed to help small businesses set up and manage their online stores. Excellent option if you're looking to sell products or services on a recurring basis.
Subly is a platform that is easy to use, flexible, and won't break the bank. It's got a clean interface, it's not overly complicated, and it's got a pricing model that's friendly for small businesses. Plus, it's specifically designed for subscription businesses. And, unlike other platforms, it will give you the power to handle almost everything related to your subscription business without the need for a plugin or integration.
I like the way Subbly allows you to integrate with shipping platforms like Pirate Ship but also gives you the option to easily export to a CSV file that you can upload to the platform of your choice or your in-house fulfillment system.
There are a few standout features that I really appreciate. Subbly shines with its customizable checkout process, allowing you to design a seamless experience tailored to your brand and your customers' needs.
Its built-in subscription management system is a true lifesaver, simplifying everything from subscriber tracking to automated notifications and renewals. On top of that, the platform delivers powerful analytics, offering clear insights into your sales and customer behavior so you can make smarter decisions and scale with confidence.
Subbly integrates with HotJar, Twilio, Pirate Ship, Shipstation, Drip, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Intercom, and Klaviyo. You can also set up an integration with Zapier to connect to thousands of additional apps (requires a paid subscription with Zapier).
BigCommerce is an ecommerce platform that helps small businesses scale their online presence and increase sales. It provides tools for creating an online store, managing products, and processing payments, as well as providing analytics and insights into customer behavior.
BigCommerce offers various tools for creating an aesthetically pleasing website with a professional look. It has a drag-and-drop editor that makes designing the storefront easy. There is also an in-depth style editor that allows users to change colors and fonts within the template without needing any coding knowledge. This includes customizable templates that can be used to create unique designs that reflect the business’s brand identity and style. The templates are also mobile responsive, allowing customers to browse the website from any device without compromising on quality or design.
BigCommerce offers powerful marketing tools such as product reviews, discount codes, gift cards, and automated email campaigns. These features help businesses reach new customers by increasing visibility through SEO tactics. The platform allows businesses to create customized product pages which provide detailed information about each product so that customers can make informed decisions when purchasing items from the store. It also has built-in email marketing capabilities so users can easily create campaigns and send out newsletters or promotional emails directly from the platform itself.
Additionally, it integrates with Google Shopping Ads so businesses can list products on Google’s search engine results pages without having to manually upload each product individually. BigCommerce provides built-in payment processing services which make it easy for customers to pay for purchases quickly and securely using a variety of payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal. The platform also integrates with other popular payment providers such as Stripe or Amazon Pay so that businesses can accept payments from more customers around the world.
BigCommerce packs in a powerhouse lineup of standout features to help your business thrive. With customizable templates and a mobile-friendly design, your store will look sharp and work flawlessly on any device. Add a responsive checkout that keeps customers clicking “buy,” and you’re set for success.
Plus, it’s got built-in SEO to boost your visibility, marketing tools to drive traffic, and seamless inventory management and shipping options to keep operations running like a dream. And when you need help? BigCommerce has you covered with 24/7 customer support, multiple payment gateways, and integrations for just about any third-party app you can think of.
Integrations include LiveChat, ShipStation, Georgias, Mailchimp, Quickbooks Online, Yotpo Product Reviews, Justuno, Brightpearl, Acumatica, ActiveCampaign, Hubspot, Klavyio, Shopgate, Printify, and dozens of other apps.
BigCommerce costs from $29.95/month and offers a 15-day free trial.
WP Engine is a web hosting provider that’s primarily used for blogging due to its superfast site speed. Recently, they have started offering their Genesis pro subscription plan that comes with a feature-packed website builder. The framework comes with built-in marketing features.
The Gutenberg-ready site builder can be used to create reusable modules and enable next-level customization on headers, logos, or any aspect of your ecommerce website to match your design language. There’s an open-source community of developers that audit the framework and add new security features.
You can use the sample child theme that sits on the top of the framework to beautifully edit the design of your site without affecting the underlying site code.
There are a few standout features to watch for. WP Engine’s community is a treasure trove of integrations, plugins, add-ons, and extensions, making it easy to customize your site exactly how you want.
Seamless compatibility with WooCommerce and other major ecommerce apps means you can power your store with the tools you need to succeed. Plus, when it comes to speed, WP Engine doesn’t mess around.
Their hosting ensures lightning-fast load times, which not only creates a better experience for your visitors but also gives your site a ranking boost on Google.
The pricing for WP Engine’s startup plan starts at $25 per month.
If you have read my other articles on ecommerce platforms, you might have noticed that Shopify is a frequent feature in them. From storefront to inventory management to marketing tools, Shopify equips an ecommerce site with all the necessary tools to launch and scale an online store in 2021.
Shopify comes packed with features to support your ecommerce journey, including SEO tools, email marketing, and search-optimized product pages to help your store stand out. Its always-on availability and industry-leading stability mean you can count on Shopify to keep your store running smoothly around the clock.
Managing inventory is a breeze with tools to track and adjust stock, or even import and export inventory via CSV files. Plus, Shopify’s robust analytics suite provides valuable insights into your business, like store visits, transaction data, and site speed, so you can make data-driven decisions with confidence.
The product works with other commonly used ecommerce business apps like Oberlo, Facebook Messenger, Amazon, Stocky, Apple Business Chat, and 3k other apps including marketing, reporting, shipping, and customer support. The Shopify mobile app lets you sell products and manage your ecommerce store on the go.
Shopify has direct support via chat and email. Also, it is backed by one of the largest active communities of ecommerce entrepreneurs. You can engage with the community via the Shopify community forum or via social media groups dedicated to the product.
Shopify costs from $29/month when paying monthly, with 2.9% + $0.30/transaction. Shopify offers a 3-day free trial from their website. If you shop around, you can find affiliates who offer 14-day free trials.
Squarespace is a popular website builder and ecommerce platform that allows users to easily create and manage their own websites and online stores. It offers a variety of customizable templates and drag-and-drop design tools, making it easy for users to create professional-looking websites without needing to know how to code. In addition to its website building capabilities, Squarespace also offers robust ecommerce functionality, with features such as inventory management, payment gateway integration, and customizable product pages.
Squarespace stands out for its user-friendly interface and sleek, professional design templates, making it easy to create stunning websites and online stores without breaking a sweat. Its all-in-one platform eliminates the hassle of juggling separate hosting, design, and ecommerce tools, streamlining the process for busy entrepreneurs.
What really sets Squarespace apart is its exceptional customer support. With 24/7 email support, live chat during business hours, and a robust knowledge base, users have plenty of options for finding help. The community forum adds a social layer, allowing users to connect and share solutions.
Squarespace also offers a wealth of online resources, including video tutorials, webinars, and guides, so you’ll have all the tools you need to master the platform and grow your business with confidence.
Squarespace integrates with Flickr, Foursquare, Instagram, Facebook, Soundcloud, AMP, Apple News, Apple Pay, FedEx, PayPal, Stripe, Square, USPS, UPS, Dropbox, Google Search Console, Pinterest, and others.
Squarespace costs from $16/month. Payment processing adds a 0-3% transaction fee per purchase. They offer a 14-day free trial.
PrestaShop is a free and open-source ecommerce platform that enables users to create and manage their own online stores. It offers a range of features and customization options, including product management, payment gateway integration, shipping and tax configuration, and a variety of design templates and modules.
PrestaShop is highly flexible and can be customized to suit the needs of businesses of all sizes, making it a popular choice among small and medium-sized enterprises and startups. With a large and active community of developers and users, PrestaShop also offers a wide range of plugins and integrations to extend its functionality and tailor it to specific business needs.
PrestaShop is a powerhouse of flexibility and affordability, built for businesses with unique or complex ecommerce needs. Its modular architecture is like a digital Lego set—letting you customize every corner of your store with free and paid modules and themes to match your vision. Integrating with payment gateways and shipping providers is seamless, so you can keep operations smooth without breaking a sweat.
What really shines is PrestaShop’s support system. Whether you’re diving into their detailed knowledge base, chatting in the community forums, or opting for professional help, you’ll always have the answers you need.
PrestaShop integrates with QuickBooks, eBay, Amazon, USPS, and ICEcat. Because PrestaShop is open source, you have the option to build your own custom integrations (with some programming know-how).
PrestaShop is free to use.
Lightspeed eCom is a feature of Lightspeed HQ, a cloud-based retail POS system. Lightspeed eCom lets you import stock from your physical store to your ecommerce platform with a one-click system. It gives shoppers live updates on quantity on hand levels.
Lightspeed eCom takes the hassle out of inventory management with its spreadsheet import and export feature, letting you make mass updates in minutes instead of hours. Its analytics dashboard keeps you in the know with daily, weekly, and monthly performance insights, while the conversion report highlights exactly where your store could use some fine-tuning to boost sales.
When it comes to support, Lightspeed’s got what you need. You can reach out by phone, with availability depending on your nearest office, or by email for a more flexible option. Whether you need quick fixes or in-depth help, their team ensures you’re never left hanging.
Lightspeed integrates with apps like Mailchimp, Restock, Stripe, and other retail ecommerce apps. The pricing for the plan that includes the ecommerce features starts at $99 per month.
Swell leverages headless ecommerce technology to create customized customer experiences for your online store.
Swell delivers a robust set of ecommerce tools to help your store thrive, including unlimited pages, real-time shipping quotes, and payment processing to streamline the customer experience.
For inventory management, it goes the extra mile with unlimited product options, variants, and attributes, along with handy tools like bulk editing and product bundling to keep your catalog organized and efficient.
The platform also makes order management a breeze, allowing you to track shipments and edit order items before finalizing. Its in-depth sales reports can be filtered by product, customer, coupon, and more, giving you the insights needed to make smarter business decisions.
Plus, Swell integrates with PayMotion, a multichannel ecommerce platform packed with revenue optimization features designed to boost sales.
When it comes to support, Swell keeps it flexible with phone, email, and live chat options, ensuring help is always within reach.
WooCommerce is a popular ecommerce plugin for WordPress, one of the world's most popular content management systems. It enables businesses of all sizes to easily create and manage their online stores, with features such as product management, payment gateway integration, shipping and tax configuration, and customizable design options.
WooCommerce stands out as a user-friendly and highly customizable ecommerce platform that’s incredibly easy to set up and start using.
Its wide range of design options and customization tools allows you to create a store that looks and feels uniquely yours. Plus, WooCommerce seamlessly integrates with popular payment gateways, shipping providers, and other essential systems, making it a flexible choice for businesses of all sizes.
One of WooCommerce’s greatest strengths is its vibrant community support. With an active network of users and developers, you’ll find an abundance of plugins, extensions, and resources to expand the platform’s functionality and tailor it to your specific needs.
WooCommerce integrates with the likes of MailChimp, MailPoet, SendGrid, Mailgun, SparkPost, Madrill, Conversio, Optinmonster, Constant Contact, Aweber, MailerLite, and others.
WooCommerce themes cost anywhere from $0–100/year; shipping services around $0–$108/per; and payment processing from 2.9% + .30 cents per sale plus a monthly fee of $0–$30. WooCommerce pricing will vary greatly depending on what services of theirs you decide to buy into, and at what subscription tier.
Other Options
Here are a few more that didn’t make the top list.
- EvolveAR
For augmented reality (AR) shopping experiences
- Lightspeed eCom
For multi-channel sales
- Square
For mobile optimized stores
- Smartlook
Marketing app to track user behavior and improve conversions
- Ontraport
Marketing automation platform for scaling small businesses
- BeProfit
Real-time profit calculator app for ecommerce stores running on Shopify
- Volusion
Ecommerce platform for small businesses in terms of reliability
- Evidence
Social proof app for ecommerce stores to increase conversions
- ewiz commerce
Ecommerce software to leverage AI-based personalization
- Auro CRM
Open source CRM software for small ecommerce businesses
- eHopper
Ecommerce tool to sync online orders with POS
- CloudShoppy
For Indian companies
- Bookmark
AI-based website builder for small ecommerce businesses
- SellerChamp
Ecommerce software for small businesses to do a bulk listing of products
- Now Commerce
Small business online ordering platform for wholesalers and distributors using QuickBooks
- Shippo
Professional shipping aggregator for small businesses
- FreightWise Logistics Cost Management
Transportation cost management tool for small businesses
- Liftoff
Ecommerce platform for small businesses to manage multiple clients from a single dashboard
- Helium 10
ECommerce tool to sell on Amazon
- Nexternal
USPS compatible ecommerce checkout cart for small businesses
- GetMeAShop
Online shop platform for Indian ecommerce businesses
- MarketStudio
Product content automation tool and multi-channel marketing platform for small businesses
- Kangaroo
Loyalty program tool for small ecommerce businesses
- K-eCommerce
Ecommerce platform designed for Microsoft Dynamics and SAP business applications
- Elavon
Payment processing for SMBs
- Shift4Shop
Turnkey ecommerce solution for small businesses
- Rain Point of Sale
POS tool for retail businesses
- Ensemble
ERP solution for small businesses
Our Selection Criteria for Ecommerce Platforms for Small Businesses
Choosing the right ecommerce platform for your small business can feel overwhelming, but we’ve simplified the process with a weighted scoring system to help you make the best decision for your needs. Here’s what we prioritized:
Core functionality (25% of total weighting score)
This covers the essential features that every ecommerce platform should provide:
- Mobile-responsive design. Your store needs to look great and function perfectly on any device, especially since most shoppers are on mobile.
- Secure payment processing. Choose a platform that supports multiple payment gateways (like PayPal or Stripe) and ensures secure transactions.
- Inventory management. Stay on top of your stock with automatic updates and alerts when it’s time to reorder.
- Order and shipping management. The platform should make processing orders and handling shipments easy, from printing labels to tracking packages.
- Multichannel selling. Look for platforms that enable you to sell across multiple channels—social media, marketplaces, and your own store—without the headache.
Standout features (25% of total weighting score)
The extras that help you go beyond basic functionality and give you an edge:
- SEO tools. Built-in SEO features or seamless integrations with SEO software can help you boost your store’s visibility in search results.
- Marketing integrations. Make sure you can easily connect your platform to email marketing software, social media platforms, and customer retention tools to drive more sales.
- Customizable themes. A variety of customizable templates will ensure your online store stands out and reflects your brand’s identity.
- Abandoned cart recovery. Reduce lost sales by automatically following up with customers who leave items in their carts without checking out.
- Advanced reporting. Comprehensive reports on sales, customer behavior, and inventory trends help you make informed decisions about your business.
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
This is about ensuring the platform is easy to set up and use, even without technical expertise:
- User-friendly interface. Look for a platform that’s intuitive and simple to navigate, so you can focus on running your business instead of learning complex software.
- Straightforward setup. Platforms that offer setup wizards or guides will help you launch your store quickly, without needing outside help.
- Streamlined workflows. From managing products to processing orders, the platform should simplify every step of your business operations.
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
Get your store up and running without a hitch:
- Training resources. Platforms should offer helpful videos, guides, or cheat sheets so your team isn’t left guessing during setup.
- Interactive product tours. Hands-on demos give you a feel for how the platform works before you commit.
- Supportive setup. Friendly and responsive support to guide you through the setup process is like having a personal assistant for your new store.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score)
Ensure you have help when you need it:
- Responsive support team. You should be able to reach a knowledgeable support team through live chat, email, or phone, depending on your preference.
- Comprehensive resources. Platforms with detailed knowledge bases, tutorials, and active user forums make troubleshooting easier.
- Onboarding support. Some platforms provide personalized onboarding or training sessions, which can be invaluable for new users.
Value for money (10% of total weighting score)
This means getting the features you need without breaking the bank:
- Affordable pricing plans. Look for flexible pricing tiers that fit your current budget, with the option to scale as your business grows.
- Low transaction fees. Understand any transaction fees upfront, so you can avoid unexpected costs with each sale.
- Scalability. Choose a platform that won’t hold you back as your business expands, with advanced features available as you grow.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score)
Insight from real users who’ve been in your shoes:
- Ease of use. Pay attention to reviews that praise a platform’s user-friendliness, which is key for small businesses without in-house tech teams.
- Support feedback. Look for reviews highlighting positive experiences with customer support—reliable help can make all the difference.
- Feature satisfaction. Find out what features users love (or don’t love) about each platform, especially regarding customization, integrations, and reporting.
By weighing these criteria, you can select an ecommerce platform that will help your small business thrive online, whether you're just starting out or scaling to the next level.
What is an Ecommerce Platform for Small Business?
An ecommerce platform is the all-in-one software small businesses use to build, manage, and grow an online store—without needing to code.
It lets you list products, accept secure payments, fulfill orders, and track performance in one place.
The best platforms are built for simplicity and scalability.
You’ll get tools for setting up a sleek storefront, managing inventory, and processing orders with ease. They also support a wide range of payment options—from credit cards to PayPal to buy-now-pay-later—so your customers can check out however they prefer.
Security comes standard with features like SSL encryption and PCI compliance.
And with mobile apps, you can monitor sales, update listings, and respond to customers from anywhere. It’s ecommerce that works as hard as you do.
How to Choose an Ecommerce Platform for Your Small Business
Picking the right ecommerce platform isn’t just about features—it’s about finding the one that fits your workflow, your budget, and your growth plans. Here's how to spot the right fit without getting overwhelmed:
Step | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
1. Keep it simple | Drag-and-drop builders, clear setup guides, zero coding required | You’ve got products to sell, not a development team to manage |
2. Know the true cost | Transparent pricing, low transaction fees, few hidden add-ons | Some “cheap” tools get expensive fast—make sure the math checks out |
3. Go mobile-first | Mobile app to manage orders, mobile-optimized checkout | You're not always at a desk—and neither are your customers |
4. Check for payment flexibility | Accepts PayPal, credit cards, wallets, BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) | Fewer checkout blockers = more conversions |
5. Customize your vibe | Flexible themes, brandable layouts, CSS/HTML optional | Your store should feel like you, not a stock template |
6. Look for built-in tools | SEO, email marketing, abandoned cart recovery | Growth tools should come standard—not as a $49/month upsell |
7. Make sure it plays nice | Integrates with your CRM, accounting, shipping, and POS tools | Less switching tabs = more time selling |
8. Plan for growth | Multichannel sales, product scaling, international options | You might be small now—but think big from day one |
9. Demand real support | 24/7 chat, email, onboarding, and a searchable knowledge base | Because something will break, and you don’t have time to Google it for an hour |
Bottom line: Your ecommerce platform should feel like a business partner, not a puzzle. Find one that sets you up to win from day one—and grows with you from there.
Ecommerce Platform Trends
Ecommerce in 2025 is all gas, no brakes—and small businesses need to stay sharp to keep up.
Here’s what’s hot right now:
- AI-powered personalization. Platforms are using AI to create “just for you” shopping experiences with smarter product suggestions, better targeting, and automated email flows.
- Social commerce takeover. Selling directly on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook isn’t optional anymore—it’s expected. The best platforms make multichannel selling feel seamless.
- Mobile-first design. One-click checkouts, fast-loading mobile sites, and mobile wallet support are the new baseline. If your store isn’t lightning-fast on phones, you’re losing sales.
- Flexible payment options. Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), Apple Pay, Google Pay, crypto—you name it. Customers want to pay their way, and your platform should be ready.
- Customer support as a differentiator. 24/7 live chat, self-service help centers, and fast response times are no longer nice-to-haves. Platforms are competing on how fast they can fix your problem.
- Security you can trust. With rising fraud and privacy concerns, platforms are prioritizing features like SSL encryption, fraud detection, and PCI compliance. You won’t always notice it—but your customers will trust it.
- Subscriptions and recurring revenue. From monthly boxes to paid memberships, subscription tools are becoming built-in instead of bolted on.
- Fast, local fulfillment. Expect tighter integrations with shipping partners and inventory systems that let you compete with the delivery speed of big-box retailers.
2025 is all about meeting customers where they are, whether it’s on their phone, their favorite social feed, or the fast lane to eco-conscious shopping.
Embrace the trends, and your small business will be ready to win.
Key Features of Small Business Ecommerce Platforms
Running a small business is already a juggling act—your ecommerce platform should make things easier, not harder. Here’s what you need to look for to set up shop and grow your business online:
- Mobile-friendly design. Your store needs to shine on every screen. Responsive templates ensure fast loading and smooth browsing on phones, tablets, or desktops.
- Built-in payment solutions. Accept credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and even Buy Now Pay Later options—your customers expect to pay their way.
- Mobile app access. Manage orders, update listings, and check sales in real time—from your phone, the beach, or your kid’s soccer game.
- Inventory & order management. Get alerts when stock runs low, update listings in bulk, and streamline fulfillment with real-time tracking and shipping tools.
- Security that protects your store. Features like SSL encryption, PCI compliance, and fraud detection keep transactions safe and customer trust high.
- Customization without complexity. Drag-and-drop builders and theme flexibility let you build a store that looks like you—no coding required.
- SEO & marketing tools. Optimize for Google, launch email campaigns, and connect your social channels—all from one dashboard.
- Customer support options. Whether it’s 24/7 chat, email, or help docs, fast support means fewer headaches and faster fixes.
- Third-party integrations. Sync your ecommerce setup with tools like QuickBooks, Mailchimp, or ShipStation to keep everything running smoothly.
- Reporting & analytics. Understand what’s selling, who’s buying, and where to improve—without needing a data science degree.
In short: A solid ecommerce platform gives you all the tools you need to manage and grow your online business, without adding unnecessary complexity.
Top Benefits of Small Business Ecommerce Platforms
Running a small business isn’t easy, but the right ecommerce platform can feel like your MVP. It’s not just a tool to sell your products—it’s a game plan for success.
Here’s why these platforms are the real deal:
- Budget-friendly setup. Most offer affordable pricing with enough features to launch confidently—no need to max out your credit card before you make your first sale.
- No tech meltdowns. Skip the code. These tools are built for normal humans with drag-and-drop builders, onboarding guides, and intuitive dashboards.
- Total payment flexibility. Whether it’s credit, PayPal, Apple Pay, or BNPL, customers can pay how they want—and you don’t lose sales at the last click.
- You’re not chained to your desk. Mobile apps let you check sales, process orders, and fix problems wherever you are. It’s like running your store from your pocket.
- Secure by default. SSL encryption, PCI compliance, and fraud prevention are baked in—so your customers’ data stays safe, and you stay out of hot water.
- Built to grow. Add products, expand to new channels, or start shipping globally without switching platforms halfway through your journey.
- Support when you need it. Things will break. The good platforms offer fast, friendly help via chat, email, or knowledge base when it matters most.
- Marketing tools included. Get found with SEO, keep customers coming back with email campaigns, and run promos without juggling five different apps.
- Always open. Your store sells 24/7, even while you’re asleep or finally taking that weekend off.
With the right ecommerce platform, your small business becomes a well-oiled sales machine—saving you time, expanding your reach, and making growth feel effortless.
Cost & Pricing of Ecommerce Platforms for Small Businesses
You'll find ecommerce platforms at various price points, each designed to serve businesses of different sizes, needs, and budgets.
Several factors affect pricing for ecommerce platforms, including:
- Customization options
- Number of products
- Built-in marketing tools
- Hosting included
- Security features
- International selling capabilities
- Scalability
- Support options
- Transaction fees
Small businesses typically have unique needs and constraints compared to larger enterprises. They can benefit from lower pricing tiers that offer essential features without the extras that may be necessary for bigger businesses.
The great thing is that many ecommerce platforms have multiple tiers that allow for scalability as you grow.
Here's a breakdown of the common plan options and their pricing in the ecommerce platform market, tailored specifically for small businesses.
You'll see which type of business each plan type is generally best for, but you'll always want to assess your own needs.
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features Included | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Limited product listings, basic templates, basic SEO tools, transaction fees on sales. | Hobbyists, solopreneurs |
Basic | $20 - $30/month | Website hosting, basic templates, product listings, basic SEO tools, simple analytics. | Small businesses, startups |
Professional | $50 - $100/month | All Basic features, additional templates, marketing tools, improved SEO capabilities, advanced analytics. | Growing small businesses |
Advanced | $150 - $300/month | All Professional features, advanced analytics, customer segmentation, abandoned cart recovery, priority support. | Small businesses scaling up |
Enterprise | $500+/month | All Advanced features, custom integrations, full customization, dedicated support, training, enterprise-grade security. | Large businesses, enterprises |
When considering an ecommerce platform, software buyers should weigh their current business needs against their future growth plans.
Ultimately, the choice of an ecommerce platform plan should align with your business goals, budget, and the level of control and customization you require.
Small Business Ecommerce Platform FAQs
To make this list of best ecommerce platforms for small businesses even more comprehensive, I wanted to cover some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic.
How do I choose an ecommerce platform?
Choosing the right ecommerce platform involves a few key steps:
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Assess your needs. How big is your catalog? Do you plan to scale quickly? Are you comfortable with tech, or do you want a platform that just works out of the box?
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Evaluate features. Prioritize essentials like ease of use, secure checkout, payment flexibility (credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.), mobile access, and built-in marketing tools. If it doesn’t support your sales and operations from day one, skip it.
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Consider costs. Look beyond the base price. Watch for transaction fees, paid add-ons, and “premium” features that might be essential. Transparent pricing wins every time.
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Test usability. Don’t just read about it—use the free trial or demo. See if it’s intuitive, how mobile-friendly it is, and whether the backend makes sense for you.
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Check support quality. If something breaks, will you get a real human fast? Look for platforms with 24/7 support, strong documentation, and active communities.
The right platform should feel like a partner, not a project. It should simplify your life, not pile on more complexity. If you find yourself spending more time troubleshooting than selling, you haven’t found the right one yet.
What is the best ecommerce platform for beginners?
For newcomers to the ecommerce world, several platforms stand out as beginner-friendly options:
- Shopify: Known for its intuitive interface and comprehensive support, it’s like having a knowledgeable guide at your side.
- Wix: Offers impressive design flexibility with its drag-and-drop editor, perfect for the visually inclined entrepreneur.
- Square Online: Ideal for those already using Square for in-person sales, providing a seamless transition to online retail.
- BigCommerce: Boasts robust features that grow with your business, making it a solid choice for ambitious beginners.
Each platform offers user-friendly tools and integrated payment processing, enabling newcomers to launch their online stores with confidence. The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals.
Many of the platforms discussed in this post are great for beginners, as many small businesses don’t have the resources for more complex tech stacks.
Which ecommerce platform has the least fees?
If you’re looking to minimize fees, consider these platforms:
- WooCommerce:
- Free to use.
- Pay for hosting, domain, and premium extensions.
- No transaction fees from WooCommerce itself, but your payment processor may charge fees.
- PrestaShop:
- Free and open-source.
- Costs include hosting, domain, and optional modules or themes.
- Square Online:
- No monthly fees for the basic plan.
- Standard transaction fees apply.
- Ecwid:
- Free plan with basic features.
- Paid plans for advanced features, with monthly fees.
- Transaction fees from payment processors.
These platforms allow you to manage costs effectively while providing essential ecommerce functionalities.
Remember, “fewest fees” doesn’t always mean “cheapest” overall. Consider factors like transaction rates, payment gateway fees, and potential costs for add-ons or premium features.
The most economical choice will depend on your sales volume, product range, and specific business needs.
Which ecommerce platforms offer the most flexible payment options?
If your customers can’t pay how they want, they won’t pay at all.
Platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Squarespace offer wide payment gateway support—including PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) tools like Afterpay. Others, like WooCommerce, give you more control by letting you install your own gateways—but they may require more setup.
Look for platforms that offer built-in options and simple integrations so you can start accepting payments from Day One without any plugin gymnastics.
Which platforms are most secure for customer data and transactions?
Look for platforms with PCI compliance, SSL encryption, and fraud detection as standard features.
Shopify, BigCommerce, and Wix all offer strong out-of-the-box security.
If you’re going open-source (like PrestaShop or WooCommerce), you’ll be more hands-on with updates and plugin security—so be sure you’re comfortable managing that, or work with a developer who is.
Bonus tip: Always check if the platform’s checkout is hosted or self-managed—hosted checkouts usually mean fewer security headaches for you.
Other Ecommerce Platform Reviews
Here are some similar ecommerce platform reviews that you can check out if you haven't quite found what you're looking for yet.
- Headless Ecommerce Platforms
- Multichannel Ecommerce Software
- Free Ecommerce Platforms
- Social Commerce Platforms
- Cheap Ecommerce Platforms
- Hosted Ecommerce Platforms
- SaaS Ecommerce Platforms
- International Ecommerce Platforms
- Ecommerce Platforms In Canada
Your Small Business Needs the Right Foundation
As you can see, small businesses have a ton of options for ecommerce platforms. Your choices have only proliferated over time, and the platforms have gotten measurably better to top it off.
As we often say, the right platform for you depends on you—your sales channels, your vertical, your global aspirations, your catalog size, and on and on.
You need to find the one that checks your boxes.
That said, we like to think we've significantly narrowed your search. I'm certain that your perfect platform is somewhere in this post. Now, it's up to you to make the final moves.
Good luck!
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