The 28 Best Ecommerce Software to Grow Your Brand, Reviewed & Compared for 2025
The 10 Best Ecommerce Software Solutions You Need
Ahead of all the words, sentences, and paragraphs to come, let’s take a moment with this shortlist of our favorite ecommerce software, plus what each is best for.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
The best ecommerce stores are riding on the rails of the best ecommerce software.
Don't believe me? Go check their tech stacks with BuiltWith and you'll see a variety of SaaS products that are enabling them to do more with less.
The catch-all ' ecommerce software' encompasses a huge swath of capabilities—email marketing, inventory management, payment processing, marketing automation, multichannel sales, sales automation, and more.
Where your ecommerce platform can handle many of these functionalities at the early stages of your business, you'll need to add dedicated tools to scale up effectively. And for each functionality, you need to find the best tool out there.
Which is where we come in (and why you are reading this intro right now, honestly).
With my ecommerce acumen and our shiny scoring system, we've identified the top ecommerce software to make your store into the revenue-generating machine you want it to be.
Why Trust Our Ecommerce Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing retail and ecommerce software since 2021.
As retail experts ourselves, we know how critical and 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 finance and accounting use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent and our review methodology.
Comparing the Best Ecommerce Software Solutions, Feature by Feature
We love a good comparison table, don’t we? First, we’ll look at pricing, though these tools aren’t 1:1, so take it lightly as comparison. For other feature comparisons, click Compare Software below the table.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best ecommerce software for warehouse management | Free demo available | From $359/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for automated marketing workflows | Free plan available | From $16/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for subscription-first businesses with AI features | 14-day free trial | From $29/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best enterprise-level ecommerce software | 15-day free trial | From $29/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best ecommerce software for customer engagement | 21-day free trial | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best ecommerce software for international payments | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best ecommerce software for inventory & fulfillment | 30-day free trial | From $0/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best ecommerce software for automated marketing | Free demo | From $895/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best ecommerce software for beginners | Free plan available | From $99/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best ecommerce software for small to mid-sized businesses | Freemium plan available | From $14.08/month | Website |
The 10 Best Ecommerce Software to Scale Your Brand, Reviewed
Here’s a brief description of each of the ecommerce apps to showcase each tool’s best use case, some noteworthy features, and screenshots to give a snapshot of the user interface.
SkuVault is an and warehouse management software that helps online businesses manage their stock and inventory, supply chain, and cataloging process. It can be used to manage your inventory across multiple warehouse locations, and to streamline your order fulfillment with smart automation features.
Why I picked SkuVault: Processes like inventory picking, inventory transfers, and stock reporting can all be facilitated with the software. You can use the barcode scanning feature to speed up your process and automatically update your inventory levels in the system. Your inventory levels across multiple warehouses will be managed in one place, making it easier to keep track of everything and be efficient in your supply chain management.
The software also provides customizable cataloging features, so you can kit, bundle, and list assembled products. All plans come with onboarding and an online training library, to help get your team up and running more quickly. There are also an array of add-on training plans you can choose to purchase for additional support.
SkuVault Standout Features and Integrations
Features include inventory forecasting, barcode scanning, real-time data syncs, cycle counting, inventory pick lists, unlimited sales channels, unlimited SKUs, advanced analytics, and inventory management reports.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Amazon, Easyship, eBay, Etsy, Lightspeed, Marketo, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, QuickBooks, Salesforce, ShipWorks, Square, and many others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Friendly user interface
- Customizable cataloging capabilities
- Onboarding and training included with all plans
Cons:
- Fees for additional training
- Lacking in overall customizability
Omnisend is a versatile marketing software, enabling ecommerce businesses to automate personalized communication across email, SMS, and social channels. It's designed to boost sales by effectively targeting customers with customized messaging and campaigns.
Why I Picked Omnisend: Omnisend is a powerful tool for ecommerce businesses, streamlining marketing efforts through automation and personalization. Key functionalities include email marketing, SMS messaging, and integration with social media apps, allowing for cohesive, multi-channel campaigns. Its strength lies in its ability to segment audiences and tailor messages based on customer behavior and preferences, enhancing engagement and conversion rates. Additionally, Omnisend offers robust analytics for tracking campaign performance, helping businesses refine their strategies for maximum impact. This software is particularly useful for ecommerce entities looking to consolidate their marketing tools and strategies into one efficient, effective system.
Omnisend Standout Features and Integrations
Features include email marketing, SMS and push notifications, segmentation and personalization, automated workflows, A/B testing, campaign performance analytics, forms and landing pages, product recommendations, integration with ecommerce sites, and social media advertising.
Integrations include BigCommerce, Drupal Commerce, Facebook Ads, Gorgias, Magento, OpenCart, Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, and others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-channel marketing
- Comprehensive integration system
- Advanced segmentation and personalization
Cons:
- Extensive features have learning curve
- Limited customization in templates
Subbly is a subscription-first commerce platform with AI features, designed to help businesses prioritize recurring revenue and optimize their subscription model. It offers a range of tools and features such as funnel and bundle builders, website creation, and migration assistance, making it the best choice for businesses looking to manage and grow their subscription-based operations.
Why I Picked Subbly: I chose to include Subbly in this list specifically for subscription-first ecommerce businesses. When comparing it to other platforms, Subbly stands out by eliminating the need for multiple plugins and complex systems. This makes managing subscriptions a little more streamlined while its native AI capabilities help maximize revenue and improve customer retention.
Subbly offers unique features such as a flexible bundle builder, multiple checkout templates, and policies that ensure full data ownership. In addition, Subbly offers modern AI features and built-in AI tools designed to personalize and optimize user experiences. This focus on AI, combined with its full suite of tools tailored for subscription models, makes it particularly suitable for businesses that prioritize subscriptions.
Subbly Standout Features and Integrations
Features include customizable subscription plans and flexible billing options, allowing businesses to tailor their offerings to different customer segments and billing cycles. The platform also provides various customer management tools, marketing and analytics capabilities, and native AI features to enhance customer retention and revenue. Additionally, Subbly ensures full data ownership and offers extensive customization options through APIs, SDKs, and open-source templates.
Integrations include Twilio, Zapier, Intercom, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Zendesk, Hotjar, Drip, Klaviyo, Facebook, ChartMogul, Flodesk, and TaxJar.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced subcription-based business analytics and reporting
- No-code website building capabilities
- User-friendly for those without a technical background
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations with popular CRM platforms
- Slight learning curve for new users
Bigcommerce is a cloud-based ecommerce platform that enables merchants to create, manage and promote their online stores. Users can quickly set up an online store with a wide range of features such as product catalogs, shopping cart functionality, and payment processing–all without needing any coding knowledge or technical expertise.
Why I Picked Bigcommerce: Bigcommerce provides powerful marketing tools like email marketing campaigns, analytics reporting, and integrations with other third-party services like Google Analytics and Facebook Ads. This makes it easy for businesses to track their performance across multiple channels and optimize their marketing efforts accordingly.
BigCommerce offers an intuitive product management system that makes it easy for users to add, edit, or delete products from their catalog. They can apply attributes such as size, color, and price to each product for easier sorting. Additionally, sellers can create complex hierarchical product categories and assign products to multiple categories to better organize them into their store’s structure. BigCommerce has plenty of marketing tools that help merchants promote their stores and increase sales. These include coupon codes, discounts, and loyalty programs that they can use to incentivize customers, as well as email automation tools that let users easily send out promotional emails or newsletters. Users can also create product bundles and set up upsells/cross-sells to increase average order values.
Bigcommerce Standout Features & Integrations
Features include customizable templates, built-in SEO, marketing tools, shipping & fulfillment, inventory management, reporting features, mobile-friendly design, responsive checkout, multiple payment gateway options, extensive third-party integrations, and 24/7 customer support.
Integrations include PayPal Express Checkout, Stripe, Apple Pay, LiveChat, ShipStation, Georgias, Mailchimp, Quickbooks Online, Yotpo Product Reviews, Justuno, Brightpearl, Acumatica, ActiveCampaign, Hubspot, Klavyio, Shopgate, Printify, and dozens of other apps.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No transaction fees
- Flexible product pricing rules
- Robust inventory management system
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Muddy API documentation
Freshsales is a sales automation solution that helps entrepreneurs manage leads, interact with clients, gain marketing insights, and improve customer relationships. Features include custom workflows with event-based triggers to automate everyday tasks. Additional features include customizable email templates, predictive contact scoring, sales goals management, and audit logs. For both physical and digital products, managers can view and track team performance, KPIs, sales numbers, and client communication. All these functions can be monitored easily from a single analytics dashboard.
Why I Picked Freshsales: Using Freshsales, you can create custom sales pipelines based on teams, processes, location, or other criteria. You can track buyers using mobile apps or desktop devices.
Freshsales Standout Features & Integrations
Features include sales automation, pipeline management, third-party plugins/add-ons, task scheduling/tracking, lead scoring, notifications, lead management, multi-currency, data visualizations, calendar management, dashboards, forecasting, contact management, customer management, and file sharing.
Integrations include Freshdesk, Freshchat, Freshmarketer, Freshcaller, Freshconnect, MailChimp, Google Calendar, Hubspot Marketing, Office 365 Calendar, QuickBooks, Google, Apps for Work, Google Contacts, Piesync, Xero, and Segment. You can access more options using a paid plan through Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust feature set for paid plans
- Strong reporting & analytics capabilities
- AI-powered lead scoring
Cons:
- Free version has limited features
- Limited customization options for UI
FastSpring is an ecommerce solution for managing online payments. The software helps you manage payment processing, payment gateways, credit cards, PayPal payments, subscriptions, recurring billing, multiple currencies, and data security. Admins can update products, prices, and online stores in real-time and use the fraud monitoring and detection algorithm to block fraudulent transactions. Subscriptions and pricing plans can be configured in multiple ways to offer annual/monthly billing options, free trials, or discounts.
Why I Picked FastSpring: With FastSpring, you can customize the selling platform language and payment options according to the customer’s location. Using the store builder library, they can also create customizable checkout procedures and send automated reminders to clients.
FastSpring Standout Features & Integrations
Features include A/B testing, conversion tracking, dashboards, forecasting, notifications, payment processing, external integrations, customer management, billing/invoicing, multi-currency, tax management, order management, product catalog, and third-party plugins/add-ons.
Integrations include MailChimp and more using a paid plan through Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Discount management.
- Excellent customer support.
- Great option for software subscription sales (SaaS)
Cons:
- Limited customization options.
- Could use better fraud detection
Popular with both startups and established enterprises, Veeqo is an integrated inventory and fulfillment suite. The software unifies your inventory and orders, speeds up dispatch, and provides a unified overview of multichannel sales. Features include purchasing management, demand forecasting, and returns handling.
Why I Picked Veeqo: With Veeqo, inventory is synced in real-time across stores and warehouses. You can also manage cycle stock takes, facilitate warehouse transfers and get low stock alerts. Veeqo will sync returned stock, audit stock history, and give you control through user permissions handling.
Veeqo Standout Features & Integrations
Features include customer management, product catalog, dashboards, forecasting, supplier management, shipping management, warehouse management, order management, inventory tracking, budgeting, external integrations, notifications, and data export.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and Etsy.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent customer service.
- Helpful knowledge base
- Manages sales channels from one place
Cons:
- Needs more courier integrations
- Steep learning curve
Part of the Adobe Experience Cloud, Marketo Engage is an email marketing and engagement platform. Ecommerce sellers can use this service to automate marketing, manage social media campaigns, recover abandoned carts, and improve the customer experience. Additional backend ecommerce features include budget management, sales insights, analytics, and ecommerce website personalization.
Why I Picked Marketo: Ecommerce site owners can score engagement throughout each stage of the buying journey. Content personalization presents the right content to the right people at the right time, while marketing impact analytics give visibility into how sales occur. Using AI-segmented audiences, it’s also possible to maximize engagement and conversions.
Marketo Standout Features & Integrations
Features include marketing automations, lead management, lead scoring, audience targetting, calendar management, conversion tracking, dashboards, data visualization, and external integrations.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and SugarCRM.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-touch attribution management
- Highly customizable & scalable
- Enterprise-grade functionality & security
Cons:
- Comparatively outdated, clunky UI
- Pricing may be prohibitive for small biz
Adzooma is an integrated digital marketing platform that aims to make marketing easy. Using this SaaS software, you can manage your Google, Facebook, and Microsoft campaigns from one central location. The platform uses machine learning and data science to pinpoint what drives business success. You then get personalized checklists and SEO tools for further campaign optimization.
Why I Picked Adzooma: Suitable for beginners and experts, Adzooma has a short learning curve. It offers clear insights into marketing performance, giving you a business score for benchmarking your campaigns. It also includes marketing playbooks and tutorials designed to accelerate your marketing progress.
Adzooma Standout Features & Integrations
Features include ad management, review management, web metrics reports, performance reports, workflow automation, campaign builder, and SEO reports.
Integrations include WordPress, Wix, Volusion, Weebly, Squarespace, Shopify Plus, Magento, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft Ads.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Broken campaign alerts
- CRT & CPC optimization
- Rich feature set (SEO, social, Ads)
Cons:
- May not be cost effective for small biz
- Shaky connection to Google Analytics
Lightspeed is an ecommerce platform that’s perfect for small to mid-sized businesses with no coding experience. You can easily build a beautifully designed store and start selling with little fuss, even if you’ve never built a website before.
Why I Picked Lightspeed: Lightspeed is a great all-in-one tool that can help you build, launch, and market your website from a single interface. Their drag-and-drop website builder is easy for non-technical users to design and customize an online store that looks professional and maximizes all potential upsell functions. For example, when building out the checkout process, you can add custom discounts and cross-sell opportunities to alert customers to other products they may enjoy.
Lightspeed offers advanced inventory management features like product variants and bundling, allowing you to customize how your products are purchased. The tool’s multi-channel capabilities allow small businesses to sell their products across multiple channels, including social media and marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, making it easier to reach a wider audience, quickly.
Lightspeed Standout Features & Integrations
Features include a multi-channel sales, a no-code website builder, subscriptions + digital goods, online marketing, inventory management, and a mobile app.
Integrations include Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Printful, ShippingEasy, Zoho CRM, Salesforce, bindCommerce, Quickbooks, Kliken Stats, UniSender, HubSpot, and ZenDesk. Many additional integrations are available by connecting a paid Zapier account.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No setup or transaction fees
- Simple, robust multi-channel selling
- Free plan available
Cons:
- Some customization limitations
- Phone support locked to highest plans
Other Ecommerce Software
Here are a few more ecommerce solutions that didn’t make the top list.
- ShipHero
For outsourced ecommerce fulfillment
- MarketPlan
Modular ecommerce software
- Hoopla
Ecommerce software for sales enablement
- Percolate
Ecommerce software for multichannel content marketing
- Trellis
Ecommerce software for Amazon sellers
- Zoho Desk
Omnichannel customer service software that increases agent productivity
- Insightly
Tools for building better customer relationships
- Aircall
For cloud-based call center software
- 3dcart
Shopping cart software and online store/website builder
- StoryChief
Content marketing for dropshipping and eCommerce professionals
- EngageBay
Sales, marketing, and customer support for online sellers
- ActiveCampaign
An advanced suite of email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM tools
- Funnel
A better way to collect, prepare and analyze all your marketing data
- Bazaarvoice
For collecting, displaying, and distributing user-generated content at scale
- Shift4Shop
Turnkey ecommerce solution for building websites and selling online
- Supermetrics
Connects your marketing data to your go-to reporting, analytics, or storage platform
- Feedonomics
Multi-channel selling tool with automated product listings
- Blueshift
Intelligent customer engagement across multiple channels
Related Ecommerce Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these related ecommerce tools that we've tested and evaluated.
- Ecommerce Platforms
- Inventory Management Software
- Payment Processing Software
- Shopping Cart Solutions
- Order Management Systems
- Warehouse Management Software
- Subscription Management Software
Our Selection Criteria for Ecommerce Software
Choosing the right ecommerce software is like assembling the perfect toolkit—you need solutions that tackle specific business challenges while fitting seamlessly into your overall system.
After evaluating a variety of tools, we’ve created a weighted scoring system to help you find the best software for your ecommerce business.
Here’s how we break it down:
Core functionality (25% of total weighting score)
This is where ecommerce software proves its worth—the essential functions that keep your operations running smoothly. Without these, it's like trying to run a store without inventory.
- Inventory management. The ability to monitor stock levels, receive low-inventory alerts, and manage product variants (like different sizes and colors).
- Order processing. Seamlessly handle customer orders from payment to shipping, including automated confirmation emails and tracking updates.
- Payment processing. Securely process payments through various gateways (credit cards, PayPal, digital wallets) with encryption and fraud protection.
- Shipping and fulfillment. Integration with shipping carriers, real-time rate calculations, label printing, and shipment tracking.
- Customer management. Store customer information, track purchase history, and offer personalized service or marketing based on their data.
Additional standout features (25% of total weighting score)
These are the extras that make the software not just functional, but exceptional—tools that streamline your processes or give you a competitive edge.
- Automation capabilities. Automate repetitive tasks like sending order confirmations, updating inventory, and creating shipping labels.
- Third-party integrations. Connect easily with other tools you’re already using, like email marketing software, CRMs, or accounting platforms.
- Advanced reporting and analytics. Dive into detailed sales data, customer insights, and inventory performance to inform decision-making.
- Multi-location inventory. If you manage inventory across different warehouses or stores, this feature is essential to track stock levels accurately.
- Custom workflows. The ability to tailor processes, from order fulfillment to customer support, to match the way your business operates.
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
No matter how many features a piece of software has, it’s useless if it’s a headache to operate. Simplicity and ease of use are critical.
- Intuitive interface. A simple, clean design that’s easy for any team member to navigate—even without tech expertise.
- Customizable dashboard. The ability to personalize your workspace so the most important data is front and center.
- Efficient workflows. Streamlined processes for common tasks like order fulfillment, stock management, and customer communication.
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
Time is money, and good onboarding tools help you get up and running quickly without endless confusion.
- Setup guides and tutorials. Clear documentation, video tutorials, or webinars that walk you through setup step-by-step.
- Interactive product tours. In-platform guidance that highlights key features and shortcuts as you use the software for the first time.
- Personalized support. Access to live setup assistance or a dedicated support team to help ensure your software is properly configured.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score)
When things go wrong (because they inevitably will), having reliable customer support can save your business from unnecessary downtime.
- Responsive helpdesk. Quick, helpful responses to inquiries, especially during high-pressure times like holidays or flash sales.
- Multiple support channels. Offering support through email, chat, or phone so you can get help in the way that works best for you.
- Comprehensive self-help resources. A detailed knowledge base, FAQs, or community forum where you can find answers fast.
Value for money (10% of total weighting score)
You need to ensure the software fits your budget, but it’s about more than just the price tag—it’s about getting what you pay for.
- Transparent pricing. Clear costs without hidden fees for basic features or surprise charges when scaling up your usage.
- Flexible pricing plans. Options that scale as your business grows, allowing you to start small and add features or users as needed.
- Bang for your buck. A good balance of features, performance, and cost compared to other solutions in the same category.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score)
There’s no better way to evaluate a piece of software than by hearing what other users have to say. Real feedback from real businesses matters.
- High user satisfaction. Look for software with consistently positive reviews from businesses similar to yours.
- Praise for ease of use. Reviews that highlight how simple it is to integrate the software into existing processes.
- Strong support feedback. Consistent praise for responsive and helpful customer support can be a game-changer when things get tricky.
By weighing these criteria, you’ll be able to find ecommerce software that fits perfectly with your specific business needs—whether it’s optimizing inventory management, automating routine tasks, or improving customer service.
What is Ecommerce Software?
Ecommerce software is the engine room of your online store.
It powers the behind-the-scenes operations—handling everything from inventory management and order processing to security and customer experience—so your brand can run smoother, sell smarter, and scale faster.
While ecommerce platforms (like Shopify or BigCommerce) give you the storefront, ecommerce software equips you with the tools to optimize it.
Think of it as the difference between a bare-bones shop and a high-performing, conversion-optimized engine room.
Here’s what ecommerce software typically includes:
- Inventory management. Real-time stock tracking and low-inventory alerts help you avoid overselling and keep fulfillment running smoothly.
- SEO and marketing tools. These drive traffic by helping your products rank on Google and enabling targeted campaigns across email, SMS, and social media.
- Customer support tools. Live chat, helpdesk ticketing, and chatbot automation improve post-purchase experience and reduce churn.
- Security features. SSL certificates, PCI compliance, data encryption, and fraud detection keep your store and customer data safe.
- Automation and workflows. Let the software handle repetitive tasks like order confirmations, shipping updates, and follow-up emails.
- Analytics and performance tracking. Built-in reporting gives you insights into sales, customer behavior, and marketing performance.
Scalability is also a defining feature. The right ecommerce software won’t just work today—it will grow with you.
Whether you're doubling your SKUs, handling traffic spikes during a flash sale, or expanding globally, your tech stack should keep up without breaking a sweat.
In short, ecommerce software is the difference between simply being online—and being ready to grow, convert, and compete at scale.
How to Choose Ecommerce Software
Choosing the right ecommerce software isn’t just about chasing features—it’s about finding tools that solve real problems, support your team’s workflow, and scale with your growth.
Use this table as your decision-making cheat sheet.
| Step | What to look for | Pro tip |
|---|---|---|
| Start with your pain points. | Identify what’s holding your business back—whether it's slow order processing, weak SEO, or poor customer communication. | Don’t chase shiny tools. Solve real problems you’re facing today. |
| Match tools to your audience. | Look for software that aligns with your business model—dropshippers, subscription-based, DTC, or high-SKU marketplaces have very different needs. | For example, creatives may prioritize visual customization, while dropshippers need fulfillment speed. |
| Check platform compatibility. | Ensure the software integrates with your current tech stack—like your ecommerce platform, CRM, and marketing tools. | Use free trials or sandbox demos to test integrations before committing. |
| Prioritize ease of use. | Choose tools with intuitive dashboards, simple setup, and minimal learning curve. | Run your own “grandma test.” If a non-technical person can navigate it, it passes. |
| Assess scalability. | Your software should grow with your business—supporting higher traffic, more products, and more users without downtime. | Look for customer stories or case studies on how the software scales under pressure. |
| Evaluate security standards. | Must-haves include SSL encryption, PCI compliance, and fraud detection features. | Bonus if they offer multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls. |
| Dig into automation. | Look for features like inventory sync, abandoned cart emails, and auto-shipping labels to streamline operations. | Automation isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a force multiplier for growth. |
| Vet customer support. | Ensure there’s responsive, multi-channel support—email, chat, and preferably 24/7. | Read recent user reviews to assess actual response times and helpfulness. |
| Understand pricing (and hidden costs). | Review what’s included—features, integrations, support—plus any transaction fees or add-ons. | Watch out for “freemium” tools that charge steeply for essentials later. |
Bottom line: The best ecommerce software works with you, not against you.
Choose tools that match your stage of growth, your workflows, and your customer needs—and make sure they’re built to scale with you as you grow.
Trends in Ecommerce Software for 2025
Let’s skip the stale predictions about “AI” and “mobile shopping is growing”—yeah, we got that memo five years ago. What’s really changing in 2025? Smarter software, savvier consumers, and a bigger divide between those who scale fast and those who stall out.
Here’s what you should actually be paying attention to:
- AI is moving beyond chatbots. Ecommerce tools now use AI to personalize storefronts, forecast inventory, build smarter funnels, and even generate landing pages that change based on who’s visiting.
- Phygital commerce is becoming the norm. Software that connects online and offline experiences—like syncing POS data with ecommerce analytics or powering QR code checkouts—is critical for omnichannel brands.
- Unified customer data is the new growth lever. Tools that consolidate customer behavior across support, email, and purchase history allow for sharper personalization and more impactful marketing.
- Security is no longer a checkbox. Built-in encryption, fraud detection, and real-time risk scoring are becoming core differentiators—not afterthoughts—for brands that want to build trust at scale.
- Headless commerce is now a practical advantage. Modular frontends powered by centralized backends let teams launch faster, design freely, and deliver lightning-fast experiences without developer bottlenecks.
- Modular stacks are outpacing all-in-ones. Instead of relying on bloated platforms, brands are assembling agile ecosystems of specialized tools—connected by flexible APIs and built for adaptability.
- Automation is getting predictive. Instead of just reacting to events, ecommerce software is starting to anticipate them—triggering workflows before churn hits or demand spikes.
- User experience is now a competitive feature. Clean, intuitive dashboards and fast, mobile-friendly checkout flows are becoming just as important as feature depth—both for your team and your customers.
- Scalability is separating leaders from laggards. The best software handles growth without blinking—more SKUs, more orders, more complexity—while weaker platforms buckle under pressure.
Features of Ecommerce Software
Ecommerce software isn’t just about bells and whistles—it’s about building a system that runs like a machine while feeling seamless to use.
These are the features that matter when you're serious about growth, efficiency, and customer experience:
- Inventory management. Real-time stock updates, variant tracking, and low-inventory alerts help you avoid overselling and keep fulfillment running smoothly.
- Order processing and fulfillment. Automate confirmations, shipping label creation, and tracking updates to create a frictionless post-purchase experience for customers.
- Payment gateways and security. Support for major payment methods is table stakes, but the real value comes from baked-in SSL encryption, PCI compliance, and fraud detection tools that keep your transactions safe.
- Customer relationship management (CRM). Track customer behavior, automate retention campaigns, and segment audiences for more personalized interactions at scale.
- Analytics and performance tracking. Detailed dashboards show you what’s converting (and what’s not), with insights into revenue trends, customer journeys, and cart abandonment rates.
- SEO and marketing tools. From clean URLs and meta tags to email campaigns and discount engines, built-in marketing features help you get found and sell more.
- Mobile optimization. Responsive design and mobile-first performance ensure customers can browse and buy smoothly from any device—no pinching, zooming, or rage-quitting required.
- Multichannel selling. Sell on your website, marketplaces, and social platforms while syncing everything from one central hub to avoid oversells and duplicate work.
- Customization and flexibility. Modular features, APIs, and integrations let you tailor the software to fit your exact business model—whether you’re running a boutique store or managing 10,000 SKUs.
- User-friendly interface. Intuitive design and logical workflows reduce training time, increase team productivity, and create better experiences for both staff and shoppers.
- Automation capabilities. Automatically update inventory, send abandoned cart emails, generate invoices, or schedule marketing campaigns to save time and reduce human error.
- Scalability and performance. Software should handle traffic spikes, product expansion, and growing complexity without stalling or needing a full-stack developer every time you want to add a plugin.
Benefits of Ecommerce Software
The right ecommerce software doesn’t just run your store—it supercharges your entire business. Here’s how it pays off when you pick a platform that fits your needs (and doesn’t fight your growth):
- Reliable customer support. When things break (they will), access to live chat, help centers, and knowledgeable reps keeps you running and avoids downtime during critical sales moments.
- Increased efficiency through automation. Repetitive tasks like order confirmations, shipping updates, and inventory adjustments are handled automatically, saving time and reducing errors.
- Scalability without added complexity. Whether you're handling a holiday traffic surge or launching new product lines, good software grows with you—no tech fire drills required.
- Improved customer experience. Features like live tracking, mobile-optimized checkouts, and personalized product suggestions make shopping smoother and keep customers coming back.
- Better decision-making with data. Built-in analytics help you spot sales trends, identify high-value customers, and refine your strategy without guessing.
- Multichannel sales from one dashboard. Manage orders, listings, and inventory across marketplaces, social shops, and your website without needing five tabs open at once.
- Lower operational costs. Automating fulfillment, syncing inventory, and eliminating manual tasks reduces overhead while keeping your team lean and efficient.
- Global reach with local ease. Multi-currency support, language localization, and international tax tools make expanding into new markets less painful (and more profitable).
- Reduced risk through built-in security. Software with SSL, PCI compliance, and fraud detection protects your customer data—and your brand reputation.
- Faster onboarding and training. Clean interfaces and built-in walkthroughs help your team get up to speed fast, so you’re not stuck in setup mode for weeks.
Cost & Pricing for Ecommerce Software
Ecommerce software comes in a range of pricing plans to fit businesses from fledgling startups to sprawling enterprises.
Here's a breakdown to help you find your perfect match:
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Option | $0 | Basic features, limited product listings, higher transaction fees, community support, limited user accounts, often includes ads | Startups, small businesses testing the ecommerce waters |
| Basic | $17 - $30/month | Limited product listings, basic reporting, standard payment processing fees, email support, basic integrations, 14-30 day free trial | Small businesses ready to dive in |
| Professional | $79 - $299/month | Unlimited product listings, advanced analytics, lower payment processing fees, multichannel selling, phone and live chat support, extensive third-party integrations | Growing businesses scaling up |
| Business | $299 - $500/month | Advanced shipping solutions, API access for customizations, priority support, unlimited user accounts, enhanced integrations, low to medium setup fees | Mid-sized businesses expanding operations |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Fully customizable features, dedicated account manager, advanced security options, 24/7 premium support, custom user accounts and permissions, tailored integrations, varying setup fees | Large enterprises with complex needs |
Additional cost considerations
- Transaction fees: Some platforms tack on extra fees atop payment processor charges, especially in entry-level plans.
- Payment gateway fees: Services like PayPal or Stripe typically skim around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
- Add-ons and plugins: Premium integrations for enhanced functionality—think advanced analytics or marketing tools—can inflate costs.
- Hosting and domains: If not bundled in, you'll need to shell out separately for hosting and domain registration.
- SSL certificates: Securing transactions can set you back $50 to $200 annually, depending on your platform.
- Customer support: Opting for priority or 24/7 support might come with additional fees, based on your chosen service level.
When choosing an ecommerce software plan, weigh both your current needs and future ambitions.
Scrutinize the total cost—including potential add-ons and transaction fees—to ensure the software aligns with your business's growth trajectory and operational objectives.
Ecommerce Software FAQs
You got questions, we got answers. We don’t know your particular questions, so I hope this is right!
How do I integrate ecommerce software with my existing business tools (like CRM, email marketing, etc.)?
Most ecommerce software plays well with others—especially if it’s worth your time. Look for tools with built-in integrations or open APIs that connect with your current stack: email platforms (like Klaviyo or Mailchimp), CRMs (like HubSpot or Salesforce), or accounting tools (like QuickBooks or Xero).
Pro tip: Test integrations during your trial period. Don’t assume it’ll “just work” until you’ve seen it sync in real time—especially when orders or customer data are involved.
Is ecommerce software customizable to fit my unique business workflows?
Yes, and the level of customization varies wildly. Some tools let you tweak dashboards and workflows with no-code builders. Others offer full-blown APIs so your dev team (or agency) can mold it like clay.
If your business needs advanced routing, multi-location logic, or custom order statuses, make sure the software can handle it without duct tape and crossed fingers.
Can ecommerce software handle international sales, including multiple currencies and tax regulations?
The best tools do—because cross-border commerce is the norm now, not a bonus. Look for features like multi-currency pricing, tax calculation by region (think VAT, GST, and all the acronyms), and language localization.
Also worth checking: Does it support local payment options? Customers in Brazil or Germany won’t always want to pay the same way your US buyers do. Bonus points if it auto-detects location and adjusts accordingly.
What kind of analytics and reporting tools should I expect from ecommerce software, and how can they help grow my business?
You want more than sales totals and traffic spikes. Good ecommerce software shows you why things are working (or not)—from product performance and funnel drop-off to lifetime value and cohort behavior.
Great tools even layer in predictive analytics to spot future trends or recommend next best actions. That means less reacting, more forecasting. Which is how you stop guessing and start growing.
How secure is ecommerce software, and what protections should I look for?
If you’re taking payments, storing customer info, or selling anything at all—security isn’t optional. Look for ecommerce software with SSL encryption, PCI compliance, and built-in fraud detection. Bonus points for extras like multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls.
Avoid platforms that rely entirely on third-party plugins for basic security. That’s like putting a deadbolt on a cardboard door.
Can ecommerce software scale with my business as I grow?
It better. Your software should be able to handle more products, more traffic, more complexity, and more team members without turning into a performance bottleneck.
Look for features like cloud-based infrastructure, API extensibility, and load-tested reliability. If a platform is already maxing out when you’re doing 50 orders a day, it’s going to choke when you’re at 500.
Which ecommerce software is best for my type of business?
That depends on what you sell and how you sell it. For example:
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Dropshippers need tight supply chain integration and automation.
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Creative businesses (think makers, artists, niche brands) want design flexibility and low overhead.
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Subscription-first brands need tools that support recurring billing, churn analytics, and customer retention.
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High-volume DTC brands need robust fulfillment, scalable inventory, and marketing automation that can keep up.
There’s no one-size-fits-all tool, but there is a best-fit stack for your specific model. Match the software to your workflow—not the other way around.
Additional Ecommerce Software
Ecommerce managers use dozens of different types of ecommerce tools to carry out an online business endeavor, including sales platforms, e-cart services, inventory management, sales tracking, content marketing, marketing automation, and more.
- Ecommerce Website Builder
- Product Information Management Software (PIM)
- Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) Platforms
- Abandoned Cart Software
- Ecommerce Fulfillment Services
- Order Tracking Software
- Ecommerce CRM (ECRM Tools)
- Ecommerce Customer Service Software
Find Your Software to Unlock Your Profit
Ecommerce is a $10 trillion industry and continues to grow at a frenetic pace.
This is creating fantastic opportunities to grow a successful online business, but the market is very competitive. Hence why using the best ecommerce software can make such a big impact.
You should find your piece of that massive pie by picking the right tools to maximize your efforts and knock out the competition.
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