Pick the right
platform to sell
anything online.
Compare the world's leading ecommerce platforms side by side. See pricing, features, scalability, and the fine print so you can launch your business on the right foundation.
06
Platforms reviewed
60+
Data points tracked
100%
Independent & unbiased
Decisions you can defend, backed by data
Choosing where to build your store is a long-term commitment. We do the tedious research so you can compare what actually matters and move forward without second-guessing.
Genuinely independent
We are not owned by any platform and take no pay-to-play placements. Rankings are driven by the data, not by who pays the most.
Every detail checked
We track 60+ data points per platform, from transaction fees to abandoned-cart recovery, so the fine print never catches you out.
Built to save you time
Filter, shortlist, and compare in minutes instead of opening 20 browser tabs. Decide with confidence and get back to building.
Top-rated platforms
Shopify
The all-in-one commerce platform built to scale.
Starting at
$29/mo
WooCommerce
The open-source ecommerce engine for WordPress.
Starting at
Free + hosting
BigCommerce
Enterprise-grade ecommerce without the enterprise headache.
Starting at
$39/mo
Wix
Drag-and-drop store building with total design freedom.
Starting at
$27/mo
Squarespace
Award-winning templates for beautifully designed stores.
Starting at
$23/mo
Square Online
Free online store that syncs with in-person sales.
Starting at
Free plan
From overwhelmed to decided in three steps
Browse the directory
Start with every platform we cover. Filter by price, free plans, and category to narrow the field to a realistic shortlist.
Compare side by side
Add two or more platforms to the comparison tray and see pricing, scores, and every feature lined up in a single table.
Launch with confidence
Read the full breakdown, weigh the pros and cons, and head to your chosen platform knowing exactly what you are signing up for.
Best in class, at a glance
Shopify
Highest overall rating across every metric we track.
Shopify
Top ease-of-use score for a fast, painless launch.
Shopify
Most headroom to grow from first sale to enterprise.
WooCommerce
Strongest balance of features for the money.
WooCommerce
The highest-rated platform you can start on for free.
Best for your situation
Best for Beginners
Launch your first store with zero technical headaches.
Best for Scaling
Platforms engineered to grow from 100 to 1M orders.
Best Free to Start
Start selling today without spending a cent.
What you get, platform by platform
What to look for before you commit
The cheapest plan is rarely the best deal, and the most popular platform is not always the right one for you. Weigh these six factors before you pick where to build.
Total cost of ownership
Look past the headline price. Factor in transaction fees, paid apps, themes, and payment processing before you commit to a plan.
Ease of use vs control
Hosted builders are faster to launch; open-source tools give you full control. Match the trade-off to your technical comfort.
Room to scale
The right platform today should still fit at 10x the orders. Check catalog limits, performance, and higher-tier pricing early.
Sales channels
If you sell on social, marketplaces, or in person, prioritise platforms with strong multi-channel and point-of-sale support.
Payments and fees
Some platforms charge extra unless you use their own payment processor. A low monthly fee can cost more once fees stack up.
Support and ecosystem
When something breaks mid-sale, responsive support and a deep app marketplace are worth far more than a few saved dollars.
Common questions
Still weighing your options? Here are the questions we hear most from founders choosing an ecommerce platform.
What is the best ecommerce platform?+−
There is no single best platform for everyone. Shopify leads for most growing brands thanks to its balance of ease of use and scale, but the right pick depends on your budget, technical skill, and sales channels. Use the comparison tool to weigh the options against your own priorities.
Which ecommerce platform is best for beginners?+−
Beginners usually do best on a hosted, all-in-one platform that bundles hosting, payments, and support. These remove the technical setup so you can focus on products and marketing. Our beginner-friendly collection highlights the easiest places to start.
Are there free ecommerce platforms?+−
Yes. Several platforms offer a free plan or are free to install, though you will still pay for hosting, a domain, or payment processing. Toggle the free-plan filter on the browse page to see every option that lets you start without a monthly fee.
How much does an ecommerce platform cost?+−
Entry plans typically range from free to around $30 per month, with mid-tier plans between $50 and $100 per month. Remember to include transaction fees, premium apps, and themes, which can add up to more than the base subscription.
How does SuitableWeb rate platforms?+−
We score every platform on overall rating, ease of use, scalability, and value for money, backed by a detailed feature breakdown. We are independent and accept no paid placements, so the scores reflect the data rather than commercial deals.