Starting an online store is an exciting step for any business. Whether you’re selling handmade candles, custom t-shirts, or tech gadgets, creating a digital storefront lets you reach customers from all over the world. But here’s the catch—not all e-commerce platforms are created equal. Some are better for small sellers, while others are geared toward businesses with big inventories or advanced needs. Picking the right one can make all the difference in how easy (or hard) it is to set up and maintain your store.

The good news? There’s no shortage of great e-commerce platforms to choose from. These tools are designed to make your life easier by handling everything from showcasing your products to processing payments. Even if you have no tech experience, most platforms guide you through the process step-by-step.

This article will walk you through five popular e-commerce platforms, what makes them stand out, and which type of business they’re best suited for. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of where to start, so you can get closer to launching your dream online store.

Think of your e-commerce platform as the foundation of your online store. It’s where customers browse your products, learn more about your brand, and complete their purchases. A well-chosen platform not only helps your business run smoothly but also creates a better experience for your customers.

Here’s what your platform should help you do:

  • Showcase your products effectively with attractive designs and easy navigation.
  • Simplify the buying process by offering secure and convenient payment options.
  • Manage your inventory without a hassle as your business grows.
  • Save time by automating repetitive tasks like tracking orders or emailing customers after a sale.

Now, let’s take a look at the top five platforms to consider for your online store.

1. Shopify

If you’ve done even a little research on e-commerce platforms, you’ve probably come across Shopify. It’s one of the most popular platforms out there, and for good reason. Shopify is user-friendly, loaded with features, and works for businesses of all sizes.

What makes Shopify stand out is its all-in-one nature. It takes care of everything from your store design to payment processing. You can choose from hundreds of customizable themes to make your store look professional, even if you don’t know anything about coding. Plus, Shopify’s app store allows you to add extra features, like customer reviews or email marketing, to suit your needs.

Shopify also shines in the way it handles payment options. It offers its own payment system (Shopify Payments) or lets you connect with third-party options like PayPal and Stripe. And if you’re selling on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook, Shopify has integrations to make that seamless too.

One thing to note is that Shopify comes with monthly fees, starting at around $39 per month. However, this price includes robust features, making it worth the investment for most businesses.

2. WooCommerce

If you’re already using WordPress for your website, WooCommerce might be the perfect option for you. It’s essentially a plugin that turns your WordPress site into a fully functional online store. The best part? WooCommerce itself is free to use.

That said, you’ll need to cover some costs, like hosting and domain registration, since WooCommerce doesn’t include these as part of the platform. But the trade-off is a high level of flexibility. WooCommerce is open-source, which means you have complete control over how your store looks and works.

WooCommerce also offers a huge library of extensions, so you can add whatever features you need. Whether it’s advanced shipping options, currency converters, or SEO tools, there’s likely an add-on available.

Because of its customization options, WooCommerce is an excellent choice for businesses with very specific needs. However, it’s not quite as beginner-friendly as Shopify, so you may need some technical know-how or the help of a developer.

3. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is another solid option for businesses looking for a comprehensive e-commerce solution. Known for its scalability, BigCommerce is great for startups that plan to grow quickly or businesses with a large number of products.

One of the standout features of BigCommerce is its robust built-in tools. Unlike some platforms where you have to rely heavily on third-party apps, BigCommerce includes features like SEO settings, advanced report generation, and even marketing tools right out of the box.

BigCommerce supports multiple sales channels, so you can sell on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook while managing everything from a single dashboard. It also offers plenty of free and paid templates to help you create a professional-looking storefront.

While BigCommerce is packed with features, some beginners might find it a bit overwhelming at first. It also charges tiered monthly fees based on your annual sales, so costs can increase as your business grows.

4. Wix

If you’re just starting out and looking for an affordable, beginner-friendly platform, Wix might be your ideal match. Known primarily as a website builder, Wix also offers e-commerce functionality that’s perfect for small businesses or solopreneurs.

Wix makes it super simple to design your store with its drag-and-drop website editor. You don’t need any coding skills—just pick a template, customize it, and you’re good to go. It’s that intuitive.

While Wix’s e-commerce features aren’t as advanced as Shopify or BigCommerce, it covers all the basics. You can add as many products as you like, accept online payments, and even run promotional codes to boost sales.

Best of all, Wix offers affordable pricing plans, starting as low as $16 per month for its Business Basic plan. It’s a great choice for businesses with a smaller budget or those looking to test the waters in e-commerce.

5. Squarespace

Squarespace is often praised for its sleek, modern templates, making it a favorite among businesses in creative fields like art, design, and photography. If you want your store to look as good as your Instagram feed, Squarespace has you covered.

But it’s not just about looks. Squarespace includes built-in e-commerce tools to help you sell products, manage inventory, and even process simple subscription models. It’s an all-in-one platform that combines a stunning website builder with essential e-commerce functions.

One limitation is that Squarespace doesn’t offer as many advanced features or third-party integrations as some of its competitors. However, for small stores and personal brands, it’s a visually impressive and straightforward option.

Pricing starts at $27 per month for the Business plan, with no extra transaction fees if you use Squarespace’s payment integrations.