Ecommerce software
Online stores, checkout and selling tools
Platforms for launching and running an online store, from hosted all-in-one builders to plugins for existing websites. Consider transaction fees, payment options and how much you want to customise.
6 tools
Shopify
Ecommerce
Hosted ecommerce platform for building an online store and selling online, in person and on social channels.
Stripe
Finance & Accounting
Payments infrastructure for online and in-person payments, subscriptions and invoicing, by API or no-code.
WooCommerce
Ecommerce
Free, open-source ecommerce plugin that turns a self-hosted WordPress site into an online store.
Squarespace
Ecommerce
Design-led website builder with commerce included on every plan for selling products, services and content.
BigCommerce
Ecommerce
Hosted ecommerce platform with no platform transaction fees, built-in B2B features and headless options.
Wix
Ecommerce
Drag-and-drop website builder with a free plan, an AI site generator and online store features on paid tiers.
How to choose ecommerce software
Ecommerce platforms split into hosted services — Shopify and BigCommerce, plus website builders with stores such as Squarespace and Wix — and self-run software, WooCommerce on WordPress. Hosted platforms trade a monthly fee for running the store for you; self-run trades that fee for your own time and hosting.
The plan price is rarely the cost. Apps, payment fees, themes and, on some platforms, extra transaction fees all add up, so price a realistic month of sales rather than the entry plan.
Think about where you will be in two years. BigCommerce moves stores up a plan as sales grow, Wix sites cannot be moved to another host, and WooCommerce leaves every upgrade and migration in your hands.
Common questions about ecommerce software
- Which ecommerce tools have a free plan?
- WooCommerce has a free plan, with limits on usage, users or features. Shopify (3 days), Squarespace (14 days) and BigCommerce (15 days) offer a free trial instead. Pricing for Stripe and Wix has not been checked against the vendor in the last 90 days, so they are not included.
- How much does ecommerce software cost?
- The entry paid plans as each vendor lists them, checked against its pricing page: Squarespace Basic at $19 a month, BigCommerce Core at $29 a month and Shopify Basic at $39 a month. Some vendors quote the annual-billing rate, and seat minimums, higher tiers and add-ons all change the real cost, so price the plan you actually need. Pricing for Stripe and Wix has not been checked against the vendor in the last 90 days, so they are not included.
- Shopify or WooCommerce?
- Shopify, if you want a hosted store running quickly with minimal upkeep and are comfortable paying for apps. WooCommerce, if you already run WordPress or want full control of your data and code, and have the technical time to maintain it.
- Do I need a dedicated ecommerce platform or a website builder?
- A website builder's store is enough for a small range of products or services alongside a site; Squarespace includes commerce on every plan. A dedicated platform earns its place with larger catalogs, several sales channels or wholesale selling.
Popular ecommerce comparisons
Alternatives to popular ecommerce tools
Not sure which one?
Describe your situation and VERILO will rank the options in this category against your needs.