Best ecommerce platforms

4 products compared on who they suit and what to pick instead. Facts checked November 4, 2026.

Shopify is the best place to start for most new online stores: it handles hosting, checkout and payments, and has more than 16,000 apps for whatever it lacks. If you already run a WordPress site and want to own the code, use WooCommerce. Growing stores that want more built in and no platform fee with any of 20-plus listed payment providers should look at BigCommerce, and a shop that already takes payments in person with Square can sell online for $0 a month with Square Online.

Our top picks

Shopify Best for most new online stores WooCommerce Best for WordPress sites that want full control BigCommerce Best for growing stores that want to pick their payment provider Square Online Best for local shops and cafes already on Square

All ecommerce platforms

BigCommerce Hosted store platform with built-in B2B tools, extra storefronts and marketplace selling for growing brands. Best for established online stores and B2B sellers that want more built in than Shopify and freedom to pick a payment provider Free trial
Shopify Hosted online store builder with its own checkout, payments and in-person selling, for shops of any size. Best for brands that want to sell online, in person and on marketplaces from one store without running their own servers Free trial
Wix Drag-and-drop website builder with an online store, bookings and marketing tools for small businesses. Best for small businesses and creators who want one site for their shop, blog and bookings without hiring a developer Free plan
WooCommerce Open-source store plugin that turns a WordPress site into a shop you own and can customize. Best for WordPress site owners who want full control of their store, code and data, and are willing to manage hosting and extensions Free plan