The best eCommerce platform in 2025? Ranking of eCommerce platforms

Table of contents:

• How to Compare eCommerce Platforms? Key Criteria for Choosing an eCommerce Engine
• Which eCommerce platform is best for your budget?
• eCommerce Platform Ranking
• 1. Magento (Adobe Commerce)
• 2. Shopify
• 3. WooCommerce
• 4. PrestaShop
• 5. BigCommerce
• 6. Shopware
• 7. Shoper
• 8. Wix
• Which eCommerce platform is best for your business?

There are over 370 eCommerce platforms available on the market, varying in price, features, and billing models. How do you make the right choice and ensure you’re selecting the best eCommerce platform for your business? The key is to clearly define your needs and understand the capabilities each solution offers. Our eCommerce platform ranking will help you organize this information and find the platform that best meets your company’s requirements. Explore it and gain the confidence to make the best decision!

Choosing the best eCommerce platform is one of the most important challenges for entrepreneurs entering the world of online sales. This decision not only affects the current needs of your business but also shapes its future. Which platform can handle a sudden surge in orders? Will it enable expansion into international markets? Does it offer the flexibility needed to integrate new technologies?

The key to success lies in clearly defining your priorities. Keep in mind that what works for a small online store may be entirely insufficient for a large, fast-growing business. When choosing the best eCommerce platform, it’s essential to consider several key areas:

• scalability - scalability covers a range of needs, such as expanding your product catalog, launching an international version of your store, or creating a B2B platform within the same infrastructure. No matter how you plan to grow your business, the platform must be capable of supporting an increasing number of customers and products.
• speed and performance - the larger the store, the greater the challenges in handling server load. The platform should ensure fast page loading times, even when dealing with high traffic, to maintain customer satisfaction.
• omnichannel sales - customers expect a seamless shopping experience, whether they’re purchasing in-store, on marketplaces, or via social media. The platform should facilitate easy integration with these channels, allowing for efficient management of all operations from one place.
• personalization - a good eCommerce platform should allow for functionalities tailored to both customer expectations and industry-specific needs. This could include solutions like payment systems optimized for B2B sales, VR fitting rooms for fashion retailers, or product configurators for industries requiring customization.
• User Experience (UX) - intuitive navigation, fast page loading, and easy checkout processes are just a few examples of elements that positively influence conversion rates.
• security - protecting customer data and ensuring secure payments are fundamental for any online store. It’s crucial that the platform complies with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) and offers built-in security features like SSL certificates.

If you know what you expect from a platform, you’re already halfway to success. The other half involves aligning those expectations with your budget and selecting the best eCommerce platform accordingly. Costs should be evaluated comprehensively—not just for implementation and maintenance, but also for future investments in functionality upgrades and technical support. There are two main models to choose from:

• SaaS (Software as a Service) - SaaS platforms operate on a subscription basis, requiring monthly or annual licensing fees for access to the infrastructure. These platforms are ideal for businesses looking to quickly launch an online store, as they require minimal upfront investment and no advanced technical expertise. Most SaaS solutions come with ready-made templates, a user-friendly interface for store management, and easy integration with other tools (e.g., payment systems or marketing automation).

However, SaaS platforms come with limitations. Customization is often restricted to available features and add-ons, which can be a drawback for businesses with specific requirements (e.g., B2B companies needing advanced payment systems or dynamic pricing). Additionally, extra costs—such as transaction fees, paid modules, or enhanced features—can significantly increase the total cost of ownership. In the long run, if your store grows dynamically, a SaaS platform may fail to meet all your needs, potentially forcing you into a costly migration to another solution.

• open source - using an open-source platform is free, but its implementation requires the involvement of specialists - developers and project teams alike. Open source offers virtually unlimited customization: you can integrate external systems (e.g., PIM, ERP, CMS), create advanced product configurators, implement custom payment methods, or tailor the store to your industry’s specifics, such as VR fitting rooms or discount systems.

While the initial implementation costs for open-source platforms are higher, these solutions provide immense scalability potential. You can start with a simpler store version and expand it as your needs grow, without worrying about technical limitations. Additionally, the lack of licensing fees makes open-source platforms a more cost-effective choice in the long term for large, fast-growing businesses.

Wondering which eCommerce platform will help you build a scalable and modern online store? The market offers plenty of options, but which ones truly meet your expectations and enable unrestricted business growth? To make your decision easier, we’ve prepared an eCommerce platform ranking, analyzing them based on key criteria (all the ones discussed above). Check out which platform best addresses the challenges of your business!

Magento is an open-source platform that has long been one of the most advanced engines for large online stores. Its greatest advantage lies in its virtually unlimited customization and functionality expansion options. With a vast library of ready-made modules and the ability to create custom solutions, Magento allows you to tailor your store to even the most specific industry needs. The platform effectively supports both B2C and B2B models, offering advanced features for both segments. Additionally, Magento excels at handling large product catalogs, supports multiple languages and currencies, and provides comprehensive capabilities for international sales.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Flexibility and integrations – the platform allows easy integration with external systems such as ERP, CRM, PIM, analytics platforms, or automation tools, making it an ideal solution for companies with more complex business processes.	High technical requirements – the implementation and configuration of Magento require advanced technical knowledge, which means the need to collaborate with experienced specialists.
Multistore functionality – it enables the creation and management of multiple stores (e.g., separate B2B and B2C versions or stores for different international markets) within a single administrative panel, significantly facilitating daily operations.	Implementation costs and time – tailoring the platform to specific business needs can be time-consuming and costly, especially at the start of the project.
B2B capabilities – Magento offers advanced B2B features (e.g., a module for price negotiations, individual pricing for customers, managing corporate accounts, or the ability to place bulk orders).
Community and support – the vast community of users and developers, as well as rich documentation, make it easy to find help or ready-made solutions.

Verdict?

Magento is the perfect choice for growing businesses with complex operational needs that prioritize full control over the store and scalability. If you are planning rapid growth, international sales, or implementing an advanced B2B model, Magento provides a solid and flexible foundation to achieve these goals.

According to a report by BuiltWith, Shopify powers over 7 million online stores, making it one of the most popular eCommerce platforms in the world. Its popularity stems from its low entry barrier – the basic version costs around $30 per month, and the builder allows for quick store setup. Shopify is a SaaS platform offering ease of use, quick implementation, and a broad ecosystem of apps. For more advanced businesses, there is Shopify Plus, which provides greater scalability and support for large stores, although it comes with fees starting at several thousand dollars per month.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Low entry barrier – quick and affordable startup thanks to intuitive handling and ready-made templates.	Cost of advanced versions – Shopify Plus is an expensive solution, starting at several thousand dollars per month.
SaaS with scalability – Shopify Plus offers advanced features and support for large stores.	Customization limitations – despite scalability, customization options are limited compared to open-source solutions.
App ecosystem – a rich library of plugins and apps allows for easy expansion of store functionality.	Hidden costs – additional apps, transaction fees, and paid modules can significantly increase the total cost of usage.

Verdict?

Shopify is an excellent solution for businesses that want to quickly launch an online store and need a simple, stable system. With Shopify Plus, the platform can also support larger enterprises requiring more advanced features (albeit at higher costs). However, for companies with unique technical needs and a larger budget, open-source platforms offering full control and customization may be a better choice.

WooCommerce is an eCommerce solution provided as a plugin for WordPress, which means that an online store can be "added" to an existing website (e.g., a brand's portfolio site built on WordPress). Therefore, it is not a typical eCommerce platform but rather an extension that enables online sales. Nonetheless, WooCommerce is equipped with extensive capabilities, such as support for various sales channels, a native mobile app for store management, and a POS system that integrates online and offline sales. It is also worth mentioning that WooCommerce operates on an open-source model, meaning the basic version of the plugin is free. However, for additional features—such as advanced shipping methods, enhanced security, or integrations—you need to pay by purchasing premium extensions.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Flexibility and variety of modules – a wide range of free and paid extensions allows customization of features to fit the store's needs.	Dependency on WordPress – WooCommerce operates exclusively on WordPress-based websites, limiting its usability.
Community and support – a vast collection of tutorials and an active user community make it easy to find answers to common questions.	Technical complexity – advanced features often require additional plugins, which can lead to management complications and increased costs.

Verdict?

WooCommerce is a good solution for businesses already using WordPress and looking to add eCommerce functionality in a relatively simple way. The platform is especially suitable for small and medium-sized businesses seeking a flexible yet cost-effective tool.

Next on the eCommerce platform rankings is PrestaShop, one of the most popular open-source solutions in the European market, particularly well-regarded in Poland. The platform offers extensive customization options and allows businesses to avoid subscription costs, making it an attractive choice for companies that want to tailor their online store to their specific needs. With a rich offering of over 600 features and 5000 modules, PrestaShop enables the creation of stores with unique designs and functionality catalogs. Furthermore, for less experienced users, a managed version is available, combining hosting with software to simplify store maintenance.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Extensive customization options – with a wide selection of modules and templates, it is easy to tailor the store to match the brand's requirements and industry specifics.	Additional module costs – many functionalities require the purchase of paid extensions, which can significantly increase implementation costs.
International support – PrestaShop excels in selling across multiple markets, thanks to multilingual and multi-currency features.	Technical requirements – advanced customization requires technical knowledge or specialist support, which can be challenging for smaller teams.

Verdict?

PrestaShop is suitable for both medium and larger stores that need advanced features but want to avoid recurring licensing fees. However, for businesses with very high scalability requirements or advanced omnichannel capabilities, PrestaShop might prove insufficient and may require additional investment in infrastructure or migration to more comprehensive platforms.

BigCommerce is a SaaS platform designed for larger retailers, making it an intermediary solution between simpler SaaS systems and more advanced open-source platforms. The platform offers extensive features that cater to growing businesses but might struggle with meeting very complex needs, such as advanced product configurators or intricate B2B processes. One of BigCommerce’s main advantages is the absence of additional transaction fees – users only pay the commissions charged by their chosen payment system.

Advantages	Disadvantages
No additional transaction fees – helps lower payment processing costs, which is especially beneficial for large stores with high sales volumes.	Paid plugins and upgrades – extending functionality requires additional financial investment, increasing the total cost of using the platform.
Advanced SEO features – the platform supports search engine optimization, helping generate organic traffic.	Less user-friendly interface – the admin panel is more complex compared to other SaaS platforms, which can be challenging for beginners.

Verdict?

BigCommerce is an excellent choice for growing businesses looking for a scalable eCommerce platform without transaction fees. With advanced SEO features and a wide range of additional plugins, the platform is well-suited for larger retailers requiring more sophisticated tools than those offered by simpler SaaS systems. However, for companies with highly complex needs, such as advanced B2B models or custom purchasing processes, BigCommerce might fall short.

Shopware is an open-source platform that, thanks to its flexibility and extensive customization options, is an attractive choice for businesses with diverse needs. The basic Community Edition is free, but implementing and developing the store requires the involvement of specialists. For larger enterprises, paid Enterprise editions are available, offering advanced features and support, with costs starting at $600 per month. Shopware supports B2B sales and enables the expansion of the store across multiple channels.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Open-source flexibility – allows extensive customization of the store, adapting it to specific business needs.	Requires advanced technical support – implementing and configuring Shopware demands specialist knowledge, resulting in additional costs for hiring experts.
B2B features – Shopware offers solutions dedicated to B2B sales, such as individualized pricing, business customer account management, and bulk ordering options.	High costs of the Enterprise version – while the basic version is free, advanced features and support in the Enterprise editions are expensive.
Multichannel – the platform supports the expansion of the store across multiple sales channels.

Verdict?

Shopware is a solution for companies that need a flexible platform with advanced features such as B2B and multichannel capabilities. The platform is particularly suited for businesses planning dynamic growth and aiming to build a store tailored to specific industry requirements. However, for smaller businesses lacking a large budget or technical support, the costly Enterprise versions and the need for specialist knowledge may pose challenges.

Shoper is a Polish eCommerce platform operating in the SaaS model. It is another option aimed at small and medium-sized entrepreneurs. With competitive pricing – the cheapest plan currently costs 25 PLN (not dollars!) per month – and its adaptation to the Polish market, Shoper is an attractive choice for local sellers. The platform offers integrations with popular services such as Allegro and an intuitive interface that allows for the quick launch of an online store.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Adaptation to the Polish market – support for integrations with Allegro and other local services provides a significant advantage for Polish entrepreneurs.	Limited scalability – the platform might be insufficient for larger companies that require advanced features or plan international expansion.
Low cost – affordable monthly fees make Shoper an attractive option for small businesses with limited budgets.	Dependence on pre-made templates – the lack of flexibility in customization can limit the ability to tailor the store to specific needs.
Ease of use – an intuitive interface and ready-made functionalities allow for quick sales setup, even without technical experience.

Verdict?

Shoper is an option for businesses selling in the Polish market that are looking for an affordable, user-friendly platform with features enabling a quick launch. The platform is especially well-suited for entrepreneurs just starting their online journey or those focusing primarily on the local market. However, for companies planning rapid growth, scaling operations, or expanding into international markets, Shoper may prove too limited.

The last platform among the best eCommerce solutions in this list is Wix. This intuitive SaaS platform is designed for small businesses just starting their journey in the world of eCommerce. With low prices and ease of use, it is a popular choice for those looking for a simple and quick way to set up an online store or a portfolio website. The Core plan, available for $29 per month, enables eCommerce functionalities, while cheaper options (e.g., $17 per month) are mainly suitable for basic informational websites. Wix offers a drag-and-drop editor enhanced with AI tools, which facilitate tasks such as content creation, making it an attractive option for users without technical experience.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Pre-made templates – allow for quick setup of an online store or portfolio website without the need for advanced design skills.	Limited customization options – compared to open-source platforms or more advanced SaaS solutions, Wix offers fewer customization possibilities tailored to specific needs.
Intuitive drag-and-drop editor – a user-friendly builder enhanced with AI tools enables easy page customization, even for those without technical knowledge.	Limited scalability – the platform struggles with handling large stores requiring advanced features or integrations.

Verdict?

Wix is an ideal platform for small businesses looking for an affordable and straightforward solution to start their eCommerce journey. With low costs and an intuitive editor, it is perfect for simple business models such as dropshipping. However, its limited customization options, scalability issues, and migration challenges make Wix less suitable for businesses planning dynamic growth and requiring more advanced features.

Choosing the best eCommerce platform is a strategic decision that requires analyzing your business needs and long-term goals. For small shops, SaaS platforms like Shopify, Wix, or the Polish Shoper are excellent solutions. They allow you to quickly launch online sales without significant financial investments or advanced technical knowledge, while offering functionalities sufficient for basic stores.

Which eCommerce platform is best for more complex businesses? If you manage a broad product catalog, operate in multiple markets, or combine B2B and B2C models, it’s worth considering open-source platforms like Magento. These platforms offer flexibility and full customization, enabling the creation of a system perfectly tailored to your needs and ready for future growth.

In every case, the key to success lies in choosing a solution that not only addresses your current needs but also supports your company’s long-term development. Need help creating such an e-store? Contact us – we’ll help you select the best platform and customize it to your expectations.