# 8 best ecommerce platforms compared There’s a large selection of professional store systems for online retail but what are the most popular store systems on the market and how do they differ from one another? In our comparison of the best platforms for ecommerce, you’ll discover the options available for **executing professional online store designs**. ## The most popular ecommerce platforms If you look at the market for ecommerce software, two solutions stand out in particular. According to the [analysis company BuiltWith](https://trends.builtwith.com/shop "eCommerce Usage Distribution in the Top 1 Million Sites"), around a quarter of all online retailers worldwide rely on Shopify. The WordPress plugin WooCommerce follows in second with around 15%. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the market for open-source and proprietary ecommerce software, exploring what **low-cost store systems** can do and who should possibly opt for a proprietary application instead of an open-source one. We’ll also go over when you might encounter **additional costs** with open-source software. ### IONOS eCommerce Website Builder With the [eCommerce Website Builder](https://www.ionos.co.uk/ecommerce-solutions/ecommerce-website-builder "eCommerce Website Builder from IONOS"), IONOS offers web-based ecommerce software that can be used to implement both **small and large ecommerce projects**. You have the choice between three different paid packages, which **combine all necessary components of an ecommerce offer in one package**. In addition to the shop platform, you also receive a domain, an SSL/TLS certificate and several email inboxes. IONOS also takes care of your store’s hosting and offers you 24/7 support. [![Image: Create an online shop with the eCommerce Website Builder from IONOS](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/b/2/csm_ecommerce-website-builder-ionos-uk_a8e5a8f775.webp "Create an online shop with the eCommerce Website Builder from IONOS")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2024/ecommerce-website-builder-ionos-uk.png) Easily create and manage your own online store with the eCommerce Website Builder from IONOS The eCommerce Website Builder is based on modular software that has been part of the IONOS portfolio for years and has established itself as an excellent solution for creating a wide variety of websites. When it comes to setting up and operating a web store, the store packages take the basic software to a new level. This is reflected, on the one hand, in unique, **professional design templates** that are optimally tailored to the needs of an ecommerce presence, and on the other hand, in **sales and marketing-oriented features** that extend far beyond simple shop operations, helping you to boost the success of your store. The **core features of the eCommerce Website Builder** include the following: - Product catalogue with space for up to one million articles (Expert package) including photo, article number, and detailed description - Various traditional and modern payment methods such as PayPal, credit cards and direct debit - Practical dispatch assistant (standard or express shipping) - Integrated newsletter tool - Personalised shopping basket - Social media integration (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) Tip With the IONOS store plugins, you can turn your existing site into a store (store integration), sell your products on social media (social buy button), process online payments easily and professionally (ipayment) and much much more! With the eCommerce Website Builder, you can do more than just get your online store ready for **B2C business**. If you opt for one of the corresponding packages, you can also offer your buyers first-class **B2B offers** by defining customer groups and bulk discounts and setting up an easy-to-use **customer area with log-in function** where they can easily make orders. To **increase the reach of your store**, you can integrate and synchronise your website with established marketplace giants such as Amazon and eBay, or price comparison portals such as [Google Shopping](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/online-marketing/search-engine-marketing/google-shopping-feed/) thanks to the appropriate interfaces. You can also use the integrated marketing tools to create tailor-made ads on Google (Google Ads) and TikTok to promote your web shop on the world’s leading search engine or in well-known social networks. From the Plus package onwards, you can manage your shop not only on your desktop PC at home or in your company, but also conveniently on the go. With the **mobile app**, you can use the online shop software on your **smartphone** or **tablet**. This enables you to always keep an eye on how your web store’s doing or expand your product range, no matter where you are at the moment.
Advantages Disadvantages
Integrated newsletter tool Scope of features in the Starter package severely limited
Mobile app allows you to add new products and manage your store on the go B2B features are only available in Expert package
SSL/TLS encryption of the entire shop
Extensive range of apps and themes
### Magento Magento was acquired by the Adobe software group in 2018. Since then, the ecommerce software has been distributed under a dual license system. In addition to the **free open-source version**, Magento Commerce is also available commercially in an **extended enterprise edition**. As part of the Adobe Experience Cloud, the store software can also be used with various useful tools for marketing, analysis, content and more. [![Image: Magento website, acquired by Adobe](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/9/a/csm_magento-website_c86366fef8.webp "Magento website, acquired by Adobe")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2024/magento-website.png) Since June 2018, the Magento ecommerce platform has been under the ownership of the US software company Adobe Inc. Magento has an **extensive spectrum of features** and a **wide range of extensions**. The main features include: - Central control of multiple websites via an administration panel - RSS feeds for new orders and low stocks - URL rewriting and search engine friendly URLS - An integrated content management system for information pages and [landing pages](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/websites/website-creation/what-constitutes-a-good-landing-page/) - An automatically generated Google sitemap - Optional social media integration - A comprehensive range of marketing, promotion and conversion tools Ecommerce software written in PHP is based on the **Zend framework** and relies on a relational database management system. Even if the modular platform is scalable, users should have a **powerful server**. With a solid hosting foundation, major web projects can successfully be implemented. Thanks to widespread use of the software and an active user community, Magento is one of the fastest growing ecommerce platforms on the market. Beginners can easily find help, tips and extensions in **user forums** and on various knowledge-sharing platforms. Installation, configuration and use of the high-performance ecommerce platform requires know-how, though. Users can get professional support by using the paid Cloud Edition or through business partners and agents who offer a wide range of services to Magento users. The ecommerce software was originally designed for the U.S. market, so the basic installation of Magento doesn’t always meet the legal requirements for certain countries. Luckily, you can use modules to solve this issue.
Advantages Disadvantages
Modular, fully scalable ecommerce platform Significant amount of onboarding due to the complexity of the platform
Enormous range of functions High hardware requirements
Capable of handling multiple shops and clients High hosting costs
Suitable for multilingual online stores
Large selection of extension modules, templates and professional service partners
### Shopware Shopware provides a dual licensing system. Alongside the **Rise**, **Evolve** and **Beyond** versions, a **free Community edition** is also available. With over 20 years of market experience and more than 100,000 customers, this self-financed company has become a key player in the ecommerce scene. [![Image: Shopware software](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/c/5/csm_shopware-website_ccd6a228ad.webp "Shopware software")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2024/shopware-website.png) Shopware, the ecommerce platform from Germany The different Shopware versions provide different sets of feature sets. The pricing is determined by gross merchandise value (GMV) as well as other factors. With its open-source commerce platform, users also have access to the source code. Users opting to use the Community Edition will have to manage with a considerably limited feature set or use paid extensions. Additionally, Shopware does not offer manufacturer warranties, setup or maintenance for the free version. There is, however, a public online forum on the company’s website. The shop system, written in PHP, features a **user-friendly backend** and comprehensive extension possibilities. The main features of the community version are: - Intuitive store design without the need for programming skills - Consistent flat design - Responsive images - Off-canvas menus and controls optimised for touch gestures - Integrated SEO optimisation - Multi-shop capabilities You can request a **live demo** of the ecommerce platform on the official website of Shopware, allowing you a **glimpse into the backend** of the ecommerce software. Alternatively, you can simply download the open-source Community edition to try out the software on your computer or on a web server. [![Image: Request a demo version](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/a/f/csm_shopware-product-demo-website_bc8c6d10d0.webp "Request a demo version")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2024/shopware-product-demo-website.png) Requesting a demo version gives you detailed insights into the backend. Shopware offers **over 3,500 plugins** for implementing creative shop concepts, most of which you can purchase directly from Shopware or from certified partners. Many premium plugins, however, require a commercial Shopware license. The company also provides a wide range of professional, largely responsive themes, along with training programs for operations, sales and software development. Note Up until version 5.1x **premium plugins** were encrypted using ionCube. However, starting with version 5.2, Shopware discontinued ionCube encryption, allowing developers and partners to make custom modifications. In the same update, the **multishop feature** was extended to the Community edition. Subshop licenses, which were previously paid, have been part of the Shopware core since version 5.2 and are included free of charge in all editions. When a commercial license is purchased, the ecommerce platform’s backend comes with **essential inventory management functionality** (Shopware ERP) like stock control, automated order processing and tools for business analytics.
Advantages Disadvantages
Clear backend Core functions replaced by paid premium plugins
Templates can be customised intuitively via drag and drop Commercial licences needed for advanced features such as Shopware Storytelling, Digital Publishing and Shopware ERP
Multishop functionality enabled in Community edition from version 5.2 onwards
### OXID eShop OXID eShop is an ecommerce platform for OXID eSales EG, a popular Germany company. The software is available to users in an open-source community version as well as for the commercial sector in a professional edition and enterprise edition. Primary target groups of the ecommerce software are **small and medium-sized B2C businesses**. Since 2015, the product range includes an **enterprise B2B edition**. [![Image: OXID eShop](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/3/2/csm_oxid-eshop-website_a05dffafba.webp "OXID eShop")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2024/oxid-eshop-website.png) OXID eShop: Ecommerce solution from Germany With a large selection of extensions and **countless APIs for third-party systems**, OXID eShops has established a flexible alternative to Shopware and Magento that scales. The PHP-based ecommerce platform works with a modular architecture, which allows the lean software core to be adapted to different applications. Users can rely on a large number of existing modules or integrate new functionalities using self-developed extensions via the **OXID API**. Software modules are available through the international marketplace **OXID eXchange and the module catalogue, oxmod**. Prices vary, ranging from free models to extensions that can cost up to several thousand pounds. OXID eShop offers the same range of functionality in its free, open-source Community version as it does in its Professional edition. Users who opt for the Community version only miss out on the **ERP/SOAP interface** and professional manufacturer support. In the Enterprise edition, users have access to the full range of functionality, including multi-client capability, cache management, B2B features, and rights and role management. Highlights of the Community version include: - Integrated content management system (CMS) - Web 2.0 package including tagging, rating and Facebook integration - SAP connectivity - SEO features for articles - SAP connection **Multilingual online stores** can be created with the Community version by using centralised language management. To ensure the best possible user experience for your customers on various devices, OXID eShop offers a **responsive template** in all of its editions. The integrated **template engine, Smarty**, enables unique web shop design. While the software has a well-structured frontend, the backend is less intuitive when compared to other ecommerce platforms. You can get an impression of how the software works by **requesting a personal demo via the ecommerce software’s official website**.
Advantages Disadvantages
Modular, easily scalable ecommerce software Multi-shop and multi-client capability is only supported starting with the Enterprise edition
Multilingual store concepts can already be implemented with the Community edition Confusing backend
Integrated CMS Many extensions require a commercial license
### WooCommerce WooCommerce functions via a **WordPress plugin**, which allows the most popular [content management system](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/hosting/cms/cms-comparison/) to benefit from a wide range of extended ecommerce functionalities. Originally developed by WooThemes, the project is now sponsored by Automattic. The open-source software **seamlessly integrates with WordPress websites** and can be customised with more than 400 extensions. [![Image: WooComerce shop system website](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/e/e/csm_woocommerce-website_7aa1f188af.webp "WooComerce shop system website")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2024/woocommerce-website.png) Around one in six online stores worldwide is based on WordPress and the WooCommerce plugin (as of 2024). The **WooCommerce plugin is free**. However, many functions are only available with paid premium plugins. WooCommerce’s central features include: - Various pre-installed payment options - Geolocalisation features - Flexible shipping options - Integrated features for calculating taxes - Coupon system - Support for downloadable products (e.g. [e-books](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/online-marketing/online-sales/how-to-create-an-e-book/)) - Tools for customer relationship management (CRM) WooCommerce comes with a **basic template** for all the design elements of your online store, allowing it to be combined with any WordPress theme. You can also purchase special **WooCommerce themes** to tailor the design and layout of your store to your ideas and preferences. Check out the [**live preview** of the official WooCommerce standard theme Storefront](https://themes.woo.com/storefront/ "Live preview of the WooCommerce standard theme Storefront") to get a better idea of how a WooCommerce store can be designed. [![Image: WordPress theme Storefront](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/2/0/csm_woocommerce-theme_b20c350308.webp "WordPress theme Storefront")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots/woocommerce-theme.png) The WooCommerce development team designed the WordPress theme Storefront, which is optimally matched to the plugin. When it comes to search engines, the WooCommerce plugin is served well by its CMS foundation. [WordPress](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/hosting/cms/wordpress-examining-the-well-known-cms/) is already search-engine friendly in its standard installation and can be modified using **various SEO extensions** to specifically fit the needs of Google, Bing and other search engines. However, when it comes to enterprise resource planning (ERP), the online store plugin can’t compete with professional ecommerce platforms as there are only **a few integrations available for professional ERP solutions**. The core of WooCommerce is **designed to be mobile friendly**. How well a shop is displayed on mobile devices depends primarily on the choice of template. In order to adapt WooCommerce to international markets, specialised plugins need to be installed. These are generally available for free on the different language versions of the WordPress website. You can also opt to use commercial products or other options that are available. Tip You can find out how to set up an [online store with WordPress](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/hosting/cms/creating-an-online-shop-with-wordpress/) in our dedicated article on the topic. You can also get professional [WooCommerce hosting](https://www.ionos.co.uk/ecommerce-solutions/woocommerce-hosting "Hosting for WooCommerce from IONOS") from IONOS.
Advantages Disadvantages
Inexpensive alternative to professional store systems Dependent on WordPress
Quick setup and easy to use for WordPress users (Plugin extends WP backend with online store functionalities) Hardly any integrations with professional ERP solutions
Widespread use and large community Focus on U.S. market, use in other countries requires additional plugins
### Shopify The ecommerce solution Shopify was founded in 2006 and has quickly grown into a major player, both for small companies and large franchises alike. Shopify offers a large range of functionality as well as a wide range of free and paid extensions. From the basic version to Shopify Advanced, the **four Shopify packages** provide users with different levels of functionality and support. All users have access to a 24/7 dedicated help service though. Users who want to test the platform before purchasing a monthly package can also make use of the 14-day free trial. [![Image: Shopify website](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/6/f/csm_shopify-website_9732a1e31d.webp "Shopify website")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2024/shopify-website.png) The current version of the Shopify has a dual license system. According to Shopify, more than half a million online retailers of all sizes have used the ecommerce software for designing and setting up their online store. The wide range of features that they offer allows users to design their online store in whatever way they want without sacrificing usability for beginners. By keeping the basic installation simple, Shopify lends itself to basic users while also allowing more advanced users to fully customise their store through extensions and plugins. While **many of the extensions in Shopify’s app store are free**, there are also premium paid options as well. Shopify offers an expansive selection of themes, with most of the new ones fully functional right from the start. **Responsive themes** are available for all of the packages, and **SEO features** are built directly into the ecommerce platform. Additionally, users can access merchandise management and analysis tools in the backend. Users are also allowed unlimited products and storage and can customise discount codes on the backend. Checkout is fast and secure, and payments can be processed through the software’s own program, **Shopify Payments**. The platform’s main features include: - Storefront themes and customisation - Abandoned shopping basket recovery - Product and inventory management - 24/7 customer support - Over 70 payment gateways integrated Though Shopify is easy enough for beginners to use, extensive customisation requires users to learn Shopify’s own programming language, **Liquid**. While basic changes can generally be carried out using HTML or CSS, programmers need to learn Liquid if they want more freedom and flexibility.
Advantages Disadvantages
Affordable range of pricing options Free themes and extensions not as customisable as premium paid options
Large selection of available extensions Requires some programming knowledge; Uses specialised template language (Liquid)
Suitable for beginners Transaction fee charged for every sale
Space for unlimited products and storage
### Gambio The ecommerce software Gambio started as an offshoot of the popular German software solution xt:Commerce, and was further developed by the Bremen-based company Gambio GmbH as an independent open-source project. The software is distributed under the GPL/GNU license (2.0) but is **only offered by the developer team in combination with a paid support package**. In addition to a 12-month guarantee, the paid download also includes a proprietary stylesheet editor as well as a PDF module. With the release of Gambio GX3, the shop system provider has successfully separated from xt:Commerce and extended its reach to major online retailers. To capture the interest of professional agencies, Gambio now offers a well-documented **REST API**, providing a **standardised interface for development** for the first time. The responsive standard template Honeygrid is built on established standards like the CSS framework Bootstrap, HTML 5, SASS, and jQuery. It can be customised according to individual needs with the built-in stylesheet editor, StyleEdit, which is suitable for people without IT expertise as well. [![Image: Gambio website](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/2/c/csm_gambio-website_569bdcffe0.webp "Gambio website")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2024/gambio-website.png) Gambio offers various interfaces and functions. The software’s range of functions includes: - Extensive SEO features such as search engine-friendly URLs, caching and sitemaps - Integrations with relevant payment providers, merchandise management systems and price comparison portals - Integrated warehouse management - An internal store rating system - Support for downloadable products - Invoices and delivery bills in PDF format - Pre-certification for Trusted Shops
Advantages Disadvantages
Diverse integrations for merchandise management systems, financial accounting, ERP, search engine pricing, comparison portals and online marketplaces Only available through the manufacturer, no option to opt out of paid support
All features are included, no additional costs for Gambio modules No multishop option
### PrestaShop Developed in France, the ecommerce platform PrestaShop is used by more than 300,000 online retailers in more than 200 countries. The **open-source ecommerce software** is published under the Open Software License (OSL) 3.0. Available in over 60 languages, the software has been designed to cater to an international audience. Note The current version of the open-source software is available as a free download on the manufacturer’s website. You can also get professional [PrestaShop hosting](https://www.ionos.co.uk/ecommerce-solutions/prestashop-hosting "PrestaShop hosting from IONOS") from IONOS. [![Image: Prestashop website](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/1/5/csm_prestashop-website_a5713ff7da.webp "Prestashop website")](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2024/prestashop-website.png) Prestashop is an ecommerce platform from France. With a focus on small and medium-sized companies, PrestaShop is intended for beginners who want to get online quickly and easily using a low-cost ecommerce solution. The software combines an impressive range of features with a **clear, well-structured user interface**. Like the other store systems presented here, PrestaShop can also be conveniently accessed through a web browser. Highlights of the **more than 300 standard integrated features** are: - Responsive frontend - Customer evaluation feature and product recommendations via social media - Customer service tool for managing customer inquiries - Integrated tool for processing returns - Multishop and multilingual capabilities - Integrated CMS for standard pages (e.g., About Us page or Terms and Conditions page) - Merchandise management (including warehouse management) The PrestaShop add-ons marketplace has **more than 3,000 modules and over 5,000 professional templates** available—many of them with responsive design. PrestaShop modules from the core development team and official partners are relatively pricey, so users who want to expand the free software core with add-ons will have to shoulder additional costs. PrestaShop also offers a **demo shop** that shows potential customers how the software looks in the **backend** as well as from the perspective of shop customers, all without having to log in. Tip Read our articles [Shopify vs Prestashop](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/hosting/cms/shopify-vs-prestashop/) or [Shopify vs WooCommerce](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/hosting/cms/shopify-vs-woocommerce/) to find out how the store systems differ from other applications on the market!
Advantages Disadvantages
Free open-source software with more than 300 features Extended module for PrestaShop is relatively expensive
Built-in multishop capability
Suitable for multilingual shops
## The top ecommerce platforms compared Below, we’ve created a table that clearly highlights the similarities and differences between the ecommerce solutions presented in this article. We’ve specifically focused on the factors that are most important when choosing an ecommerce software solution.
Features Free version available? Price for fee-based version(s) Suitable for Programming knowledge required? Multishop
IONOS eCommerce Website Builder 30-day money-back guarantee Low starting at £28/month Small to large projects
Magento Very high Price available on request Average-sized to very large projects
Shopware High starting at around £550/month Small to average-sized projects
OXID eShop High Price available on request Average-sized to very large projects
WooCommerce No fee-based version Small to average sized projects Possible with plugin
Shopify Low-medium Starter: £5/month Basic: £25/month Shopify: £65/month Advanced: £344/month Any size project
Gambio Low Starting at €24.95 (around £21) per month Small projects
Prestashop No fee-based version Small to average-sized projects
## Which ecommerce software is right for you? Getting started in the world of online commerce requires an investment and should be approached with a focus on the long term. Thorough planning and extensive preparation is needed when choosing ecommerce software for your online shop. Switching platforms later typically involves substantial costs and a significant amount of time. To ensure you find a suitable shop system, it’s important to follow these steps: Examine your [business model](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/startup/get-started/creating-a-business-plan-for-your-online-store/) and pinpoint critical areas for action. Using this information, you’ll be able to develop a detailed business plan for your online shop and a requirements profile for your ecommerce solution. Key questions you should ask yourself are: - What **knowledge** do you have regarding the setup and maintenance of an online shop? - Do you plan to run your online shop **full-time or part-time**? - Will the online shop be the only **sales platform** or will you have other sales channels as well? - How many **products** do you want to offer through your online shop? - Which markets do you want to serve? Which **languages** do you want to support? - **How many orders** do you think you will receive each month? In addition, you should also clarify the **financial requirements** needed to successfully launch and run your web shop. This means considering both the [seed money](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/startup/get-started/creating-a-web-store-the-cornerstone-of-seed-money/) as well as future running costs. If you want your shop to experience continuous growth, it’s essential to incorporate this into your planning. This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/online-marketing/online-sales/e-commerce-platforms-a-software-comparison/](https://www.ionos.co.uk/digitalguide/online-marketing/online-sales/e-commerce-platforms-a-software-comparison/) for AI/LLM consumption.