Top 21 Best E-commerce Platforms for Online Businesses in 2019

The e-commerce sector is growing at a tremendous rate. In 2017, the e-commerce sector brought in $2.3 trillion in sales and it is projected to reach $4.5 trillion in 2021. As e-commerce stores increase online, so is the number of e-commerce platforms. This has made it a daunting task for businesses, especially start-ups  to choose the best e-commerce platform.

Whether you are looking for an e-commerce platform to start your business or you are considering migration to a new e-commerce platform, this article will provide the insight you need to make the best choice.

We will look at the top 20 best e-commerce platform for online business in 2019. But before then, let’s look at the most important feature of any e-commerce platform.

Let’s get started.

Important features of an e-commerce platform

  • Feedback or review feature
  • Order information feature
  • Multiple payments options feature
  • Shopping cart feature
  • Product listing, displaying and the comparison feature
  • Security feature

The features above are non-negotiable for an e-commerce store. They are the least features an e-commerce store should have. Other e-commerce platforms have more features such as designs, security options, and more marketing tools.

Having known the features you are to search for in an e-commerce platform, let’s consider the top 20 e-commerce platforms you can choose from.

1.Bigcommerce

Bigcommerce is an e-commerce platform that provides all the features you need to create a profitable online business. It provides all the tools you need to build a viable online business to enable you to focus on selling. With Bigcommerce, you can customize your site, manage payment and shipping and list your products on different channels.

Features:

  • Multiple payment options such as PayPal, Braintree, Stripe, Apple Pay and Pay with Amazon.
  • Multi-channel selling on Facebook, Pinterest, eBay, Amazon, and Square POS
  • Mobile e-commerce
  • App integration
  • Responsive e-commerce templates

Suitable for: All business sizes (small business, mid-market, and enterprise).

Examples of businesses using Bigcommerce are Kodak, Toyota, Travelpro, Ben & Jerry and Camelback.

2.Shopify

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that enables you to manage your online business from marketing, payments to shipping, helping you to pay attention to selling. You don’t need coding skills to use Shopify as it offers you hundreds of beautiful themes you can use. Currently, about 600,000 entrepreneurs all over the world are using Shopify as their preferred e-commerce platform.

Features:

  • Multichannel selling such as Instagram and Amazon
  • Unlimited product inventory and bandwidth
  • Customizable online store
  • Accept credit cards with Shopify payments

Suitable for: Small businesses

Examples of businesses using Shopify are The Modern Shop, Brilliant, The Candi Factory, Tluxe, and Quad Lock.

3.Magento

Magento is the platform of choice for both big and small businesses who love the flexibility. Currently, about 20,559 e-commerce stores are using it. It is built on open source technology which helps to give online businesses control over the design, content, and functionality they need for effective user experience. Magento provides marketing, search engine optimization, and inventory management tools.

Features:

  • Optimized for integration and e-commerce performance
  • Smooth checkout process with secure payments
  • Enterprise-grade performance, features, and scalability
  • Flexible and open architecture
  • Multiple payment options

Suitable for: Large and small businesses

Examples of companies using Magento are Coca-Cola, SIGMA, Bauhaus, Tom Dixon, and Ncare.

4.Woocommerce

Woocommerce is one of the popular e-commerce platform available for online businesses. Like Magento, it is also an open source technology. This gives it its customization power. With it, you can sell all kinds of products anywhere and at any time. It is free for personal and commercial use. All you need is to install it and start using it instantly. It has lots of plugins, extensions, and templates you can use to create a stunning online store for your business.

Features:

  • Availability of different themes
  • Multiple payment options like PayPal, Stripe, Credit cards, Checks and Cash on delivery
  • Orders and customer management features
  • Store Optimization

Suitable for: Both small and big businesses.

Examples of businesses using Woocommerce are Singer, Orange, Weber, Airstream and All blacks.

5.Wix stores

Wix stores is an e-commerce platform that helps you to create beautiful and professional online stores. It has all the tools you need to sell easily online. Wix e-commerce platform allows you to sell physical products and digital goods such as MP3 files and eBooks. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it simple for beginners who are not code-friendly. Its modern templates help you to quickly scale up your online as you want.

Features:

  • Multiple payment options such as PayPal, credits and offline payments
  • Manage an unlimited number of products
  • Integrated marketing tools for store promotion
  • Sales tracking features

Suitable for: Both small and growing business

Examples of businesses using Wix are Dry Steppers, Klausing Club, Bucheboard, Vintique watch, and Bensimon Boutique.

6.Volusion

Volusion is an e-commerce platform that gives you everything you need for your online business. Don’t like coding? Volusion has you covered. It has various responsive themes and a detailed site builder you can use to build a stunning online store within minutes. Its features distinguish your online businesses from all others on the internet. Volusion’s native iOS and Android apps make it easy to monitor your online store anywhere and at any time you like.

Features

  • Manage your inventory
  • App integration features
  • Built-in SEO Management and a CRM tool
  • Multiple payment options such as Stripe, PayPal, Amazon and credit cards

Suitable for: Both small and big businesses.

Examples of businesses using Volusion are 3M, Intel, and Slickwraps.

7.SAP Commerce cloud

SAP commerce cloud is rich in features and flexibility. It provides access to all channels of marketing such as the website, mobile, social media networks and chat. It enables you to increase your store conversion with its personalisation which gives you more room to customize your e-commerce storefront, order management. and fulfillment features.

Features:

  • Supports B2C, B2B and B2B2C e-commerce
  • Easy integrations with other SAP systems
  • Customization features
  • Easy to scale

Suitable for:  Small and big businesses

Examples of businesses using Sap Commerce cloud are Tumi, Alcon and Annie Selke company.

8.Squarespace

Squarespace is one of the e-commerce platforms you can use to build an online presence for your business. Squarespace is the website builder suitable for blogs, portfolio sites, and e-commerce stores. It boasts of stunning and award-winning templates you can use to design your e-commerce store and stand out among other online stores. It has responsive templates suitable for mobile devices.

Features:

  • Free, unlimited hosting
  • Top-notch security
  • Enterprise-grade infrastructure
  • Comprehensive marketing tools
  • Great editing tools

Suitable for: Great for both small and big businesses.

Examples of businesses using Squarespace are Archmotorcycle.com, Danielarsham.com, Bembien.com

9.Opencart

Opencart e-commerce platform gives you all you need to design and run your online business. 342,000 online businesses use Open cart worldwide. It has various themes for different sectors of your store such as payment providers, social media, marketing, and accounting. Basically, OpenCart offers all online store functionality you need to create a distinct online store for your business.

Features:

  • Open source and free
  • Inventory management
  • 13,000 themes and modules
  • Multiple payment gateways such as PayPal, Amazon, Authorize.net, SagePay, Skrill, etc.
  • Manage multiple stores

Suitable for: both small and big business

Examples of businesses using Opencart are BritishRedCross, ThePianoguys, FX Creation, BJPenn.com.

10.Zen Cart

Zen Cart is an open source, online e-commerce store management software. It uses a MySQL database and HTML components. It is suitable for users who possess the knowledge of coding. It may pose a challenge to beginners who don’t know how to code. It is free, all you need is to download and install it on your server or on a hosting platform and start selling your products or services. Currently, a total number of 259,854 businesses are using Zen Cart.

Features:

  • Easy to customize
  • Easy integration with payment gateways
  • Usable on any hosting service
  • Choose your domain name
  • Multilingual features

Suitable for: Mid-size to larger businesses.

Examples of businesses using Zen cart are BeautyPro Event, Arwood Industries Inc, Studio Phyzz and Ann Arbor Civic Ballet.

11.Salesforce commerce cloud

Salesforce commerce cloud is an e-commerce software that enables you to grow your brand by helping you to create personalized shopping experiences for your customers on mobile devices, social media networks, website, etc. Salesforce innovation on different channels makes it easy to keep up with the ever-changing retail landscape.

Features:

  • Mobile first features such as responsive design and one-touch payment
  • Personalized customer experiences
  • Multi-site management
  • Omni-channel features
  • Native merchandising features

Suitable for: Small business, non-profit and start-ups

Examples of businesses using Salesforce commerce cloud are Petsmart, Lacoste, Coca-Cola, Univar, and Puma.

12.Godaddy

Godaddy’s GoCentral Online store is an e-commerce platform you can use to set up your online business easily. With its multiple shipping features, your customers are able to choose the convenient way to deliver their products. You can easily manage orders on the go even from your phone.

Features:

  • Mobile friendly checkout
  • Unlimited designs and stunning images
  • Easy inventory tracking
  • Multiple payment operations such as Credit cards, Square, PayPal, Apple Pay.

Suitable for: Small and growing businesses.

13.Weebly

Weebly is a software you can use to build your online store. Currently, over 50 million users are using it. This means about 2% of all websites on the internet are using it. It is easy to use without a coding knowledge as you can use its drag and drop feature to create a stunning online store within minutes. However, if you know how to code, you have full access to its HTML or CSS to customize your online store the way you want.

Features:

  • HTML/CSS control
  • Mobile responsive themes         
  • Customizable templates
  • Social media integration

Suitable for:  Small businesses such as start-up businesses and small online stores.

Examples of businesses using Weebly are Casky Beats, The Box Bros, Indy Plush, Fiel Sol, and Douk Snowboards.

14.3dcart

3dcart is an e-commerce platform that is rich in features. It has more than 23,000 users currently using. With 3dcart, you can design an e-commerce store for your business in no time. It is a hosted e-commerce platform, which implies that you don’t have to pay hosting charges. It does not need any coding skills to use. The platform can handle as much as hundreds of products. If you are a small business thinking of expansion in the future, it is a suitable option.

Features:

  • Built-in integrations with Facebook, Stripe, Google Partner, Mailchimp, Fedex ad Amazon.com
  • VISA PCI Certified security
  • Search engine optimization tools
  • Social & Mobile commerce (Facebook, eBay Amazon)
  • Accept multiple payment options (over 200 payment gateways) such as Amazon, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Visa Checkout.

Suitable for:  Big and small online entrepreneurs

Examples of businesses using 3dcart are LogoUp.com, DirectDoor Hardware, Spacare.com. eddyline etc.

15.Bigcartel

Bigcartel is an e-commerce store purposely designed by Artists for Artists and Makers. Since its launch, more than a million artists and makers have sold their merchandise on the platform. It is suitable both for coders and non-coders. Coders can customize the feel and look of their online store and those who do not know a single line of code can use the free themes to create stunning online shops. With Bigcartel, you can manage your online shop, fulfill orders, and run promotions from anywhere and at any time. You can upload as many products as you want according to your plan.

Features:

  • Top Notch industry standard SSL encryptions
  • Two payment options - credit cards (stripe) and PayPal
  • SEO and Marketing tools
  • Inventory management
  • Six different and beautiful themes

Suitable for: small business, especially Artists and Makers

Examples of businesses using Bigcartel are The Good Twin, I & You Ceramics, Marc Martin, Rock That Horse, Uno + Ichi.

16.Selz

Selz was founded in 2013 as an e-commerce platform. Currently, it has over 100,000 business owners worldwide. With the platform, you can create and manage your online store. It is easy tpages, link your Selz account to an online store or start a new online store through Selz. It doesn’t matter your niche, Selz can be a great online store your business.

Features:

  • Built-in payment gateways such as PayPal
  • Unlimited hosting
  • Easy integrations with apps such as Aweber, Campaign Monitor, and Mailchimp
  • Free SSL Certificate
  • SEO optimization and Marketing tool

Suitable for:  Small businesses

Examples of businesses using Selz for business are bermixiong.com, colourofmaroc.com, and meganyonson.com.

17.E-Junkie

E-Junkie is a shopping cart service that allows businesses to sell digital downloads and tangible goods. With its many tools and functionalities, you can sell your e-books, software, artworks, MP3s on your website, eBay, Craigslist, blog, Social media networks such as Facebook and Google+. There are no charges for transaction, bandwidth and set up. It is most suitable for small businesses who want to make a living online. It doesn’t require coding skills, all you need is to create a minimal shop within minutes.

Features:

  • Multiple payment options such as PayPal, Stripe, Braintree, Authorize.net, 2CO 2Checkout, ClickBank.
  • Affiliate management
  • Secure Digital storage and delivery
  • Inventory management
  • Shipping and Packaging

Suitable for: Small businesses

Examples of businesses using E-Junkie are unclutterer.com, hurleybyrd.com, healthyprostate.co and donnafreedman.com.

18.Gumroad

Gumroad is an all-in-one e-commerce platform for bloggers, writers, artists, teachers, filmmakers etc. Gumroad provides a platform where you can upload and sell your digital products and physical goods. You can integrate Gumroad with your website, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and newsletters.

Features:

  • In-depth analytics
  • Customer management
  • Simple set up
  • Integrate easily with social media network for selling
  • Secured payment processing

Suitable for:  Anyone who makes anything to sell

Examples of businesses using Gumroad are Flawless App, Shamoozal.com, CSSJockey ad Conservative Investor.

19.Storenvy

Storenvy is an e-commerce platform that is made up of an online store builder and a social marketplace. Currently, it has a total of 65,000 businesses using it. It gives online businesses the opportunity to launch their customized online store within minutes. Its social marketplace attracts thousands of brands and customers. Storenvy is free to use and easily customizable.

Features:

  • Accept payments from major credit cards and PayPal
  • Easy to customize
  • Use your preferred domain name
  • Social marketplace functionality

Suitable for: Small businesses and start-ups

Examples of business using Storenvy are Cybelle, Parisienne, Fe Clothing, Stonewoodart, etc.

20.Ecwid

Ecwid is a great e-commerce store for online businesses. Over 1.5 million merchants in 175 countries of the world are using it. With ECWID, you have the opportunity to sell everywhere such as on your websites, mobile phones, social media networks (Facebook), marketplaces like eBay, Google Shopping and Shopping.com.

Features:

  • Mobile responsive design
  • Multi-currency support (40+ payment gateways)
  • Uses secure HTTPs protocols and is a PCI DSS validated level 1 service provider
  • Presale chat

Suitable for: Small businesses

Examples of businesses using ECWID are SheaKardel designs, Dennis Haysbert’s store, Kant, Sharks Palermo.

21.X-cart

X-cart is an open source e-commerce platform just like Magento. It has lots of features and integrations that over 38,000 online stores in 111 countries worldwide are using. It has a lot of templates you can use in designing your online store even if you cannot code. You can customize it to look the way you want and even add extra features to grow your online business. The e-commerce platform comes in a cloud hosted version and downloadable e-commerce software. You choose any of the two options to create an online presence for your business.

Feature:

  • PCI DSS compliant
  • Integrations with third-party tools
  • Integrations with 75+ payment gateways
  • PCI standards compliant
  • CSS based themes and design templates

Suitable for: Small businesses

Examples of businesses using X-cart are Oak Hall, Elite Trimworks, Pearls Only, Pitimana etc.

Conclusion

Above are the top 20 best e-commerce platform for online businesses in 2019. Which of the 20 are you currently using?