Best E-Commerce Website Builders 2024
Launch your online store fast with built-in cart, inventory, and payment processing. Compare the fastest paths to first sale.
Problem Solved: Owners lack technical skills but need low total cost of ownership and quick route to revenue for boutiques, artisans, and new SMB stores.
Platform Overview
Shopify
Industry-leading e-commerce platform with extensive app ecosystem and built-in payment processing.
Best for: Scaling BusinessesBigCommerce
Enterprise-grade features without transaction fees. Strong built-in SEO and multi-channel selling.
Best for: No Transaction FeesSquarespace Commerce
Beautiful design-first approach with integrated commerce. Perfect for visual brands.
Best for: Design-FocusedWix eCommerce
Drag-and-drop builder with e-commerce add-on. Great customization with easy setup.
Best for: CustomizationQuick Comparison
| Feature | Shopify | BigCommerce | Squarespace | Wix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $39/mo | $39/mo | $26/mo | $27/mo |
| Transaction Fees | 2.9% + 30¢ | 0% | 3% | 2.9% + 30¢ |
| Products Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| App Store | 8,000+ Apps | 1,000+ Apps | Extensions | 500+ Apps |
| Multi-channel | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Good | ✓ Good |
| Free Trial | 3 Days | 15 Days | 14 Days | 14 Days |
Pricing Breakdown
Shopify
- ✓ Unlimited products
- ✓ 24/7 support
- ✓ Online store + blog
- ✓ Manual order creation
BigCommerce
- ✓ 0% transaction fees
- ✓ Advanced SEO tools
- ✓ Multi-channel selling
- ✓ Real-time shipping
Squarespace
- ✓ Beautiful templates
- ✓ Built-in analytics
- ✓ Mobile commerce
- ✓ Inventory management
Wix
- ✓ Drag & drop editor
- ✓ 20+ payment methods
- ✓ Abandoned cart recovery
- ✓ Multi-currency support
Key Features Comparison
E-commerce Essentials
Shopify Strengths
- • Best-in-class checkout conversion
- • Extensive payment gateway options
- • Advanced inventory management
- • Shopify Payments integration
- • POS system for retail
BigCommerce Strengths
- • No transaction fees ever
- • Advanced SEO features built-in
- • Multi-storefront capabilities
- • B2B features included
- • Headless commerce ready
Design & Customization
Squarespace Strengths
- • Award-winning design templates
- • Built-in mobile optimization
- • Integrated blogging platform
- • Professional image galleries
- • Style editor for brands
Wix Strengths
- • Complete design freedom
- • 500+ e-commerce templates
- • Advanced animation tools
- • Custom code capabilities
- • App market integrations
Pros & Cons Summary
Shopify
Pros
- • Industry-leading e-commerce features
- • Massive app ecosystem
- • Excellent customer support
- • Built for scaling businesses
Cons
- • Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments
- • Can get expensive with apps
- • Limited customization without coding
Squarespace
Pros
- • Beautiful, professional designs
- • All-in-one platform
- • Great for content marketing
- • Excellent mobile experience
Cons
- • Transaction fees on business plan
- • Limited e-commerce features
- • Fewer third-party integrations
BigCommerce
Pros
- • No transaction fees ever
- • Enterprise features included
- • Strong SEO capabilities
- • Multi-channel selling built-in
Cons
- • Steeper learning curve
- • Limited theme customization
- • Annual sales thresholds
Wix
Pros
- • Complete design control
- • Easy drag-and-drop interface
- • Good value for money
- • Strong marketing tools
Cons
- • Can't switch templates
- • Limited advanced e-commerce features
- • Page loading can be slow
Who Should Use Which Platform?
Choose Shopify If You...
- • Want the most comprehensive e-commerce features
- • Plan to scale and need extensive app integrations
- • Need both online and physical store capabilities
- • Prioritize conversion optimization and checkout experience
Choose BigCommerce If You...
- • Want to avoid transaction fees entirely
- • Need enterprise features without enterprise pricing
- • Prioritize SEO and multi-channel selling
- • Plan to sell on marketplaces like Amazon/eBay
Choose Squarespace If You...
- • Prioritize beautiful design and brand aesthetics
- • Want integrated blogging and content marketing
- • Have a simple product catalog
- • Value simplicity over advanced features
Choose Wix If You...
- • Want complete design control and customization
- • Need a website first, e-commerce second
- • Are budget-conscious but want flexibility
- • Don't mind spending time on setup and design
Quick Decision Guide
| Best For | Top Choice | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest Setup | Squarespace | Shopify |
| No Transaction Fees | BigCommerce | Wix |
| Most Features | Shopify | BigCommerce |
| Best Design | Squarespace | Wix |
| Most Customizable | Wix | Shopify |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform is easiest for beginners?
Squarespace offers the easiest setup with beautiful templates and intuitive interface. Shopify is also beginner-friendly with excellent support and documentation.
What are the hidden costs to watch out for?
Transaction fees (except BigCommerce), payment processing fees, premium apps/themes, additional staff accounts, and third-party integrations can add up quickly.
Can I migrate between platforms later?
Yes, but it requires effort. Product data can usually be exported/imported, but you'll need to rebuild your design and reconfigure settings. Plan carefully before choosing.
Which platform handles inventory management best?
Shopify and BigCommerce offer the most advanced inventory features including low-stock alerts, variants management, and multi-location inventory. Squarespace and Wix have basic inventory tools.
Do I need technical skills to run an online store?
No technical skills required for basic setup on any platform. However, advanced customizations may need some HTML/CSS knowledge or hiring a developer.
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Disclaimer
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