Forbes Advisor Ratings provide valuable insights into the best e-commerce platforms available for businesses of all sizes. From no transaction fees to built-in SEO features, these platforms offer a range of benefits and drawbacks that cater to different business needs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top-rated e-commerce platforms according to Forbes Advisor Ratings.
1. Ecwid
Starting Monthly Price: $25
Pros: No transaction fees, comprehensive free plan with hosting, great security
Cons: Product limits on free and low-cost plans, limited digital marketing tools
Expert Take: Ecwid is a great low-cost option, but the offerings may be limited for some businesses.
2. Shift4Shop
Starting Monthly Price: $39
Pros: Built-in SEO features, web hosting, email marketing tools included
Cons: No live chat support, free plan requires monthly sales target
Expert Take: Shift4Shop is ideal for improving your shop’s visibility, but may lack customer service availability.
3. Squarespace
Starting Monthly Price: $16 (annually)
Pros: Wide selection of site templates, AI support for website creation, accounting software integrations
Cons: Expensive, limited social media selling, customization options
Expert Take: Squarespace is beginner-friendly, but the cost may be a deterrent for some users.
4. BigCommerce
Starting Monthly Price: $39
Pros: Dropshipping supplier directory, unlimited products, free and paid website themes
Cons: Expensive, web hosting costs extra, sales maximum on each plan
Expert Take: BigCommerce is a great choice for dropshippers due to its tailored features.
5. Web.com
Starting Monthly Price: $2.75
Pros: Useful add-ons, web design support, appointment-based purchases
Cons: Expensive, web hosting costs extra, complicated website migration
Expert Take: Web.com is suitable for service businesses, but the pricing may be higher compared to other options.
6. Shopify
Starting Monthly Price: $39
Pros: Diverse packages, easy plan upgrades, unlimited products
Cons: Shipping calculator with plugin only, limited support for lower-tier plans
Expert Take: Shopify is excellent for scaling up your business, but the cost may be a concern for some users.
7. OpenCart
Starting Monthly Price: $59
Pros: Forever free plan available, unlimited products, free website templates
Cons: Hosting on higher-tier plans, limited shop design templates
Expert Take: OpenCart offers good features for a free platform, but higher-tier plans provide better offerings.
8. Big Cartel
Starting Monthly Price: $15
Pros: Affordable, great for independent sellers, service-based businesses
Cons: No web hosting, few integrations, limited customer reviews
Expert Take: Big Cartel is a budget-friendly option suitable for various professions.
9. Wix
Starting Monthly Price: $29
Pros: Hosting, inventory management included, built-in returns and refunds feature
Cons: No free plan, product limits, tax calculator for higher-tier plans
Expert Take: Wix is a midrange option with good customer service and promising customer reviews.
10. Zoho Commerce
Starting Monthly Price: $27
Pros: AI-powered analytics, abandoned-cart email options, marketing tools
Cons: Limited customization, product number limits, limited customer reviews
Expert Take: Zoho Commerce offers reliable analytics and reporting features at an affordable price point.
In conclusion, Forbes Advisor Ratings provide valuable insights into the best e-commerce platforms available for businesses. Each platform has its own set of pros and cons, catering to different business needs and budgets. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a user-friendly platform or a seasoned entrepreneur aiming to scale up your business, there’s a platform out there that can meet your requirements. Consider the features, pricing, and expert opinions to choose the best e-commerce platform for your business.
