Best ecommerce platforms
The best ecommerce platform is the one that fits you.
An honest, side-by-side look at the top ecommerce platforms: Shopify, BigCommerce, Adobe Commerce, WooCommerce, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud, so you can choose with eyes open. We are platform-agnostic: we help you pick the fit and build it.
// the basics
What is an ecommerce platform?
An ecommerce platform is the software that runs your online store: product catalog, shopping cart, checkout, payment processing, order management, and the admin you use to run it all. Most modern platforms are cloud-based: the provider handles hosting, security, and software updates, so your team focuses on selling rather than maintaining infrastructure. A cloud-based ecommerce platform like Shopify or BigCommerce eliminates the server management overhead that comes with self-hosted options like WooCommerce or Adobe Commerce.
The differences between platforms that actually matter to a growing business are customizability (how far can you go without rebuilding?), native B2B support (price lists, customer groups, quotes), headless capability (can you run your own front end against the commerce engine?), integration depth (how cleanly does it connect to your ERP, PIM, POS, and 3PL?), and total cost of ownership over a three-to-five year horizon, not just the monthly plan price.
There is no single best ecommerce platform for every business. Shopify holds roughly 30% of the US market and is the right call for many DTC brands. BigCommerce is the right call when you need native B2B alongside DTC and want to avoid per-sale transaction fees. Adobe Commerce handles large, complex catalogs that SaaS platforms cannot flex far enough. Salesforce Commerce Cloud integrates natively with Salesforce CRM for enterprise brands. WooCommerce gives full control if you already run WordPress and want zero platform fees. The right answer is the one that fits your catalog, channels, B2B rules, and where you want to be in three years.
We are platform-agnostic. We build on all of these and choose the fit based on your requirements, not a preferred partnership. You get a recommendation with a clear rationale and a fixed proposal before any work starts.
// the landscape
The ecommerce platform market, by the numbers
of the US ecommerce platform market is held by Shopify, with Wix at around 23%, together running the majority of US online stores.
Statista, 2024of all tracked online stores worldwide run on WooCommerce, making it the most-installed ecommerce platform globally by store count.
StoreLeadsecommerce stores are live worldwide, across dozens of platforms, from first-time sellers to billion-dollar enterprises.
StoreLeads// why it matters
What the right platform gives you
The platform choice affects every part of your commerce operation. These are the capabilities a well-chosen ecommerce platform gives a growing DTC or B2B brand.
Platform-agnostic
We build on all major platforms and choose the one that fits your business, not the one that is easiest for us to sell.
Right fit, not default
We map your catalog, channels, B2B rules, and budget before recommending. The wrong platform choice costs more than the build itself.
Open API access
The best platforms expose open APIs so your store connects to ERP, PIM, POS, 3PL, and marketplaces without fragile workarounds.
B2B where you need it
Native B2B: price lists, customer groups, quotes, and trade portals on BigCommerce B2B Edition, Adobe Commerce, or Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
Headless when it matters
Separate the commerce engine from the front end when you need custom UX or top-tier performance. We build headless on BigCommerce, Shopify, and Adobe Commerce.
You own what we build
We design, build, configure, and migrate. Then we hand you a store you own and run. We never operate your store for you.
// what we build
What we do on your platform
From picking the right platform to building, integrating, and migrating, here is the full scope of what we deliver on Shopify, BigCommerce, Adobe Commerce, WooCommerce, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
Platform selection and strategy
We scope your catalog, channels, and B2B rules and recommend the right ecommerce platform with a clear rationale.
Custom theme and storefront
A fast, on-brand storefront built from your design, not a generic template, tuned for Core Web Vitals and conversion.
B2B configuration
Price lists, customer groups, net terms, quotes, and trade portals configured for wholesale and B2B buyers alongside your DTC store.
Headless builds
Commerce engine (BigCommerce, Shopify, or Adobe Commerce) behind a custom Next.js front end for full UX control and performance.
ERP, PIM, POS, and 3PL integration
Ecommerce platform integration with your back-office systems so products, inventory, and orders flow without manual syncing.
Platform migration and replatforming
Move from WooCommerce, Magento, or any platform to your new one, with products, customers, orders, 301 redirects, and SEO preserved.
Multi-storefront and multicurrency
Multiple storefronts, regions, and currencies from one account, for brands selling across markets from a single back end.
App and marketplace integrations
Connect Shopify apps, BigCommerce integrations, or custom API connectors for marketplaces, reviews, loyalty, and fulfillment.
// dtc brands scaling up
DTC brands scaling up
For a DTC brand that is outgrowing its starter platform, the right ecommerce platform gives you headroom without rebuilding from scratch every two years. We evaluate your catalog size, app dependencies, checkout requirements, and growth trajectory to pick the platform that does not become a ceiling. Shopify Plus and BigCommerce both handle serious DTC volume, with the difference in app flexibility, transaction fees, and how far you can go headless when you need it.
// b2b and wholesale brands
B2B and wholesale brands
B2B ecommerce has different needs than DTC: customer-specific pricing, purchase order workflows, net payment terms, quote requests, and minimum order quantities. Not every platform handles these natively. BigCommerce B2B Edition and Adobe Commerce are built for this; Shopify Plus has a B2B module that works for lighter B2B requirements. We configure the full B2B layer so your trade buyers self-serve and your team spends less time on manual quoting.
// brands selling on both dtc and b2b
Brands selling on both DTC and B2B
Running DTC and B2B from one ecommerce platform is technically possible on the right platforms and a maintenance headache on the wrong ones. BigCommerce B2B Edition is purpose-built for this: one catalog, one admin, and separate pricing and checkout experiences by account type. We build the customer group structure, price lists, and checkout rules so both channels work cleanly without duplicate product management.
// headless and developer-led builds
Headless and developer-led builds
When your front end needs to do things a standard platform theme cannot: custom animations, composable checkout, or tight integration with a CMS or design system, a headless ecommerce platform build separates the commerce engine from the UI. We build the Next.js front end, wire it to the platform API, and hand you a decoupled storefront that performs well and is easy for your team to iterate on.
// platform migration and replatforming
Platform migration and replatforming
Replatforming is one of the highest-risk ecommerce projects a brand can run: done wrong, you lose rankings, break integrations, or carry forward the structural problems you were trying to fix. We audit what is actually wrong with your current platform before recommending a move, then handle the full migration, covering products, customers, orders, content, and 301 redirects, with a staging QA step and a cutover plan that protects uptime and SEO.
// the comparison
Top ecommerce platforms, side by side
This is a guide, not a verdict. The right ecommerce platform depends on your catalog, channels, B2B needs, and budget. Scroll right on mobile.
Platform costs, features, and positioning change frequently. We verify against your requirements before recommending.
// choosing
How to choose your ecommerce platform
The most common mistake is picking by popularity or price before mapping requirements. Run through these decision points first.
Do you need B2B pricing?
Native B2B matters. BigCommerce B2B Edition and Adobe Commerce handle it natively. Shopify Plus has a B2B module. WooCommerce requires plugins. If B2B is central to your model, start here before anything else.
What is your catalog size?
Large catalogs with complex variants, bundles, or rules push toward BigCommerce or Adobe Commerce. Simpler catalogs are fine on Shopify or WooCommerce. SaaS platforms have catalog limits that can become constraints at scale.
Do you sell across multiple channels?
Marketplaces, social storefronts, and in-person POS all need to sync inventory and orders. An ecommerce platform with strong API and channel integration (BigCommerce, Shopify) makes this cleaner than a platform you have to bolt connectors onto.
Do you need a custom front end?
If your design team needs full UI control, or if performance is a top priority, a headless ecommerce platform build: BigCommerce or Shopify as the engine, Next.js as the front end, gives you both without sacrificing the commerce admin.
What is your total budget?
SaaS platforms have predictable subscription costs. Self-hosted options (WooCommerce, Adobe Commerce) have lower platform fees but higher development and hosting costs. Enterprise platforms (Salesforce Commerce Cloud) price on revenue share. Map the three-year total cost of ownership, not just the monthly plan.
Who will maintain it?
Shopify and BigCommerce are designed to be manageable by a non-technical team with light developer support. Adobe Commerce and WooCommerce require a developer to maintain safely. Match the platform to the team that will run it after launch.
// our process
How we choose, build, and launch
From a short scoping call to a live store you own, with no handoffs, no hourly billing surprises.
Scope your requirements
We map your catalog size, B2B rules, sales channels, and integration needs in a short call. This is the most important step, choosing the wrong platform for your requirements costs more than the build.
Platform recommendation
We match your requirements to the right ecommerce platform and explain the trade-offs clearly. If two platforms are close calls, we show you why.
Fixed proposal
We write a fixed proposal covering design, build, integrations, and migration scope before any work starts. No hourly billing surprises.
Design, build, and integrate
Custom storefront design, platform configuration, B2B setup, and ERP/PIM/POS integration on the chosen platform.
Launch and hand over
We QA on staging, run a clean cutover with 301 redirects, and hand you a store you own and run. We stay available to support and scale.
// what clients say
Real founders, real builds
"We were live in 6 days. I genuinely did not believe that was possible. The design is stunning, the WhatsApp integration brings in inquiries every day, and the site has stayed lightning fast."
Ricky B.Founder, Belle Maison"In our business, clients size you up before they ever call. FactoryJet built us a website that finally looks as solid as the work we deliver, and we are getting real project inquiries through it."
Vishal K.Director, Impulse BrandingECOMMERCE PLATFORMS FAQ
Questions before you choose.
If your question is not below, send a short brief and we usually come back within 24 hours.
Topics
Can’t find your answer?
Talk to the founderPlatform basics
What is an ecommerce platform?
An ecommerce platform is the software that powers your online store: product catalog, cart, checkout, payments, and the admin dashboard behind it all. Most modern platforms are cloud-based, so the provider handles hosting, security, and software updates. The differences that matter are how much you can customize, whether B2B is native, how it handles catalog scale, and the total cost to run it over time.
What is a cloud-based ecommerce platform?
A cloud-based ecommerce platform, like Shopify, BigCommerce, or Salesforce Commerce Cloud, is hosted and maintained by the provider. You do not run your own servers, manage security patches, or worry about infrastructure scaling. WooCommerce and Adobe Commerce can be self-hosted if you need full server control or have on-premise requirements.
What does an ecommerce platform include?
A full ecommerce platform includes a product catalog and inventory system, a shopping cart and checkout, payment processing integrations, an order management system, a customer database, the storefront the shopper sees, and an admin interface you manage orders from. Enterprise platforms add native B2B features like price lists, customer groups, quotes, and trade portals on top of this.
How many ecommerce platforms are there?
There are dozens, but a handful run most serious stores: Shopify, BigCommerce, Adobe Commerce, WooCommerce, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud. We build on all of them and stay platform-agnostic so we can recommend the one that actually fits your business, not the one that is easiest for us.
Is Shopify the best ecommerce platform?
Shopify holds about 30% of the US ecommerce platform market and is the most-used platform for DTC brands. But it is not always the best fit. BigCommerce suits brands that need native B2B and no transaction fees. Adobe Commerce and Salesforce Commerce Cloud suit large, complex catalogs. WooCommerce suits brands that want full server control and low platform fees. The best ecommerce platform is the one that fits your business, not the most popular one.
Choosing
What is the best ecommerce platform for a small business?
Shopify and WooCommerce are the most common picks for small businesses. Shopify is fast to launch, easy to run, and requires no technical knowledge to manage day-to-day. WooCommerce is free to start if you already use WordPress and want full control of your site. We help you weigh both against where you want to be in two to three years, not just what is easiest on day one.
Which ecommerce platform is best for B2B?
BigCommerce B2B Edition and Adobe Commerce are the leading options for native B2B, with Salesforce Commerce Cloud for large enterprise B2B. If you run a smaller B2B catalog alongside DTC, Shopify Plus has a B2B module. We match the platform to your pricing rules, customer account structure, approval workflows, and integrations before recommending one.
What is a headless ecommerce platform?
A headless ecommerce platform separates the commerce engine from the customer-facing front end. Instead of a built-in storefront, you build your own front end, typically Next.js or similar, that pulls product, cart, and order data through the platform API. BigCommerce, Shopify, and Adobe Commerce all support headless builds. You get full UX control and often significantly better performance, at the cost of higher upfront development time.
How do I choose between BigCommerce and Shopify?
For DTC-first brands that want a fast start and the largest app ecosystem, Shopify is often the quicker win. For brands selling both DTC and B2B from one store, wanting to avoid per-sale transaction fees, or needing deep catalog customization without heavy apps, BigCommerce is usually a better fit. We run a short scoping session to map your specific catalog, channel, and B2B requirements before making a firm recommendation.
When should we replatform to a new ecommerce platform?
Consider replatforming if your current platform is consistently slowing you down: performance problems you cannot fix, missing B2B features that require expensive workarounds, limitations on catalog size or checkout customization, or a migration that would reduce total cost of ownership. We audit what is actually broken before recommending a switch because a platform migration is a significant project, and switching to the wrong one just creates new constraints.
Platform details
What is BigCommerce and how is it different from Shopify?
BigCommerce is an open-SaaS ecommerce platform: hosted and maintained like Shopify, but with open APIs, no transaction fees, and strong native B2B through B2B Edition. Shopify has a larger app store and a simpler admin but charges transaction fees if you do not use Shopify Payments. BigCommerce is often the better fit for brands that sell both DTC and B2B from one store or that need deep catalog customization through the API.
What is Adobe Commerce (Magento)?
Adobe Commerce, formerly Magento, is a self-hosted or PaaS ecommerce platform built for large, complex catalogs. It is highly customizable, has deep native B2B, and supports headless builds through its PWA Studio and REST/GraphQL APIs. The trade-off is higher total cost of ownership: you need a development team to maintain upgrades and infrastructure. It is best for enterprise brands, large manufacturers with complex pricing rules, or businesses that have outgrown SaaS platforms.
What is Salesforce Commerce Cloud?
Salesforce Commerce Cloud is an enterprise-grade SaaS ecommerce platform that integrates natively with Salesforce CRM and Marketing Cloud. It is used by large retailers and global brands that need tight CRM-to-commerce data flow, global multi-site management, and AI-powered personalization. The pricing model is revenue-share, which makes it a significant investment best suited to brands doing substantial volume.
What is WooCommerce and who is it for?
WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that turns a WordPress site into a full ecommerce store. You self-host it, which means complete control over the server, code, and database, but also full responsibility for hosting, security patches, and maintenance. It is best for brands already on WordPress, developers who want complete code control, or small-to-mid businesses that want to minimize recurring platform fees.
Migration & building
Can you help us migrate to a different ecommerce platform?
Yes. We handle ecommerce platform migrations end to end: products, customers, orders, content, and 301 redirects, with a cutover plan that protects your search rankings and uptime. We have migrated stores from WooCommerce, Magento, Shopify, and custom-built platforms to BigCommerce, Shopify Plus, and Adobe Commerce.
How long does an ecommerce platform build take?
A straightforward DTC store on Shopify or BigCommerce typically runs four to eight weeks for design, build, and QA. A B2B store with integrations, price lists, and customer accounts runs eight to sixteen weeks depending on complexity. We scope it precisely after a short call and give you a phased timeline with milestones; not a vague estimate.
Do we own what you build on our ecommerce platform?
Yes. You own and operate everything we build. We design, configure, integrate, and migrate, then hand you a store you run yourself. We never run your store for you. We stay available to support and scale it as you grow, but ownership and day-to-day control are always yours.
Can you integrate our ERP, PIM, POS, and 3PL with an ecommerce platform?
Yes. Ecommerce platform integration with ERP, PIM, POS, 3PL, and marketplaces is a core part of what we build. We connect your systems so products, inventory, orders, and customer data flow through one clean pipeline and do not require manual syncing between tools. BigCommerce, Shopify Plus, and Adobe Commerce all have the open API layer to support this cleanly.
Do you work with US brands?
Yes. Most of our clients are US-based DTC and B2B brands across Austin, Miami, Denver, Nashville, Charlotte, and Portland. We build, migrate, and integrate ecommerce platforms for growing brands, with a decade-plus of commerce builds and more than 500 projects completed.
// before you commit
Not sure which platform? Let us figure it out.
Tell us what you sell, how you sell it, and where you want to be. We will match you to the right ecommerce platform and send a fixed proposal before any work starts.
"We were live in just 6 days. New inquiries come in every day, and the site is still really fast."