Quick Overview
- 1#1: Shopify - Cloud-based ecommerce platform for building scalable online stores with integrated payments, inventory, and marketing tools.
- 2#2: BigCommerce - Enterprise-grade cloud ecommerce solution offering multi-channel selling, robust APIs, and B2B features.
- 3#3: WooCommerce - Flexible open-source ecommerce plugin for WordPress with cloud hosting options for customizable online shops.
- 4#4: Adobe Commerce - Cloud-hosted enterprise platform formerly Magento for high-volume stores with advanced personalization and omnichannel support.
- 5#5: Salesforce Commerce Cloud - AI-powered cloud commerce platform integrating CRM, marketing, and headless commerce for global enterprises.
- 6#6: Wix Stores - User-friendly cloud builder with ecommerce tools for creating branded online stores and managing sales.
- 7#7: Squarespace Commerce - All-in-one cloud platform combining stunning design templates with ecommerce functionality for small businesses.
- 8#8: Shift4Shop - Free cloud ecommerce platform with built-in payment processing and SEO tools for growing online retailers.
- 9#9: Volusion - Hosted cloud ecommerce solution providing inventory management, order processing, and marketing automation.
- 10#10: Ecwid - Embeddable cloud ecommerce widget for adding buy buttons and full stores to any website or social platform.
These tools were chosen based on a thorough evaluation of feature strength, performance reliability, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs, from startups to global enterprises, and deliver robust support for long-term success.
Comparison Table
Understanding the best cloud ecommerce software for your business? This comparison table outlines key tools including Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Adobe Commerce, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud, guiding readers to compare features, scalability, pricing, and integrations to find their ideal fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Shopify Cloud-based ecommerce platform for building scalable online stores with integrated payments, inventory, and marketing tools. | other | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | BigCommerce Enterprise-grade cloud ecommerce solution offering multi-channel selling, robust APIs, and B2B features. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | WooCommerce Flexible open-source ecommerce plugin for WordPress with cloud hosting options for customizable online shops. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 4 | Adobe Commerce Cloud-hosted enterprise platform formerly Magento for high-volume stores with advanced personalization and omnichannel support. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Salesforce Commerce Cloud AI-powered cloud commerce platform integrating CRM, marketing, and headless commerce for global enterprises. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Wix Stores User-friendly cloud builder with ecommerce tools for creating branded online stores and managing sales. | creative_suite | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 |  Squarespace Commerce All-in-one cloud platform combining stunning design templates with ecommerce functionality for small businesses. | creative_suite | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Shift4Shop Free cloud ecommerce platform with built-in payment processing and SEO tools for growing online retailers. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | Volusion Hosted cloud ecommerce solution providing inventory management, order processing, and marketing automation. | other | 4.5/10 | 6.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 3.0/10 |
| 10 | Ecwid Embeddable cloud ecommerce widget for adding buy buttons and full stores to any website or social platform. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
Cloud-based ecommerce platform for building scalable online stores with integrated payments, inventory, and marketing tools.
Enterprise-grade cloud ecommerce solution offering multi-channel selling, robust APIs, and B2B features.
Flexible open-source ecommerce plugin for WordPress with cloud hosting options for customizable online shops.
Cloud-hosted enterprise platform formerly Magento for high-volume stores with advanced personalization and omnichannel support.
AI-powered cloud commerce platform integrating CRM, marketing, and headless commerce for global enterprises.
User-friendly cloud builder with ecommerce tools for creating branded online stores and managing sales.
All-in-one cloud platform combining stunning design templates with ecommerce functionality for small businesses.
Free cloud ecommerce platform with built-in payment processing and SEO tools for growing online retailers.
Hosted cloud ecommerce solution providing inventory management, order processing, and marketing automation.
Embeddable cloud ecommerce widget for adding buy buttons and full stores to any website or social platform.
Shopify
otherCloud-based ecommerce platform for building scalable online stores with integrated payments, inventory, and marketing tools.
The Shopify App Store, with 8,000+ apps for tailored extensions like advanced analytics, SEO, and dropshipping.
Shopify is a leading cloud-based ecommerce platform that empowers businesses to create, customize, and manage online stores with ease. It provides tools for product management, inventory tracking, secure payments via Shopify Payments, order fulfillment, and marketing automation, all hosted on scalable cloud infrastructure. Merchants benefit from thousands of themes and apps, multi-channel selling capabilities, and built-in analytics to drive growth without managing servers.
Pros
- Expansive App Store with over 8,000 integrations for endless customization
- Intuitive drag-and-drop store builder and mobile-responsive themes
- Seamless omnichannel support including POS, social commerce, and marketplaces
Cons
- Transaction fees (0.5-2%) apply if not using Shopify Payments
- Advanced features and apps can increase costs significantly
- Deep customizations often require Liquid coding or developers
Best For
Small to large businesses and entrepreneurs seeking a scalable, user-friendly platform to launch and grow online stores without technical overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (Basic), $79/month (Shopify), $299/month (Advanced), with Shopify Plus at $2,000+/month; 3-day free trial, no setup fees.
BigCommerce
enterpriseEnterprise-grade cloud ecommerce solution offering multi-channel selling, robust APIs, and B2B features.
Native B2B tools including customer groups, quotes, and POs without third-party apps
BigCommerce is a fully hosted, cloud-based ecommerce platform that enables businesses to build scalable online stores with advanced features for B2C and B2B sales. It supports multi-channel selling across marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, headless commerce via APIs, and extensive customization through apps and themes. The platform emphasizes SEO tools, unlimited products, and no transaction fees, making it ideal for growing enterprises.
Pros
- No transaction fees on any plan, maximizing profits
- Robust B2B and multi-storefront capabilities built-in
- Extensive integrations and API flexibility for scalability
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Limited free themes compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise businesses needing scalable B2B ecommerce with multi-channel support.
Pricing
Starts at $29/mo (Standard), $299/mo (Plus), $2,999/mo (Pro); Enterprise custom; annual discounts available, no transaction fees.
WooCommerce
otherFlexible open-source ecommerce plugin for WordPress with cloud hosting options for customizable online shops.
Open-source flexibility with no transaction fees or vendor lock-in
WooCommerce is a free, open-source eCommerce plugin for WordPress that transforms any WordPress site into a robust online store, supporting everything from simple shops to complex marketplaces. It offers thousands of extensions, themes, and integrations for payments, shipping, and inventory management, deployable on cloud hosting like AWS, Google Cloud, or managed WordPress hosts. While highly flexible, it requires self-management for optimal cloud performance and scalability.
Pros
- Extremely customizable with 60,000+ plugins and themes
- Free core software with unbeatable value
- Massive community support and ecosystem
Cons
- Requires self-hosting and technical maintenance
- Steeper learning curve for non-WordPress users
- Performance depends on hosting setup
Best For
Businesses and developers comfortable with WordPress who need full control and customization without SaaS limitations.
Pricing
Core plugin free; extensions/themes $0-$300 one-time; cloud hosting from $20-100+/month via partners like WooCommerce.com ($29+/mo plans).
Adobe Commerce
enterpriseCloud-hosted enterprise platform formerly Magento for high-volume stores with advanced personalization and omnichannel support.
Native Adobe Experience Cloud integration for unified, AI-powered customer data and personalization across channels
Adobe Commerce is a cloud-based e-commerce platform built on the Magento open-source foundation, delivering enterprise-grade scalability, customization, and multi-channel commerce capabilities. It supports complex B2B and B2C operations with features like headless architecture, PWA storefronts, and seamless integrations across sales, marketing, and customer service. Hosted on robust cloud infrastructure, it offers auto-scaling, 99.99% uptime SLAs, and deep ties to the Adobe Experience Cloud for personalized customer journeys.
Pros
- Unmatched scalability for high-traffic enterprise stores with auto-scaling cloud infrastructure
- Highly customizable with extensive extensions, themes, and headless/PWA support
- Powerful Adobe ecosystem integrations for AI-driven personalization and omnichannel experiences
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring skilled developers for setup and customization
- High implementation and ongoing costs, especially for smaller enterprises
- Complex admin interface that can overwhelm non-technical users
Best For
Enterprise retailers and brands with complex B2B/B2C needs, in-house development teams, and budgets for advanced customization.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at ~$22,000/year for Cloud edition, scaling with GMV/traffic; plus implementation fees often $50K+.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud
enterpriseAI-powered cloud commerce platform integrating CRM, marketing, and headless commerce for global enterprises.
Einstein AI for hyper-personalized shopping experiences and predictive analytics
Salesforce Commerce Cloud is a robust, enterprise-grade cloud-based ecommerce platform that enables businesses to create scalable online stores for B2C and B2B models. It provides advanced features like AI-powered personalization via Einstein, omnichannel support, and headless commerce capabilities for flexible storefront development. Deep integration with the Salesforce ecosystem, including Marketing Cloud and Service Cloud, allows for unified customer experiences across touchpoints.
Pros
- Exceptional scalability for high-traffic sites
- Advanced AI-driven personalization and recommendations
- Seamless integrations with Salesforce CRM and marketing tools
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity
- Steep learning curve requiring developer expertise
- Custom pricing lacks transparency for smaller businesses
Best For
Large enterprises with complex omnichannel needs and existing Salesforce infrastructure seeking enterprise-scale ecommerce.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on revenue, traffic, and features.
Wix Stores
creative_suiteUser-friendly cloud builder with ecommerce tools for creating branded online stores and managing sales.
All-in-one website builder with drag-and-drop ecommerce, allowing store design within a complete site ecosystem.
Wix Stores is a cloud-based ecommerce platform integrated into the Wix website builder, enabling users to create fully customizable online stores without coding. It supports product catalogs, inventory management, secure payments via multiple gateways, shipping options, and order fulfillment. Additional features include abandoned cart recovery, POS integration, and marketing tools like email campaigns and SEO optimization, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for beginners
- Hundreds of professionally designed templates
- Seamless integration with Wix apps and marketing tools
Cons
- Transaction fees on lower-tier plans (up to 2%)
- Limited scalability for very large inventories or high traffic
- Less flexibility for advanced custom code compared to developer-focused platforms
Best For
Small business owners and solopreneurs seeking an easy-to-use, visually stunning online store without needing technical skills.
Pricing
Business plans start at $27/month (Basic, 2% transaction fee) up to $159/month (Enterprise, no fees); annual billing discounts available.
Squarespace Commerce
creative_suiteAll-in-one cloud platform combining stunning design templates with ecommerce functionality for small businesses.
Ultra-high-quality, customizable templates that rival custom web design without coding
Squarespace Commerce is a cloud-based ecommerce platform integrated into Squarespace's website builder, enabling users to create visually stunning online stores with drag-and-drop simplicity. It provides essential tools like inventory management, abandoned cart recovery, subscription billing, and advanced shipping options on higher plans. The platform excels in design flexibility while handling payments, orders, and marketing in one cohesive system.
Pros
- Award-winning templates for professional, mobile-optimized designs
- All-in-one platform with built-in blogging, SEO, and email marketing
- No transaction fees on Commerce plans and strong customer support
Cons
- Limited third-party app integrations compared to Shopify
- Less scalable for high-volume or enterprise-level stores
- Higher pricing for advanced features without customization flexibility
Best For
Creative small businesses, artists, and solopreneurs prioritizing beautiful design and simplicity over extensive scalability.
Pricing
Commerce Basic at $26/mo (annual), Advanced at $40/mo (annual), Enterprise custom; no transaction fees on Commerce plans.
Shift4Shop
otherFree cloud ecommerce platform with built-in payment processing and SEO tools for growing online retailers.
Free hosting with unlimited resources when using Shift4 Payments, eliminating platform transaction fees.
Shift4Shop is a fully hosted cloud-based ecommerce platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering unlimited products, bandwidth, and storage. It provides robust built-in features like SEO tools, email marketing, and multi-channel selling integrations without additional app fees. Integrated payment processing via Shift4 Payments allows for seamless transactions and competitive pricing structures.
Pros
- Unlimited products, bandwidth, and storage even on base plans
- Comprehensive built-in tools for SEO, marketing, and inventory management
- Integrated Shift4 Payments with low or no platform fees
Cons
- User interface appears dated compared to modern competitors
- Customer support can be inconsistent and slow
- Limited advanced customization without coding knowledge
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective, feature-packed ecommerce solution with integrated payments.
Pricing
Free plan (2.9% + 30¢ per transaction with Shift4), Pro $29/mo (2% + 30¢), Premium $79/mo (flat-rate processing), Enterprise custom.
Volusion
otherHosted cloud ecommerce solution providing inventory management, order processing, and marketing automation.
Integrated inventory management with real-time tracking and multi-channel selling support
Volusion is a fully hosted cloud-based e-commerce platform that enables businesses to build, manage, and scale online stores with tools for product catalogs, inventory tracking, order management, and payments. It offers built-in SEO, email marketing, and analytics to drive sales without requiring coding expertise. Note that Volusion discontinued operations in September 2023, migrating users to alternatives, limiting its current viability.
Pros
- User-friendly drag-and-drop store builder
- Built-in SEO and marketing tools
- Reliable uptime and PCI-compliant security during operation
Cons
- Service discontinued in 2023, no longer available
- Limited third-party app integrations and customization
- High pricing relative to modern competitors
Best For
Small businesses that previously used Volusion and are now seeking historical context or migration paths from legacy hosted platforms.
Pricing
Previously offered plans from $35/month (Personal) to $299/month (Business Unlimited), with no transaction fees; now obsolete.
Ecwid
specializedEmbeddable cloud ecommerce widget for adding buy buttons and full stores to any website or social platform.
Code-free embeddable store widget that integrates into any website or app instantly
Ecwid is a cloud-based e-commerce platform that allows users to embed a fully functional online store into any existing website, blog, or CMS like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace without requiring coding or site migration. It supports multi-channel selling across social media (Facebook, Instagram), marketplaces (Amazon, eBay), and POS systems. Ecwid handles inventory management, payments via 50+ gateways, shipping, and taxes automatically, making it ideal for quick store launches.
Pros
- Seamless integration with any website or platform in minutes
- Multi-channel selling support including social and marketplaces
- Free plan with core features for up to 10 products
Cons
- Limited design customization compared to dedicated platforms
- Transaction fees (2%) on free and lower plans
- Advanced reporting and automation require higher tiers
Best For
Small businesses and solopreneurs wanting to add e-commerce to an existing site without rebuilding.
Pricing
Free (up to 10 products, 2% transaction fee); Venture $15/mo (100 products); Business $35/mo (2,500 products); Unlimited $99/mo (unlimited products, no fees).
Conclusion
In the landscape of cloud ecommerce software, Shopify emerges as the clear leader, celebrated for its scalability, integrated tools, and ability to support growing businesses. BigCommerce and WooCommerce stand out as robust alternatives, offering enterprise-grade features and customizable open-source flexibility, respectively, to meet varied operational needs. Together, these top three tools showcase the breadth of options available, ensuring there’s a solution for every type of online retailer.
Take the first step to a thriving online store—try Shopify now to leverage its all-in-one capabilities and start converting visitors into customers with ease.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison