Shopify
BigCommerce
Shopify overview
Shopify: what to know before you choose
Explore hosted storefront tools, checkout and apps, plus the plan limits, payment choices and running costs to check before opening a store.
Explore the guideCLARITY FOR YOUR NEXT BIG MOVE
Your ambition.
The right platform.
A better start.
Build your business on a better decision. Explore ecommerce platforms, understand the trade-offs, and find the tools that fit your next chapter.
01 / EXPLORE02 / COMPARE03 / BUILD
Start with a little clarity
Your business. Your kind of platform.
A first store, a growing brand, or a fresh start. Explore the options with your business in mind.
WooCommerce overview
WooCommerce: what to know before you choose
Understand WordPress store ownership, hosting, extensions and maintenance, with practical questions to check before choosing an open-source setup.
Explore the guideBigCommerce overview
BigCommerce: what to know before you choose
Explore hosted selling tools, B2B and multi-storefront options, with questions about plan limits, integrations and total costs to check before choosing.
Explore the guideThe decision, made simpler
Good options. Clear differences.
Put your shortlist side by side. Understand the trade-offs before you commit.
Side by side
Shopify vs WooCommerce
Compare hosted store management with WordPress ownership, including setup, maintenance, extensions and the costs to investigate for your business.
Explore the guideSide by side
Shopify vs BigCommerce
Compare store setup, catalogue needs, apps and payment options, with practical questions to ask both providers before choosing a hosted platform.
Explore the guideFrom idea to open for business
A little know-how goes a long way.
Choosing your platform
How to choose an ecommerce platform
Define your products, budget and operating needs, then use a practical process to compare providers and test the platforms on your shortlist.
Explore the guideGetting started
Your online store launch checklist
Work through products, payments, shipping, policies and test orders before launch, with practical checks to help prepare your store for customers.
Explore the guidePlanning your budget
What does an ecommerce platform cost?
Budget for subscriptions, payments, apps, themes and maintenance. Learn which costs to investigate before committing to software for your store.
Explore the guideA LITTLE MORE CLARITY
Good questions.
Straight answers.
Choosing a platform is a big step.
Let's make it a little simpler.
Still have a question?
We're a message away ↗How do I choose an ecommerce platform?
Start with what you sell, where your customers are, and how much technical work you want to take on. Then compare the complete running cost, payment options and integrations. Our platform shortlist helps you frame those decisions.
What should I include in my platform budget?
Look beyond the subscription. Include payment processing, hosting where needed, themes, apps and the help you'll need to build and maintain the store. Our platform cost guide walks through a practical budget.
Are these hands-on reviews?
The initial platform overviews are based on public product information and link to their sources. They are not hands-on test reports. Read more in our editorial policy.
Can I suggest a platform or a correction?
Yes. Email contact@ecommerceplatforms.com with the page and the details you'd like us to look at.