The best eCommerce platforms in 2025 are Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, BigCommerce, and emerging AI-powered builders like Durable and 10Web. Shopify continues to dominate for SMBs, WooCommerce is ideal for WordPress users, and AI builders are gaining traction for fast MVP launches.
Quick Comparison of eCommerce Platforms (2025)
| Platform | Best For | Avg. Monthly Cost | SEO Features | Scalability | Ease of Use |
| Shopify | SMBs, scaling D2C brands | $29–$299 | Strong apps + SEO plugins | High | Easy |
| WooCommerce | WordPress + content commerce | $20–$150 | Full SEO control | Medium–High | Moderate |
| Wix eCommerce | Small businesses, creatives | $17–$159 | Limited advanced SEO | Medium | Very easy |
| BigCommerce | B2B & enterprise | $39–$399 | Strong native SEO | Very high | Moderate |
| AI Builders (Durable, 10Web, Hostinger AI) | MVPs, freelancers | $0–$39 | Basic SEO | Low–Medium | Very easy |
AI Store Builders in 2025 (Durable, 10Web, Wix AI, Hostinger AI)
AI website builders can now generate entire eCommerce stores in minutes—products, layouts, and even basic copy.
- Pros:
- Lightning-fast setup
- No coding needed
- Free/low-cost plans
- Cons:
- Limited SEO depth
- Few integrations with advanced apps
- Scaling issues (checkout, inventory, custom features)
Best For: entrepreneurs testing an idea, freelancers, or proof-of-concept shops.
Reality Check: A WebFX report shows that while 39% of small businesses try free website builders first, 70% migrate to scalable platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce within 2 years.
Shopify (Still the #1 Choice for SMBs)
Shopify remains the most widely used eCommerce platform in North America. Its app store, ecosystem, and omnichannel support (POS, Instagram, Amazon) make it ideal for growing brands.
- Strengths:
- 8,000+ apps and plugins
- Mobile-optimized themes
- Dropshipping integrations (Oberlo, DSers)
- Weaknesses:
- Monthly + transaction fees
- Customization requires coding or paid apps
Reliqus Case Study: We migrated a boutique clothing brand from Wix to Shopify. After redesign + SEO optimization, conversions improved by 37% in 3 months. Thinking of switching? Check our Shopify Website Design Services.
WooCommerce (Flexibility + SEO Control)
WooCommerce powers over 6M+ websites globally (Statista 2024). It’s a plugin for WordPress, giving unmatched SEO flexibility.
- Strengths:
- Full control over technical SEO (schema, breadcrumbs, faceted nav)
- Open-source and cost-efficient
- Ideal for content-heavy sites (blogs + shop)
- Weaknesses:
- Requires hosting + plugins
- Can get complex at scale
Best choice for content-driven brands or those already on WordPress. If that’s you, see our WooCommerce Website Development Services.
BigCommerce (Enterprise & B2B Focus)
BigCommerce offers enterprise-level scalability and API-driven integrations.
- Strengths:
- Strong B2B features (custom pricing, bulk ordering)
- No transaction fees
- Multichannel selling (Amazon, eBay, Walmart)
- Weaknesses:
- Higher learning curve
- Less theme variety than Shopify
Best for: manufacturing, wholesale, and fast-growing enterprises. Reliqus specializes in BigCommerce Web Design Services for scaling brands.
Wix & Squarespace (Drag-and-Drop Simplicity)
Both Wix and Squarespace focus on ease of use and visual appeal.
- Strengths:
- Pre-designed templates
- Great for small stores or creative portfolios
- Weaknesses:
- Limited SEO customization
- Not ideal for scaling beyond 50–100 products
Use only if you need something simple, fast, and visually strong. If you’re leaning this way, we offer Wix Website Design and Squarespace Development to ensure you still get SEO-friendly builds.
Cost Breakdown by Platform
Hidden Costs Users Often Overlook:
- Hosting & SSL fees (WooCommerce, Magento)
- Transaction fees (Shopify: 2% unless using Shopify Payments)
- Paid apps & plugins ($10–$200/month average)
- SEO & marketing spend (ads, content, schema setup)
- Migration fees when scaling up
Tip: A full eCommerce build can cost $3,000–$50,000+, depending on platform and scope (see full breakdown here).
Final Verdict — Which Platform Wins in 2025?
- AI Builders: fastest setup, ideal for MVPs → but limited scalability.
- Shopify: best all-rounder for SMBs scaling → most balanced ecosystem.
- WooCommerce: best SEO + flexibility → for WordPress users.
- BigCommerce: enterprise + B2B growth → built for scale.
- Wix/Squarespace: easy entry → small creative stores.
Recommendation: Choose based on business model + growth plan, not just initial cost. Need guidance? Reliqus Consulting can help you pick the right platform.
FAQs
Q1. What is the cheapest eCommerce platform in 2025?
AI builders like Durable and Hostinger AI offer free or <$20/month plans, but WooCommerce (with low hosting) can also be cost-efficient long term.
Q2. Can AI really build a store as good as Shopify?
Not yet. AI builders are fine for MVPs, but Shopify offers deeper SEO, app integrations, and checkout optimization.
Q3. Which platform is best for SEO?
WooCommerce offers the most SEO control. Shopify + BigCommerce are strong with apps and built-in tools.
Q4. What is the best eCommerce builder for boutiques?
Shopify (for scaling) or Wix (for small fashion boutiques).
Q5. What’s the best free online store builder?
Wix Free, Ecwid Free, and AI tools like Durable offer free plans, but they’re limited.