Managing a professional online store these days no longer requires deep technical knowledge or programming skills. There are advanced e-commerce platforms and online store builders on the market that make the process of creating and managing your own online store much easier.
Our ranking of ecommerce platforms takes into account trends and user feedback
In this article, we present a ranking of the best online store builders for 2024. We have prepared a list, taking into account the latest trends, features and user reviews to help you make the best choice for your business. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced online retailer, our ranking will provide you with a tool that will meet your needs and support you in achieving success in the world of e-commerce.
Our evaluation focuses on criteria such as ease of use, flexibility, functionality, design and technical support. We also analyze aspects such as integrations with other platforms, availability of marketing tools, support for online payments and optimization for mobile devices.
See also How to set up an online store ?
Table of Contents:
Choosing an e-commerce platform should start with determining which category best suits your needs and budget. There are three main types of platforms: open source engines, SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms and dedicated web applications. Each has its own unique features, time requirements and different implementation costs. Before choosing between specific solutions, it's a good idea to carefully analyze which of these options will best meet your company's needs, both in terms of functionality and budget.
Open source e-commerce platforms, such as WooCommerce, Magento or PrestaShop, offer advanced configuration and personalization of an online store without the need for licensing or subscription costs. Although the basic version of these platforms is free, there is an option to expand with additional templates and plug-ins, which can be paid for.
The main advantage of such solutions is full control over the code and unlimited ability to modify the store, which is possible due to the openness of the source code. The community of users of such platforms often offers support, develops new features and provides original add-ons.
However, to build a store on an open source platform, you need programming skills and a significant amount of time. This is not a solution that can be implemented "out of the box" - it requires commitment and work on the code.
One of the key advantages of open source platforms is independence from a specific service provider. If cooperation with your current e-commerce agency does not meet your expectations, you can easily transfer your store to another provider. This is a flexibility that gives you a lot of possibilities and freedom in managing your e-business
See also How to increase conversion and sales in an online store?
E-commerce platforms based on the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model are very popular due to the speed and ease of implementing an online store. Unlike open source solutions, SaaS platforms do not require advanced programming skills - it takes just a few clicks to set up a store and add products.
Using such a platform involves a monthly subscription, which is necessary to keep the store running. However, SaaS platforms have some functional limitations that can become a problem as your business grows. It is also important to note that when you opt for a SaaS platform, you are tied to a specific provider. If you need to change providers, it can be very difficult or impossible to move your store to another platform, which in practice means having to create a store from scratch on a new platform.
Dedicated e-commerce platforms are characterized by full flexibility and adaptation to the individual requirements of your business. This type of solution is ideal for those who are looking for maximum customization of store functions.
However, creating a dedicated web application is a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time. The process of creating such a store from scratch can take months or even years, requiring intensive work by a team of developers. In addition, maintaining and servicing a dedicated platform involves ongoing costs, which can be significant.
There is also the issue of dependence on the company developing the platform - its developers have exclusive knowledge of the code and operation of your store, making it very difficult, if not impossible, to change providers. So it's worth carefully considering whether the benefits of fully personalizing and customizing your store outweigh the potential difficulties and costs.
See also Which online store platform to choose
If you've reached this stage of the article, you probably already have a general idea of what solution is the best fit for your business. Whether you're considering open source engines or SaaS solutions, the following summary of e-commerce platforms should provide helpful guidance.
See also Types of CRM software
Below are the available ecommerce platform solutions on the market .
The best online store creator in Poland
SkyShop is an excellent Polish e-commerce platform, dedicated especially to small and medium-sized stores. This comprehensive tool enables entrepreneurs to sell products and services online, offering a range of advanced features and tools for effective store management. In terms of order processing, payments, marketing, data analysis and integration with other systems, SkyShop stands out for its flexibility and intuitive interface.
The price of the package for an online store starts from as little as $15 per month, making it an attractive option for a variety of businesses.
The platform, which enables the construction of large online stores, is characterized by ease of use and adaptation to different industries and business needs. SkyShop allows you to quickly develop online stores, increase sales and build a strong e-commerce presence.
An added benefit is access to a mobile app that allows you to conveniently manage your store, monitor orders, update products and use advanced features. The app allows you to track sales results, analyze customer trends and preferences, and make informed business decisions.
SkyShop also provides tools for data analysis, report generation and functions for creating customized loyalty programs or discount codes, which supports attracting customers and increasing sales efficiency. Thanks to the mobile application, entrepreneurs have instant access to information about new orders, customer data and order status, which facilitates effective online store management.
The most popular online store builder
Shopify is an e-commerce platform that is the most popular worldwide. It is characterized by stable operation and fast setup, allowing you to set up an online store and start selling in just 30 minutes.
The price of the package for an online store starts as low as $24 per month, making it an affordable solution for a variety of businesses.
Shopify offers a wide range of built-in features, such as payment processing, shopping cart, delivery system, integrations with logistics companies, marketing tools, data reporting and customer service. As a result, users have access to a comprehensive tool that meets all the needs of running an online store.
The platform is suitable for a variety of entrepreneurs, from small and medium-sized businesses to large brands. Regardless of the type of products or services offered, Shopify adapts to individual needs. It is particularly popular with retailers, e-commerce developers, influencers, start-ups and entrepreneurs who are looking for a simple and effective tool to manage an online store.
It's a good idea to test the platform's capabilities before making a choice, and Shopify allows you to do so through a 3-day free trial period, during which you can get a thorough understanding of the tool's features without having to enter your data or payment card information. In addition, as part of using Shopify, there are transaction fees, which depend on the selected plan and range from 0.5% to 2% of the sales value.
The most advanced online automated store builder
Bitrix24 is the undisputed leader among online store builders, offering automated solutions for professional websites and landing pages, even for those without programming or graphic design experience. Thanks to ready-made templates, customizing the appearance of the pages takes just a few minutes, making the whole process extremely simple and efficient.
The price of the package for an online store starts at PLN 199 per month, which is an attractive option considering the full spectrum of features offered.
A unique advantage of this wizard is the ability to get a free second-level domain and hosting, eliminating additional costs. Using the potential of artificial intelligence, the Bitrix24 wizard offers tools for generating content and images, supporting you in creating attractive pages.
Access to ready-made online store templates and integration with Bitrix24's CRM system make it easy to manage orders and customer data, making this wizard a comprehensive e-commerce tool. Regardless of experience, Bitrix24 provides valuable support for anyone planning to start an online business.
The best creator of simple online stores
WebWave is the undisputed leader among e-commerce platforms, providing an interface in Polish and designed for people without technical expertise. This wizard makes it easy to create professional online stores without having to engage in programming.
The price of the package for an online store starts at 40 zlotys per month, which is an attractive offer, especially considering the access to a wide range of features.
The graphic editor is a key component of the software, allowing you to customize the appearance of your store. It allows you to freely modify colors, fonts, backgrounds and other elements, creating a consistent and attractive look of the site according to your preferences. It is worth noting that WebWave offers as many as 100+ ready-made templates free of charge!
In addition, the company provides hosting and domains, eliminating the need to look for a separate hosting provider. You can purchase a domain and configure it directly from WebWave.
The WebWave storefront platform also offers a wealth of modules and advanced features that you can add to your site to expand its capabilities. You can integrate photo galleries, videos, maps, blogs, contact forms, social media sharing buttons and much more.
The wizard allows integration with popular payment systems such as PayPal, Stripe, Przelewy24 or Dotpay, ensuring fast and secure transactions. Importantly, WebWave does not charge a commission for an online store, which is a unique bonus compared to competing solutions.
WebWave also integrates with marketing tools such as MailerLite and GetResponse, allowing you to effectively manage email campaigns, create subscriber lists and automate marketing activities. It is definitely a well-deserved first place in our ranking.
Best online store builder dedicated to dropshipping
RedCart is an excellent e-commerce platform, ideally suited for creating online stores based on the dropshipping model. This software is comprehensively integrated with more than 600 wholesalers and suppliers in various industries, which allows you to freely sell products throughout Europe. RedCart provides automation of the sales process and assistance in product selection, making it easier for entrepreneurs to grow their business.
The price of the package for an online store starts at 49 PLN per month, which makes RedCart an attractive solution in terms of cost.
One of RedCart's key strengths is its two-way, full integration with Allegro. This advanced integration supports the listing process and automates all necessary information using a built-in algorithm.
When you choose RedCart, you get comprehensive support for launching your store, including free webinars, online training and access to e-commerce experts. The company offers 24/7 customer support, which guarantees a quick response to any problems. In addition, RedCart allows you to use the full functionality and tools for free for the first 14 days.
It is worth noting that RedCart does not charge any commissions on sales, which is a significant benefit for entrepreneurs. This is definitely an impressive solution for those interested in dropshipping.
Best online store builder for medium-sized businesses
Selly is an innovative and affordable platform for creating medium-sized online stores available in Polish. This tool makes it quick and easy to create your own online store, giving users the ability to customize the look, add products, specify prices and descriptions, and set up various payment options.
The price of the package for an online store starts at just $25 per month, making Selly an attractive solution for businesses with medium-sized needs.
Selly allows you to effectively manage your orders, enabling you to monitor their status, track deliveries and handle any returns. In addition, the platform offers a variety of design templates that can be customized to suit your preferences, allowing you to quickly personalize the look of your store.
The process of handling new orders in Selly is simple and efficient. Immediate notifications of new orders are sent to you, plus there is an option to configure email or SMS alerts to receive order information on mobile devices.
Selly also has features dedicated to dropshipping stores, allowing integration with various suppliers. Cooperation with dropshipping wholesalers becomes simpler, thanks to the possibility of integrating Selly account with their systems, which speeds up the processes of automating orders and their direct transfer to suppliers.
The best online multipurpose store builder
Wix, a popular website development platform, also stands out for its excellent e-commerce store design tools. With Wix, you can easily create a professional online store, manage your assortment, handle payments and track orders.
The price of the package for an online store starts at 75 zlotys per month, making it a favorable option for entrepreneurs with a variety of needs.
An online store created with Wix is fully customizable, allowing you to freely shape the look of the store to your liking. The entire process is done with an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, just like creating a website or blog.
It is worth highlighting the "Wix Multilingual" feature, which allows you to create different language versions of your e-commerce store. This allows you to sell your products all over the world. Using the store's dashboard, you can monitor the status of products, set up payment and delivery methods, and update unavailable products or services.
The online store builder from Wix also introduces an abandoned cart rescue feature. If a user adds products to the shopping cart, but does not complete the purchase, he or she automatically receives an email reminder encouraging them to complete the transaction. This feature significantly increases the chances of completing the sale.
What's more, the responsive store templates available on the Wix platform adapt perfectly to various mobile devices. Whether your customers visit your store from a computer, smartphone or tablet, Wix templates automatically adjust to the size of the screen for an optimal user experience.
The best wizard for advanced online stores
Webflow is a platform that excels with advanced tools for designing both websites and online stores. Its powerful visual editor allows you to create and customize the look of your store through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. You can creatively design unique templates and pages, customizing them to match your brand image.
The price of the package for an online store starts at $29 per month, making it accessible to a variety of entrepreneurs with diverse needs.
Webflow allows integration with various payment gateways, such as Stripe, PayPal and Przelewy24. This gives you the flexibility to set up payment methods, configure taxes and customize shipping options. In addition, Webflow provides search engine optimization (SEO) tools, allowing you to optimize meta tags, URLs and other elements important to your store's visibility in search results.
The Webflow platform is aimed at both experienced designers and those without technical programming knowledge. It offers greater freedom in designing and customizing a store, providing advanced tools. However, due to its advanced nature, it may require a bit more time and learning compared to more user-friendly platforms.
The most popular dropshipping store builder
TakeDrop is a leading e-commerce platform specializing in the area of dropshipping. The business model of dropshipping is that the online store does not physically store products, and orders are directly sent from the supplier to the customer. TakeDrop provides tools and services that make it much easier to manage a store operating under this model.
The price of the package for an online store starts at 70 zlotys per month, making it accessible to different entrepreneurs with different needs.
The platform automates the entire order process. When a customer places an order in your store, the order information is automatically transmitted to the supplier, who handles the order fulfillment. This way you don't have to worry about physically storing, packing and shipping the products.
In addition, TakeDrop offers monitoring and reporting tools that help you track sales, order statistics and online store performance. By analyzing this data, you can evaluate performance and efficiently develop your dropshipping store.
TakeDrop software is particularly aimed at entrepreneurs who plan to start a dropshipping business or develop existing stores in this model. With its tools and integrations with suppliers, it makes it easier to manage a store in this innovative business model.
The most attractive creator of economical online stores
_The Stores platform is a newcomer to the Polish e-commerce market, although it has been on the market for a short time, it is gaining recognition and beginning to gain significant popularity. In our opinion, it is currently one of the best tools for creating online stores available on the market. It works efficiently, allowing you to create a complete online store in just 15 minutes.
_The offer includes a wide range of modern and responsive templates, which not only improve the appearance of the site, but also increase the conversion rate. Each template is easily customizable, allowing you to edit for individual needs and adapt to your brand image.
The price of the package for an online store starts at 19 zlotys per month, making this solution extremely affordable.
The main advantage of _Stores is the huge number of integrations available. Currently, the platform offers several hundred integrations, and the number is constantly growing. You can easily integrate your store with platforms such as Allegro, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, aPaczka or Tpay payment system.
In addition, in case of any difficulties, the company provides free technical support to help you set up couriers, payments, plug in your domain and add products to your store.
Of course, _Stores also allows dropshipping and integration with multiple wholesalers in virtually any industry. This allows you to automate the sales process, and choosing the right wholesaler allows you to store and package orders from the site. It is also worth noting that any online store based on _Stores supports most courier companies and popular InPost parcel machines. With just a few clicks, you can efficiently process orders anywhere. This is a functionality that definitely sets this platform apart!
The most effective store builder for small businesses
Shoper is an excellent choice if you are looking for a simple and effective tool to launch an online store. This platform works fully in Polish, offering advanced features that allow you to build an extensive product base. One of the biggest advantages of Shoper is the possibility to take advantage of a free trial period lasting as long as 14 days, which allows you to freely test all the functions of the tool without any costs.
The price of the package for an online store starts at 25 zloty per month.
Shoper takes care of the security of its users' online stores by providing secure HTTPS connections and regular data backups. In addition, the platform offers hosting for stores, eliminating the need to worry about technical infrastructure.
An additional advantage is the multi-channel sales capability, which allows you to automatically list your products on platforms such as eBay, Amazon, Allegro, Kaufland, Ceneo, Empik, Morele or even Olx. Access to various sales channels means increased profit opportunities for your online store, making this feature extremely attractive.
Shoper also supports a variety of payment systems. When opening a store on this platform, you can take advantage of integrations with BLIK, VISA, PayPO, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Paypal, Klarna, Przelewami24 and instant payments. This is a comprehensive approach to payment processing that is sure to attract the attention of online entrepreneurs.
The best online store builder based on WordPress
WooCommerce is a highly regarded e-commerce plugin designed for the WordPress platform. It provides an excellent extension that transforms a standard WordPress-based site into a comprehensive online store. Product management is extremely intuitive, allowing you to add, edit and delete products, control their attributes (such as price, size, color) and structure them into categories.
The platform offers shopping cart functionality, where customers can freely add products and finalize orders. Additionally, it supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers and other popular payment gateways. With an extensive library of extensions and integrations, WooCommerce allows you to customize features. Add-ons are available for marketing, delivery automation and integration with social media platforms.
WooCommerce software is dedicated to a diverse group of users, encompassing small and medium-sized business owners, online store owners, freelancers and companies looking to sell products online. Its flexibility and ease of configuration make it a popular choice for those planning to start online commerce or expand an existing online store.
See also How CRM can improve the customer experience
The online store set up platform is a tool that makes it easy and fast to create professional online stores, even for those without advanced technical knowledge. For those who are planning to start an e-commerce business, the online store creator is the perfect solution, eliminating the need to involve programmers or designers.
Online store creations provide an intuitive user interface that presides over the store design process. Regardless of technical skill level, anyone can easily design and launch their own online store. Using built-in tools, you can customize the look of the store, add products, manage categories, set prices, offer a variety of payment methods and much more.
Speed of implementation is one of the main advantages of online store builders. With ready-made templates and a simple setup process, you can get your store up and running in just a few hours or days.
There are many benefits to using e-commerce store builders, and one of the key ones is that no technical expertise or programming skills are required. E-commerce store builders are optimized for intuitive use, featuring a visual interface that allows you to build a store by easily dragging and dropping elements and customizing them according to your preferences.
Integration with marketing tools is another advantage of using online store development platforms. Built-in marketing automation tools, such as newsletters, email campaigns and abandoned cart notifications, make it easy to set up effective communication strategies with customers, resulting in increased sales and engagement.
Full freedom of choice of payment provider is an essential part of online store creation platforms. With direct integration with various payment providers such as PayPal, Stripe, Przelewy24, Google Pay or Apple Pay, you have the ability to customize payment processing to your individual needs and preferences.
In addition, fast customer service and technical support are standard services offered by online store platforms. Access to technical support via live chat, email or phone support allows you to get your questions answered, resolve technical issues and receive advice on how to configure your store.
If you want the best free online store builder and have a limited budget or want to test your business idea, there are several options to consider. One of them is to use free e-commerce platforms, which will allow you to quickly start selling online and gain valuable e-commerce experience.
It is worth paying attention to the WordPress ecosystem, which offers a free WooCommerce plugin. With this solution, you can create a simple, functional online store at no additional cost. Alternatively, Prestashop is another free option, but it is recommended to include a budget for potential extensions, available directly from the platform.
Thoughtful use of these free online store builders will not only enable you to establish an online presence, but also allow you to expand your e-commerce business while keeping costs under control.
Strategies for developing an online store can be diversified, giving importance to different aspects and activities:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Effective search engine optimization is a key component of an online store development strategy. Good SEO optimization can significantly increase your store's visibility in search results, generate organic traffic to your site and increase the number of potential customers.
Marketing and advertising campaigns
Effective marketing and advertising campaigns are an important pillar of an e-commerce store's growth. These activities have the potential to increase the store's visibility, reach new customers, increase sales and strengthen the brand.
Responsiveness on mobile devices
Nowadays, most people use mobile devices to browse and shop online. Therefore, a key part of your strategy is to optimize your store for mobile devices, which provides a great user experience and contributes to increased conversions.
Personalize the appearance of your online store
Personalizing a store's design is an effective development strategy to customize the user experience through unique, personalized elements. This approach attracts customers and builds positive brand associations.
Collaboration with influencers and partners
Collaborating with influencers and business partners, such as bloggers, other e-commerce retailers or industry portals, can greatly increase a store's visibility and reach new customers. Influential figures can help promote products and build brand reputation.
Building relationships and customer loyalty
Building relationships and nurturing customer loyalty is key to success. Satisfied and loyal customers contribute to repeat purchases, store recommendations and the creation of a positive brand image. Excellent customer service, quick response to questions and problems, and a positive shopping experience are key elements of a customer relationship-building strategy.
See also How to set up an online store ?
Online store builders are tools that enable simple construction and management of online stores, even for those without technical expertise. With intuitive user interfaces, these tools make it easy to design a site, add products, handle payments and manage orders.
Sky-Shop is a leader among e-commerce platforms dedicated to dropshipping. It offers numerous integrations with various industry wholesalers, allowing orders to be automatically transmitted to suppliers. The purchasing process is done directly through the supplier, eliminating the need for physical intervention in product storage and shipping.
Yes, many online store builders have features that support the creation of multilingual and multicurrency sites. This allows you to customize your store for different regions and customers, which can greatly increase your reach and conversion efficiency.
Yes, most online store builders offer integrations with platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. With these integrations, you can sell products simultaneously on different platforms, managing them from one place.
There are numerous benefits to using online store builders. Without the need for programming skills, even people with no experience can create a professional store. Ready-made templates, flexibility in customizing the look, and order and payment tools are just some of the advantages of these tools.
Yes, most of the reputable online store creators are concerned about the security of their platforms. All e-commerce platforms offer security features such as SSL certificates and tools to protect against hacking attacks. However, security basics such as strong passwords and regular software updates are also key.
WebWave is undoubtedly the best online store builder for search engine optimization (SEO). It has many features that affect the effectiveness of optimization, making it an excellent tool for this purpose.
Shopify is a leading wizard for medium-sized online stores and is highly regarded in the e-commerce industry. Its functionality and flexibility make it ideal for growing businesses.
Running an online store can be both rewarding and challenging. The need to adapt to the competition and having technical skills, such as maintaining the security of online transactions, present challenges to this endeavor.
Yes, most e-commerce platforms offer both free and paid plans. Free plans usually have some limitations, while paid plans offer fuller features and more flexibility, but come with monthly fees.
The cost of maintaining an online store depends on the platform you choose. You can find different pricing models, depending on the number of products, categories or pages. It's worth paying attention to the content of the package, such as hosting, domain or SSL certificate, to accurately assess which plan best suits your budget and store needs.