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A good Content Management System (CMS) makes running an ecommerce store easy. Instead of spending hours on the boring, technical aspects of maintaining an online presence, you can focus on actually selling your products.
Ecommerce CMS platforms allow you to create and update your online store through an easy-to-use editor rather than by coding.
They’re very popular among small business owners who aren’t yet tech-savvy enough to design a website from scratch. But by using a CMS platform, you can still tap into your creativity and make a website on your own.
Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of the different CMS platforms will help you make the right decision when setting up your online shop.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the ten best CMS for ecommerce options! But first, let’s define what is an ecommerce CMS software!
What is an ecommerce CMS?
An ecommerce CMS (Content Management System) is software that enables you to create, manage, and modify an online store’s digital content without needing extensive technical knowledge.
It combines essential ecommerce features, such as product management, order processing, and customer service, with content management tools like blogging, SEO, and multimedia management.
Using an ecommerce CMS platform, you can easily build and customize your ecommerce store, manage inventory, and process payments, all while providing a seamless shopping experience for customers.
This integrated approach streamlines operations and enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of online retail.
Key features needed in ecommerce CMS platforms
An effective ecommerce CMS software should include the following key features to ensure smooth operation and a great user experience:
- User-friendly interface: Simplifies content creation and management, enabling non-technical users to update and manage the store easily.
- Product management: Efficiently organizes and displays products, including categories, tags, and inventory tracking.
- Built-in SEO tools: Enhances search engine rankings by allowing optimization of meta tags, URLs, and content.
- Payment gateways: Facilitates secure transactions with multiple payment options for customers.
- Customization options: Offers extensive design and functionality customization to reflect your brand’s identity.
- Analytics: Provides detailed insights into customer behavior, sales performance, and marketing effectiveness.
- Integrations to extend functionality: Connects seamlessly with third-party tools and services such as CRM, marketing automation, and shipping solutions.
- Mobile responsiveness: Ensures a smooth and optimized user experience across all devices, essential for reaching mobile shoppers.
10 best ecommerce CMS solutions for your online store
Choosing the best CMS for ecommerce can significantly impact the success of your ecommerce site, making it crucial to select one that fits your business needs and goals.
Here are the ten best ecommerce CMS platforms you should consider when launching your own ecommerce store.
1. Shopify
Shopify is a CMS platform specifically for ecommerce stores. As a result, it’s incredibly powerful and well-equipped. It’s one of the best ecommerce CMS platforms because it saves you tons of time and effort.
Case in point: after creating your website on Shopify, you can also host it on their web servers. This saves you the trouble of buying a domain name and web hosting.
And you’ll be able to find useful plugins in their extensive App Store for anything that the core platform doesn’t do.
Shopify’s site builder is simple enough to allow even a computer novice to design their ecommerce store easily. There are plenty of templates and themes to choose from.
However, experienced Shopify developers can put their own spin on Shopify stores because the platform allows them to edit their CSS and HTML code.
Notable features:
- You can use your own domain name
- Effortlessly incorporate desktops as a service into your desktop, mobile, and in-store sales processes
- Allows you to sell your products on Facebook
- Has a user-friendly order management system
- Allows you to set up gift cards, discounts, and coupons
- Easily set up contact forms
- Easy integration with your social media accounts
- Has a useful mobile app that helps store owners keep track of sales
- The Shopify Email system makes it easy to run email marketing campaigns through the platform
Pros:
- You’ll love the user-friendly interface
- You’ll have access to a huge library of both free and paid extensions
- Payment systems are easy to use and reliable
- Thanks to its powerful features, it’s a great platform to start dropshipping.
Cons:
- Any sales through third-party payment providers incur a transaction fee
- Most themes on the platform aren’t free
- Sometimes you’ll have to install an app to get a feature you need
Pricing:
- Basic Shopify: $32 a month
- Shopify: $92 a month
- Advanced Shopify: $399 a month
Who should use Shopify?
Shopify is a great choice for small businesses that need to get an online store up and running with minimal effort.
If you have a decent budget use advanced Shopify, and take advantage of many of Shopify’s powerful features.
2. WordPress
WordPress stands alone among the numerous ecommerce software suppliers in the market. That’s because it isn’t only the top choice for building ecommerce websites, it’s the top choice for building all kinds of web pages.
About 28% of all ecommerce websites use WordPress as their content management system.
Unlike Shopify, WordPress is an open-source ecommerce CMS platform. That means you don’t need to pay a cent to use their basic technology.
Cheaper WordPress hosting is crucial for thriving e-commerce. With scalable, flexible, and secure options, businesses can build reliable online stores that adapt and grow effortlessly.
Moreover, it comes with various free themes that you can install and start building your ecommerce website.
If you want to make any changes to the theme design, you can always add custom codes. However, many online businesses use WordPress plugins to make it easier to create and run their site.
WooCommerce is a particularly popular plugin that adds tons of ecommerce functionality to WordPress. Because of its widespread popularity, just about any ecommerce service you can think of (MailChimp, HubSpot, or OptiMonk) has released a plugin for easy integration.
And since the entirety of WordPress’ code is open, it’s possible to completely customize your store. Let’s glance at more features below.
Notable features:
- You can choose from amazing ecommerce plugins
- You can integrate all payment gateways
- It’s easy to publish lots of written and video content
- Your choices of free and paid themes are almost limitless
- You can integrate your social media accounts
- There are lots of free SEO extensions
Pros:
- It’s a free and open-source ecommerce platform
- You can give your store a unique look due to the customization options
- You have access to an absurd amount of plugins
Cons:
- You’ll need to arrange for hosting
- Since WordPress is free, you’re going to be out on your own without technical support
Pricing:
The basic WordPress platform is free, but you can upgrade your site with the following plans:
- Business: $25 a month
- Ecommerce: $45 a month
Who should use WordPress?
Anyone can use WordPress as their ecommerce CMS platform—that’s why it’s so popular. To take full advantage of WordPress, we recommend working with an expert unless you’re very well-versed in using the platform.
3. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a SaaS ecommerce platform that helps online business owners start, run, and maintain their websites. It’s well-known for serving as the Content Management System of large brands like Toyota, Burrow, and Skullcandy.
Their powerful and highly-flexible website editor is the main reason why they’ve attracted high-profile companies. Not only can you take advantage of their customizable templates, but you’re able to edit all their HTML and CSS code.
This makes BigCommerce a good choice for both small operations that need a website quickly and larger businesses that can hire developers to make unique online stores.
BigCommerce also integrates lots of crucial ecommerce solutions into their CMS. There are advanced SEO features, sales analytics, and a suite of social media-focused marketing tools.
Notable features:
- BigCommerce takes care of all your web hosting needs
- You can integrate third-party apps and plugins
- Easy to use website builder
- Has good support for blogging
- 12 basic templates to choose from
- You can use PayPal and many other online payment gateways
- Enterprise clients get access to development services
Pros:
- One of the easiest to use ecommerce website builders
- SEO template customization and other features that will boost your incoming search traffic
Cons:
- It isn’t an open-source ecommerce solution and accessing all its features is quite expensive
- Online merchants have to pay more for their service when they pass certain sales thresholds
Pricing:
- Standard: $39 a month
- Plus: $105 a month
- Pro: $399 a month
- Enterprise: custom pricing
Who should use BigCommerce?
BigCommerce comes jam-packed with features that all store owners—whether big or small—can make use of. BigCommerce is best for those who want to invest in growing their business quickly.
4. Drupal
Drupal Commerce is an open-source CMS platform that enable an ecommerce business to build professional websites from scratch.
It’s very different from both WordPress and the SaaS CMS options. It functions more like a website framework than a full-service site builder. This creates both drawbacks and opportunities for Drupal as an ecommerce CMS for online stores.
The main drawback is that Drupal can be difficult to use. You can rely on basic ecommerce functions, such as payment processing, order management, and a shopping cart system. But you’ll need to know how to create the site that surrounds these features.
If you’re able to take on the task (or can pay a developer to help you), you’ll have the opportunity to create incredibly unique online stores with Drupal.
Another option is to use Drupal Commerce, which is an ecommerce platform similar to WooCommerce. This does make it easier to create and run a website, but it’s still a challenge. Especially since you’ll have to arrange for your own web hosting and security. Let’s get into the good and the not-so-good points.
Notable features:
- Highly flexible and customizable
- There are great options for creating mobile websites
- Supports using multiple languages
- You can install powerful modules to boost your SEO
- There’s a built-in workflow system
Pros:
- When you use Drupal to create your online store, you aren’t locked into any of the SaaS ecommerce CMS platforms
- Drupal separates the back-end and front-end of an online store, which means that you can easily create content and then publish it when you like
Cons:
- Difficult to use and, if you have any problems, you’ll only be able to turn to forums for answers
- Not as many third-party apps and plugins as WordPress
Pricing:
Both Drupal and Drupal Commerce are free to use.
Who should use Drupal?
If you care about having a unique website that doesn’t look like it was made from a template, Drupal is a good option. However, make sure you have the time and money in your company budget to invest in a higher-effort site-building process. Those costs can snowball and add up quickly.
5. Squarespace
If you’re just getting started in the online business world, then Squarespace is probably the best ecommerce CMS for you. That’s because it’s the easiest ecommerce platform for beginners to use on their own.
Squarespace enables just about anyone to create a beautiful and functional online presence. Their premium Squarespace templates are universally seen as the top of the line, while their drag and drop editor makes it easy to put your own spin on them.
Their ecommerce platform also includes several crucial functions, such as hosting and payment processing, in a way that doesn’t task the user. In addition, they offer a mobile-centric design, such as their mobile commerce shopping cart.
However, like many other SaaS content management systems, Squarespace’s drawback is the lack of customization in terms of both design and ecommerce functionality.
Notable features:
- Provides order management, payment processing, and shipping options
- You can use lots of third-party apps and plugins
- You get access to an analytics page
- Allows your visitors to easily customize their orders
- You can have unlimited products in your store
- You get a free domain name
- There’s an easy to use blogging option
- Has a free security certificate
Pros:
- A great combination of unlimited products and no transaction fees
- Lots of high-quality template options
- Incredibly easy to use
Cons:
- Doesn’t have phone support (although there’s a 24-hour live chat option)
Pricing:
- Basic Commerce: $26 a month
- Advanced Commerce: $40 a month
Who should use Squarespace?
Of all the ecommerce platforms on this list, Squarespace is the easiest to use for beginners and it has great extensions you can use to add more functionality. If you have some products you’d like to sell but don’t have tons of experience selling online, then Squarespace is a great option for you.
6. OpenCart
OpenCart is an open-source ecommerce CMS. It’s notable because it manages to remain free while also being incredibly easy-to-use. That’s not always the case with open-source software!
The reason why OpenCart’s CMS is so user-friendly is the combination of their simple, core platform with a multitude of powerful extensions. This means you can set up the basic framework of your website quite easily and then add extensions to it.
There are also lots of free templates available from third parties, which allow you to create an OpenCart online store on your own.
Finally, you can pay for “Enterprise Services” if you need any help. For instance, a one-time bug fix that can solve a persistent problem on your website starts from $150. You can also pay for dedicated support and store backups.
Notable features:
- Over 14,000 extensions are available in the OpenCart marketplace
- Easily integrates with several payment gateways
- Supports several shipping methods
- You can add discounts, coupons, popups, and other features through free extensions
- Their administrator dashboard system assists store owners by tracking their store’s performance
Pros:
- All the basic features are free
- You can access powerful ecommerce technologies through OpenCart’s extension system
- Highly customizable if you can code in PHP
Cons:
- Some of the templates look outdated relative to modern SaaS CMS ecommerce websites
- You’ll have to pay for hosting, security certificates, and other expenses
Pricing:
- Password Reset: $99 for each reset
- Dedicated Support: $120 a month
- One-time Store Backup: $160 per backup
- One-time Bug Fix: from $150
Who should use OpenCart?
Those with smaller online businesses and some technical expertise should consider using OpenCart. It’s not very expensive, and you can get by with limited coding skills.
7. Wix
Wix is a website builder powered by artificial intelligence that’s capable of acting as an ecommerce CMS. To get access to their ecommerce features, you’ll have to sign up for one of their “Business & Ecommerce Plans”.
With Wix’s ecommerce CMS, you’ll have to trade in some amount of customizability for convenience and ease of use. Compared to other SaaS ecommerce platforms, Wix isn’t very customizable outside of the choices you’re presented with, but their out-of-the-box online stores look great nonetheless.
And they have over 500 templates to choose from, so you won’t feel like you’re lacking options.
Wix doesn’t have the most advanced features for an online store (certainly not compared to the apps and plugins available for a Shopify or WordPress site).
You might not find the exact tool you need in Wix’s ecommerce CMS options when it comes to personalizing your website for different visitors, applying different forms of discounts, or user analytics.
Notable features:
- Wix has a huge inventory of beautiful ecommerce templates
- Easy-to-use software with a quick set-up time
- Great options for mobile commerce
- Its content management system supports blogging
- Has a simple but effective inventory management system
Pros:
- You get tons of value for your money by signing up for Wix ecommerce
- No commission fees
- They offer a huge number of templates
Cons:
- You’ll have to sign up for premium plans to access many functions
- You’re limited in terms of customizing your site
Pricing:
- Business Basic: $17 a month
- Business Unlimited: $25 a month
- Business VIP: $35 a month
Who should use Wix?
With Wix’s ecommerce CMS, you’re signing up for a system that’s easy to use but not as powerful as Shopify or WordPress.
For many small businesses, this isn’t a bad tradeoff. You’ll save lots of money by not hiring web developers, and you’ll only miss out on advanced features you might not need anyway.
8. PrestaShop
PrestaShop stands out as a user-friendly CMS that’s both lightweight and versatile, allowing users significant control over their website’s setup and management.
This flexibility extends to incorporating tools like backtesting software seamlessly into your digital platform. It operates on a ‘freemium’ open-source model, meaning the core software is free, with premium features available for purchase. Note, however, that hosting costs will be your responsibility.
If you work with a web developer, they’ll be able to edit all of the code in PrestaShop. This can lead to really unique website designs.
However, you can also create a website yourself with their What You See Is What You Get editor (even if you aren’t particularly tech-savvy).
Once you create a basic design, you can add modules that will expand your store’s capability. For instance, you can use extensions to sell on Facebook and Instagram or optimize your SEO.
Notable features:
- Easy-to-use template editor
- Integrates well with social media
- You can add on an advertising module that helps with lead generation
- Choose from lots of options to add payment gateways
- Even the free version is secure
Pros:
- Easy and inexpensive to get up and running
- You only need to add on the most beneficial functions for your business
Cons:
- You won’t be able to access customer support unless you’re on one of their premium plans
- Doesn’t have as many third-party options as competitors like WordPress and Shopify
- Their add-on modules can be pricey
Pricing:
PrestaShop is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting and add-on modules.
Who should use PrestaShop?
PrestaShop is great for those who need to create their website on a limited budget. You can start off with the free version of their CMS for ecommerce, and then upgrade it as your store becomes more profitable.
9. Duda
Duda is different from the other ecommerce platforms on this list because its model fits into a specific niche. Duda isn’t the best CMS for building a full-service ecommerce store. Rather, it’s designed to add some ecommerce functionality to an already existing website.
Their service provides a small piece of code that you can easily add to your website. That’s why their name is short for “ecommerce widget.”
If you sell fewer than 10 products, you’ll be able to add those lines of code for free as well as set up payment gateways, shipping systems, and a shopping cart page.
If you want to sell more products or use advanced features, you’ll have to pay for higher tiers. However, the prices are reasonable and match the lightweight nature of their product.
Notable features:
- Easy to plug into a website that you’re already running
- It has a POS functionality that can be used in physical and online stores as well
- You can connect to over 85 different payment gateways for your online store
- You can translate your store into 53 different languages
- It’s easy to start dropshipping in Duda
- Allows multi-currency payments
Pros:
- The free plan is generous, and you can use it on its own
- It’s remarkably quick and easy to start selling products on your website
- If you have a WordPress website, you can add the plugin to take advantage of all its features
Cons:
- There aren’t many apps or plugins that work with it
- It doesn’t work on Android mobile devices (but does function on iOS devices)
- SEO features are only available on the premium plans
Pricing:
- Free Plan
- Venture: $15 a month
- Business: $35 a month
- Unlimited: $99 a month
Who should use Duda?
It is perfect for those who don’t need to create a new ecommerce business but want to sell some products or merchandise on their existing website. It’s also ideal for podcasters, streamers, and bands with already functional websites.
10. HubSpot
HubSpot is another unique ecommerce CMS for online stores because it’s not solely focused on building ecommerce websites. Unlike other platforms we’ve covered, HubSpot is a cloud-based solution for driving traffic through SEO and marketing integration.
In simple terms, this means HubSpot is great for websites that focus on content production and marketing. But it doesn’t have all the ecommerce features you might need for a pure ecommerce website.
Happily, you can easily add any extra features that HubSpot lacks. For instance, you can use Ecwid or another simple ecommerce platform to include credit card payments in a HubSpot hosted site.
Once you set up payment options, you can benefit from HubSpot’s powerful marketing tools. HubSpot’s SEO features are top-notch and their website’s low loading times help with Google ranking. Furthermore, it’s easy to integrate your site with your social media accounts and email marketing.
HubSpot integrations connect your ecommerce store with other tools to streamline business processes and boost productivity.
Finally, we’ve got to mention HubSpot’s advanced tracking and analytics software. You’ll be able to see crucial information like your search engine ranking, number of sessions, and time spent/actions taken on all of your pages.
Notable features:
- You can host your ecommerce website using HubSpot
- Integrates perfectly with all of your marketing output—whether it’s on social media, through content, or paid ads
- It’s easy to set up customer service functions like live chat
- Has an excellent analytics dashboard
- Allows you to create a personalized customer shopping experience
- Has a great A/B testing system for optimizing your ecommerce store
Pros:
- Has a modern and neat interface that you can use without any coding knowledge
- Can improve the efficacy of your marketing campaigns
- Excellent SEO features
Cons:
- HubSpot is quite expensive
- It uses a proprietary coding language called HubL, which makes it harder to modify your webpages
- It lacks some CMS capabilities you might need to run successfully an online shop
Pricing:
- Starter: from $25 a month
- Professional: from $400 a month
- Enterprise: $1,200 a month
Who should use HubSpot?
HubSpot isn’t the best ecommerce CMS for business owners who simply want to create their online stores to sell a few products. Rather, HubSpot works best for large ecommerce stores that want to maximize their marketing efficiency and SEO ranking.
Summing up
In today’s ecommerce industry, you live and die by the quality of your website.
Using a great CMS for ecommerce can help you create a stunning website. After reading our list of the top ecommerce content management systems, we hope you’re more aware of your options.
It’s time to get your ecommerce business off the ground. Choosing an ecommerce CMS solution is the first important step.
What should you do next?
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Written by
Nikolett Lorincz
Nikolett is the Head of Content at OptiMonk. She is obsessed with content marketing and loves creating educational content for ecommerce store owners. She truly believes in the importance of quality over quantity.
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