Ecommerce platforms differ from typical website builders in that they include capabilities tailored to online merchants, such as payment application connections, extensive product catalogues, and in-platform seller marketing. Traditional website platforms and content management systems are designed to meet a broader variety of requirements, but they lack the specific capabilities that ecommerce platforms offer. But for the time being, let’s focus on the finest free and open source ecommerce systems available.
- Wix Ecommerce
Wix is without a doubt one of the most well-known cloud-based online shop builders available. The greatest part about this platform is that even free users may utilize its easy drag-and-drop website builder to create a full site without having to know how to code. In fact, you should be able to put together a simple free website in a matter of minutes.
- OpenCart
OpenCart is actually rather simple to use and quick as compared to other open source systems. It’s free, and there’s a solid community to turn to if you run into issues with your store design. The overall cost of setting up a store generally reduces due to its simplicity of utilization.
- WooCommerce (On WordPress) – Best Open Source Ecommerce Platform
Because WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin, you’ll need to first install WordPress on your server, then the WooCommerce plugin. It instantly converts any WordPress website into a fully working online store, including inventory management, discounts, and product pages.
- JigoShop
With its simplicity of use and simple design, JigoShop (see our review here) is frequently compared to WooCommerce. You may also use a variety of plugins and add-ons to extend the functionality of the site, making it much easier to scale up. When adding anything from items to promotions, you’ll discover a simple dashboard, fantastic themes and a quick interface.
- PrestaShop – Best Open Source Ecommerce Platform for Startups
PrestaShop is a relatively young ecommerce platform, but it has quickly established a reputation for its simplicity of use and attractive design. Another thing to consider is that installing the plugin and getting started on your store doesn’t require much knowledge.
- WP eCommerce
WP Ecommerce is WooCommerce’s overlooked cousin. It’s not exactly linked to WooCommerce, but it’s a good WordPress plugin that doesn’t receive nearly as much attention. This turns a standard WordPress dashboard into an ecommerce management console. As a result, you have the ability to add items, conduct promotions, establish categories, and more.
- Zen Cart
Zen Cart was established with the intention of allowing users without programming experience to construct their own internet businesses. Zen Cart is more user-friendly than many other open source ecommerce systems, so it’s worth investigating if you need to scale up rapidly but lack advanced programming skills.
- Square Online – Best Overall Free Ecommerce Platform
Square had started off as a payment solution that could be used in a variety of situations. Until it made the decision to extend its wings by establishing a multi-faceted business environment. Square has features for almost every aspect of running an online business, from inventory management and sales to marketing and team collaboration.
- Big Cartel
Big Cartel isn’t an ecommerce platform in the traditional sense. Rather, it’s designed with artists and makers in mind. You may utilize Big Cartel to create a free ecommerce site as well as sell your art. This platform’s modest online shop capabilities are ideal for individuals and small enterprises that are unlikely to develop very soon..
- CS-Cart Multi-Vendor
Since 2005, CS-Cart, a well-known Russian software firm, has serviced ecommerce retailers .CS-Cart Multi-Vendor, on the other hand, isn’t designed for ecommerce business owners. Rather, it is aimed at the larger players (mainly businesses) that want to create markets. I’m referring to websites like eBay or Etsy, which typically house several sellers under one roof.
- Joomla
Joomla provides multilingual support for expanding global teams, making it an ideal solution for many businesses looking to expand globally. There aren’t many tools out there that can match this level of adaptability. At the same time, Joomla provides a variety of templates to help your business stand out.
- X-Cart
Over 35,000 online businesses have been created with the aid of X-Cart, and this number has been steadily increasing over the last few years. It’s free, open source, and self-hosted, much like the rest of the ecommerce systems on our list.
- Magento Open Source – Most Popular Open Source Ecommerce Platform
Magento is, without a doubt, one of the most popular open source ecommerce systems. To begin with, it offers much more features than you would ever need. This, on the other hand, offers up a slew of possibilities for marketing to your consumers and generating membership plans, recurring payments, and discounts.
- Spree Commerce
Spree Commerce is an online e – commerce platform that you may use for free. Spree allows you to customise, add, or replace any functionality on your website. You receive precisely what you want in terms of a solution. Unfortunately, there is an issue with this. Spree, unlike other products like Virtuemart, demands some technological knowledge.
- nopCommerce
Another ecommerce platform with a Russian heritage is nopCommerce. It is, however, a totally free open-source ecommerce platform designed for online businesses, unlike CS-Cart Multi-Vendor.. NopCommerce is capable of supporting a wide range of companies, including startups, small businesses, medium-sized organizations, and major corporations.
- Ubercart
In blog articles, Ubercart is frequently compared to Drupal Commerce. An old Ubercart engineer built Drupal Commerce. As a result, some believe that Ubercart is the greatest since it was the first and has more features to experiment with, while others argue that Drupal Commerce is a better version of Ubercart.
- Branchbob
Branchbob is a little-known ecommerce platform that claims simplicity and ease of usage. There are no monthly or transaction fees to deal with. Furthermore, the tool is easy to use and understand, making it ideal for novices. Branchbob also outperforms the competition in terms of streamlined payment procedures and page performance
- Drupal Commerce
When it comes to website design, Drupal is one of the most popular choices. Drupal is one of WordPress’s main competitors, as it powers a significant portion of the internet.
- Ecwid
Ecwid stands for “ecommerce widgets” in English. And, as the name implies, this isn’t a very unique ecommerce platform. Check out the Ecwid review for more information.
Ecwid offers three premium packages, as well as a free version that, unlike Jimdo, has good ecommerce features. You receive a mobile friendly design, two product categories, and support for ten products in addition to limitless bandwidth.
- osCommerce
You have access to a strong community of developers and users with osCommerce), as well as a fantastic forum to look for answers to your difficulties and converse with others. osCommerce is used to build almost 300,000 online stores, so you know it’s a good fit for a lot of businesses. The fact that you don’t have to pay anything to start an internet business is definitely a bonus.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all ecommerce solution. Every company has its unique set of requirements, budget, and staff, all of which influence which online retail application is ideal for them.
Examine your requirements carefully, and don’t be hesitant to try out a few options to discover which one you like. If you do your homework and don’t cut corners, you’ll have an app that will propel your company to new heights. We here at Sidat have a tailor made ecommerce solutions for your businesses. Specifically designed to meet the budget limitations of startups and small businesses. You can connect with our team to discuss your requirements and get a custom made proposal free of cost.
