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How to Choose the Right Ecommerce Platform in 2025
Picking an ecommerce platform shouldn’t feel like betting your entire business on a guess. But it often does… One wrong decision can slow down your operations, inflate your costs, or box you into workflows that don’t match how you actually sell. With so many options competing for your attention, a clear ecommerce platform comparison is the only way to cut through the noise.
This guide breaks down the best ecommerce platform 2025 shortlist and digs into the real differences in Shopify Plus vs Magento vs BigCommerce: what each platform does well, where they fall short, and how to choose the one built for your growth.
Overview of the best ecommerce platforms in 2025: Ecommerce features, ease of platform migration, pricing
The ecommerce platform market has expanded quickly, reaching roughly $8–9 billion in value and continuing to grow. With so many solutions available, a clear comparison is essential (especially for brands planning large builds).
Among the options on the table in 2025, Shopify Plus, Adobe Commerce/Magento, and BigCommerce remain the leading choices for mid-market and enterprise merchants.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these best ecommerce platforms in 2025, breaking down their core features, pricing models, pros and cons, and more.
Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus is the enterprise layer of the Shopify ecosystem, designed for brands that have outgrown the standard plans and need more room to operate. It delivers faster processing, stronger automation tools, higher API limits, and the ability to manage multiple storefronts without workarounds.
Over the years, it has evolved from a simple hosted solution into a capable ecommerce CMS. Merchants get access to a large app marketplace, solid customization options, and support for headless ecommerce development through Hydrogen and the Storefront API.
Most companies make the jump to Shopify Plus when they want greater customization but don’t want the overhead that comes with open-source ecommerce. It’s a practical fit for teams that need stable performance during peak traffic, streamlined operations, and a platform that can keep pace as their catalog or order volume expands.
Key features of the Shopify Plus ecommerce platform:
- Shopify Flow for enterprise-level automation across orders, inventory, customer segments, and workflows.
- Multipass login for unified access across connected sites, apps, or loyalty programs.
- Exclusive API limits that support larger catalogs, higher traffic, and heavy integrations.
- Launchpad for controlled product drops, scheduled campaigns, and high-volume events.
- Internationalization tools such as multi-store setups, regional catalogs, and Shopify Markets.
- Built-in headless support for brands moving toward decoupled storefronts or custom front-end frameworks.
- Extensive app ecosystem that reduces dependency on custom development.
Pricing:
Shopify Plus uses a subscription model that starts at $2,300 per month on a 3-year term or $2,500 per month on a 1-year term. Large or complex businesses may instead receive a variable revenue-based fee. Beyond the base cost, merchants should factor in expenses tied to apps, development, and payment processing.
Pros and cons of Shopify Plus:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast setup and shorter launch timelines compared to open-source platforms | Limited backend flexibility for merchants who need full control over custom logic |
| Reliable performance during high-traffic events with minimal technical oversight | Extra transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments |
| Predictable monthly costs that simplify long-term budgeting | Heavy reliance on apps can create higher monthly operating expenses |
| Easy day-to-day management for non-technical teams | Multi-store operations can become costly as expansion needs grow |
| Streamlined checkout experience that converts well out of the box | Checkout customization, while improving, is still more restricted than Adobe Commerce |
| Strong partner ecosystem that speeds up development and troubleshooting | Data modeling options are less flexible for complex catalogs |
Magento/Adobe Commerce
Magento and Adobe Commerce come from the same platform but are offered at different levels. Magento Open Source is the free, self-hosted edition, while Adobe Commerce is the enterprise version with cloud hosting, extra features, and integrations across Adobe’s marketing and content tools. Many brands consider a migration to Adobe Commerce when they need more control than a standard SaaS ecommerce platform can provide.
The platform is known for its flexibility. Teams can shape the checkout, catalog, and backend workflows to match complex requirements, including detailed B2B setups. This level of customization requires more technical management, but it gives merchants freedom that hosted platforms typically can’t offer.
Key features of the Adobe Commerce ecommerce platform:
- Advanced catalog management including nested categories, configurable products, and large-volume catalog handling.
- Customizable checkout with full control over logic, layout, and checkout-adjacent modules.
- Powerful B2B suite covering quotes, account hierarchies, contract pricing, and purchase approvals.
- Flexible integrations with ERPs, PIMs, CRMs, and custom middleware through its extensive API framework.
- Headless ecommerce readiness via Adobe’s APIs and PWA Studio.
- Enterprise-grade platform scalability when properly configured.
- Adobe ecosystem integrations such as Analytics, Experience Manager, and Real-Time CDP.
Pricing:
Adobe Commerce pricing is based on annual gross merchandise revenue. The license starts at $22,000 per year for businesses under $1 million in sales and increases across tiers:
- $32,000 for $1–5M
- $49,000 for $5–10M
- $75,000 for $10–25M
- $125,000 for merchants above $25M
This fee covers the core platform and Adobe’s cloud services; development, hosting upgrades, and extensions are additional.
Pros and cons of Adobe Commerce:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full control over storefront, backend logic, and checkout flows | Higher upfront and ongoing development costs |
| Scales well for large catalogs, multi-brand setups, and intricate B2B needs | Requires experienced developers for maintenance and optimization |
| Flexible data structures that support highly customized product and pricing models | Longer implementation timelines than SaaS platforms |
| Seamless alignment with Adobe’s marketing and analytics tools | Hosting and performance depend on proper infrastructure setup |
| Freedom to build unique customer experiences without platform constraints | Upgrades and security patches demand continuous technical attention |
| Strong option for brands that want a platform shaped entirely around their business processes | More complex and costly platform migrations compared to SaaS |
BigCommerce
Finally, BigCommerce takes a middle-ground approach: the ease and stability of a hosted platform, balanced with the flexibility of a system that doesn’t lock merchants into rigid structures. It’s one of the more developer-friendly SaaS ecommerce platforms, offering strong API coverage, native multi-currency support, and the ability to adopt headless setups without excessive complexity.
The platform has gained traction with brands that appreciate its open-SaaS philosophy. It doesn’t try to hide advanced functionality behind paywalls, and it integrates well with modern front-end frameworks, ERP systems, and content tools. With more than 130,000 merchants relying on it globally, BigCommerce has proven to be a strong fit for mid-market brands that want growth-ready infrastructure without moving into fully open-source ecommerce.
Key features of the BigCommerce ecommerce platform:
- Flexible catalog structures that accommodate larger inventories.
- Strong API coverage for custom integrations and omnichannel setups.
- Native B2B features without needing enterprise-level licensing.
- Support for headless ecommerce through its “Open SaaS” architecture.
- Multi-storefront management from a single dashboard.
- Built-in multi-currency and multi-language tools for international growth.
- Large integration library for ERPs, PIMs, and marketing platforms.
Pricing:
In a broader pricing comparison with other best ecommerce platforms in 2025, BigCommerce consistently comes in as the most affordable option, especially for growing mid-market brands.
It follows a tiered model based on annual online revenue.
- Standard: $29/month (billed annually), for stores earning up to $50K.
- Plus: $79/month, for brands reaching $180K.
- Pro: $299/month, suited for businesses approaching or exceeding $400K.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for merchants above $1M in annual sales.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower total cost of ownership compared to most enterprise ecommerce platforms | Revenue-based plan upgrades can increase costs faster than expected |
| Straightforward for teams without deep technical resources | Checkout customization is more limited than Adobe Commerce |
| Strong API coverage that supports modern integrations and headless builds | Smaller app ecosystem than Shopify, occasionally requiring custom work |
| Handles multi-currency and international setups without complicated add-ons | Multi-storefront management adds costs as brands scale |
| Predictable performance with minimal maintenance requirements | Fewer design options out of the box compared to Shopify |
| More flexibility than typical SaaS platforms while staying easier to run than open-source alternatives | Some advanced capabilities still rely on third-party tools |
Shopify Plus vs Magento vs BigCommerce: Ecommerce platform comparison
Choosing between Shopify Plus, Adobe Commerce, and BigCommerce is easier when you see how they differ side by side. This ecommerce platform comparison highlights the core factors that influence day-to-day operations, long-term scalability, and overall cost, giving you a clear view of which option fits your needs.
| Shopify Plus | Adobe Commerce / Magento | BigCommerce | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform type | Hosted SaaS ecommerce | Open-source + enterprise cloud | Hosted SaaS ecommerce |
| Ease of use | Very easy for non-technical teams | Requires experienced developers | Easy to moderate |
| Customization depth | Moderate; strong on front-end, limited backend control | Very high; full control over backend, checkout, and data models | Moderate; more flexible than typical SaaS |
| Headless ecommerce readiness | Strong with Hydrogen + Storefront API | Strong with Adobe tools and PWA Studio | Strong via Open SaaS architecture |
| Scalability | High, managed by Shopify infrastructure | High, but depends on build quality and hosting setup | High for most mid-market needs |
| Best for | Fast-growing DTC brands, multi-store setups, merchants wanting low maintenance | Complex catalogs, B2B operations, custom workflows, enterprise omnichannel | Mid-market brands wanting flexibility without open-source overhead |
| Total cost of ownership | Predictable subscription; higher app spend | Highest overall due to development and maintenance | Lowest among enterprise-capable SaaS platforms |
| Time to launch | Fast | Longest | Moderate |
| Checkout flexibility | Good, but structured | Fully customizable | Limited compared to Magento |
| Ecosystem & apps | Largest app marketplace | Strong extension ecosystem, heavily developer-driven | Smaller than Shopify but solid for essentials |
| International capabilities | Strong with Shopify Markets + multi-store | Very strong with custom setups | Strong built-in multi-currency and multi-storefront tools |
| Platform migration ease | Easier than open-source but requires planning | Can be complex due to custom setups | Generally straightforward |
| Ideal merchant profile | Brands wanting speed, stability, and scalable SaaS | Businesses needing deep customization and advanced B2B | Merchants looking for value, flexibility, and manageable complexity |
How to choose the right ecommerce platform
Choosing an ecommerce platform is far easier when you approach it with a clear framework. Instead of sorting through endless feature lists, start by looking at what your business actually needs: how you sell today, how quickly you expect to grow, and the resources you have to manage everything behind the scenes.
Once those pieces are defined, the evaluation becomes more straightforward. You can focus on the platforms that genuinely fit your model and rule out the ones that would slow you down.
This step-by-step approach keeps the decision practical and helps you land on a platform that supports your plans now and gives you room to expand later.
Key factors when choosing an ecommerce platform
The best decisions come from understanding what matters most to your business. A clear checklist keeps the process grounded and avoids being swayed by shiny features you may never use.
- Scalability: Your platform should handle higher order volumes, traffic spikes, and catalog growth without requiring constant rebuilds.
- Ease of management: Tools should support your team’s actual workflow, especially if you don’t have a large technical staff.
- Total cost of ownership: Beyond the monthly fee, consider apps, development, integrations, and payment processing.
- Customization needs: If your checkout, catalog rules, or B2B workflows are unique, you’ll need a platform that can adapt.
- Integration capabilities: ERPs, PIMs, CRMs, marketing tools, and fulfillment systems should connect cleanly.
- Performance and reliability: Stability during peak periods is essential, especially for DTC brands and high-volume stores.
- International support: Multi-currency, multi-language, and localization tools matter if cross-border expansion is on your roadmap.
- Platform migration complexity: Some systems are far easier to migrate into (or away from) than others. Account for the time and cost upfront.
Common mistakes when selecting a platform
Even experienced teams run into avoidable pitfalls during platform evaluations. A few small adjustments can prevent expensive detours later.
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Focusing only on the upfront price | Look at long-term operating costs: apps, development, hosting, and payment fees often outweigh the base subscription. |
| Ignoring internal skill sets | Choose a platform your team can realistically manage. SaaS works best for lean teams; open-source requires ongoing technical support. |
| Overestimating how much customization you need | Keep the focus on essential requirements. Custom work should address real needs, not add unnecessary complexity. |
| Overlooking integrations | List every system you rely on now and those you plan to add in the next few years to ensure the platform can support them. |
| Failing to plan for scalability | Select a platform that can handle growth in products, markets, and traffic without forcing another rebuild later. |
| Skipping a structured migration plan | Audit your data, catalog, and custom features early. A clear migration path speeds up launch and reduces surprises. |
Ready to choose the best ecommerce platform for your business?
Shopify Plus, Adobe Commerce, and BigCommerce all perform well, but each suits a different type of merchant. Shopify Plus is ideal for brands that want speed and predictable SaaS management. Adobe Commerce is the strongest fit for businesses with complex catalogs, custom workflows, or B2B needs. BigCommerce offers a flexible, scalable option with more accessible pricing.
The right choice comes down to how your business operates and the resources you have to support it. Focus on your required flexibility, integration needs, and the workflows you rely on every day. Choose the platform that fits your processes, not the other way around!
Not sure which platform aligns best with your business?
Get expert guidance and a clear path forward with Elogic’s enterprise ecommerce development services. Get in touch, and we’ll help you make a confident, future-proof decision.
FAQs
What is an ecommerce platform?
An ecommerce platform is the software that powers your online store, managing products, checkout, payments, and the tools that support your day-to-day operations.
Which platform is best for my business in 2025?
The best platform depends on your catalog complexity, customization needs, budget, and internal resources. Shopify Plus suits fast-scaling brands, Adobe Commerce fits complex or B2B operations, and BigCommerce works well for mid-market merchants who want flexibility with lower costs.
What are the differences between Shopify Plus, Magento, and BigCommerce?
Shopify Plus is a managed SaaS platform focused on speed and simplicity, Magento (Adobe Commerce) offers deep customization and full control, and BigCommerce provides a flexible middle ground with strong scalability and more accessible pricing.
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