In this article, we’ll explore the Best eCommerce CMS platforms. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned online store owner, this guide will help you choose the best platform for your needs.
What is an eCommerce CMS?
An eCommerce CMS (Content Management System) is a platform that allows businesses to easily build, manage, and update all the digital content on their online store — from product pages and blog articles to multimedia assets and landing pages. It simplifies the process of maintaining a dynamic and engaging shopping experience without the need for extensive technical knowledge.
CMS vs. eCommerce Platform
A CMS (Content Management System) helps businesses manage and organize digital content such as blog posts, landing pages, and media assets. In contrast, an eCommerce platform focuses on powering online sales through product catalogs, checkout systems, and payment processing.
Here’s how they differ:
| Standalone CMS | Full eCommerce Platform | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Function | Handles the creation, organization, and publishing of digital content (e.g., blogs, landing pages, and images). | Facilitates online selling with features like product management, checkout, payment gateways, inventory tracking, and order management. |
| Flexibility | Offers high flexibility for both front-end and back-end customization. | Open-source or headless eCommerce platforms provide great flexibility; SaaS platforms offer ease of use but may have more limitations. |
| Common Use Cases | Ideal for blogs, portfolios, media sites, or content-driven brands that may add eCommerce later. | Best for businesses selling products or services online—retailers, marketplaces, subscription models, and digital goods. |
Types of eCommerce CMS Solutions
There are two main types of CMS platforms: SaaS (Software as a Service) and open source.
SaaS CMS
SaaS CMS platforms are cloud-hosted solutions that charge a subscription fee. They are easy to use, secure, and continuously updated by the provider. Examples include Shopify and Squarespace.
Pros:
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Low upfront investment
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Simple to use and manage
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Highly scalable
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Automatic updates and maintenance
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Accessible from any device
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Built-in payment integration
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Enhanced security features
Cons:
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Limited customization compared to open-source platforms
Open Source CMS
Open-source platforms are free to download and modify, giving developers full control over customization. However, they require technical expertise to operate and maintain. A popular example is WordPress.
Pros:
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Free to use and fully customizable
Cons:
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Requires separate web hosting and development setup
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Demands technical knowledge for maintenance
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Users are responsible for managing site security
Headless CMS vs. Traditional CMS for eCommerce
A headless CMS separates the front end (customer-facing interface) from the back end (content and data management). This allows teams to update the design or user experience independently from the core infrastructure, offering maximum flexibility.
Brands often choose a headless architecture to deliver a unified omnichannel experience across websites, apps, and in-store displays.
In contrast, a traditional CMS connects the front and back ends in a single system. While it’s less flexible, it’s simpler to set up and maintain—ideal for smaller teams or businesses seeking speed and convenience.
Benefits of Headless Commerce
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Omnichannel Experience: Deliver consistent customer experiences across web, mobile, and physical stores.
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Advanced Personalization: Centralized data enables tailored content and recommendations.
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Flexibility: Build using your preferred tech stack with modular components.
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Faster Development: Front-end and back-end teams can work simultaneously.
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Scalability & Performance: Scale the front end without disrupting your store’s backend operations.
Real-world success stories:
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Taschen: After adopting a headless CMS on Shopify Plus, sales rose by 20%, improving customer experience and control.
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Denim Tears: Using Shopify’s Hydrogen framework, the brand achieved a faster launch while staying true to its creative vision.
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Ruggable: Site speed and SEO improved dramatically post headless transition, driving more organic traffic and conversions.
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BYLT: Migrating to Hydrogen unified online and retail operations, expanding from one to seven profitable stores and driving over 50% of DTC conversions via Shopify Payments.
When to Choose Traditional vs. Headless CMS
| Consideration | Traditional CMS | Headless CMS |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Resources | Requires minimal setup or coding. | Demands experienced developers for setup and maintenance. |
| Budget | Lower development and maintenance costs. | Higher upfront and ongoing expenses. |
| Speed to Launch | Quick to deploy—ideal for fast rollouts. | Takes longer to build but offers long-term flexibility. |
| Business Scale | Suited for small to mid-size businesses ($20M–$50M online revenue). | Typically adopted by large-scale brands ($100M+ online revenue). |
| Customization Needs | Sufficient for standard store functionality. | Perfect for brands needing bespoke, omnichannel experiences. |
eCommerce CMS Platforms Summary
| CMS Platform | Type | Ideal For | Key Strengths | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | SaaS (Hosted) | SMBs & retailers wanting ease of use | All-in-one eCommerce suite, fast setup, app ecosystem | Subscription (Basic → Plus) |
| WooCommerce | Plugin (WordPress) | Businesses on WordPress wanting flexibility | Open-source, customizable, large plugin ecosystem | Free core; paid extensions |
| Magento (Adobe Commerce) | Open-source / Enterprise | Large-scale eCommerce & B2B | Advanced catalog & inventory management, scalability | Free (Open Source) / Paid (Commerce) |
| BigCommerce | SaaS (Hosted) | Mid–enterprise brands | Built-in SEO & multichannel, robust APIs | Subscription (Standard → Enterprise) |
| Wix eCommerce | SaaS (Website Builder) | Small businesses & beginners | Drag-and-drop design, simplicity, templates | Subscription |
| Squarespace Commerce | SaaS (Website Builder) | Creatives & small retailers | Design-centric, user-friendly setup | Subscription |
| PrestaShop | Open-source | SMEs needing customization | Community support, modular architecture | Free core; paid add-ons |
| OpenCart | Open-source | Budget-conscious stores | Lightweight, simple to manage | Free core; paid extensions |
| Hygraph | Headless CMS (GraphQL-native) | Omnichannel, complex catalogs | API-first, integrates with any frontend or commerce engine | Free tier + Enterprise pricing |
| Strapi | Headless CMS (Open-source) | Developers & custom storefronts | Full backend control, open-source, Node.js-based | Free (Community) + Paid Cloud |
Top eCommerce CMS Platforms for 2025
1. WooCommerce
- Price: Free (Add-ons start from $0 to $200)
WooCommerce remains one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, especially for those who already use WordPress. It’s an open-source plugin that turns your website into a fully functioning online store. WooCommerce is ideal for businesses looking for flexibility, as it supports both physical and digital goods, along with robust customization options.
Why WooCommerce?
- Seamless integration with WordPress.
- Free to start, with affordable premium add-ons.
- Excellent documentation and large support community.
Tip: If you’re looking for a flexible, scalable platform that grows with your business, WooCommerce might be the right choice. Check out our eCommerce web development servicesfor help getting started.
2. Shopify
- Price: Starts at $29/month (Advanced options up to $299/month)
Shopify is a well-established platform that provides an all-in-one solution for setting up your store, managing payments, shipping, and inventory. Known for its ease of use, Shopify is perfect for entrepreneurs who want a hands-off approach to technical aspects.
Why Shopify?
- User-friendly interface.
- Hundreds of customizable templates.
- Built-in payment and inventory management.
Tip: Shopify is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a fast and easy setup without the need for deep technical skills. See our Shopify website design & development page for more.
3. BigCommerce
- Price: Starts at $29.95/month (Pro version costs $249.95/month)
BigCommerce is a strong contender for businesses looking to scale quickly. It offers an array of features designed to support large product catalogs and handle heavy traffic. With BigCommerce, you get unlimited product options and integration with major payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.
Why BigCommerce?
- Unlimited products and SKUs.
- Advanced reporting and analytics.
- Integration with Google Analytics for tracking conversions.
Tip: BigCommerce is an ideal platform for businesses focused on growth and scalability.
4. Squarespace
- Price: Starts at $12/month for personal use, $26/month for basic commerce
Squarespace is widely known for its easy-to-use website builder, and it’s no different when it comes to eCommerce. If you’re looking to quickly create a visually appealing online store with minimal effort, Squarespace is a fantastic option. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs who need an elegant, functional site without the hassle of coding.
Why Squarespace?
- Drag-and-drop design functionality.
- Built-in hosting and templates.
- Responsive designs for mobile shopping.
Tip: If you’re starting a small store or portfolio, Squarespace is a simple, intuitive platform that gets the job done.
5. Jumpseller
- Price: Starts at $21/month (Premium plans up to $84/month)
Jumpseller is an affordable, user-friendly platform designed for businesses on a budget. It’s highly customizable and comes with a variety of pre-built templates. Jumpseller simplifies the process of setting up your store, making it perfect for beginners.
Why Jumpseller?
- Affordable pricing.
- Pre-built templates for quick setup.
- Easy product management features.
Tip: For entrepreneurs looking for a budget-friendly option with a simple interface, Jumpseller offers great value.
6. Magento
- Price: $1,988/month
Magento continues to be a powerhouse in the eCommerce space, offering a highly customizable, enterprise-level solution. It’s best suited for large businesses with high traffic, complex product catalogs, and the need for advanced features. Magento’s open-source nature allows developers to create a completely unique shopping experience.
Why Magento?
- Enterprise-level features for large-scale businesses.
- Advanced customization and scalability.
- Extensive support from a global developer community.
Tip: Magento is the go-to platform for large businesses that require extensive customization and control over their online store.
7. OpenCart
- Price: Free (Paid support available)
OpenCart is a free, open-source eCommerce CMS that offers great flexibility for those who prefer to have full control over their store. With a wide range of plugins and themes available, OpenCart is ideal for businesses looking for a customizable, budget-friendly solution.
Why OpenCart?
- Free to use with affordable paid support options.
- Full control over design and functionality.
- Wide range of extensions available.
Tip: OpenCart is best suited for businesses with some technical expertise looking for a customizable, open-source platform.
8. PrestaShop
- Price: Free
PrestaShop is another popular free eCommerce CMS with a strong global user base. It’s known for its flexibility and rich feature set, allowing businesses to manage multiple stores from one dashboard. PrestaShop is ideal for businesses looking for a cost-effective solution without sacrificing functionality.
Why PrestaShop?
- Multi-store management from one platform.
- Built-in SEO tools and advanced catalog management.
- Free with premium add-ons available.
Tip: PrestaShop is great for businesses looking for a free solution with the ability to scale.
9. Hygraph
Price: Free plan available; enterprise pricing upon request
Hygraph is a GraphQL-native, API-first CMS that enables seamless integration of content and commerce from multiple sources. It’s ideal for enterprises managing complex product catalogs or brands that want to deliver consistent experiences across web, mobile, apps, and even IoT.
Why Hygraph?
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API-first approach for omnichannel content delivery
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Integrates easily with headless commerce tools like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Commerce Layer
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Scalable architecture that suits large, data-driven eCommerce stores
Tip: Choose Hygraph if you want a flexible backend that connects with your preferred front-end frameworks like Next.js, React, or Vue.js, and supports dynamic, content-rich eCommerce environments.
10. Strapi
Price: Free (Community Edition); paid cloud and enterprise tiers available
Strapi is an open-source Node.js headless CMS that provides developers with full backend control and customization. It’s a great fit for businesses building custom storefronts and want complete freedom over APIs, content structure, and deployment.
Why Strapi?
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100% open-source with active developer community
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Highly customizable — define your own APIs and data models
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Works seamlessly with modern eCommerce stacks and frameworks
Tip: If you’re building a custom storefront across web, mobile, or marketplaces, Strapi offers the flexibility and performance to craft unique eCommerce experiences from the ground up.
Wrapping It Up: Choose the Right CMS for Your Store in 2025
Whether you’re just starting out, migrating or growing:
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If you use WordPress already → WooCommerce is a strong choice.
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If you want quick setup and minimal technical overhead → Shopify or Squarespace.
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If you have a large product catalogue, high traffic, or enterprise needs → Magento/Adobe Commerce or BigCommerce.
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If you have a lower budget and more control → OpenCart or PrestaShop.
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If you’re building for future-proof architecture / omnichannel → explore Hygraph or Strapi.
As a professional website design company in Singapore, MediaPlus specialize in creating mobile-responsive, intuitive eCommerce websites that drive results. With over 12 years of experience, our eCommerce development team can help you build a store that not only looks great but also delivers a seamless user experience.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you launch and grow your online store in 2025.