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Expert Picks

Best Hosted E-Commerce Platforms 2026

Hosted platforms handle the infrastructure headaches—servers, security, updates—so you focus on selling. The real differentiator is transaction fees and design flexibility: Shopify dominates by popularity but charges 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, while BigCommerce eliminates that drain entirely. Choose based on whether you need drag-and-drop simplicity (Squarespace), WordPress integration (Ecwid), or serious enterprise power (BigCommerce).

  1. 1
    Best Overall

    BigCommerce

    by BigCommerce

    $39

    /mo

    Enterprise-grade hosted e-commerce with no transaction fees ever.

  2. 2
    Runner-UpFree tier

    Ecwid

    by Lightspeed

    $0

    /mo

    Add a store to any existing website — WordPress, Wix, or custom HTML.

  3. 3
    #3Free tier

    Shift4Shop

    by Shift4

    $0

    /mo

    Feature-rich US-hosted platform with a free plan when using Shift4 Payments.

  4. 4
    #4

    Shopify

    by Shopify Inc.

    $39

    /mo

    The most popular all-in-one hosted e-commerce platform for any store size.

  5. 5
    #5

    Squarespace Commerce

    by Squarespace

    $28

    /mo

    Design-first hosted store for creators, makers, and service businesses.

  6. 6
    #6Free tier

    Swell

    by Swell

    $0

    /mo

    Headless e-commerce API platform for custom storefronts and subscription boxes.

  7. 7

    $29

    /mo

    Drag-and-drop website builder with a built-in store for beginners.

Final Thoughts

Shopify remains the safest default for most sellers, but BigCommerce wins for merchants doing real volume—the zero transaction fees pay for itself instantly. If design matters more than features, Squarespace is the only choice.