Top 15 Best Ecommerce Software in UK for 2027

The best ecommerce software in the UK in 2027 includes platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, ShopWired, EKM, Wix, Squarespace, Square Online, OpenCart, PrestaShop, Ecwid, Adobe Commerce, Webflow Ecommerce, GoDaddy Websites + Marketing, and Big Cartel. These platforms cover different ecommerce needs, from simple online stores and independent retailers to highly customised, multi-store, B2B, and enterprise ecommerce operations.

UK ecommerce businesses should consider more than website design and product management when choosing a platform. UK payment methods, VAT handling, shipping integrations, transaction fees, marketplace connections, mobile commerce, SEO capabilities, and GDPR-related data considerations can all affect how effectively an ecommerce platform works for a British business.

The right ecommerce software depends on your business size, product catalogue, technical expertise, sales channels, budget, and growth plans. Small retailers may prefer a hosted platform with simple setup and built-in tools, while growing and enterprise businesses may need advanced inventory management, international selling, multi-currency support, B2B features, APIs, and greater control over their store architecture.

What Are the Best Ecommerce Software in UK for 2027?

Our Top Picks Are:

1. Shopify — Best for All-Around UK Ecommerce Growth
2. WooCommerce — Best for Flexible WordPress Ecommerce
3. BigCommerce — Best for Scaling & Complex Product Catalogues
4. ShopWired — Best for UK-Focused Online Stores
5. EKM — Best for UK Small & Medium-Sized Retailers
6. Wix Stores — Best for Beginner-Friendly Ecommerce Websites
7. Squarespace — Best for Design-Focused Ecommerce Brands
8. Square Online — Best for Retailers Connecting Online & In-Store Sales
9. GoDaddy Online Store — Best for Rapid Ecommerce Setup
10. Webflow Ecommerce — Best for Custom Website Design & Advanced Creators
11. Ecwid by Lightspeed — Best for Adding Ecommerce to Existing Websites
12. Big Cartel — Best for Artists, Makers & Small Product Catalogues
13. OpenCart — Best for Flexible Open-Source Ecommerce
14. PrestaShop — Best for Customisable European & UK Stores
15. Adobe Commerce — Best for Enterprise Ecommerce & Complex Operations

What Is Ecommerce Software?

Ecommerce software is a platform or collection of tools that enables businesses to create, operate, and manage an online store. It typically provides functionality for displaying products, managing product information, accepting payments, processing orders, handling customers, managing inventory, and maintaining the storefront. Depending on the platform, it may also include hosting, website design tools, marketing features, analytics, shipping integrations, and marketplace connections.

For UK businesses, ecommerce software can also support requirements around GBP pricing, VAT, UK payment providers, delivery services, accounting integrations, and selling to customers in other markets. Hosted platforms such as Shopify and BigCommerce manage much of the underlying infrastructure, while open-source solutions such as WooCommerce, OpenCart, and PrestaShop provide greater control but generally require more technical management.

Why Do UK Businesses Need Ecommerce Software?

A suitable ecommerce platform gives UK businesses a central system for managing their online sales operations instead of relying on disconnected tools and manual processes.

• Online Store Management: Create product pages, categories, navigation, collections, and storefront layouts from one platform.
• UK Payment Support: Connect with payment providers and support payment methods relevant to UK customers, including cards and other digital payment options.
• VAT & Tax Management: Configure applicable tax rules and connect ecommerce activity with accounting and tax-management workflows.
• Inventory & Order Management: Track products, stock levels, orders, returns, and fulfilment activities as sales increase.
• Shipping Integration: Connect stores with shipping providers, delivery services, and fulfilment systems used by UK merchants.
• Multichannel Selling: Sell through websites, marketplaces, social platforms, and physical stores where supported.
• Business Growth: Support additional products, customers, currencies, sales channels, and international markets as the business expands.

What Should UK Businesses Look for in Ecommerce Software?

UK Payment & VAT Support

Look for ecommerce software that can work with the payment methods, currencies, and tax workflows relevant to UK customers. Businesses selling internationally should also check how the platform handles multiple currencies, international payments, and cross-border transactions.

Pricing & Transaction Fees

Compare the monthly platform subscription with payment-processing charges, transaction fees, app costs, hosting, themes, extensions, and development expenses. A platform with a low starting subscription can become more expensive if essential features require multiple paid add-ons.

Ease of Use

Small businesses and first-time sellers may benefit from a hosted platform with templates, visual editors, and guided setup. More technical teams may prefer platforms that provide deeper access to code, APIs, databases, or server configuration.

Shipping & Fulfilment Integrations

UK retailers should check compatibility with their preferred couriers, fulfilment providers, inventory systems, and warehouse workflows. Native integrations can reduce manual order processing, while other platforms may require third-party applications or custom development.

Scalability

Consider whether the platform can support your expected growth in products, orders, customers, locations, sales channels, and international markets. Changing platforms later can involve migration costs and technical disruption, so scalability is worth evaluating before committing.

SEO & Marketing Features

An ecommerce platform should provide sufficient control over product URLs, metadata, structured content, page performance, internal linking, and other SEO fundamentals. Built-in email marketing, promotions, abandoned-cart recovery, analytics, and social selling can also reduce the need for additional services.

Integrations & Customisation

Businesses with more complex operations should examine the platform’s integrations and API capabilities. Connections with accounting software, CRM systems, ERP platforms, marketplaces, payment providers, email marketing tools, and analytics systems can become increasingly important as the business grows.

15 Best Ecommerce Software in UK for 2027

The following is an in-depth breakdown of 15 ecommerce software platforms for UK businesses in 2027, covering hosted ecommerce platforms, open-source solutions, website builders, specialist storefront tools, and enterprise ecommerce systems.

1. Shopify — Best for All-Around UK Ecommerce Growth

Company Overview

Detail	Information
Founded	2006
Headquarters	Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Software Type	Hosted Ecommerce Platform
Core Features	Online Store, Product Management, Checkout, Payments, Inventory, Multichannel Selling, Analytics, POS
Deployment	Cloud-based / SaaS
Pricing Model	Subscription-based
Free Trial	3 days free, followed by 3 months at £1/month
Starting Price	£19/month when billed yearly
Payment Frequency	Monthly or annual
Supported Platforms	Web, iOS, Android

Shopify is one of the most widely used ecommerce software platforms for UK businesses, particularly for retailers that want to launch and manage an online store without handling their own hosting or server infrastructure. The platform combines storefront creation, product management, checkout, inventory, marketing, analytics, and multichannel selling in one hosted environment. Its UK pricing page also provides prices in pounds sterling, making it easier for British merchants to evaluate the platform against local operating costs.

For UK businesses planning to grow beyond a basic online shop, Shopify provides several subscription levels that increase capabilities such as staff accounts, reporting, regional selling, shipping functionality, and B2B commerce. Shopify currently lists Basic at £19/month, Grow at £49/month, and Advanced at £259/month when billed annually, while Shopify Plus starts from £1,800/month for complex businesses. The platform also supports selling online and in person, making it suitable for businesses combining ecommerce with physical retail.

Key Features

• Online Store Builder: Create and customise an ecommerce storefront using Shopify themes and its website-building tools.
• Product Management: Add products, variants, pricing, inventory information, and product content from the Shopify admin.
• Integrated Checkout: Use Shopify’s hosted checkout for processing online orders and managing the customer purchasing experience.
• Multichannel Selling: Connect ecommerce operations with social channels, marketplaces, and physical selling.
• Inventory Management: Manage inventory across supported locations and sales channels.
• Shopify POS: Combine online selling with in-person sales through Shopify’s point-of-sale tools.
• AI & Commerce Tools: Shopify includes AI-assisted features such as Sidekick and Shopify Magic alongside other commerce management tools.

Pricing

• Basic: £19/month when billed yearly.
• Grow: £49/month when billed yearly.
• Advanced: £299/month when billed yearly.
• Plus: From £2300/month on a 3-year term.
• Monthly Billing: Basic £25/month, Grow £65/month, Advanced £344/month.
• Free Trial: 3 days free, followed by 3 months for £1/month.
• POS Pro: £69/month per location.
• Pricing Model: Subscription-based, with payment-processing rates varying by plan and payment method.

2. WooCommerce — Best for Flexible WordPress Ecommerce

Company Overview

Detail	Information
Founded	2008
Headquarters	San Francisco, California, United States
Software Type	Open-Source Ecommerce Platform for WordPress
Core Features	Product Management, Shopping Cart, Checkout, Payments, Inventory, Orders, Extensions, Analytics
Deployment	Self-hosted / WordPress
Pricing Model	Free core software with paid hosting, extensions, and services
Free Trial	No standard WooCommerce core trial required; core platform is free
Starting Price	£0 for the WooCommerce core platform
Payment Frequency	Depends on hosting, extensions, and payment providers
Supported Platforms	WordPress / Web

WooCommerce is a strong option for UK businesses that want greater control over their ecommerce website, content, design, and functionality. Unlike hosted SaaS platforms, WooCommerce is an open-source ecommerce platform for WordPress, allowing businesses to choose their hosting provider and extend the store with plugins, themes, payment gateways, shipping tools, and other integrations. WooCommerce states that its core platform has no monthly subscription and no revenue-share fee.

The overall cost of a WooCommerce store depends on the infrastructure and functionality selected by the business. WooCommerce’s official pricing information currently estimates hosting at $25–$350/month for most stores, while paid extensions generally cost $29–$299/year per extension. This means the software itself can start at £0, but a real UK ecommerce operation will normally have additional hosting, domain, payment-processing, development, and extension costs.

Key Features

• Open-Source Ecommerce: Use the WooCommerce core platform without a monthly platform subscription.
• WordPress Integration: Build ecommerce functionality directly into an existing WordPress website.
• Product Management: Create physical, digital, variable, and other product types.
• Payment Integrations: Connect WooCommerce with different payment processors and gateways.
• Extension Marketplace: Add functionality through WooCommerce extensions and third-party plugins.
• Customisation: Modify the storefront, checkout, product pages, functionality, and integrations.
• Scalable Store Architecture: WooCommerce can support large catalogues depending on hosting and technical configuration.

Pricing

• WooCommerce Core: Free; no monthly subscription.
• Platform Revenue Share: 0% platform revenue share.
• Hosting: Official WooCommerce guidance estimates $25–$350/month for most stores, depending on requirements.
• Extensions: Typically $29–$299/year per extension.
• Payment Processing: Depends on the selected payment processor.
• Free Trial: WooCommerce core does not require a conventional paid trial because the core software is free.
• Extension Trials: Selected extensions can be tested through 30-day free trials; paid extensions also have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. BigCommerce — Best for Scaling & Complex Product Catalogues

Company Overview

Detail	Information
Founded	2009
Headquarters	Austin, Texas, United States
Software Type	Hosted Ecommerce Platform
Core Features	Online Store, Product Catalogue, Checkout, Multichannel Selling, B2B Ecommerce, Inventory, Analytics, APIs
Deployment	Cloud-based / SaaS
Pricing Model	Subscription-based
Free Trial	Free trial available
Starting Price	$29/month when billed annually under the current Core plan
Payment Frequency	Monthly or annual
Supported Platforms	Web and mobile management

BigCommerce is designed for businesses that need a more scalable ecommerce environment for larger catalogues, growing sales volumes, B2B operations, and multiple sales channels. Its current platform provides hosted storefront functionality alongside product management, checkout, inventory, marketplace connections, APIs, and tools for businesses operating at different levels of scale. The platform can therefore be relevant to UK retailers that expect their ecommerce operation to expand beyond a basic storefront.

BigCommerce’s pricing structure changed in 2027, with its current plans named Core, Growth, Scale, and Performance. The official pricing page lists Core at $29/month when billed annually, Growth at $79/month annually, and Scale at $299/month annually. Performance uses custom pricing starting at $1,499/month billed annually. BigCommerce also provides a free trial, while its pricing and plan thresholds are based partly on trailing twelve-month gross merchandise value.

Key Features

• Hosted Ecommerce Storefront: Operate an online store without managing the underlying hosting infrastructure.
• Large Product Catalogues: Support growing product ranges and more complex ecommerce operations.
• Multichannel Selling: Connect stores with marketplaces and social commerce channels.
• B2B Ecommerce: Provide functionality designed for business-to-business selling.
• Multi-Storefront: Manage multiple storefronts from a central BigCommerce environment.
• API & Integrations: Connect the platform with external systems and ecommerce services.
• Built-In Analytics & Reporting: Monitor ecommerce activity and business performance through platform reporting tools.

Pricing

• Core: $29/month when billed annually.
• Growth: $79/month when billed annually.
• Scale: $299/month when billed annually.
• Performance: Custom pricing starting at $1,499/month billed annually.
• Monthly Billing: Core $39/month, Growth $105/month, Scale $399/month.
• Free Trial: BigCommerce offers a free trial.
• Open Payment Provider Fee: Current self-service plans can incur additional fees for orders processed through Open Payment Providers: 2.0% on Core, 1.0% on Growth, and 0.6% on Scale, while embedded payment providers are not subject to this additional order fee.

4. ShopWired — Best for UK-Focused Online Stores

Company Overview

Detail	Information
Founded	2013
Headquarters	Birmingham, United Kingdom
Software Type	Hosted Ecommerce Platform
Core Features	Online Store, Product Management, UK Payment Gateways, Royal Mail Integration, eBay Integration, Reports, Ecommerce Apps
Deployment	Cloud-based / SaaS
Pricing Model	Monthly or long-term subscription
Free Trial	14 days
Starting Price	£34.95/month
Payment Frequency	Monthly, annual, 2-year, or 3-year billing
Supported Platforms	Web-based

ShopWired is a UK-focused ecommerce platform built around the needs of merchants operating online stores in the British market. Its platform includes ecommerce storefront functionality, product management, payment processing, UK payment gateway integrations, shipping connections, reporting, and integrations with services such as eBay and Royal Mail Click & Drop. This makes it particularly relevant to businesses that want ecommerce infrastructure with a strong UK orientation.

The platform currently offers several pricing tiers based partly on annual turnover. ShopWired’s official pricing page lists Essentials at £34.95/month, Advanced at £79.95/month, and Premium at £149.95/month when billed monthly. It also offers an Enterprise package from £299.95/month and a 14-day free trial with no card required. ShopWired states that it does not charge commission or transaction fees on sales made through the platform, although payment-processing charges still apply.

Key Features

• UK-Focused Ecommerce: Designed with British ecommerce merchants and requirements in mind.
• Royal Mail Integration: Connect ecommerce operations with Royal Mail Click & Drop.
• UK Payment Gateways: Support more than 35 UK payment gateway integrations.
• Unlimited Products: Store product catalogues without a stated product-count restriction on the listed plans.
• eBay Integration: Connect online store operations with eBay.
• Advanced Reporting: Monitor ecommerce activity through platform reporting capabilities.
• Ecommerce Apps: Access integrations and applications for extending store functionality.

Pricing

• Essentials: £34.95/month billed monthly.
• Advanced: £79.95/month billed monthly.
• Premium: £149.95/month billed monthly.
• Enterprise: From £299.95/month.
• Annual Pricing: Essentials £31.46/month, Advanced £71.96/month, Premium £134.96/month when billed annually.
• Free Trial: 14 days, with no credit card required.
• Transaction Fees: ShopWired states that it charges 0% transaction fees on external gateways; ShopWired Payments processing starts from 1.9% + 20p on Essentials and from 1.5% + 20p on Advanced and Premium.

5. EKM — Best for UK Small & Medium-Sized Retailers

Company Overview

Detail	Information
Founded	2002
Headquarters	Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Software Type	Hosted Ecommerce Platform
Core Features	Online Store Builder, Product Management, Payments, Inventory, Ecommerce Support, Store Design, Marketing Tools
Deployment	Cloud-based / SaaS
Pricing Model	Subscription-based
Free Trial	14 days
Starting Price	Current signup page displays £327/month + VAT for the available plan shown
Payment Frequency	Monthly
Supported Platforms	Web-based

EKM is a UK ecommerce platform aimed at businesses that want a hosted online store with UK-based ecommerce support and managed platform infrastructure. The platform provides store-building tools, product management, payment functionality, SSL, ecommerce features, and support services. EKM’s current signup flow also highlights a dedicated Ecommerce Manager and UK-based support, which can be relevant to merchants that prefer more hands-on assistance.

EKM’s current public signup page presents a 14-day free trial and currently displays a plan at £327 + VAT per month, covering up to £300,000 in annual sales. The page states that the displayed plan includes payments, a dedicated Ecommerce Manager, UK support, SSL, shop design setup, unlimited bandwidth, and no contract. EKM also publishes separate information about platform transaction fees, which vary by plan and payment gateway.

Key Features

• Hosted Ecommerce Store: Run an online shop without separately managing ecommerce server infrastructure.
• UK-Based Support: EKM provides UK-based ecommerce support through its service model.
• Dedicated Ecommerce Manager: The current signup offer includes access to an Ecommerce Manager.
• Store Design Support: Includes shop design setup and ongoing design-related services on the displayed plan.
• Integrated Payments: Payments are included in the current signup offer.
• SSL & Security: SSL certification is included.
• Unlimited Bandwidth: The current displayed plan includes unlimited bandwidth for the online store.

Pricing

• Current Displayed Plan: £327 + VAT/month.
• Included Sales Volume: Up to £300,000 annual sales on the displayed plan.
• Free Trial: 14 days.
• Contract: The current signup page states no contract.
• Payments: Included in the displayed plan.
• Platform Transaction Fees: EKM states that fees vary by tier; its published rates include 0.50% + VAT for Pro and Advanced, and 1% + VAT for Standard, while Basic, Lite, and Dormant are listed at 2% + VAT for applicable payment gateways.
• Important Pricing Note: EKM’s public signup page is currently showing a specific plan rather than the complete historical tier structure, so the displayed £327 + VAT/month figure should be treated as the current public price shown on the official signup page.

6. Wix Stores — Best for Beginner-Friendly Ecommerce Websites

Company Overview

Wix Stores is one of the more accessible ecommerce software platforms for UK businesses that want to build and manage an online shop without extensive technical knowledge. It combines website creation with ecommerce functionality, allowing merchants to create product pages, accept payments, manage inventory, and promote their stores from one platform.

For smaller UK retailers, startups, creators, and businesses that want design flexibility without managing hosting or server updates, Wix provides a hosted approach with built-in ecommerce tools. Its current ecommerce offering supports large product catalogues, abandoned-cart recovery, marketplace and social selling, and different levels of marketing and developer functionality.

Key Features

• Online Store Builder: Create ecommerce websites using Wix’s visual website-building tools.
• Product Management: Add and manage large product catalogues from the Wix dashboard.
• Online Payments: Accept payments through supported payment methods.
• Abandoned Cart Recovery: Help recover customers who leave products in their carts.
• Multichannel Selling: Sell products through supported marketplaces and social channels.
• Marketing Tools: Use built-in marketing capabilities to promote products and customer offers.
• Developer Tools: Higher-tier plans provide additional development and customization capabilities.

Pricing

• Free: $0, with Wix branding and a Wix subdomain; ecommerce selling requires a paid plan.
• Light: $17/month
• Core: $29/month
• Business: $39/month
• Business Elite: $159/month
• Money-Back Guarantee: Wix advertises a 14-day money-back guarantee on paid plans.

7. Squarespace — Best for Design-Focused Ecommerce Brands

Company Overview

Squarespace is a strong option for UK ecommerce businesses that place particular importance on visual presentation, branding, and website design. Its ecommerce functionality is integrated directly into the website platform, allowing businesses to combine product catalogues, content, marketing pages, and online selling within one system.

The platform can suit creative retailers, boutique brands, artists, and smaller businesses that want their storefront and brand experience to remain closely connected. Squarespace’s current UK plans include Basic, Core, Plus, and Advanced tiers, with ecommerce transaction fees and payment-processing rates varying by plan.

Key Features

• Visual Store Design: Build branded storefronts using professionally designed templates.
• Product Management: Manage physical and digital products from the ecommerce dashboard.
• Online Checkout: Provide customers with an integrated checkout experience.
• Payment Processing: Support online payments through Squarespace Payments and connected processors.
• Analytics: Track website and ecommerce performance using built-in reporting tools.
• Content Commerce: Combine blogging, content, products, and memberships within one website.
• Abandoned Cart Tools: Higher-level ecommerce functionality supports additional tools for recovering sales.

Pricing

• Basic: £12/month when billed annually according to current UK pricing information.
• Core: £17/month when billed annually.
• Advanced: £25/month when billed annually.
• Billing: Monthly billing is also available and costs more than annual billing.
• Transaction Fees: Current UK ecommerce transaction and payment-processing fees depend on the plan and payment method.

8. Square Online — Best for Retailers Combining Online and In-Store Sales

Company Overview

Square Online is particularly relevant to UK retailers that operate both physical shops and online stores. Its major advantage is the connection between the online storefront and Square’s point-of-sale ecosystem, allowing businesses to manage products and inventory across selling channels.

The UK version currently offers a free online-store plan alongside paid plans for businesses that need additional design, domain, ordering, subscription, and delivery capabilities. Square lists the Free plan at £0, Plus at £20 per month when billed annually, and Premium at £64 per month when billed annually.

Key Features

• Online Store Builder: Create an ecommerce storefront without paying a monthly subscription on the Free plan.
• Square POS Integration: Connect online and physical selling operations.
• Inventory Synchronisation: Keep online and in-store inventory aligned.
• Pickup and Delivery: Provide customers with local fulfilment options.
• Social Selling: Sell through supported social-commerce channels.
• Online Payments: Accept major online payment methods.
• Custom Domain Support: Paid plans provide the ability to connect a custom domain.

Pricing

• Free: £0/month.
• Plus: £20/month when billed annually.
• Premium: £64/month when billed annually.
• UK Online Card Processing: 1.4% + 25p per transaction for UK cards.
• Non-UK Online Cards: 2.5% + 25p per transaction.
• Free Plan: No monthly subscription fee; payment-processing charges apply when sales are made.

9. GoDaddy Online Store — Best for Rapid Ecommerce Setup

Company Overview

GoDaddy Online Store is designed for businesses that want to launch an ecommerce website quickly without dealing with complex technical configuration. The platform combines website creation, product management, payment options, shipping settings, and marketing functionality in a hosted environment.

For small UK businesses that want a straightforward route from website creation to online selling, GoDaddy can reduce the technical work normally associated with setting up an ecommerce platform. Its current online-store system supports up to 5,000 products and includes multiple payment and shipping options.

Key Features

• Rapid Store Setup: Build an online shop using guided website-building tools.
• Product Catalogue: Support stores with large product catalogues.
• Payment Options: Accept major cards and supported digital payment methods.
• Shipping Management: Configure flat-rate and weight-based shipping.
• Mobile Store Management: Manage ecommerce operations from supported devices.
• SEO Tools: Built-in tools help businesses optimise their online presence.
• Marketing Tools: Connect ecommerce activity with built-in marketing features.

Pricing

• Free Plan: £0 — available to start building without a credit card.
• Starter: £7.49/month, billed annually — for basic websites and selling products/services through payment links or QR codes.
• Professional: £17.99/month, billed annually — includes a product catalogue, online payments/deposits, appointment bookings, and ecommerce functionality.
• Ultimate: £74.99/month, billed annually — designed for scaling sales across channels and managing multiple sites.
• Free Trial: GoDaddy states that premium Website Builder features can be tried for 7 days.
• Billing: Monthly or annual options are available; the displayed UK annual-plan prices above are based on GoDaddy’s current pricing page.

10. Webflow Ecommerce — Best for Advanced Ecommerce Design

Company Overview

Webflow Ecommerce is aimed at businesses, designers, agencies, and advanced creators that need greater visual control over their ecommerce storefront. Unlike simpler website builders, Webflow places considerable emphasis on visual design, CMS flexibility, responsive layouts, and custom front-end experiences.

Its ecommerce plans currently include Standard, Plus, and Advanced tiers. The Standard plan starts at $29/month when billed yearly, while Plus and Advanced are designed for stores with larger catalogues and higher transaction requirements.

Key Features

• Visual Ecommerce Design: Create highly customised storefront layouts visually.
• CMS Integration: Connect ecommerce products with Webflow’s content-management capabilities.
• Custom Checkout: Build branded shopping and checkout experiences.
• Responsive Design: Create storefronts designed for desktop, tablet, and mobile screens.
• SEO Controls: Manage important technical and on-page SEO settings.
• Product Management: Organise ecommerce products and inventory through the platform.
• Custom Integrations: Extend functionality through supported integrations and development tools.

Pricing

• Standard Ecommerce: $29/month, billed yearly; includes 500 ecommerce items and a 2% transaction fee.
• Plus Ecommerce: $74/month, billed yearly; includes 5,000 ecommerce items and 0% Webflow transaction fee.
• Advanced Ecommerce: $212/month, billed yearly; includes 15,000 ecommerce items and 0% Webflow transaction fee.
• Currency: Webflow states that ecommerce prices are shown in USD and are charged per site, per month, plus applicable taxes.

11. Ecwid by Lightspeed — Best for Adding Ecommerce to Existing Websites

Company Overview

Ecwid by Lightspeed is designed for businesses that already have a website, blog, social presence, or other online property and want to add ecommerce functionality without rebuilding the entire site. This makes it different from platforms that require merchants to create their entire storefront inside one proprietary website builder.

The platform provides product management, checkout, payment, shipping, and selling tools that can be integrated into an existing online presence. Ecwid’s published pricing changes from March 2027 list Venture, Business, and Unlimited plans at $35, $65, and $149 per month when paid monthly, with lower monthly-equivalent prices for annual billing.

Key Features

• Embedded Storefront: Add ecommerce functionality to an existing website.
• Product Management: Manage products, categories, pricing, and inventory.
• Multichannel Selling: Support selling across websites, social channels, and marketplaces.
• Payment Integration: Connect supported payment providers for online checkout.
• Shipping Tools: Configure shipping and fulfilment options.
• Mobile Management: Manage store operations through supported mobile applications.
• Scalable Plans: Upgrade as product catalogue and ecommerce requirements increase.

Pricing

• Venture: $35/month when paid monthly or $29/month when paid annually.
• Business: $65/month when paid monthly or $49/month when paid annually.
• Unlimited: $149/month when paid monthly or $119/month when paid annually.
• Annual Billing: Ecwid lists annual totals of $348, $588, and $1,428 respectively.
• Taxes: Published prices exclude applicable taxes.

12. Big Cartel — Best for Artists, Makers & Micro-Sellers

Company Overview

Big Cartel focuses specifically on independent artists, makers, creators, and small product businesses that do not need a complex enterprise ecommerce platform. Its relatively simple interface makes it suitable for merchants who want to get a small catalogue online without managing a large collection of ecommerce features.

The current Big Cartel pricing page lists a limited Gold plan at $0, Platinum at $15/month, and Diamond at $30/month. Big Cartel also provides a 7-day free trial for Platinum, while higher plans add capabilities such as abandoned-cart recovery, product drops, and additional integrations.

Key Features

• Simple Store Builder: Create a focused ecommerce storefront without complex configuration.
• Digital Products: Sell digital as well as physical products.
• Inventory Management: Track products and stock.
• Discounts: Create promotions and discounts for customers.
• Shipping Tools: Print labels and track shipments.
• Mobile Selling: Manage stores and accept payments through supported mobile tools.
• App Integrations: Connect supported third-party services and ecommerce tools.

Pricing

• Gold: $0/month with limited features.
• Platinum: $15/month.
• Diamond: $30/month.
• Platinum Trial: 7 days free before the paid subscription begins.
• Annual Billing: Big Cartel’s pricing page provides annual savings compared with monthly billing.
• Currency: Prices are published in USD.

13. OpenCart — Best for Open-Source Ecommerce Flexibility

Company Overview

OpenCart is an open-source ecommerce platform for businesses that want greater control over their store’s software, hosting, extensions, and customisation. Rather than charging a standard monthly subscription for its core downloadable platform, OpenCart allows merchants and developers to install and manage the software themselves.

This approach can make OpenCart attractive to technically capable UK businesses that want to control their hosting environment and customise the storefront. The official OpenCart documentation describes the platform as free and open source, while hosting, domains, premium extensions, development, and maintenance can create additional operating costs.

Key Features

• Open-Source Architecture: Access and customise the underlying ecommerce software.
• Product Management: Create and organise products and categories.
• Multi-Store Management: Manage multiple storefronts from a central administration environment.
• Payment Gateways: Connect supported payment methods and gateways.
• Shipping Extensions: Extend shipping functionality through available modules.
• Marketplace Extensions: Add functionality through the OpenCart extension marketplace.
• Reporting: Access ecommerce and sales reporting tools.

Pricing

• OpenCart Core: £0 to download and use.
• Hosting: Not included and must be purchased separately for a live store.
• Domain: Not included.
• Extensions: Optional extensions may be free or paid.
• Development: Custom development and maintenance costs depend on the implementation.
• Subscription: No standard monthly subscription is required for the downloadable open-source version.

14. PrestaShop — Best for Flexible European & UK Ecommerce Stores

Company Overview

PrestaShop is a flexible ecommerce platform that can work well for UK merchants that need control over store configuration, international selling, multiple currencies, and multilingual ecommerce operations. Its open-source Classic edition can be downloaded without a software subscription, while businesses that want hosting and support can choose the Hosted offering.

The official PrestaShop pricing page currently lists the Classic edition as a free download, with hosting and other infrastructure costs handled separately. Its Hosted package starts at €24 excluding VAT per month with annual payment, or €29 excluding VAT per month with no commitment, and includes a 14-day free trial.

Key Features

• Open-Source Ecommerce: Customise the underlying ecommerce platform.
• Multilingual Selling: Support stores serving customers in different languages.
• Multicurrency Support: Configure international currency requirements.
• Product Management: Organise products, categories, pricing, and stock.
• Payment Integration: Connect supported payment systems.
• Shipping Tools: Configure shipping services and delivery options.
• Marketplace Extensions: Extend the platform using PrestaShop’s marketplace ecosystem.

Pricing

• Classic: Free download.
• Hosted: From €24/month excluding VAT when billed annually.
• Hosted Monthly: €29/month excluding VAT with no commitment.
• Free Trial: 14 days for the Hosted offer.
• Hosting: Included with the Hosted plan.
• Classic Hosting: Hosting and domain costs are not included with the free Classic edition.

15. Adobe Commerce — Best for Enterprise & Complex Ecommerce Operations

Company Overview

Adobe Commerce is designed for larger UK ecommerce businesses and enterprise retailers that need extensive catalogue management, B2B functionality, multiple brands, multiple markets, and highly customised commerce experiences. It is substantially more complex than beginner-oriented ecommerce builders and is generally aimed at organisations with dedicated technical and commercial resources.

Adobe’s current Commerce offering supports B2B and B2C commerce, large catalogues, multiple brands and markets, API-first extensibility, personalised commerce, and cloud deployment options. Adobe does not publish a standard public subscription price for Commerce; its official pricing page directs businesses toward customised pricing based on their requirements.

Key Features

• Enterprise Ecommerce: Support complex B2C and B2B ecommerce operations.
• Large Product Catalogues: Handle extensive catalogues and complex pricing structures.
• Multi-Brand Commerce: Manage multiple brands and storefronts.
• B2B Capabilities: Support company accounts, purchasing roles, approvals, and negotiated quotes.
• API-First Architecture: Connect ecommerce operations with external systems and applications.
• Personalised Commerce: Provide personalised product discovery and shopping experiences.
• Cloud Deployment: Adobe offers cloud-based Commerce deployment options with managed infrastructure capabilities.

Pricing

• Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service: Custom pricing.
• Adobe Commerce on Cloud: Custom pricing.
• Adobe Commerce Optimizer: Available as an add-on depending on the solution.
• Free Trial: No standard public free trial price or duration is listed on Adobe’s current pricing page.
• Enterprise Pricing: Adobe directs prospective customers to its sales team for customised pricing.
• Pricing Basis: Exact cost depends on the selected Commerce solution, business requirements, scale, and deployment.

Comparison of the Best Ecommerce Software in UK for 2027

How to Choose the Right Ecommerce Software in the UK

The right ecommerce platform depends on your business size, product catalog, technical skills, budget, selling channels, and growth plans. A platform that works well for a small independent retailer may not provide the infrastructure required by a high-volume UK ecommerce business.

Consider Your Business Size

Small businesses and first-time sellers may benefit from hosted platforms such as Shopify, Wix Stores, Squarespace, or EKM because hosting, security, updates, and core infrastructure are managed by the provider.

Larger businesses may need platforms such as BigCommerce or Adobe Commerce that provide more advanced catalog management, integrations, automation, and scalability.

Check UK Payment Support

Make sure the platform supports the payment methods your UK customers use. Depending on your business model, this may include cards, PayPal, digital wallets, Klarna, and other supported payment services.

Also check transaction fees, payment-processing charges, and whether using a third-party payment provider creates additional platform fees.

Evaluate UK Shipping Integrations

Shipping functionality can be particularly important for UK ecommerce businesses. Check whether the platform integrates with the carriers and fulfilment services you use, such as Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, or Parcelforce.

You should also consider automated shipping rates, label printing, order tracking, returns management, and international delivery support.

Compare Total Costs

Don’t compare platforms only by their advertised monthly subscription. Consider the complete cost of running the store, including:

• Monthly platform subscription
• Payment-processing fees
• Transaction fees
• Domain registration
• Hosting
• Premium themes
• Apps and extensions
• Shipping integrations
• Development costs
• Maintenance and support

A platform with a lower starting price can become more expensive once additional apps and services are required.

Consider SEO and Marketing Features

If organic search is an important acquisition channel, examine the platform’s control over URLs, metadata, canonical tags, redirects, structured data, page speed, XML sitemaps, and content publishing.

Marketing integrations, email campaigns, abandoned-cart recovery, social selling, analytics, and advertising integrations can also affect the platform’s suitability.

Check Scalability

Choose software that can support your expected growth. Consider product limits, inventory management, multiple storefronts, international currencies, multiple languages, staff accounts, automation, APIs, and third-party integrations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best ecommerce software in the UK in 2027?

There is no single ecommerce platform that fits every UK business. Shopify, BigCommerce, ShopWired, EKM, WooCommerce, Wix Stores, and other platforms serve different business models, technical requirements, and growth stages.

What is the easiest ecommerce software for beginners in the UK?

Hosted platforms such as Shopify, Wix Stores, and Squarespace generally require less technical setup because hosting, security, and much of the technical infrastructure are managed by the provider.

Is WooCommerce free in the UK?

The core WooCommerce software is available without a platform license fee, but running a WooCommerce store can involve costs for hosting, domain registration, payment processing, themes, extensions, security, and development.

Does Shopify work well for UK businesses?

Shopify supports UK ecommerce businesses with online-store functionality, payment options, selling channels, apps, and integrations. Businesses should still compare its subscription, payment-processing, and third-party app costs against their requirements.

Which ecommerce software is suitable for UK small businesses?

Small UK businesses can consider platforms such as Shopify, EKM, ShopWired, Wix Stores, Squarespace, WooCommerce, and Ecwid depending on their catalog size, budget, technical skills, and desired level of customization.

What should UK businesses look for in ecommerce software?

Important considerations include UK payment methods, shipping integrations, VAT and tax workflows, SEO controls, inventory management, security, mobile commerce, integrations, scalability, and total operating costs.

Conclusion

The best ecommerce software in the UK for 2027 depends on your store’s size, product catalog, technical requirements, budget, payment needs, shipping setup, and long-term growth plans. Platforms such as Shopify, BigCommerce, ShopWired, EKM, WooCommerce, Wix Stores, and others provide different approaches to building and managing an online store.

Before choosing a platform, compare its total cost, UK payment and shipping support, ecommerce features, SEO capabilities, integrations, scalability, and ease of management. Evaluating these factors against your actual business requirements will make it easier to select software that can support your store both now and as it grows.