Introduction
Shopping cart software is the part of an ecommerce system that lets customers add products, change quantities, apply discounts, choose shipping, calculate taxes, and complete checkout. It affects revenue directly because small issues like slow checkout, confusing payment steps, or missing local payment options can reduce conversions fast. It also matters for operations because the cart connects inventory, orders, refunds, shipping labels, and analytics. Common use cases include direct-to-consumer stores, B2B ordering portals, multi-brand catalogs, subscription commerce, and omnichannel selling. When choosing a shopping cart tool, evaluate checkout speed, payment methods, taxes, shipping rules, discount logic, product and variant limits, uptime, customization, integrations, security controls, and total cost of ownership.
Best for: online sellers of any size, D2C brands, marketplaces, subscription businesses, B2B catalog teams, and agencies building stores for clients.
Not ideal for: sellers who only need a simple payment page for a few products, or businesses that sell mainly through social DMs and invoices where a full cart adds overhead.
Key Trends in Shopping Cart Software
- Faster checkout experiences with fewer steps and better mobile performance
- More payment flexibility including wallets, buy-now-pay-later, and local methods (varies by region)
- Subscription and recurring billing becoming standard in many carts
- Stronger fraud prevention and risk scoring integrated into checkout flows
- Headless and composable commerce patterns for custom storefronts
- More automation in discounts, bundles, and promotions based on customer behavior
- Tighter integration with shipping, returns, and fulfillment apps
- Better internationalization with multi-currency, multi-language, and tax handling (capability varies)
- Higher expectations for uptime, monitoring, and operational reliability
- Increasing focus on governance: roles, permissions, audit trails, and access control (depth varies)
How We Selected These Tools (Methodology)
- Picked tools with strong adoption across SMB, mid-market, and enterprise ecommerce
- Focused on checkout, promotions, and payment flexibility as core decision drivers
- Considered ecosystem strength: integrations, extensions, and agency support
- Looked at scalability signals: high-volume orders, multi-store, and global selling patterns
- Included a mix of hosted and self-hosted options for different control needs
- Evaluated customization options for storefront and checkout logic
- Considered operational maturity: reliability expectations, admin tooling, and workflows
- Scored tools comparatively using a practical rubric, not marketing claims
Top 10 Shopping Cart Software Tools
1) Shopify
A hosted ecommerce platform with a strong shopping cart, fast setup, and a large ecosystem of apps and themes. Best for sellers who want reliable checkout, strong payments support, and quick launch.
Key Features
- Checkout flow optimized for conversion with strong mobile performance
- Product, variant, discount, shipping, and tax rule management
- Built-in admin workflows for orders, refunds, and fulfillment
- App ecosystem for marketing, analytics, support, and shipping
- Multi-channel selling options (capability depends on region and setup)
- Theme ecosystem and storefront customization options
- Automation options for basic workflows (varies by plan and apps)
Pros
- Fast to launch and easy to manage day to day
- Strong ecosystem and agency support availability
Cons
- Deep checkout customization can be limited depending on plan and approach
- Costs can rise with apps, add-ons, and payment preferences
Platforms / Deployment
- Web
- Cloud
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, encryption, audit logs, RBAC: Varies / Not publicly stated
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA: Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
Shopify has a broad ecosystem for payments, shipping, marketing, inventory, and analytics, typically managed through apps and APIs.
- Payment gateways and wallets: Varies / N/A
- Shipping and fulfillment apps: Varies / N/A
- ERP and accounting integrations: Varies / N/A
- Marketing and CRM integrations: Varies / N/A
- APIs and app marketplace for extensibility
Support & Community
Large community, abundant training resources, and support tiers that vary by plan.
2) WooCommerce
A shopping cart and ecommerce plugin for WordPress that offers flexibility and control, especially for content-driven stores. Best for teams that want to customize heavily and manage their own hosting.
Key Features
- Flexible product, variant, coupon, and cart rules
- Wide plugin ecosystem for payments, shipping, subscriptions, and more
- Strong SEO and content workflows via WordPress patterns
- Theme flexibility and code-level customization options
- Self-hosted control over performance tuning and infrastructure
- Extensions for tax, shipping zones, and complex pricing
- Integration options with many third-party systems (varies)
Pros
- Highly customizable with a massive plugin ecosystem
- Strong fit for stores built around content and SEO workflows
Cons
- Requires careful hosting and maintenance for performance and security
- Plugin conflicts and upgrades can create operational overhead
Platforms / Deployment
- Web
- Self-hosted
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, encryption, audit logs, RBAC: Varies / N/A
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA: Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
WooCommerce connects through plugins and WordPress integrations, offering broad flexibility but requiring governance.
- Payment gateways: Varies / N/A
- Shipping and tax plugins: Varies / N/A
- CRM, email marketing, analytics: Varies / N/A
- APIs and custom integrations through WordPress ecosystem
- Large developer community for custom work
Support & Community
Huge community and documentation, with support quality varying across hosting providers and plugin vendors.
3) Adobe Commerce
A feature-rich ecommerce platform often chosen for complex catalogs, multi-store setups, and advanced customization needs. Best for mid-market and enterprise teams with dedicated technical resources.
Key Features
- Advanced catalog and pricing rules for complex product structures
- Flexible promotions, customer groups, and segmentation patterns
- Multi-store and multi-language patterns (capability depends on implementation)
- Extensible architecture for custom checkout and business logic
- Strong integration patterns with enterprise systems (implementation dependent)
- Mature admin tools for order operations and merchandising
- Customizable storefront approaches (varies by build strategy)
Pros
- High flexibility for complex ecommerce requirements
- Strong fit for teams with engineering support and long-term roadmap
Cons
- Implementation complexity can be high
- Ongoing operations require skilled maintenance and governance
Platforms / Deployment
- Cloud / Self-hosted / Hybrid (varies by edition and implementation)
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, encryption, audit logs, RBAC: Not publicly stated
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA: Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
Adobe Commerce is commonly integrated with ERPs, CRMs, and marketing tools through connectors and custom integrations.
- ERP and OMS integrations: Varies / N/A
- Payment and fraud tooling: Varies / N/A
- Search and personalization tooling: Varies / N/A
- Extensions marketplace and custom module development
- API-driven integration patterns
Support & Community
Strong professional ecosystem; enterprise support depends on contract and edition, community varies by deployment model.
4) BigCommerce
A hosted ecommerce platform built for growing businesses that need solid performance, strong core features, and flexible integrations. Best for mid-market teams wanting a balance of control and simplicity.
Key Features
- Strong core cart, checkout, coupon, and promotion capabilities
- Multi-channel selling and catalog management features
- Integration-friendly architecture with APIs and app ecosystem
- Support for headless storefront patterns (implementation dependent)
- Built-in features that reduce reliance on many apps (varies by plan)
- Admin tools for order and customer management
- International selling features (varies by region and plan)
Pros
- Good balance of hosted simplicity and integration flexibility
- Strong for teams scaling beyond basic store needs
Cons
- Custom edge cases may still require development effort
- Some advanced capabilities depend on plan and ecosystem tools
Platforms / Deployment
- Web
- Cloud
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, encryption, audit logs, RBAC: Not publicly stated
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA: Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
BigCommerce integrates well with marketing, ERP, shipping, and payment ecosystems via apps and APIs.
- Payment and fraud tools: Varies / N/A
- Shipping and fulfillment integrations: Varies / N/A
- ERP and accounting connectors: Varies / N/A
- API-first patterns for custom storefronts
- App ecosystem for extensions
Support & Community
Support tiers vary by plan; good documentation and an active partner ecosystem.
5) Salesforce Commerce Cloud
An enterprise commerce platform designed for large brands needing scale, advanced merchandising, and integration into broader CRM-driven ecosystems. Best for enterprises with complex customer journeys.
Key Features
- Enterprise-grade merchandising and catalog workflows
- Personalization and customer journey alignment (capability varies)
- Strong multi-site and global commerce patterns (implementation dependent)
- Integration patterns into CRM and customer service ecosystems
- High availability expectations for large-scale ecommerce
- Flexible promotion and pricing structures for complex businesses
- APIs and partner ecosystem for extensions
Pros
- Strong enterprise fit for large catalogs and high traffic demands
- Good alignment for organizations using broader Salesforce systems
Cons
- Cost and implementation effort can be high
- Requires experienced partners and internal governance
Platforms / Deployment
- Web
- Cloud
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, encryption, audit logs, RBAC: Not publicly stated
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA: Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
Commerce Cloud typically integrates through enterprise connectors, APIs, and partner implementations.
- CRM and service ecosystem integrations: Varies / N/A
- ERP and OMS integrations: Varies / N/A
- Payment and fraud systems: Varies / N/A
- Partner ecosystem for implementation and extensions
- APIs for custom commerce experiences
Support & Community
Enterprise support depends on contract; strong partner ecosystem for implementation.
6) Wix eCommerce
A website builder with ecommerce capabilities that helps small businesses launch quickly with a visual editor. Best for small shops that want simplicity and a unified site builder and cart.
Key Features
- Visual site editor paired with cart and checkout workflows
- Product catalog and inventory basics for small-to-medium stores
- Promotions and discount management (depth varies by plan)
- Payment and shipping setup guided through admin flows (varies by region)
- Templates and design tools for fast storefront creation
- Basic analytics and reporting tools
- App marketplace for add-ons (varies)
Pros
- Very easy to start and manage without deep technical skills
- Good fit for businesses that want website plus store in one place
Cons
- Advanced customization and complex workflows can be limiting
- Scaling to very complex catalogs may require a more specialized platform
Platforms / Deployment
- Web
- Cloud
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, encryption, audit logs, RBAC: Not publicly stated
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA: Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
Wix integrates through built-in features and apps, with extensibility varying by plan.
- Payments and shipping integrations: Varies / N/A
- Marketing and email tools: Varies / N/A
- App marketplace add-ons: Varies / N/A
- APIs and automation: Varies / Not publicly stated
Support & Community
Strong onboarding for beginners and a large user base; support tiers vary by plan.
7) Squarespace Commerce
A design-focused website platform with ecommerce features suitable for creators and small brands. Best for businesses that care about aesthetics, content, and a streamlined store experience.
Key Features
- Attractive templates and storefront design tools
- Cart and checkout workflows for small-to-medium catalogs
- Discount and promotion tools (capability varies)
- Inventory, shipping, and basic tax setup (varies by region)
- Content-first approach suitable for creator-led brands
- Built-in analytics and marketing tools (depth varies)
- Integration options through extensions (varies)
Pros
- Strong design and brand presentation with clean templates
- Simple operational model for small teams
Cons
- Complex ecommerce requirements can exceed platform limits
- Advanced integrations may be more constrained than larger ecosystems
Platforms / Deployment
- Web
- Cloud
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, encryption, audit logs, RBAC: Not publicly stated
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA: Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
Squarespace supports common ecommerce needs with extensions where available, but depth varies by plan and region.
- Payments and shipping: Varies / N/A
- Marketing tools and email: Varies / N/A
- Extensions for additional workflows: Varies / N/A
- APIs: Varies / Not publicly stated
Support & Community
Good documentation and onboarding; community is strong among creators and small businesses.
8) OpenCart
A self-hosted ecommerce platform that offers a traditional cart experience with extensions and themes. Best for teams that want hosting control and a familiar admin-driven ecommerce model.
Key Features
- Catalog management, cart rules, and basic promotion features
- Extensions marketplace for payments, shipping, and add-ons
- Theme-based storefront customization
- Multi-store patterns (capability varies by setup)
- Admin tools for orders, customers, and products
- Localization options (varies by extension set)
- Developer-friendly customization approach for teams with technical skills
Pros
- Self-hosted control and flexible extension model
- Suitable for businesses that want a classic ecommerce admin workflow
Cons
- Requires hosting, maintenance, and update governance
- Extension quality and compatibility can vary
Platforms / Deployment
- Web
- Self-hosted
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, encryption, audit logs, RBAC: Varies / N/A
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA: Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
OpenCart relies heavily on extensions and custom development for broader integration needs.
- Payment gateways: Varies / N/A
- Shipping and tax add-ons: Varies / N/A
- ERP/CRM integrations: Varies / N/A
- Theme and extension ecosystem
- Custom integration via development work
Support & Community
Active community with documentation; support quality varies depending on vendor and hosting partner.
9) PrestaShop
A self-hosted ecommerce platform popular in some markets, offering flexibility through modules and themes. Best for SMBs that want ownership and customization without moving to a fully enterprise stack.
Key Features
- Product catalog and checkout workflows with modular add-ons
- Discounts, coupons, and promotion tools (module dependent)
- Theme customization and storefront design flexibility
- Multi-language and international selling options (setup dependent)
- Module ecosystem for payments, shipping, marketing, and analytics
- Admin tools for order processing and customer management
- Customization patterns suitable for agencies and developers
Pros
- Good balance of self-hosted control and ecosystem flexibility
- Strong for businesses that want module-driven customization
Cons
- Requires maintenance discipline for security and stability
- Module quality and long-term compatibility can vary
Platforms / Deployment
- Web
- Self-hosted
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, encryption, audit logs, RBAC: Varies / N/A
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA: Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
PrestaShop integrations are mainly module-driven, with custom work for deeper needs.
- Payments and shipping modules: Varies / N/A
- Marketing and analytics connectors: Varies / N/A
- ERP/CRM integration patterns: Varies / N/A
- Theme and module marketplace
- Custom development for specialized workflows
Support & Community
Good documentation and community presence; professional support depends on partners and service providers.
10) Magento Open Source
A self-hosted ecommerce platform known for customization and extensibility, typically used by teams with strong technical resources. Best for stores needing deep control over cart, catalog, and checkout logic.
Key Features
- Highly flexible catalog, pricing, and promotion rule systems
- Strong extensibility through modules and custom development
- Multi-store and complex configuration patterns (implementation dependent)
- Checkout customization options through development approaches
- Integration-friendly architecture for connecting external systems
- Admin tooling designed for complex ecommerce operations
- Large ecosystem of developers and agencies (quality varies)
Pros
- High customization potential for complex ecommerce requirements
- Strong for businesses that need deep control over workflows
Cons
- Requires significant maintenance and engineering effort
- Performance and security depend heavily on hosting and governance
Platforms / Deployment
- Web
- Self-hosted
Security & Compliance
- SSO/SAML, MFA, encryption, audit logs, RBAC: Varies / N/A
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA: Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
Magento Open Source is often extended through modules and integrated via APIs and custom connectors.
- Payment gateways and fraud tools: Varies / N/A
- Shipping and fulfillment integrations: Varies / N/A
- ERP/OMS integrations: Varies / N/A
- Extension ecosystem and custom module development
- API-driven integration patterns
Support & Community
Large global developer community; support typically comes from agencies, hosting partners, and service providers.
Comparison Table (Top 10)
| Tool Name | Best For | Platform(s) Supported | Deployment (Cloud/Self-hosted/Hybrid) | Standout Feature | Public Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Fast launch and reliable hosted checkout | Web | Cloud | Strong ecosystem and conversion-focused checkout | N/A |
| WooCommerce | Content-driven stores needing flexibility | Web | Self-hosted | WordPress-based customization and plugins | N/A |
| Adobe Commerce | Complex catalogs and advanced customization | Web | Cloud / Self-hosted / Hybrid | Deep rules and enterprise integration patterns | N/A |
| BigCommerce | Growing stores needing hosted scale | Web | Cloud | API-friendly hosted commerce | N/A |
| Salesforce Commerce Cloud | Enterprise brands with large scale needs | Web | Cloud | Enterprise merchandising and CRM alignment | N/A |
| Wix eCommerce | Small businesses needing simple setup | Web | Cloud | Visual site builder plus cart | N/A |
| Squarespace Commerce | Creator-led brands focused on design | Web | Cloud | Strong templates and brand presentation | N/A |
| OpenCart | Self-hosted ecommerce with extensions | Web | Self-hosted | Traditional admin plus extension ecosystem | N/A |
| PrestaShop | SMB self-hosted commerce with modules | Web | Self-hosted | Module-driven customization | N/A |
| Magento Open Source | Self-hosted deep customization needs | Web | Self-hosted | Highly extensible architecture | N/A |
Evaluation & Scoring of Shopping Cart Software
Weights: Core features 25%, Ease 15%, Integrations 15%, Security 10%, Performance 10%, Support 10%, Value 15%.
| Tool Name | Core (25%) | Ease (15%) | Integrations (15%) | Security (10%) | Performance (10%) | Support (10%) | Value (15%) | Weighted Total (0–10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 7.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 8.58 |
| WooCommerce | 8.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 6.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 8.02 |
| Adobe Commerce | 9.0 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 7.72 |
| BigCommerce | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 8.10 |
| Salesforce Commerce Cloud | 9.0 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 7.72 |
| Wix eCommerce | 7.5 | 9.0 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 7.67 |
| Squarespace Commerce | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.45 |
| OpenCart | 7.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 7.20 |
| PrestaShop | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.42 |
| Magento Open Source | 8.5 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.40 |
How to interpret the scores:
- Scores compare tools within this list, not the entire ecommerce market.
- A higher total suggests stronger balance across many buying criteria.
- Ease and value can outweigh depth for small teams shipping quickly.
- Security scores are limited because public disclosures vary and many controls depend on your setup.
- Always run a pilot with your real catalog, payment methods, and shipping rules.
Which Shopping Cart Software Tool Is Right for You?
Solo / Freelancer
If you need a quick, low-maintenance path to selling, Shopify is often the easiest to run. If you are content-driven and want flexibility with site control, WooCommerce can be a strong option, assuming you manage hosting responsibly. If you build stores for clients and want speed, Wix eCommerce and Squarespace Commerce can work well for smaller catalogs and simple operations.
SMB
SMBs typically need stable checkout, good integrations, and predictable operations. BigCommerce is strong for growing businesses that want hosted scale with solid integration options. Shopify works well when you want a broad app ecosystem and strong operational simplicity. WooCommerce can be excellent if you need customization and your team can manage updates and performance.
Mid-Market
Mid-market teams often require deeper catalog logic, stronger integrations, and multi-store patterns. Adobe Commerce is a common fit when complexity is high and engineering support exists. BigCommerce can also work well if you want hosted operations while keeping integration flexibility. Magento Open Source can fit if you want full control and can handle maintenance responsibilities.
Enterprise
Enterprises often prioritize uptime, governance, global commerce patterns, and deep integration with CRM and operations systems. Salesforce Commerce Cloud is built for enterprise commerce needs, but it typically requires partner implementation and strong internal governance. Adobe Commerce can also fit enterprise scenarios when customization and integration depth matter.
Budget vs Premium
For budget-conscious teams, WooCommerce, OpenCart, PrestaShop, and Magento Open Source can offer lower licensing costs but require hosting and maintenance effort. Premium hosted platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud can reduce ops burden but may increase platform and ecosystem costs depending on your setup.
Feature Depth vs Ease of Use
If ease matters most, Shopify, Wix eCommerce, and Squarespace Commerce are simpler daily drivers. If feature depth and customization are top priorities, Adobe Commerce and Magento Open Source provide more control, with a higher operational cost. WooCommerce sits in the middle, offering flexibility with a maintenance trade-off.
Integrations & Scalability
If integrations are central, evaluate app ecosystems, API capabilities, and how stable connectors are for your ERP, CRM, shipping, and analytics tools. BigCommerce and Shopify are commonly chosen for integration-heavy modern stacks, while self-hosted platforms may require more custom work but give deeper control.
Security & Compliance Needs
For strict security needs, hosted platforms can reduce some infrastructure burden, but you still need strong admin access control, audit trails, and governance. For self-hosted platforms, security depends heavily on your hosting, update cadence, and plugin/module review process. Where certifications are not publicly stated, treat them as unknown and validate through procurement and security review.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between hosted and self-hosted shopping cart software?
Hosted tools run on the vendor’s infrastructure and reduce maintenance work. Self-hosted tools run on your hosting and give more control, but you must manage updates, performance, and security.
2. Which option is better for a small business with no technical team?
A hosted platform like Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix eCommerce, or Squarespace Commerce is usually easier. You can launch faster and avoid complex server and upgrade responsibilities.
3. How do payment methods impact cart selection?
Payment methods affect conversion and fees. You should confirm the cart supports your preferred gateways, local payment options, and wallet experiences for your target customers.
4. What are common checkout mistakes that reduce conversions?
Too many steps, slow loading, unclear shipping costs, limited payment options, and forced account creation are common issues. Cart speed and clarity often matter more than extra features.
5. Can I run subscriptions with shopping cart software?
Many carts can support subscriptions through built-in features or extensions. The exact subscription capabilities vary, so you should pilot recurring billing and cancellation flows.
6. How important are discounts and promotion rules?
Very important for real revenue outcomes. If you run bundles, tiered pricing, or complex promotions, test those rules early because limitations can force expensive workarounds.
7. What should I test before migrating to a new cart?
Test product variants, tax rules, shipping zones, discounts, refunds, fulfillment, and analytics. Also test how well the new cart integrates with your existing tools.
8. Is it hard to migrate from one cart to another?
Migration can be complex because products, orders, customers, SEO patterns, and integrations must be mapped carefully. A phased migration and a pilot store can reduce risk.
9. How do I handle security if I use many plugins or apps?
Review vendor reputation, limit permissions, keep updates consistent, and remove unused extensions. For self-hosted platforms, patching and plugin governance are critical.
10. Which cart is best for complex catalogs and multi-store setups?
Adobe Commerce is often chosen for complex catalogs and customization needs. Self-hosted options like Magento Open Source can also work, but they require strong technical operations.
Conclusion
Shopping cart software is not just a checkout page, it is the system that connects customer experience to revenue operations. The right choice depends on your catalog complexity, payment needs, shipping rules, marketing strategy, and how much technical ownership you can handle. Hosted platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix eCommerce, and Squarespace Commerce reduce operational burden and speed up launch, while self-hosted options like WooCommerce, OpenCart, PrestaShop, and Magento Open Source offer more control with higher maintenance responsibility. For advanced mid-market and enterprise needs, Adobe Commerce and Salesforce Commerce Cloud can support complex workflows with stronger implementation requirements. Shortlist two or three tools, run a pilot with real products and real checkout flows, then decide.