Whatever you want to sell online, WordPress can. This flexibility is a major reason why the content management system (CMS) is at the forefront of the market.
E-commerce stores that sell physical products, subscription services and downloads – all within reach. The WordPress plugin ecosystem provides plenty of options. Want to list your products on a third-party retailer such as Amazon? That’s a fair game too. And there is an opportunity to further enhance things through custom code.
However, the large number of WordPress ecommerce plugins can turn your head. Some serve a very niche purpose, while others allow you to pick and choose functionality. We are here to help provide some clarity.
Today, we will introduce you to ten of the best ecommerce plugins on the market. In this way, we will provide some background information about the types of stores that best suit them. Forward with us!
Note that some types of products may require additional additives.
How could we not start with the most popular ecommerce plugin for WordPress? WooCommerce is powered by millions of stores – and it’s easy to see why. Woo has its own ecosystem, with an extended library that offers almost any kind of functionality you might be dreaming of. Some are commercial, while others are cheap to use.
You need a default installation of the free WooCommerce plugin to run a very basic store that sells physical or digital goods. To make something more complex, you will probably need a combination of extensions. This is a blessing and a curse, as it can take a lot of research to find the right solutions for your needs. Still, the number of possibilities is huge.
Best Selling: Physical products, digital products, donations, event registrations
As the name suggests, Easy Digital Downloads is built with digital products in mind. Like WooCommerce, there is a huge variety of extensions. They will help you connect to different payment gateways, and mailing list services, and even enable you to sell licensed software. Physical products can also be sold through the Simple Shipping extension.
EDD is both niche and extensible. So it’s a great option for creative professionals looking to sell their work online.
Best Selling: Digital products, subscriptions, licensed software
BigCommerce For WordPress is different from your typical ecommerce plugin. Instead of relying on your web server to power everything, it connects to a BigCommerce SaaS product. This allows you to integrate your repository into your WordPress website without taxing web hosting resources.
Another big difference is that you get a little more functionality out of the box. As this is a commercial service, your package includes many features, although additional extensions (also known as “apps”) are also available.
Best Selling: Physical products, digital products
Ecwid not only allows you to create a store using WordPress but also facilitates sales on social media. Your products can be integrated with both Facebook and Instagram, with the opportunity to significantly increase your audience. It can also be sold on Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping.
It is also a SaaS product, which means that your web hosting needs will not be too heavy. There is a free plan with limited functionality. But to take advantage of social media integration and larger product quantities, you will need a paid plan.
Best Selling: Physical products, digital products
E-commerce covers a wide range of use cases and event registrations are a common niche. And that’s exactly what Event Espresso defines. This commercial plugin makes it easier to access personal or online sales events, with support for ticket variants and pricing levels.
While great for conferences and other one-off events, you can also create recurring events. Calendar integration is possible through a plugin.
Best Selling: Event registrations
WordPress ecommerce plugins usually require a fragmented approach. You start with a basic cart and add the functionality you need through extension plugins. WP EasyCart avoids this approach and instead focuses on multilevel service levels. Depending on the level you choose (Free, Pro, Premium), you get access to specific features.
The free level provides the basics with the addition of an additional fee in the form of “application fees” for the use of built-in payment gateways. Upgrade, and waive those fees – and have the ability to offer downloads, sell subscriptions, and offer role-based product pricing.
Best Selling: Physical products, digital products, donations
Ecommerce Product Catalog provides the unique foundation for building an online catalog with the ability to add warehouse functionality later. When you are ready, install some commercially available extensions to start selling.
This can be a solid solution for budget-minded clients. A catalog can be built over time without the pressure of investing in annual extension licenses right away. You also have the option of purchasing extensions a la carte or by bundle.
Best Selling: Physical products
Download Manager provides a simple way to sell digital goods with WordPress. By default, the plugin is a method for controlling access to files and documents. But a plugin will integrate plenty of ecommerce bells and whistles.
Competencies include software licensing, subscriptions, and role-based discounts. Product variations allow different versions to be sold, and expiration dates ensure that files cannot be downloaded over a predetermined period of time.
Best Selling: Digital products, subscriptions, licensed software
WP eStore is a simple, flexible plugin that has been on the market for several years. It works in conjunction with PayPal and allows one-time purchases and subscriptions. The plugin supports various product types and integrates with NextGEN Gallery to sell digital images. A collection of free add-ons is also available.
An interesting plot twist is that WP eStore is a one-time purchase. This provides you with lifetime access and unlimited use of websites. No annual subscriptions – a rarity in today’s world.
Best Selling: Physical products, digital products, licensed software
With the WordPress Shopping Cart plugin, you can create a full-featured ecommerce website for a relatively small investment. Single and unlimited site licenses are available on an annual or lifetime basis. And there is a strong selection of commercial extensions that come with lifetime licenses. Multiple payment gateways and shipping providers are supported.
The lower cost does not mean a lack of features. You can still sell digital products and subscriptions (provided you use a compatible gateway).
Best Selling: Physical products, digital products, donations
Sell Anything with WordPress
One of the keys to building a great ecommerce website is to start a solid foundation. WordPress and its plugin ecosystem will keep you moving in the right direction.
And while WooCommerce is the elephant (er, ninja) in the room, it’s not the only option. Its huge market share tends to overshadow the category. But, along with Woo, you might find everything you need with one of the other entries on this list.
Regardless of your preference, it’s nice to know that WordPress can power almost any type of store. If you can dream it, the right ecommerce plugin can help you do it.
