Best eCommerce Plugins for WordPress: Top Picks for Your Online Store

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So, you’re here because you’re looking to build an online store with WordPress, right? Maybe you’ve already got a website up and running or partnered with a WordPress development agency to get you started. Either way, adding eCommerce functionality can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right plugin, turning your WordPress site into a fully functional online store is easier than you think.
The tricky part? Choosing the right plugin for your needs. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of features, pricing plans, and reviews. That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide—to help you figure out which eCommerce plugin will work best for your goals. So, let’s check out the best plugins you can use.
9 Best eCommerce Plugins for WordPress
Choosing the right eCommerce plugin for your WordPress site can make or break your online store. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the 9 plugins you can use for your eCommerce site. So, let us jump in:
1. WooCommerce
Best for: Online stores selling physical or digital products, with room to scale.
WooCommerce is the most popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress. It turns your site into a full-featured online store. You can sell anything—physical products, digital downloads, subscriptions, or even services.
It’s free, open-source, and highly customizable. But keep in mind, you’ll need extra extensions for advanced features like bookings or memberships. It works with most WordPress themes, though some need tweaks. If you want full control over your store and don’t mind a bit of setup, WooCommerce is a solid choice.
Key Features:
- Sell anything: Physical products, digital goods, subscriptions, and more
- Unlimited products: No restrictions on how many items you list
- 500+ extensions: Add payment gateways, shipping options, and marketing tools
- Mobile-friendly: Works smoothly on phones and tablets
- Built-in analytics: Track sales, customers, and performance
- Secure payments: Supports PayPal, Stripe, and other major gateways
- Customizable: Change layouts, colors, and checkout flow to fit your brand
Pricing:
- Free version: Yes (Core plugin)
- Premium: Extensions start at $29/year (e.g., Stripe payments, advanced shipping)
Verdict: WooCommerce is perfect if you want a flexible, scalable store. It’s great for small shops and growing businesses. But if you want a simple, no-setup solution, it might feel overwhelming.
Next Step: Download WooCommerce for free | Browse premium extensions
2. WP EasyCart
Best for: Small businesses & beginners who want a simple, no-fuss online store.
WP EasyCart is a user-friendly eCommerce plugin that makes selling online easy. Unlike WooCommerce, it doesn’t require tons of add-ons to work properly. You get built-in payment gateways, shipping calculators, and tax tools right out of the box. It’s lightweight, so it won’t slow down your site.
The interface is clean and intuitive—perfect if you’re new to eCommerce. You can sell physical products, digital downloads, or even create coupons. While it’s not as customizable as WooCommerce, it’s a great “just works” solution for small stores that don’t need complex features.
Key Features:
- One-click setup: Get your store running fast; no technical skills needed
- Built-in payments: Works with PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.Net (no extra plugins)
- Mobile-ready: Shopping cart looks great on phones and tablets
- Abandoned cart recovery: Get back lost sales (premium feature)
- Digital downloads: Sell ebooks, software, or music securely
- Coupons & discounts: Run promotions easily
- Fast performance: Lightweight code won’t bog down your site
Pricing:
- Free version: Yes (basic features)
- Premium: Starts at $69/year (adds subscriptions, cart recovery, and premium support)
Verdict: Choose WP EasyCart if you want a simple, all-in-one solution. It’s perfect for small stores that need to launch quickly. But if you plan to scale big or need advanced customizations, WooCommerce might be better.
Next Step: Try WP EasyCart free | See premium plans
3. Easy Digital Downloads (EDD)
Best for: Creators selling digital products like ebooks, software, or music.
Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) is built specifically to sell digital goods. Unlike WooCommerce, which tries to do everything, EDD focuses purely on digital sales, making it faster and simpler. It handles file downloads securely, manages licenses, and tracks sales without bloat.
The plugin is developer-friendly but still easy enough for beginners. If you’re selling PDFs, plugins, courses, or any downloadable content, EDD cuts out the unnecessary features of general eCommerce plugins. It’s lightweight, integrates with major email tools, and has great reporting for tracking your best-selling items.
Key Features:
- Built for digital: No extra setup for downloads, just upload and sell
- Secure file protection: Prevents unauthorized sharing of your products
- Flexible pricing: Set pay-what-you-want options or bundle deals
- Detailed reports: See exactly what’s selling and when
- Software licensing: Add-on available for selling plugins/themes (premium)
- Recurring payments: Subscription options for memberships or updates
- 100+ integrations: Connects with Mailchimp, Zapier, and more
Pricing:
- Free version: Yes (core functionality)
- Premium: Extensions start at $99/year (for licenses, subscriptions, etc.)
Verdict: EDD is the best choice if you only sell digital products. It’s lean, fast, and hassle-free. But if you need to sell physical items too, look at WooCommerce instead.
Next Step: Get EDD free | Check premium plans
4. BigCommerce
Best for: Established brands that want enterprise eCommerce power with WordPress flexibility.
BigCommerce for WordPress merges the best of both worlds: WordPress for content and BigCommerce’s robust store engine. Unlike WooCommerce (which runs on your server), BigCommerce handles all the heavy lifting: security, hosting, and scaling.
Your products sync seamlessly to WordPress, giving you enterprise-grade features without the typical performance drag. It’s perfect if you’re outgrowing WooCommerce or need advanced B2B features. The trade-off? You’ll need a BigCommerce subscription, and some design flexibility is limited compared to pure WordPress solutions.
Key Features:
- Headless eCommerce: BigCommerce handles checkout/payments while WordPress manages content
- Built to scale: Handles 1000s of products without slowing your site
- Zero performance hit: Server-heavy tasks happen on BigCommerce’s cloud
- Multi-channel selling: Syncs with Amazon, eBay, Instagram, and POS systems
- Enterprise security: PCI compliance and fraud protection included
- B2B features: Quote management, bulk pricing, and customer groups
- No transaction fees: Unlike Shopify, you keep more of your revenue
Pricing:
- Free version: Yes
- Premium: Request pricing
Verdict: Choose BigCommerce if you need serious scaling power and hate technical maintenance. It’s overkill for small stores but perfect for fast-growing or high-volume businesses.
Next Step: Try BigCommerce free | Request a demo
5. MemberPress
Best for: Content creators, course sellers, and anyone needing membership subscriptions.
MemberPress is your all-in-one solution for membership sites on WordPress. Want to sell courses, premium content, or build a subscription service? This plugin handles everything: content protection, payments, and member management in one place.
It’s like having a digital bouncer for your exclusive content. Setup is straightforward, and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to get it working. While it’s pricier than some alternatives, you’re paying for reliability and top-notch support that won’t leave you hanging when you hit a snag.
Key Features:
- Bulletproof content protection: Restrict access to posts, pages, or files with rules
- Recurring payments made easy: Supports PayPal and Stripe subscriptions
- Drip content: Schedule when members get access to materials
- Course builder: Create structured learning paths (great for online courses)
- Detailed reporting: Track signups, cancellations, and revenue
- Coupon system: Run promotions and discounts effortlessly
- Works with popular tools: Integrates with email services and LMS plugins
Pricing:
- Free version: No
- Premium: Starts at $179/year (Basic plan for single site)
Verdict: MemberPress is worth every penny if you’re serious about memberships. It’s the most reliable option, though smaller sites might find the price steep. If you just need simple paywalls, consider cheaper alternatives.
Next Step: Get MemberPress now | See all pricing plans
6. SureCart
Best for: Small businesses and creators who want a simple, modern checkout experience.
SureCart is a breath of fresh air for WordPress eCommerce. It gives you a slick, conversion-optimized checkout that works right out of the box: no complicated setup needed. Unlike clunky old shopping carts, SureCart feels like using a premium SaaS tool but hosted on your own site.
It’s perfect when you want to sell products or subscriptions without the bloat of traditional eCommerce plugins. The best part? It plays nicely with your existing WordPress setup, so you don’t need to rebuild your whole site just to add a shopping cart.
Key Features:
- Beautiful, high-converting checkout: Designed to boost sales
- One-click upsells: Easily offer order bumps and cross-sells
- Subscription superpowers: Manage recurring payments effortlessly
- Real-time analytics: See what’s selling at a glance
- Zero transaction fees: Unlike some competitors
- Block-based design: Customize with WordPress blocks
- Abandoned cart recovery: Get back lost sales automatically
Pricing:
- Free version: Yes (basic features)
- Premium: Starts at $179/year (adds advanced features)
Verdict: SureCart is perfect if you care about checkout conversions and hate complicated setups. It’s simpler than WooCommerce but more powerful than basic PayPal buttons. The free version works great, but the premium features are worth it for serious sellers.
Next Step: Try SureCart free | See premium plans
7. Ecwid eCommerce Shopping Cart
Best for: Small businesses and bloggers who want to add a store without the hassle.
Ecwid is the easiest way to add a store to your existing WordPress site. It’s a cloud-based solution, meaning all the technical stuff is handled for you. Just install the plugin, connect your Ecwid account, and boom: you’ve got a working store.
No messing with hosting settings or complicated setups. It’s perfect if you want to sell a few products without turning your site into a full-blown eCommerce operation. The store works everywhere: on your site, on social media, and even via a mobile app.
Key Features:
- 5-minute setup: Have a store ready before your coffee gets cold
- Sell anywhere: Works on your site, Facebook, Instagram, and more
- Mobile-ready: Built-in responsive design looks great on all devices
- No hosting stress: Cloud-based means no performance hits on your site
- Real-time shipping rates: Automatic calculations for major carriers
- Multilingual: Sells in 50+ languages automatically
- Inventory sync: Manage stock across all sales channels
Pricing:
- Free version: Yes
- Premium: Starts at $5/month (Up to 5 products, 70+ site templates)
Verdict: Ecwid is perfect when you want to dip your toes into eCommerce without commitment. It’s the easiest solution we’ve tested, but serious sellers will outgrow it quickly. The free plan is great for testing, but you’ll need paid features for a real store.
Next Step: Try Ecwid free | See pricing plans
8. WC Vendors
Best for: Entrepreneurs who want to build a multi-vendor marketplace like Etsy or eBay.
WC Vendors transforms your WooCommerce store into a full-blown marketplace where multiple sellers can list their products. It’s the plugin you need when you want to run the show while others handle inventory and sales. Vendors get their own dashboards to manage products, while you take a commission.
The setup is straightforward if you’re already using WooCommerce. The free version covers basics, but you’ll want premium extensions for features like shipping rate control or advanced commissions. Perfect for niche markets, craft sales, or local artisan hubs.
Key Features:
- Vendor dashboards: Sellers manage their own products and orders
- Flexible commissions: Set percentage or flat-rate fees per sale
- Front-end management: Vendors don’t need WordPress admin access
- Auto payments: Send vendor earnings via PayPal Mass Pay
- Product moderation: Approve listings before they go live
- Store pages: Each vendor gets their own customizable storefront
- WooCommerce integration: Works with your existing product setup
Pricing:
- Free version: Yes (basic marketplace functionality)
- Premium: Extensions start at $99.50/year (for advanced features)
Verdict: WC Vendors is your best bet for building a marketplace without coding. It’s more affordable than competitors like Dokan but still powerful. Just know you’ll need WooCommerce already running, and some features require premium add-ons.
Next Step: Get WC Vendors free | See premium plans
9. WP Simple Pay
Best for: Small businesses & creators who need simple, no-fuss payment collection.
WP Simple Pay cuts through the eCommerce complexity by letting you accept payments directly through Stripe: no shopping cart needed. It’s perfect when you just need to sell a few products or services or collect donations without building a full store.
You can create payment forms in minutes using a drag-and-drop builder. The plugin handles one-time and recurring payments while keeping your site fast since it doesn’t load heavy eCommerce scripts. It’s the lightest way to accept credit cards on WordPress.
Key Features:
- Instant Stripe integration: Accept all major credit cards securely
- No cart system: Customers pay in one step (boosts conversions)
- Recurring payments: Set up subscriptions easily
- Mobile-optimized: Forms work perfectly on phones
- Custom payment forms: Match your brand with no coding
- Apple/Google Pay: One-click checkout options
- PCI compliant: Never handle sensitive payment data
Pricing:
- Free version: Yes (basic payment forms)
- Premium: Starts at $49.50/year (subscriptions, custom fields, etc.)
Verdict: Choose WP Simple Pay when you need payments, not a full store. It’s simpler than WooCommerce but more powerful than PayPal buttons. The free version works for basics, but the premium unlocks serious functionality.
Next Step: Get WP Simple Pay free | See premium plans
Selecting the best eCommerce plugin depends on your budget, features, and business goals. WooCommerce is great for flexibility, while SureCart works if you want simplicity. If you need subscriptions, MemberPress or Easy Digital Downloads could be your best bet.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an eCommerce Plugin
Picking the right eCommerce plugin can make or break your online store. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Let’s break down what really matters so you can choose with confidence.
- Product Type Matters: Physical products need inventory management and shipping calculators, while digital goods require secure downloads. Make sure your plugin specializes in what you’re selling.
- Budget Realities: Some plugins are free but charge for essential features. Calculate both upfront and long-term costs before committing.
- Technical Comfort Level: If you’re not tech-savvy, look for plugins with one-click setups. Developers might prefer customizable open-source options.
- Growth Potential: What works for 10 products might crash at 1,000. Choose a solution that can scale with your business.
- Payment Options: Your customers want choices. Ensure the plugin supports popular gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and local payment methods.
- Mobile Experience: Over half of shoppers use phones. Test how the checkout looks on mobile before deciding.
- SEO Friendliness: Some plugins create SEO headaches with duplicate content or slow loading. Check reviews for SEO performance.
- Support Quality: When things break (and they will), you’ll want reliable support. Research response times and community forums.
- Third-Party Integrations: Need email marketing or accounting sync? Verify the plugin plays nicely with your other tools.
- Performance Impact: Heavy plugins can slow your site. Look for lightweight options or cloud-based solutions.
At the end of the day, the “best” plugin depends entirely on your specific needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but asking these questions will steer you toward the right choice. Start small if you’re unsure—most plugins let you upgrade as you grow.
FAQs on The Best eCommerce Plugin for WordPress
Is WordPress the best for eCommerce?
WordPress is a great choice for eCommerce, especially with plugins like WooCommerce. It’s flexible, customizable, and works well for small to medium-sized stores. However, if you need advanced scalability, a dedicated eCommerce platform might be better.
Which is the best WordPress eCommerce solution?
WooCommerce is the most popular and versatile option, perfect for most online stores. For digital products, Easy Digital Downloads is a solid pick, while Shopify Lite works if you prefer a simpler setup. The best choice depends on your specific needs.
Is WooCommerce better than Shopify?
WooCommerce gives you more control and customization since it’s self-hosted, while Shopify is easier to use but less flexible. If you love tinkering with settings, WooCommerce wins. If you want a hassle-free setup, Shopify might be the better fit. Both are great—it just depends on your priorities.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right eCommerce plugin can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The best option depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re running a small store or just starting out, plugins like WP EasyCart or Ecwid are simple and hassle-free. For advanced needs, WooCommerce offers unmatched flexibility, while BigCommerce is perfect if you’re planning to scale.
If you’re focused on memberships or courses, MemberPress has you covered. And for creators selling digital products, Easy Digital Downloads is a standout choice. On the other hand, if you want something modern and conversion-focused, SureCart delivers a seamless experience. Each plugin has its strengths, so it’s all about matching your goals with the features that matter most to you.
Ready to take your online store to the next level? Get expert help from the top WordPress development agencies today!