Comparison of ecommerce platforms, ecommerce solutions in 2026

30. 1. 2026 ecommerce shopify shoptet srovnání
Srovnání eshop platforem, eshop řešení v roce 2026
There are over 60,000 active online stores in the Czech Republic. What does the comparison of popular e-commerce platforms look like in 2026? A comparison of solutions including: Shoptet, WooCommerce, Shopify, PrestaShop, Eshop-rychle, Upgates, Webareal, Wix Stores, Shopsys, Bsshop, Netdirect, Binargon and Fastcentrik.

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Choosing the right e-commerce platform today has a fundamental impact not only on technical possibilities, but also on organic search performance, running costs and the future growth of a project. The following platform comparison highlights the differences between out-of-the-box solutions, open-source systems and custom-built stores, helping you choose the best e-commerce solution for your specific needs and business size.

Online selling has become a standard distribution channel across nearly every industry, and the number of active e-commerce stores continues to grow year on year. In 2026, the question is no longer whether to have an online store, but which e-commerce solution to choose – one that can stand up to strong competition, meet technical demands and be ready for future growth.

Choosing the right e-commerce platform today fundamentally affects SEO and organic traffic potential, website speed and stability, running and development costs, the ability to connect to other systems and the store's capacity to scale. This article provides an e-commerce platform comparison for 2026 based on real market data and helps evaluate which e-commerce solution makes sense for different types of projects.

What e-commerce solutions exist today and why it matters

When comparing e-commerce platforms, it is essential to understand the basic categories of solutions. This is where most confusion arises: many operators conflate the technology type (SaaS, open-source) with how ready-made or custom the solution actually is. The breakdown below will help you read the differences between platforms and their cost logic correctly.

Out-of-the-box e-commerce solutions

An out-of-the-box e-commerce solution is a ready-made system that provides core store functionality from day one. These are typically SaaS platforms where hosting, technical management, security and updates are all handled by the provider. Ready-made solutions are the most widespread form of e-commerce solution because they allow a quick start without needing to handle development or infrastructure.

Main advantages

  • Very fast store launch and simple administration.
  • Lower upfront costs and predictable monthly fees.
  • Minimal technical overhead (hosting, security, updates).
  • Quick deployment of standard integrations (payment gateways, shipping, product feeds).

Typical limitations

  • Limited ability to customise or modify the core system.
  • Constraints with non-standard processes or very rapid growth.
  • Often requires add-ons that can increase both cost and complexity.

Out-of-the-box solutions are ideal for projects that want to start selling quickly and do not need unique functionality. Typical examples include Shoptet, Upgates, Eshop-rychle, Webareal and Wix Stores.

Open-source e-commerce

An open-source e-commerce solution is one whose source code is publicly available and can be freely modified. Unlike SaaS platforms, the store operator takes on responsibility for hosting, security and technical management. Open-source solutions sit between a ready-made solution and a fully custom build – depending on how deeply the system is modified.

Main advantages

  • High flexibility and the ability to tailor the solution.
  • Full control over the website, data, hosting and performance.
  • Often excellent SEO capabilities (structure, content, technical adjustments).
  • No software licensing fees (you pay for development, hosting and management).

Typical limitations

  • Higher technical knowledge requirements and infrastructure management needs.
  • Maintenance, updates and security must be planned and managed.
  • Risk of technical debt if modifications and add-ons are added without a clear strategy.

Open-source is well suited to stores that want greater control over their technology but are not yet ready for a fully custom-built store. Typical examples are WooCommerce and PrestaShop.

Custom-built e-commerce store

A custom-built e-commerce store represents the highest level of tailoring. It is not a pre-made platform but a system developed specifically for a given project's needs. It is often built on a proprietary framework or enterprise solution and makes sense where standard platforms hit their limits – in terms of processes, integrations, performance, personalisation or logistics.

Main advantages

  • Maximum flexibility with no technological constraints.
  • Ability to precisely mirror business processes and automation.
  • Strong scaling and integration capabilities (ERP, PIM, WMS, OMS etc.).

Typical limitations

  • High upfront investment and longer implementation time.
  • Requires ongoing technical support and development.
  • Higher risk if architecture is poorly designed or the wrong vendor is chosen.

A custom-built store makes most sense where out-of-the-box or open-source solutions no longer fit the business processes. Typical examples include Shopsys, Netdirect and Fastcentrik.

Overview of e-commerce platforms in 2026

Based on available data, approximately 67,000 active e-commerce stores are running in the Czech Republic in 2026. The market is highly concentrated: a small number of platforms serve the majority of projects, which is why it makes sense to compare not just the technology, but also whether a solution is out-of-the-box, open-source or custom-built.

Market overview by number of stores

Platform Active stores (est.) Market share SaaS / Open-source Solution type
Shoptet 33,000 49.1% SaaS Out-of-the-box
WooCommerce 7,000 10.4% Open-source Out-of-the-box / custom
Shopify 5,500 8.2% SaaS Out-of-the-box / more custom
PrestaShop 5,000 7.4% Open-source Out-of-the-box / custom
Eshop-rychle 4,000 5.9% SaaS Out-of-the-box
Upgates 3,500 5.2% SaaS Out-of-the-box
Webareal 2,000 3.0% SaaS Out-of-the-box
Wix Stores 1,200 1.8% SaaS Out-of-the-box
Shopsys 900 1.3% Open-source Custom-built
Bsshop 650 1.0% Proprietary Out-of-the-box
Netdirect 200 0.3% Proprietary Custom-built
Binargon 200 0.3% Proprietary Between out-of-the-box and custom
Fastcentrik 100 0.1% Proprietary Enterprise solution
Other platforms 4,000 5.9% Various Various
Total 67,250 100%

What this data tells us

In terms of store numbers, Shoptet dominates the market, serving nearly half of all active e-commerce stores. This clearly shows that the majority of stores in the Czech market prefer an out-of-the-box solution with low upfront costs and simple management.

WooCommerce holds second place, confirming the strength of the open-source approach and the popularity of WordPress. Shopify and PrestaShop have a similar share in 2026, with Shopify often being the choice for more ambitious projects and faster scaling, while PrestaShop tends to be more common among mid-sized stores with a development background.

Smaller SaaS platforms together make up a significant portion of the market but typically serve smaller projects, niche industries or stores that prioritise simplicity over maximum flexibility. Custom-built solutions (Shopsys, Netdirect, Fastcentrik) have a smaller share by install count, but often cover more demanding projects with high complexity.

Detailed comparison of the most widely used e-commerce platforms

After looking at the data and market breakdown, it is worth examining each platform in more detail. Every e-commerce solution has its strengths and weaknesses and suits a different type of project, budget and stage of business. This section provides a practical comparison of Shoptet, WooCommerce, Shopify, PrestaShop, Eshop-rychle, Upgates, Webareal, Wix Stores, Shopsys, Bsshop, Netdirect, Binargon and Fastcentrik.

Shoptet

Shoptet is the most widely used e-commerce platform in the Czech Republic and a typical example of an out-of-the-box solution. It is suitable for small and mid-sized stores that want a quick start, stable operation and minimal technical headaches, though with limited flexibility for specific requirements. For a detailed comparison of Shoptet and Shopify, see here.

  • Best for: new and mid-sized stores that want to get selling quickly.
  • Strengths: fast launch, predictable costs, broad add-on ecosystem.
  • Limitations: restricted core modifications, constraints for highly specific processes and enterprise requirements.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is one of the most widespread open-source e-commerce solutions thanks to its integration with WordPress. It suits projects that want control over content, site structure and SEO, while accepting that hosting, performance and security need to be actively managed.

  • Best for: content-driven stores, brands and projects with a strong focus on SEO and blogging.
  • Strengths: flexibility, extensibility, strong SEO capabilities, wide plugin selection.
  • Limitations: dependent on hosting quality and management, risk of slowdowns with too many plugins.

Shopify

Shopify is a SaaS platform that in practice often behaves like a custom-built store, without requiring your own infrastructure. It is well suited to ambitious projects, brands and stores planning growth, international expansion or complex API integrations. To find out more about Shopify store development, visit 3Node Software s.r.o.

  • Best for: growth-stage brands, international expansion, projects with higher scaling demands.
  • Strengths: stability, scalability, powerful API, headless commerce capability.
  • Limitations: closed core, some customisations require paid apps and can increase costs.

PrestaShop

PrestaShop is an open-source e-commerce system that sits between an out-of-the-box solution and a custom build. It suits mid-sized stores that want open-source flexibility but still prefer an established e-commerce platform with ready-made modules.

  • Best for: mid-sized stores with a development background or agency support.
  • Strengths: flexibility, modular ecosystem, capacity for deeper customisation.
  • Limitations: management and updates can be demanding, module quality varies.

Eshop-rychle

Eshop-rychle is a simple out-of-the-box e-commerce solution suited to smaller projects and beginners. It provides the essential features needed for online selling but with limited customisation options.

  • Best for: small stores, test projects, straightforward product ranges.
  • Strengths: easy launch, simple management, lower budget requirements.
  • Limitations: limited customisation, weaker scaling for fast-growing projects.

Upgates

Upgates is a Czech SaaS platform that is often compared to Shoptet. In practice it can suit stores that want an out-of-the-box solution but expect slightly more technical control and configuration options.

  • Best for: small and mid-sized stores looking for a Shoptet alternative.
  • Strengths: SaaS convenience, quick deployment, good connections to local services.
  • Limitations: still fundamentally a ready-made solution, constraints with non-standard processes.

Webareal

Webareal is a stable out-of-the-box solution with a long history in the Czech market. It is often chosen by projects that prioritise simplicity, predictability and standard e-commerce features without needing extensive customisation.

  • Best for: smaller and mid-sized stores, more conservative market segments.
  • Strengths: SaaS operation, standard integrations, straightforward administration.
  • Limitations: more limited customisation compared to open-source or Shopify.

Wix Stores

Wix Stores is the e-commerce module within the Wix website builder. It is a good fit where the store is a complement to a web presence and the goal is simple selling without the need for a robust e-commerce system.

  • Best for: small shops, creatives, local businesses with supplementary online sales.
  • Strengths: easy to use, fast website and store creation, visual editor.
  • Limitations: limited scaling options and advanced e-commerce functionality.

Shopsys

Shopsys is a framework designed for custom-built e-commerce and complex projects. It is typically used where specific processes, integrations and long-term development with a dedicated development team are required.

  • Best for: larger stores, companies with proprietary processes, projects with planned expansion.
  • Strengths: flexibility, scalability, fully custom solution capability.
  • Limitations: higher upfront investment, requires continuous development and management.

Bsshop

Bsshop is a proprietary e-commerce system with an out-of-the-box character, used mainly for smaller projects or stores that have been running on this platform for a long time and do not plan significant changes.

  • Best for: smaller projects, stable stores without significant scaling needs.
  • Strengths: ready-made solution, standard features, simple management.
  • Limitations: smaller ecosystem, limited flexibility and development compared to modern platforms.

Netdirect

Netdirect is a vendor that develops custom e-commerce solutions. It is a choice for projects with specific process requirements and integrations that need technology built around their own business model.

  • Best for: larger companies and projects with a unique business model.
  • Strengths: high degree of customisation, bespoke integrations, long-term development capability.
  • Limitations: higher costs, vendor dependency, longer implementation timelines.

Binargon

Binargon is a vendor's proprietary system that sits between an out-of-the-box solution and custom development. It often suits projects that need specific modifications but do not want to invest in a fully custom build.

  • Best for: mid-sized projects requiring specific customisations without an enterprise budget.
  • Strengths: customisation possible via the vendor, typically faster implementation than a full custom build.
  • Limitations: vendor dependency, more limited ecosystem than mass-market platforms.

Fastcentrik

Fastcentrik is an enterprise e-commerce solution designed for large projects with high demands on performance, integrations and scalability. In practice it is the choice for companies that have already outgrown the capabilities of out-of-the-box platforms and standard open-source installations.

  • Best for: large e-commerce projects, enterprise segment, complex integrations.
  • Strengths: robustness, scalability, enterprise features and processes.
  • Limitations: high costs, implementation and operation typically require specialists.

E-commerce solution pricing comparison in 2026

Comparing e-commerce platform prices cannot be reduced to a single universal price list, because costs vary significantly depending on the solution type, feature set, integration requirements and the level of technical management needed. SaaS platforms typically charge a monthly fee, open-source solutions require investment in hosting and development, and custom-built solutions are costed based on the scope of implementation and ongoing development.

For a fair comparison, it is worth evaluating not just the upfront investment but also the long-term costs of maintenance, development, add-ons, integrations and technical support. This is often where it becomes clear that a cheap solution can be expensive over time, while a more expensive platform may justify its cost through growth potential, stability and greater process efficiency.

How to choose the best e-commerce solution in 2026

There is no single best e-commerce solution for everyone, because the right choice always depends on the size of the project, budget, required flexibility and goals. A good e-commerce solution is one that supports growth, enables sensible development and does not constrain key business processes.

For new projects and smaller product ranges, an out-of-the-box solution often makes the most sense, as it enables a fast launch and quick validation of demand. For growth and more complex processes, open-source or Shopify usually prove more worthwhile, and when platforms hit their limits, a custom-built store becomes the next step.

Comparison results

The e-commerce platform comparison for 2026 shows that the market is highly differentiated and no single solution is universally the best. The number of active online stores continues to grow, and individual platforms differ not only in technology but also in whether they are out-of-the-box, open-source or custom-built.

The right e-commerce solution should be based on business goals, the stage of the project and planned growth. When the decision is grounded in data, realistic expectations and long-term cost analysis, the chances of choosing a platform that supports – rather than holds back – development and SEO potential are significantly higher.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about e-commerce platform comparison

What is the best e-commerce solution in 2026?

There is no single best solution for everyone – it always depends on the size of the project and its goals. For smaller projects, an out-of-the-box solution is usually the right fit; for larger stores, open-source or a custom-built store is often the better choice.

Which e-commerce platforms are most widely used?

The most widely used e-commerce platforms in the Czech market include Shoptet, WooCommerce, Shopify and PrestaShop. Together these platforms serve the largest proportion of active online stores.

How many active e-commerce stores are there in the Czech Republic?

It is estimated that approximately 67,000 active e-commerce stores are operating in the Czech Republic in 2026. The largest share of these use out-of-the-box e-commerce solutions.

What is the difference between an out-of-the-box solution and a custom-built store?

An out-of-the-box solution is a ready-made platform with limited flexibility and fast deployment. A custom-built store is developed to the specific needs of a project and offers maximum tailoring.

What is an open-source e-commerce solution and what are its advantages?

An open-source e-commerce solution is one whose source code is available for modification and extension. The advantage is flexibility; the disadvantage is higher demands on management and security.

How should e-commerce platform costs be compared?

Comparing e-commerce platform costs depends on the solution type, feature scope and development and maintenance requirements. SaaS solutions have recurring fees; open-source and custom-built solutions require investment in development and management.

Which e-commerce solution is best suited for growth?

For growth-stage projects, Shopify or open-source solutions often prove most suitable, as they allow scaling and customisation. Out-of-the-box solutions can become limiting as process complexity grows.

Is Shopify an out-of-the-box solution or a custom-built store?

Shopify is a SaaS platform, but thanks to its customisation options and API it often functions more like a custom-built store. In practice it sits between a typical out-of-the-box solution and full custom development.

Sources:

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  2. Shopify vs PrestaShop
  3. Shopify vs Eshop-rychle
  4. Shoptet or Shopify? Full platform comparison
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