Contents
- 1 11 Best open source B2B ecommerce platforms – detailed reviews
- 2 What are open source B2B ecommerce platforms?
- 3 Key features to look for in open source B2B platforms
- 4 Benefits of open source vs. proprietary solutions
- 5 How to choose the best open source ecommerce platform for B2B?
- 6 Why WizCommerce is a leading B2B commerce platform?
- 7 Frequently asked questions on the best open source ecommerce platform
The B2B ecommerce market is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. By 2030, the global market is projected to skyrocket to over $47.5 trillion, demonstrating a fundamental shift in how businesses buy and sell. The digital channel is no longer a supplement, it’s the primary engine for growth.
As a wholesale business, distributor, or manufacturer, selecting the right ecommerce platform is a strategic decision that can make or break your competitive edge. When it comes to finding the best open source ecommerce platform for B2B, you need a solution that can handle complex needs, including:
- Bulk ordering and custom quotes
- Sophisticated pricing structures and tiered catalogs
- Multi-level approval workflows
- Seamless integration with ERP and CRM systems
An open source ecommerce platform is a software solution with a publicly accessible source code that can be modified, distributed, and used by anyone. Unlike proprietary software, it gives businesses full control over their online store, allowing for deep customization and scalability. Choosing the best open source ecommerce platform can be a powerful move, but it’s crucial to understand the landscape. Many solutions claim B2B readiness, but are simply B2C platforms with limited add-on features. This often leads to functionality gaps, long implementation times, and ongoing maintenance headaches.
This comprehensive guide examines 11 leading open source B2B ecommerce platforms, evaluating their core capabilities, implementation requirements, and suitability for different business models.
11 Best open source B2B ecommerce platforms – detailed reviews
Platform | Best for | Key strength | Main limitation |
WizCommerce | B2B wholesalers & distributors | Purpose-built B2B solution | None – comprehensive B2B focus |
Magento/Adobe Commerce | Large enterprises | Extensive customization | Requires significant technical expertise |
OroCommerce | Enterprise B2B with CRM needs | Integrated CRM functionality | Complex implementation process |
WooCommerce | WordPress-based businesses | Large plugin ecosystem | Primarily B2C, needs extensive B2B plugins |
PrestaShop | Multi-currency global businesses | International commerce features | Essential B2B features cost extra |
OpenCart | Small businesses | User-friendly interface | Limited SEO and marketing functionality |
Drupal Commerce | Content-heavy businesses | Strong content management | Requires significant technical expertise |
Spree Commerce | Custom frontend projects | Headless architecture flexibility | Limited B2B features in free version |
Shopware | European market focus | Modular B2B components | Free version has restricted functionality |
CubeCart | Basic ecommerce needs | Simple template customization | Limited to display modifications |
Solidus | Complex customization projects | Advanced inventory management | Requires Ruby on Rails expertise |
01. WizCommerce
WizCommerce is an all-in-one, AI-powered B2B commerce solution, and stands out as the best open source ecommerce platform for wholesalers. Unlike generic platforms that require extensive customization, WizCommerce integrates sales management, ecommerce, AI recommendations, product management, and automated merchandising into a unified system.
Its core differentiator is its dedicated focus on automating and optimizing the entire B2B sales workflow, from lead scoring and in-person order taking to digital storefront management and integrated payments.
Key features:
- AI-driven product recommendations and lead scoring tailored to B2B customer behavior.
- Centralized platform for managing sales reps, online shops, and in-person orders.
- Supports diverse B2B payment terms, credit management, and flexible billing options via WizPay.
- Engineered for rapid deployment without extensive customization or long development cycles.
- Unifies ecommerce, sales, payments, and merchandising into a single, cohesive platform.
Best for: Wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers seeking a comprehensive, AI-driven B2B solution that provides rapid time-to-value and reduces reliance on complex, expensive customization.
02. Magento/Adobe Commerce
Adobe commerce (Previously Magento open source platform) is widely regarded as the best open source ecommerce platform for enterprises, offering powerful and highly customizable features. While widely used and robust, it was originally built for B2C and requires significant technical skills and development resources to adapt for complex B2B needs.
Businesses must invest heavily in custom development, ongoing maintenance, and specialized technical expertise and dedicated technical support to achieve B2B functionality that is often included out-of-the-box in purpose-built platforms.
Key features:
- Offers extensive customization capabilities with access to source code.
- Provides a large ecosystem of extensions and integrations via its marketplace.
- Enables multi-store management with centralized administration.
Best for: While often considered the best open source ecommerce platform for complex needs, large enterprises with dedicated development teams and substantial budgets for extensive customization and long-term technical investment can find this helpful.
03. OroCommerce
OroCommerce was built specifically for B2B ecommerce by the creators of Magento. It excels at handling complex B2B structures, integrated CRM, and multi-level approval workflows. However, it requires a significant development investment and a long implementation period to fully customize and leverage its capabilities.
The platform is powerful but demands a high level of technical expertise for setup and maintenance.
Key features:
- Integrates CRM functionality for comprehensive customer relationship management.
- Supports complex B2B structures with multiple stakeholders and pricing tiers.
- Includes a built-in workflow automation engine with customizable business process management.
Best for: Large organizations requiring integrated CRM and ecommerce functionality with complex approval processes and the resources for a lengthy implementation.
04. WooCommerce
As a WordPress plugin, WooCommerce is highly accessible and benefits from the vast WordPress ecosystem, making it the best open source ecommerce platform choice for WordPress users. It’s a popular choice for transforming simple ecommerce websites into ecommerce stores with its website builder.
However, achieving comprehensive B2B functionality requires a number of additional plugins and is not designed for complex wholesale operations. It is best suited for businesses with basic B2B needs that value familiarity and ease of use.
Key features:
- Provides seamless WordPress integration.
- Offers an extensive library of extensions.
- Backed by an active developer community providing strong support and documentation
Best for: Small to medium businesses already using WordPress content management system with basic ecommerce needs and limited B2B requirements.
05. PrestaShop
PrestaShop is a flexible open-source platform known for its multi-currency and international commerce capabilities. While it offers a solid foundation, many essential B2B features, such as advanced pricing and approval workflows, are only available through paid modules. This can lead to increased total cost of ownership and a fragmented B2B solution.
Key features:
- Supports multi-currency and multi-language functionality.
- Provides thousands of modules and add-ons for functionality extension.
- Automated VAT and tax calculation features included.
- Features integrated SEO, social media, and marketing tools.
Best for: Small to medium businesses primarily focused on B2C that need multi-currency support and have basic B2B needs.
06. OpenCart
OpenCart is a user-friendly platform often considered the best open source ecommerce platform for beginners, that provides basic ecommerce functionality. While its simplicity makes it accessible to non-technical users, it offers limited advanced custom features. The lack of built-in SEO and a reliance on third-party extensions for crucial B2B functionality make it less suitable for businesses focused on aggressive growth and complex operations.
Key features:
- Features an intuitive admin dashboard.
- Offers a large marketplace of add-ons and extensions.
- Includes multi-store management capabilities.
Best for: Small businesses seeking an easy-to-use platform with minimal technical requirements and basic ecommerce features.
07. Drupal Commerce
Built on the Drupal CMS, Drupal Commerce is a robust solution that combines content management and ecommerce. Its strength lies in handling content-driven commerce, making it ideal for global businesses with multilingual and multicurrency needs. However, it requires significant technical expertise for implementation and maintenance, which can result in higher costs.
Key features:
- Includes advanced content management capabilities.
- Supports multilingual and multicurrency operations.
- Features a RESTful API for third-party integrations.
Best for: Global B2B businesses that require strong content management alongside ecommerce functionality and have the technical resources to support it.
08. Spree Commerce
Spree Commerce is a headless ecommerce platform designed for maximum flexibility. By separating the frontend from the backend, it allows businesses to create custom storefronts. While this offers immense control, it requires a higher level of technical expertise and a dedicated development team to manage and build the custom front-end.
Key features:
- Utilizes a headless architecture for custom frontend development.
- Supports multi-store and multi-country functionality.
- Offers an API-first approach enabling easy integration with business systems.
Best for: Businesses with significant technical resources that want a headless architecture and complete control over their frontend experience.
09. Shopware
A German-based platform, Shopware is a solid option for businesses, particularly those in Europe. It offers modular B2B Components that can be customized, and its API-first approach provides flexibility. However, many advanced B2B features are not included in the open-source version and require upgrading to a commercial plan, adding to the cost.
Key features:
- Provides modular B2B components for essential features like quote and employee management.
- Features an API-first headless architecture.
- Includes advanced B2B features such as quick ordering and shopping lists.
Best for: Medium to large businesses in the European market that are looking for a modular solution and are prepared to pay for advanced B2B features.
10. CubeCart
CubeCart is a template-driven, user-friendly platform that is easy to set up. While it’s great for basic online stores, its flexibility is primarily limited to design and display. It lacks the robust functionality required for complex B2B operations, making it unsuitable for enterprises that need advanced business logic and comprehensive workflow management.
Key features:
- Uses a template-driven responsive design.
- Has a user-friendly interface.
- Provides basic product and order management.
Best for: Small to medium businesses seeking straightforward ecommerce functionality with minimal technical complexity.
11. Solidus
Solidus is a powerful, flexible open-source platform built on Ruby on Rails. It’s designed for businesses that need highly customized features, such as native subscriptions and complex inventory management.
Its strength is in providing a core for unique business logic, but this requires significant technical expertise to implement and maintain, making it less suitable for businesses without a dedicated development team.
Key features:
- Offers advanced inventory management with split shipments.
- Includes a fully customizable promotions engine and checkout flows.
- Features a native subscription engine for recurring billing.
Best for: Businesses with a strong team with technical knowledge that require extensive customization options and complex, unique business logic.
Now that you’re familiar with the key players, let’s dive into the core concepts that define this space.
What are open source B2B ecommerce platforms?
Open source B2B ecommerce platforms are ecommerce software solutions where the source code is freely available for businesses to modify and distribute. Unlike proprietary software, these platforms offer the freedom to customize and build a solution that fits your specific needs without licensing restrictions.
This access to the code allows businesses to tailor the platform for complex requirements such as tiered pricing, multi-level user accounts, bulk ordering, and seamless integration with existing business systems.
Key features to look for in open source B2B platforms
To choose the right platform, you should evaluate both essential B2B functionality and technical considerations.
Essential B2B functionality
- Custom pricing and discount management: Your platform must support complex pricing structures, including tiered pricing, volume discounts, and customer-specific catalogs and customized product pages.
- Multi-level user accounts and permissions: It’s vital to handle multiple users per company account, with customizable roles, permissions, and approval workflows.
- Quote management and RFQ (Request for Quote) processing: A strong B2B platform should let buyers request quotes, enable sales reps to approve them quickly, and handle RFQ processing, which includes receiving, reviewing, and responding to formal pricing requests.
- Bulk ordering and quick reorder: The platform needs to support large-quantity orders and provide quick reorder capabilities to simplify repeat purchases for your customers.
- Advanced inventory management: Look for features like multi-warehouse support, real-time stock updates, and automated merchandising.
- Integration with business systems: Seamless connection with your existing ERP, CRM, and accounting software, social media platforms, and marketing automation tools is non-negotiable for a unified operation.
Technical considerations
- API accessibility: The platform should have a robust API that allows for custom integrations and extends functionality to meet unique business needs.
- Mobile responsiveness: A mobile-optimized design is crucial for field sales teams and customers placing orders on the go.
- Offline capability: For businesses with remote sales teams or a presence at trade shows, offline access to catalogs and ordering is a significant advantage.
- Security features: The platform must have built-in security features and a clear plan for managing security updates to protect sensitive business and customer data.
- Scalability: Choose a platform that can grow with your business, handling an expanding product catalog, increased user base, and higher transaction volumes without a drop in performance.
Now that you know what to look for in a platform, it’s time to weigh the fundamental choice between open source and proprietary software.
Benefits of open source vs. proprietary solutions
Open source platforms offer significant advantages over proprietary ecommerce solutions. These include cost flexibility because there are no licensing fees, and customization freedom, which gives businesses complete control over functionality and design.
They also offer vendor independence, helping businesses avoid being locked in to a single provider, and they benefit from community innovation through ongoing collaborative improvements and new features. However, these platforms require in-house technical expertise, and businesses are responsible for their own security updates and patches.
Feature | Open source | Proprietary |
Licensing cost | Free to use code | Paid licensing fees |
Customization | Complete control, freedom to modify | Limited to vendor-provided options |
Vendor lock-in | Low; can switch vendors easily | High; dependent on single provider |
Community support | Robust, driven by a large community | Limited, provided by the vendor |
Technical skills | Requires in-house expertise | Less technical skill needed |
How to choose the best open source ecommerce platform for B2B?
Choosing the right open source platform is a strategic decision that requires careful planning. Don’t start with a platform; start with your business. By answering a few key questions, you can identify the solution that truly aligns with your company’s unique needs.
Here is an actionable framework to guide your decision-making process:
- Evaluate your internal resources. Assess your team’s technical expertise and available development resources. Do you have in-house developers or will you need to hire an agency? Your team’s capacity for customization and maintenance will narrow your options.
- Define your B2B complexity. Get specific about the features you need now and in the future. Do you require complex multi-level approval workflows, or are your needs simpler? Be honest about the sophistication your business demands.
- Map out your integration needs. Identify every existing system—from your ERP to your CRM and accounting software—that needs to seamlessly connect with your new platform. The platform’s API and existing integrations are critical here.
- Plan for scalability. Consider your growth trajectory. How many products will you have in two years? Five? How many customers will you serve? Choosing a platform that can handle a growing catalog and user base is essential for long-term success.
- Calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO). The price of an open source platform goes beyond the “free” code. Look at the full picture, including costs for hosting, development, customization, ongoing maintenance, and paid support.
By using this framework, you can move past the marketing claims and make an informed decision that will empower your business to thrive in the digital marketplace. When all is said and done, a clear winner emerges from the pack.
Why WizCommerce is a leading B2B commerce platform?
WizCommerce is a prominent open-source e-commerce platform that has gained significant traction in the wholesale sector. Its architecture is specifically designed for wholesalers and distributors, which contributes to more efficient operations. The platform’s structure supports a streamlined implementation process, with an average deployment time of 30 days, and has been observed to improve order processing speeds by 83% compared to other solutions.
WizCommerce also offers a comprehensive B2B feature set right out of the box, including advanced sales rep tools, AI-powered recommendations, and flexible payment terms. While other platforms appear free, their total cost advantage is often a myth, with hidden expenses for development and maintenance. WizCommerce’s transparent pricing eliminates these surprise costs.
Ready to see how WizCommerce can transform your B2B operations? Get a free demo today to see the platform in action.
Frequently asked questions on the best open source ecommerce platform
Which is the best open source ecommerce platform?
For B2B businesses, WizCommerce is the best open source ecommerce platform as it is purpose-built for the B2B sector. Magento/Adobe Commerce is a strong choice for large enterprises with a substantial development budget, while WooCommerce is suitable for small businesses with more basic B2B needs.
What is an open commerce platform?
An open commerce platform provides accessible source code that businesses can modify and customize without licensing restrictions. This gives you complete control over functionality and design, while helping you avoid vendor lock-in.
Is open-source always free?
No. While the software itself is free to download, the total cost of ownership includes hosting, development, customization, maintenance, and support. These additional costs often exceed the licensing fees of proprietary solutions, making it crucial to consider the full picture.
Is Odoo free for ecommerce?
Odoo offers a free Community Edition with basic ecommerce functionality, but advanced B2B features require a paid Enterprise Edition. Additional customization and implementation costs will also apply for complex B2B requirements.
What is an open source digital platform?
An open source digital platform is a software infrastructure where the underlying code is publicly accessible and modifiable. It allows businesses to customize functionality, integrate with existing systems, and avoid dependency on a single vendor, maintaining full control over their digital operations.