Authorize.net
Authorize.net is a reliable payment gateway that helps you accept credit cards, contactless payments, and e-checks through your website, mobile app, or retail store securely.
Ecwid by Lightspeed
Ecwid is a flexible e-commerce platform that allows you to add a professional online store to any existing website, social media page, or multiple marketplaces simultaneously.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Authorize.net | Ecwid by Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|
| Website | authorize.net | ecwid.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $25/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1996 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Foster City, USA | San Diego, USA |
Overview
Authorize.net
Authorize.net simplifies how you get paid by providing a secure bridge between your business and the credit card networks. You can accept payments online, in-person, or over the phone while protecting your business from fraud with built-in security tools. Whether you are running a small online boutique or a growing service business, the platform handles the technical side of transactions so you can focus on your customers.
You can manage your entire payment lifecycle from a single dashboard, including recurring billing for subscriptions and digital invoicing for quick client payments. It integrates with most major shopping carts and point-of-sale systems, making it easy to add payment capabilities to the tools you already use. With 24/7 support and a long history in the industry, it provides the stability you need to scale your operations.
Ecwid by Lightspeed
Ecwid by Lightspeed is a versatile e-commerce solution designed to help you sell products anywhere, from your own website to social media and global marketplaces. Unlike traditional platforms that require you to build a new site from scratch, you can integrate this shopping cart into your existing WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace site in minutes. It simplifies the technical side of online selling so you can focus on growing your brand.
You can manage your entire inventory, track orders, and accept payments through a single centralized dashboard. The platform is built to scale with your business, offering a free entry point for new entrepreneurs and advanced features for established retailers. Whether you are selling physical goods, digital downloads, or subscriptions, you get a mobile-responsive storefront that provides a smooth checkout experience for your customers on any device.
Overview
Authorize.net Features
- Advanced Fraud Detection Identify and stop suspicious transactions with customizable filter rules that protect your profits and reduce chargebacks.
- Recurring Billing Set up automated subscription payments or installment plans to ensure you get paid on time every month.
- Customer Information Manager Store sensitive payment data on secure servers so your returning customers can checkout quickly without re-entering details.
- Digital Invoicing Send professional invoices directly to your customers' email and let them pay instantly with a single click.
- Virtual Terminal Process manual transactions securely from any web browser when taking orders over the phone or via mail.
- Mobile Payments Accept payments on the go by turning your smartphone or tablet into a portable point-of-sale device.
Ecwid by Lightspeed Features
- Multi-Channel Selling. Sell your products simultaneously on your website, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and eBay while keeping your inventory perfectly synced.
- Instant Site Builder. Create a standalone, professional one-page online store from scratch if you don't already have an existing website to use.
- Automated Tax Calculations. Save time and stay compliant with automatic sales tax calculations based on your customer's specific location at checkout.
- Mobile Store Management. Manage your orders, scan barcodes, and update your product catalog directly from your phone using the native mobile app.
- Digital Product Support. Sell and deliver digital files up to 25GB in size with secure, automated download links sent to your customers.
- Local Delivery Options. Offer your local customers flexible choices like curbside pickup or scheduled delivery time slots to improve their shopping experience.
Pricing Comparison
Authorize.net Pricing
- No setup fee
- Gateway and Merchant Account
- 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Advanced Fraud Detection Suite
- Customer Information Manager
- Automated Recurring Billing
- Everything in All-in-One, plus:
- Use your own Merchant Account
- $0.10 per transaction
- $0.10 daily batch fee
- Virtual Terminal included
- 24/7 award-winning support
Ecwid by Lightspeed Pricing
- Online store for 5 products
- Mobile-responsive storefront
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Add store to any website
- Email support
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Up to 100 products
- Facebook and Instagram shops
- Digital goods up to 25GB
- Inventory management tools
- Live chat support
Pros & Cons
Authorize.net
Pros
- Highly reliable uptime for consistent payment processing
- Excellent 24/7 customer support via phone and chat
- Extensive integration options with popular e-commerce platforms
- Robust security features that simplify PCI compliance
Cons
- Monthly fee applies even if you have no sales
- Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
- Account setup process can be more rigorous than others
Ecwid by Lightspeed
Pros
- Integrates easily with any existing website builder
- Generous free plan with no transaction fees
- Automatic updates ensure your store never breaks
- Mobile app allows full store management remotely
- Very fast setup process for new users
Cons
- Free plan is limited to five products
- Design customization options are somewhat restricted
- Phone support only available on higher tiers