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Long gone are the days when people go from store to store with the hope of randomly getting in-stock products that they want, since with the invention of the Internet, everything is available and happens online.
Online shopping is proving itself to be the now thanks to its unmatched convenience, but with the rise of online shopping are the complexities that go with it.
I mean, what’s with all those terms that are being thrown around?
What is eCommerce? Mobile Commerce (AKA mCommerce OR m-Commerce)!?
What is the difference between e-commerce and m-commerce?
There are a lot of questions that need answers for, which is why today in SimiCart weekly article, we’ll be clearing up some of them for you.
See more:
- Mobile ecommerce design: Trends, Process and Examples in 2025
- Top 7 eCommerce Apps for Your Inspiration in 2025
1. What is m-commerce and how is it different from e-commerce?
| mCommerce | eCommerce | |
| History | From the 1990s | From the 1970s |
| Definition | mCommerce, or Mobile Commerce, refers to the process of buying and selling products and services with the use of internet/cellular data via wireless handheld devices. | eCommerce, or Electronic Commerce, refers to the activities of buying and selling products and services with the use of electronic systems such as the internet. |
| Similarity | Simply put, both of these definitions refer to online transactions. |
Pretty easy to grasp, isn’t it? It’s because of the benefits the eCommerce industry brings to its customers, in general, that we can find ourselves having an effortless online purchasing experience.
When was the last time you bought something from the Internet? Was it last week? Last month? Well, statistically, 96% of Americans have made an online purchase in their life, 80% in the past month alone. Those are big numbers indicating that online purchasing has since become an essential experience of our everyday life.
How m-commerce and e-commerce are related to each other?
M-commerce (mobile commerce) and e-commerce are closely related, as both involve online transactions, but they differ in the platform used.
E-commerce is the form of online purchasing and selling that is done using desktops or computers; where it is only about online transactions via desktops, m-commerce however txes into account only these transactions via mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Therefore, m-commerce comes within the fold of e-commerce because services are the same, with just an optimized rendering within the mobile context.
The two are similar with moving products and payment processing and order processing through other channels. In contrast, to m-commerce e-commerce stays high because it makes shopping possible and flexible while on the move because of mobile apps, including mobile push notifications and location-based services.
2. The difference between e-commerce and m-commerce
E-commerce and m-commerce are two distinct concepts within the realm of digital business. While they share similarities, there are key differences between them:
| mCommerce | eCommerce | |
| Devices used | Handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets | Computers, laptops, … |
| Connection-dependency | Mandatory (*) | Mandatory (*) |
| Reachability | With push notifications in place, mobile commerce can reach a wider range of users even when they’re on the go. | Limited |
| Mobility | High: Users can make transactions everywhere as long as they are connected to the Internet. | Low: Users can make transactions on their computers and laptops with limited mobility |
| Ease of Use | User Experience on mobile devices is optimized for as little taps-on-screen per transaction as possible | Harder to navigate in the desktop websites of eCommerce stores. |
| Platform | Web stores and native apps | Web stores |
| Payment Gateway | Caller’s rate, mobile banking or user’s credit card | Credit Cards |
| Location-tracking capability | Yes | No |
| Security | Rely on the web security combined with built-in mobile security features | Rely mainly on the web security |
(*): Stores that are built with Progressive Web Apps are able to cache offline content, which in turns make them partly independent of connection.
Still a bit unclear? Maybe an infographic can sort things out for you:
Share this Infographic On Your Site3. Why mCommerce is The Future?
This might come as a bit biased, but here at SimiCart, we believe mCommerce is the future of shopping.
Brick and mortar stores might have served the general needs well but, as we all know, changing time requires changing solutions, and mCommerce has proven itself to be this decade’s king of transactions.
With an impressive year-on-year growth of 33.9%, mCommerce is expected to be the main channel of shopping in the future. To speak it in dollar’s terms, you can say that two out of every three dollars spent on online purchases are done through a mobile device.
4. Take Advantage of The Changing Trend
Now that we’ve had a firmer grasp of the matter, the next question is what should we do with this information. If you’ve already had a Magento website and currently in need of expanding your mobile presence, our professional opinion is that you should take advantage of the changing trend and go for a mobile shopping app, as it is the best way to create an ideal mobile shopping experience.
In SimiCart, we believe in providing merchants with innovative, tailored eCommerce solutions at a competitive price. And with our ten years of building native mobile apps for Magento, you can be assured that your Magento mobile app will be equipped with everything you need to stay competitive in today’s market.
FAQs
What is an example of M-commerce?
One great example of m-commerce is ordering food through a mobile app like Uber Eats or DoorDash:
- Transaction via mobile: You use your smartphone to browse restaurant menus, place an order, and make the payment.
- Subset of e-commerce: It’s a form of online shopping, but specifically done through a mobile device.
What is the difference between digital commerce vs e-commerce?
Digital commerce and e-commerce are closely related but differ in scope and focus. E-commerce specifically refers to the buying and selling of goods and services online, emphasizing transactions conducted through online stores and marketplaces.
In contrast, digital commerce encompasses a broader range of activities, including marketing, customer service, data analysis, and technology integration, aimed at enhancing the entire customer journey.
While e-commerce focuses primarily on facilitating sales, digital commerce seeks to improve overall customer engagement and experience throughout all phases of the buying process.
What is the difference between e-commerce and e-business?
E-commerce and e-business are related but distinct concepts. E-commerce refers specifically to buying and selling goods and services online, including activities like online retail and payment processing (e.g., Amazon, Flipkart).
On the other hand, e-business covers a broader range of online business activities, including e-commerce but also internal processes like supply chain management, customer relationships, and marketing. While e-commerce is a subset of e-business focused on transactions, e-business encompasses both front-end and back-end operations. In short, all e-commerce is e-business, but not all e-business is e-commerce.
What is the difference between e-commerce vs quick commerce?
The main difference between e-commerce and quick commerce lies in the speed of delivery and the type of transactions.
E-commerce covers a wide range of online buying and selling activities, including B2C, B2B, and C2C transactions. Platforms like Amazon and eBay enable these transactions, with shipping times ranging from a few days to weeks, depending on the seller and product availability.
In contrast, quick commerce (q-commerce) is a subset of e-commerce focused on delivering products in a very short time, often within an hour. It typically involves local delivery services for immediate needs, such as groceries or essentials, with companies like Instacart and Gorillas providing rapid deliveries.
In short, while e-commerce includes all online transactions, quick commerce prioritizes speed and convenience, meeting the demand for instant shopping experiences.
What is the difference between s-commerce and m-commerce?
The main difference between s-commerce (social commerce) and m-commerce (mobile commerce) is their focus and platforms.
S-commerce integrates social media with e-commerce, allowing users to browse and buy products directly through platforms like Facebook and Instagram, using features like user reviews and influencer promotions.
M-commerce, on the other hand, refers to transactions made via mobile devices, offering a mobile-optimized shopping experience with quick checkouts and location-based services. While s-commerce uses social platforms for sales, m-commerce focuses on mobile convenience.
In conclusion, the difference between e-commerce and m-commerce highlights the importance of mobile optimization for modern businesses. While e-commerce covers broader online transactions, m-commerce focuses on seamless mobile experiences. To stay ahead, consider customizing your mobile commerce platform with Simicart for a tailored, user-friendly shopping experience!
