Starting an online store can seem like a big deal, especially when you’re trying to keep costs low. Luckily, there are some really good free options out there that can help you get your business going without spending a ton of money right away. This guide is all about finding The Best Free eCommerce Platforms in 2025, so you can pick the right one for your products and customers. We’ll look at what each platform offers, what makes them stand out, and how they can help you sell things online.
Key Takeaways
- Many ‘free’ platforms have limits; some don’t even let you sell until you pay for an upgrade.
- Square Online is a strong choice for a truly free start, offering good features without an immediate cost.
- Think about what you’re selling and how much you plan to grow when choosing a platform.
- Even with a free plan, you’ll likely still pay processing fees for sales.
- A free platform is great for starting, but for long-term growth, you might need to upgrade later.
1. Square Online
Square Online is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a free way to get your business online. I remember when they bought Weebly – it’s come a long way since then! The best part is that you can actually sell stuff on their free plan, which is a huge win for anyone just starting out. You really only need to worry about transaction fees, which is pretty standard.
I think Square Online works best if you already use Square for your in-person sales. It makes everything so much easier to manage since it all syncs up. Imagine selling the last of something at a farmer’s market and it automatically updates your online store – pretty cool, right?
One thing I noticed is that the customization options are a bit limited compared to some other platforms. If you’re super picky about design, you might find it a little frustrating. But honestly, for a free platform, it’s hard to complain too much. You can always compare Square to Shopify to see which one fits your needs better.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Free plan available (yay!)
- Integrates super well with Square’s POS system
- Easy to use, especially if you’re already in the Square ecosystem
If you’re already using Square’s credit card reader, it’s a no-brainer. It’s just another sales location, and everything is treated equally. Plus, they have some of the best onboarding around. They walk you through setting everything up, which is a lifesaver. You can even start building your store for free to see if you like it.
2. Shopify
Shopify is a big name in the eCommerce world, and for good reason. It’s been around for a while, and lots of businesses use it. It’s known for being pretty easy to use and having a ton of features. But, it’s not free, so let’s get into the details.
Shopify’s pricing can be a bit of a sticking point for some. While they don’t have a free plan, they do offer a trial so you can test the waters. After that, you’re looking at a monthly fee, which can range from around $29 to a whopping $2,300, depending on the plan and features you need. Plus, there are transaction fees to consider, which can add up, especially if you’re doing a lot of sales.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Easy setup and use.
- Tons of apps and integrations.
- Good support and resources.
- Can get expensive with added apps.
Shopify is a solid choice if you’re serious about eCommerce and need a platform that can scale with your business. However, if you’re just starting out or have a limited budget, it might be worth exploring some of the free options first.
3. Wix
Wix is a pretty popular website builder, and a lot of people use it for eCommerce. I think it’s because it’s relatively easy to use, especially with its drag-and-drop interface. You can get a basic store up and running pretty quickly, which is a big plus if you’re just starting out. It’s got a ton of templates too, so you don’t have to start from scratch, which is nice.
One thing I like about Wix is that they have a decent app marketplace. Need to connect to QuickBooks for accounting? There’s probably an app for that. Want to automate some tasks? You can connect Wix to a bunch of other apps through Zapier. It’s pretty handy.
I’ve used Wix before, and while it’s good for getting something online fast, I found it a bit limiting as my business grew. The SEO wasn’t as robust as I needed, and the transaction fees on the basic plans ate into my profits. Still, for a small shop just starting, it’s a solid option.
Of course, there are some downsides. The free plan isn’t really suitable for selling stuff, since you can’t actually sell anything. You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan, which starts around $29 a month. And even then, you’ll have to deal with transaction fees, which depend on the payment gateway you use. Wix Payments charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. So, keep that in mind when you’re budgeting. Wix’s customization options make it easy to get up and running in under an hour.
Here’s a quick rundown of Wix’s pricing:
| Feature | Price |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $29/month |
| Transaction Fees | 2.9% + $0.30 |
Here are some things to consider:
- Ease of use: Wix is known for its user-friendly interface.
- App Marketplace: Lots of integrations available.
- Pricing: Free plan is limited; paid plans have transaction fees.
4. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a popular choice, especially if you’re already using WordPress. It’s a plugin that turns your WordPress site into an online store. The basic plugin is free, but costs can add up depending on your needs.
It’s like having a Lego set – you get the basic blocks for free, but you might need to buy extra pieces (extensions) to build exactly what you want. This can be both a blessing and a curse. You have a lot of control, but it can also get complicated.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Pros:
- Highly customizable – you can tweak almost anything.
- Tons of extensions available, both free and paid.
- Integrates seamlessly with WordPress.
- Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Requires self-hosting, which means you’re responsible for security and maintenance.
- Costs can quickly escalate as you add more extensions.
WooCommerce is great if you like to tinker and have some technical skills. If you prefer something more straightforward, other platforms might be a better fit. It’s a powerful tool, but it comes with a learning curve.
If you’re comfortable managing your own website and don’t mind getting your hands dirty with code, WooCommerce can be a really affordable and flexible option. Just be prepared to spend some time setting things up and keeping everything running smoothly. It’s worth checking out the WooCommerce plugin if you want to sell online.
5. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is definitely one to consider if you’re serious about scaling your online store. It’s not really aimed at hobbyists or people just starting out; it’s more for businesses that are already established and looking to grow. BigCommerce is designed for larger small businesses and those looking to scale quickly.
One of the cool things about BigCommerce is how easy it makes listing your products on different marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, Walmart, and even Facebook. You can manage all of that through their Channel Manager, which keeps everything synced across all your sales channels. It’s a real time-saver.
BigCommerce offers a 15-day free trial without needing your credit card info, which is nice because you can really test it out before committing. It’s a good way to see if it fits your business needs.
However, the themes can be a bit pricey, ranging from $100 to $400. While they look great and the drag-and-drop builder lets you customize them, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re on a tight budget. The Standard plan starts at $39/month and caps you at $50,000 in online sales per year. The Plus plan jumps to $105/month and allows up to $180,000 per year. Here’s a quick look at the pricing:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Sales Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $39 | $50,000 |
| Plus | $105 | $180,000 |
| Pro | Custom | Varies |
BigCommerce also integrates with tools like Zapier, so you can automate tasks such as adding customers to your CRM. It’s a solid platform if you’re ready to invest in a robust eCommerce solution.
6. Squarespace
Squarespace is pretty popular, and for good reason. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and sleek designs. You can build a really nice-looking website without needing to code, which is a big plus for many people. But how does it stack up as an eCommerce platform?
Squarespace lets you turn your site into an online store, but you’ll need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan. Once you do, you get a secure checkout and can accept payments through various gateways like Stripe and PayPal. It’s a solid option, especially if you already have a Squarespace site or value aesthetics.
One thing to keep in mind is that Squarespace’s free trial has limitations. You can’t actually sell anything until you upgrade, and your website stays private during the trial period. So, it’s more for building and designing than actually testing out the eCommerce features.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface
- Beautiful, professional templates
- Integrated marketing tools
- Inventory tracking and management features
Squarespace offers four premium plans. Let’s take a look at the pricing:
| Plan | Monthly Price (Billed Annually) |
|---|---|
| Personal | $16 |
| Business | $23 |
| Basic Commerce | $27 |
| Advanced Commerce | $49 |
While Squarespace is great for design and ease of use, it might not be the best choice if you need advanced eCommerce features or plan to scale your business significantly. It’s better suited for smaller inventories and service-based businesses.
7. Shift4Shop
Shift4Shop is an interesting option, especially if you’re based in the US. It’s presented as a platform with a lot of features, aimed at users who want to automate a good chunk of their business processes. It’s got a user-friendly interface, which is always a plus, and the designs are mobile-responsive, meaning your store should look good on any device.
However, there are a few catches. The free plan has some limitations, and real-time shipping rates are only available if you upgrade to a premium plan. Plus, the best customer support is reserved for those on the highest tier. It’s a trade-off, as with most things.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mobile-friendly themes | Free plan is only for US-based merchants processing at least $1,000/month through Shift4Shop |
| Single-page checkout | The interface can feel overwhelming because of the sheer number of features. |
| Compatible with 160+ payment processors | Customer support can be inconsistent. |
Shift4Shop integrates with places like eBay, Amazon, and Facebook, which is great for expanding sales channels. However, they don’t have a mobile app, and the point-of-sale (POS) options are something you have to buy separately. If you’re looking for a platform that plays well with different payment methods, Shift4Shop works with over 160 payment processors.
Shift4Shop could be a solid choice if you’re okay with some of the limitations on the free plan and if you’re comfortable navigating a platform with a lot of options. It really depends on what you need for your online store.
8. Big Cartel
Big Cartel is really focused on artists and creators. It’s designed to be super simple, which is great if you’re just starting out and don’t want a ton of complicated features. The free plan lets you list up to five products, which is perfect for testing the waters.
Big Cartel’s free plan, called the Gold plan, is designed to help artists and independent business owners launch an online store quickly and without any upfront financial commitment. This plan requires no credit card information, allowing you to list up to five products and begin selling immediately. It focuses on simplicity and ease of use, making it an ideal option for those new to e-commerce or those wanting to test the waters before investing in a paid plan. The Gold plan provides the essential tools to establish an online presence and generate revenue, with the option to upgrade to a paid plan later as your business expands and your needs evolve.
I think Big Cartel is a solid choice if you’re an artist who wants a simple way to sell your stuff online. It’s not packed with features, but it’s easy to use, and the free plan is a nice way to get started without spending any money.
Here are some things you can do with Big Cartel:
- Create a visually appealing online shop with customizable templates.
- Manage your store on the go with iOS and Android apps.
- Access real-time sales and visitor statistics.
However, keep in mind that the free plan has limitations. For example, product images are limited to one per product. If you need more than that, you’ll have to upgrade to a paid plan.
9. Volusion
Volusion has been around for a while, and it’s still a contender in the eCommerce space. It’s not as flashy as some of the newer platforms, but it gets the job done. I remember when I first started looking at eCommerce platforms, Volusion was one of the names that kept popping up. It’s got a solid reputation, and a lot of people have built successful businesses using it. It’s known for its focus on data analytics and SEO tools, which can be a big plus if you’re serious about growing your online store.
One thing I appreciate about Volusion is that it’s an all-in-one solution. You don’t have to piece together a bunch of different apps and plugins to get your store up and running. It includes everything from website design to order management to marketing tools. This can save you a lot of time and hassle, especially if you’re not a tech expert. It’s like having a complete site ready to go.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the things Volusion offers:
- Website builder with customizable templates
- Inventory management
- Payment processing
- SEO tools
- Marketing automation
Volusion isn’t perfect, though. Some users have complained about the pricing structure, which can be a bit confusing. Also, the design options aren’t as modern or flexible as some of the other platforms out there. But overall, it’s a reliable and feature-rich option for businesses of all sizes.
I think Volusion is a good choice if you want a platform that’s easy to use and has a lot of built-in features. It’s not the cheapest option, but it could be worth it if you value simplicity and convenience. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for an eCommerce platform.
10. OpenCart
OpenCart is another free, open-source option that’s been around for a while. It’s not the newest kid on the block, but it’s still a solid choice if you’re looking for something that gives you a lot of control without costing an arm and a leg. It’s known for its flexibility and the sheer number of extensions available.
One of the cool things about OpenCart is that it lets you manage multiple stores from a single dashboard. That can be a lifesaver if you’re running several different online shops. Plus, it gives you a good overview of your ecommerce metrics, like sales and customer activity, right there on the dashboard.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you get with OpenCart:
- Free and open-source – can’t beat the price!
- Multi-user management – good for teams.
- Supports tons of languages – over 40, apparently.
- Lots of payment options – more than 36 integrated ones.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Some people find the platform a bit outdated compared to newer options. The template choices can be a little limited, and you might need to hunt around for plugins compared to something like WooCommerce. You’ll also need to find your own web hosting, which is something to keep in mind.
OpenCart provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enable the administration of your online store to be as efficient as possible. It includes everything from product management to detailed reporting, with the centralized administrator dashboard offering an immediate overview of crucial business metrics, including order totals, customer activity, and real-time sales analytics – all presented through intuitive widgets for rapid assessment.
OpenCart also has a decent user management system, so you can give different team members different levels of access. It supports a bunch of languages and currencies, which is great if you’re planning to sell internationally. And if you need to tweak things, there’s a CSS editor for customizing your site. It also supports a wide range of payment options. You can even get a mobile app to manage your store on the go. The platform lets you create and manage multiple stores, with a dashboard that shows important ecommerce metrics like sales and repeat customers.
Wrapping Up: Which Free eCommerce Platform is Right for You?
So, picking the right e-commerce platform is a big deal for any online business. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, a creative person, or a company trying to get more online. We’ve looked at a bunch of choices here, from simple website builders that have e-commerce stuff built in, to more serious e-commerce tools. Each one has its good points: some are great for design, others are better if you plan to grow a lot, or if you need specific things like getting back customers who left stuff in their cart. But if you really want to be in charge, change things how you like, and grow big over time, WooCommerce is a top pick. It’s got a lot going for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a free e-commerce platform?
A free e-commerce platform lets you set up an online store and sell products without paying a monthly fee. However, you might still have to pay small fees for things like processing payments or for extra features you want to add later.
Are these platforms truly 100% free forever?
While many platforms offer a free starting point, most will have some costs. You’ll usually pay a small percentage for each sale you make, and if you want more advanced tools or a custom web address, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a paid plan.
Are these free platforms easy for someone new to online selling?
Yes, many free platforms are great for beginners. They often have simple tools, like drag-and-drop builders, that make it easy to create your store even if you’ve never done it before.
Are free e-commerce platforms good for a growing business?
It depends on what you need. Free plans are perfect for testing an idea, selling a few items, or for small businesses just starting out. But if you plan to grow a lot and need many features, a paid plan will usually give you more options and power.
What should I look for when choosing a free e-commerce platform?
Look for platforms that are easy to use, let you customize your store’s look, have good tools for managing your products, and offer ways to get paid. Also, check if they have customer support in case you get stuck.
Can I sell any type of product on these free platforms?
Many free platforms allow you to sell different kinds of products, whether they’re physical items you ship, digital files you send online, or even services. Just make sure the platform you pick supports the type of product you want to offer.