So, you’re finally ready to launch your own online store in 2025 but don’t want to spend a fortune on expensive platforms? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Whether you’re selling handmade candles, digital art, dropshipping gadgets, or anything in between, the good news is: there are tons of free eCommerce platforms out there that are not just free but actually great.
We’ve rounded up the 12 best free eCommerce platforms in 2025 so you can get started today. No fluff—just the good stuff.
1. WooCommerce (WordPress Plugin)
If you already have a WordPress site (or plan to), WooCommerce is a no-brainer. It’s open-source, super flexible, and perfect for both small and large stores. You only pay for extras like themes or hosting.
2. Shopify Starter Plan (Free Trial)
Okay, Shopify isn’t technically free, but their 3-day free trial and ultra-low $1/month starter plan is worth mentioning. It’s beginner-friendly, slick, and handles everything from payments to inventory.
3. Ecwid
Ecwid is a hidden gem. You can add it to any website (even a free one) and it turns it into a full-on eCommerce store. The free plan includes 5 products, basic features, and social selling tools. Easy peasy.
4. Square Online
Powered by the same people behind Square payments, Square Online offers a free plan that lets you sell unlimited products and even includes free hosting. Perfect for small shops or side hustles.
5. Big Cartel
Big Cartel is tailor-made for artists, creators, and indie brands. The free plan lets you sell up to 5 products, no fees. Simple, artsy, and surprisingly powerful.
6. PrestaShop
Feeling techy? PrestaShop is an open-source platform that gives you full control over your store. It’s free to download and use, but you’ll need to pay for hosting and maybe a developer unless you’re tech-savvy.
7. Magento Open Source (Adobe Commerce)
Magento (now part of Adobe) is a beast. It’s open-source, scalable, and completely free to use—but definitely not for beginners. You’ll need hosting and dev skills, but it’s powerful AF if you can handle it.
8. Sellfy (Free Plan)
Sellfy’s free plan is ideal for digital products like eBooks, music, or courses. Super simple interface, no coding needed, and you can upgrade later if you want advanced features.
9. Wix eCommerce (Free with Limitations)
Wix is a drag-and-drop builder that now supports eCommerce. The free version has limitations (you’ll need to upgrade for a custom domain and payment gateways), but it’s good for testing the waters.
10. OpenCart
Another open-source option, OpenCart is free to use and packed with features. It has tons of extensions and themes, but you’ll need your own hosting and maybe a bit of elbow grease to get it just right.
11. Strikingly
Strikingly is all about building one-page sites fast. Their free plan includes a Simple Store that lets you sell one product. It’s ideal if you’re testing out an idea or doing a small launch.
12. Zoho Commerce (Free for Indian Startups)
Zoho Commerce offers a free plan, but here’s the kicker: it’s available mostly for Indian startups. It integrates well with Zoho’s full suite (Books, CRM, etc.), making it a solid ecosystem if you’re in the region.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a big budget to start your online store in 2025. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned side hustler, these free eCommerce platforms can get your store up and running fast.
Need help building a storefront using React and WooCommerce? Check out our guide on using React with WooCommerce here 👈 (internal link)
Also, if you’re considering a full-fledged website and need cheap hosting, take a look at this comparison of top hosting providers in 2025 – you might find some sweet deals! (outbound link)
Happy selling! 🛒✨
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