Best Free E-commerce Platforms For 2025
Today’s best free e-commerce platforms give you everything you need to launch and run an online store, from product pages, payment tools, inventory tracking, and customer management, without spending a cent. This guide breaks down the top free and free trial options so you can test, sell, and grow without the financial commitment.
- Trusted by millions of businesses globally
- Drag-and-drop store creator
- Create your online store in minutes
- Boost sales: Create and distribute coupons
- Global sales with 80 different currencies
- Responsive design: Sell from any device
- User-friendly e-commerce site builder
- Accept online payments with 0% commission
- Secure payment & delivery options
- Start free with unlimited product listings
- Built-in SEO tools and Google integrations
- Advanced features: Abandoned cart recovery
- 240+ design templates
- Drag & drop product merchandising
- Built-in SEO tools to boost visibility
- Vast ecosystem of extensions
- Enables limitless customization
- Integrates with any WordPress site
DISCLAIMER: The “free eCommerce platform” options are recommendations designed to get you off the ground. While these programs are indeed “free” on the most basic levels or for limited times, it’s important to note that once the free trial period concludes, you will be required to pay for continued use. Additionally, if you use “Freemium” eCommerce solutions, you must pay for more advanced eCommerce features and functionality.
Free e-commerce platforms can help you launch an online store without breaking the bank. If you’re building a business on a budget, the best free e-commerce platforms let you create a professional online shop with zero upfront cost. From product listings to payment processing and shipping tools, these platforms offer everything you need to start selling without paying monthly fees.
Of course, “free” doesn’t always mean entirely cost-free. You’ll still need to consider transaction fees, paid extensions, domain names, and web hosting in some cases. But for many startups, creators, and small businesses, free e-commerce websites are a smart way to get started without the high price tag.
- Top free e-commerce platforms today include tools for:
- Creating online stores with drag-and-drop editors
- Managing inventory and tracking sales
- Handling shipping, taxes, and payment processing
- Offering a beginner-friendly setup with optional upgrades
- Building on a free version with affordable paid features
Here are our top picks for free and affordable e-commerce solutions:
Best free e-commerce platforms in 2025
⭐ Shopify Starter – Best for long-term growth with upgrade options
⭐ Site123 – Best for quick setup with no coding
⭐ Webador – Best for low-cost online stores
⭐ Square Online – Best for beginner-friendly online selling
⭐ BigCommerce – Best free trial for scaling businesses
⭐ WooCommerce – Best free e-commerce plugin for WordPress sites
Quick comparison
| Shopify Starter | Site 123 | Webador | Square Online | BigCommerce | WooCommerce | |
| Free plan or free trial? | 3-day free trial | ✅ Free plan available | ✅ Free plan available | ✅ Free plan available | 15-day free trial | ✅ Free WordPress plugin |
| Product & inventory tools | Basic tools | Very limited | Basic tools | Built-in tools | Advanced tools | Full control |
| Ease of use | Very user-friendly | Beginner-friendly | No coding needed | Drag-and-drop | Steeper learning curve | Requires WordPress setup |
| Best for | Scaling small businesses | Simple, fast online stores | Budget e-commerce websites | First-time sellers | Growing brands with big plans | WordPress users |
Our top picks
You don’t need a big budget to open an online store. These platforms offer solid free plans or trials that let you build, launch, and start selling without paying upfront. These are the ones worth checking out:
Shopify Starter: Best low-cost option to start selling online
Trusted by millions of businesses globally
Drag-and-drop store creator Shopify Starter is a budget-friendly way to start selling without building a full e-commerce website. At just $5/month, it’s not technically free, but it’s one of the cheapest and easiest ways to sell products online. Instead of a storefront, you get product links you can share through Instagram, WhatsApp, email, or anywhere you talk to customers. You still get Shopify’s secure checkout and backend tools, making it perfect for side hustlers or creators starting small.
Free plan details:
Shopify Starter doesn’t have a free plan, but it offers a $5/month entry point with access to Shopify’s core selling tools. You can create product pages, send checkout links, manage orders, and accept payments. It doesn’t include a full website builder or theme customization, but you can upgrade anytime.
Free trial available?
Yes. Shopify offers a 3-day free trial of the full platform. After that, you can downgrade to Starter or continue with a higher plan.
Key features
- Shareable product links for social selling
- Secure checkout and order management
- Shopify backend access for tracking sales
- Mobile-optimized checkout experience
- Accept credit cards, Apple Pay, and more
Pros and cons
Pros
- Extremely low-cost way to start selling
- No need to build a full website
- Trusted platform with built-in payment tools
- Great for testing product ideas or selling on social
Cons
- Not a true e-commerce storefront
- No website or design customization
- $5/month isn’t technically “free”
Who it’s for
Shopify Starter is ideal for creators, influencers, or small businesses selling through social media or messaging apps. If you’re just starting out and want a low-commitment way to accept payments online, this plan makes it simple.
Site123: Best for a fast launch
Boost sales: Create and distribute coupons
Global sales with 80 different currencies Site123 is designed for speed and simplicity, making it one of the easiest ways to create a basic online shop with no tech skills required. Its free plan includes eCommerce functionality, so you can list products and take orders without paying a monthly fee. While it’s limited in design and customization, Site123 is a great option for first-time sellers who want to get online fast.
Free plan details:
Site123’s free version includes access to its website builder and the ability to add a basic online store. You can list products, accept orders, and connect to a payment gateway, but your site will be on a Site123-branded subdomain, and storage/bandwidth are limited. To remove branding and unlock more features, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
Free trial available?
No formal free trial is needed. Site123’s free plan is available indefinitely, though key e-commerce features are restricted to premium tiers.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop website builder
- Basic online store functionality
- Templates optimized for mobile
- Supports product listings and order tracking
- Payment gateway integration
- Built-in contact forms and blog
Pros and cons
Pros
- Forever-free plan for basic selling
- Very easy to set up, no coding needed
- Fast option for launching a small store
- Mobile-friendly layouts
Cons
- Site shows Site123 branding on free plan
- Limited customization and storage
- No custom domain unless you upgrade
Who it’s for
Site123 is ideal for first-time sellers or service providers who want a simple, no-stress way to get online. If you just need to list a few products and start taking orders fast, it’s a solid starting point, especially if you’re not ready to invest in a full website yet.
Webador: Best for low-cost e-commerce sites
User-friendly e-commerce site builder
Accept online payments with 0% commission Webador offers a clean, beginner-friendly way to launch an online store without the complexity or cost of traditional platforms. Its free plan includes a simple store builder, product pages, and order management, all hosted on a Webador subdomain. If you’re just starting out and want a minimalist, budget-friendly setup, Webador delivers the basics with very little overhead.
Free plan details:
Webador’s free version includes a drag-and-drop website builder, product listings, and basic order tools. You can sell products, add images and descriptions, and track orders. The free plan includes a Webador-branded domain and limited features, but upgrading unlocks custom domains, more storage, and additional tools.
Free trial available?
No trial needed. Webador’s free plan is available indefinitely, though selling features are basic until you upgrade.
Key features
- Easy drag-and-drop website builder
- Product listings with images and descriptions
- Built-in order tracking
- Mobile-friendly templates
- Blog and contact form tools
- Hosting included
Pros and cons
Pros
- Forever-free version for basic stores
- Very simple to use—no learning curve
- Hosting is included
- Quick way to start selling online
Cons
- Free plan includes Webador branding
- No custom domain unless you upgrade
- Limited features for growing businesses
Who it’s for
Webador is a solid pick for small-scale sellers who want to set up shop with minimal hassle or cost. It’s ideal for hobby sellers, freelancers, or anyone testing an idea before committing to a full e-commerce build.
Square Online: Best free online shop platform for beginners
Start free with unlimited product listings
Built-in SEO tools and Google integrations Square Online gives you everything you need to launch a fully functional online store for free. It’s one of the only platforms that offers a forever-free plan with built-in payment processing, product management, and order tracking. Designed with beginners in mind, Square makes it easy to start selling both online and in person, with no monthly fees or technical setup required.
Free plan details:
Square’s free e-commerce plan includes a website builder, product and inventory management, payment processing, and pickup/delivery tools. You’ll be hosted on a Square-branded domain, and transaction fees apply to every sale. To remove branding and unlock advanced features, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
Free trial available?
No trial required. Square Online offers a forever-free plan with no time limit.
Key features
- Full online store with checkout
- Product, inventory, and order management
- Built-in Square payment processing
- Supports pickup, delivery, and shipping
- SEO tools and mobile-friendly templates
- Syncs with Square POS for in-person sales
Pros and cons
Pros
- Forever-free plan with core e-commerce features
- Very easy to use for beginners
- Great for combining online and offline sales
- Includes secure payment tools
Cons
- Free plan includes Square branding
- Limited design flexibility
- Transaction fees apply to each sale
Who it’s for
Square Online is ideal for local shops, restaurants, or first-time sellers who want to launch a real online store without paying monthly. It’s especially good if you already use Square for in-person payments and want everything in one place.
BigCommerce: Best free trial for scaling your store
240+ design templates
Drag & drop product merchandising BigCommerce is a powerful, enterprise-grade e-commerce platform built for businesses that want room to grow. While it doesn’t offer a free forever plan, its 15-day free trial lets you test advanced features like multi-channel selling, custom checkout, and robust inventory tools. It’s best suited for serious sellers ready to explore a more scalable solution.
Free plan details:
BigCommerce does not have a forever-free plan. However, the platform offers a 15-day free trial with full access to all features. This includes unlimited products, real-time shipping quotes, advanced SEO tools, and integrations with marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. Once the trial ends, pricing starts at $39/month.
Free trial available?
Yes. BigCommerce offers a 15-day free trial with no credit card required.
Key features
- Unlimited product listings and bandwidth
- Multi-channel integrations (Amazon, eBay, Meta, etc.)
- Custom checkout and payment options
- Advanced SEO and marketing tools
- Inventory and shipping management
- Built-in analytics and reporting
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full-featured trial with no restrictions
- Scalable for fast-growing businesses
- Strong SEO and omnichannel tools
- No transaction fees on any plan
Cons
- No free version after trial
- Monthly pricing starts higher than most
- Not as beginner-friendly as drag-and-drop platforms
Who it’s for
BigCommerce is best for established sellers or fast-growing businesses that want to test advanced features before committing. If you’re ready to scale and want a serious e-commerce platform that can grow with you, the free trial gives you a solid head start.
WooCommerce: Best free solution for WordPress users
Vast ecosystem of extensions
Enables limitless customization WooCommerce is a free, open-source e-commerce plugin that turns any WordPress site into a fully functional online store. It’s highly customizable, developer-friendly, and packed with features, even on the free version. While it’s not as plug-and-play as other platforms, it offers unmatched flexibility for sellers who want full control over their site.
Free plan details:
WooCommerce is free to install and use with any WordPress website. It includes product listings, payment integration, shipping options, and order management. You’ll need to pay separately for web hosting, a domain name, and any premium extensions, but the core software remains free.
Free trial available?
No trial needed. WooCommerce is free to download and use indefinitely.
Key features
- Sell physical or digital products
- Built-in PayPal, Stripe, and offline payments
- Inventory, tax, and shipping management
- Wide range of free and paid extensions
- Full control over design and functionality
- Works with any WordPress theme
Pros and cons
Pros
- Completely free to use
- Extremely flexible and customizable
- Huge library of extensions and plugins
- Strong community support
Cons
- Requires WordPress knowledge
- Hosting and domain costs not included
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
Who it’s for
WooCommerce is ideal for sellers who already use WordPress and want full control over their store’s look, features, and functionality. It’s a great option for developers, DIY business owners, or anyone who wants to build a unique shopping experience without monthly software fees.
Is a free e-commerce platform right for your business?
If you’re launching a new store or selling on the side, a free e-commerce platform can be the easiest way to get started. These tools let you list products, accept payments, and manage orders without paying monthly fees, making them ideal for beginners, side hustlers, or anyone testing the waters before investing.
But not all free e-commerce platforms are the same. Some put limits on storage or product listings, others display platform branding or charge higher transaction fees. So while “free” sounds great, it’s important to choose a platform that won’t hold your business back too soon.
What you should consider with a free e-commerce platform
Before picking a free or low-cost e-commerce solution, ask yourself:
- How many products am I selling? Some free plans cap product listings or storage.
- Do I need a custom domain? Many free sites come with branded subdomains unless you upgrade.
- What kind of design control do I want? Drag-and-drop builders are great for beginners, but may limit flexibility.
- Will I outgrow this platform quickly? Choose something that lets you scale when your business takes off.
- How are payments handled? Look for platforms with secure, built-in payment processing, preferably without steep transaction fees.
If your goal is to launch quickly and start selling without overhead, a free e-commerce website builder can be more than enough.
Business types that benefit most from a free e-commerce platform
A free online shop platform is a smart choice for:
- Creators and influencers selling through social media
- Freelancers or service providers adding a small product line
- Hobbyists or crafters testing product ideas
- Small businesses launching an MVP (minimum viable product)
- Local sellers adding online ordering or pickup
- Side hustlers who want to try e-commerce without commitment
If you’re still manually invoicing or selling through DMs, a free e-commerce site gives you a more professional (and scalable) setup.
What can you do with free e-commerce software?
The best free e-commerce platforms let you:
- List and manage physical or digital products
- Accept payments securely with built-in checkout
- Track orders, shipping, and inventory
- Sell through social media, email, or your own website
- Use built-in SEO and marketing tools to get found
- Manage everything from desktop or mobile
Even with a free plan, you can create a real online store that works, no coding or upfront investment needed.
The bottom line
For many small businesses, a free e-commerce platform is the smartest way to launch. You can test your products, build a brand, and start generating sales, without the cost. Start free, keep it simple, and only upgrade when you’re ready to grow.
FAQ
Q: Are free e-commerce platforms really free?
A: Yes, but with limitations. Most free plans include basic tools like product listings, payments, and order tracking—but you may see platform branding or pay transaction fees.
Q: Can I use a free e-commerce platform to sell on social media?
A: Definitely. Platforms like Shopify Starter and Square Online let you sell directly through Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, or via shareable product links.
Q: What’s the difference between a forever-free plan and a free trial?
A: A forever-free plan gives you unlimited time with limited features. A free trial lets you use the full platform for a short time (usually 14–30 days) before requiring a paid plan.
Q: Which free e-commerce platform is best for beginners?
A: Square Online and Site123 are especially beginner-friendly, with drag-and-drop tools and simple setup. Shopify Starter is also great for social-first sellers.
Q: Do free e-commerce platforms work on mobile?
A: Yes. All platforms listed here offer mobile-friendly store templates and dashboards, so you can run your business from anywhere.
