Thinking about starting an online shop but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. Many people want to sell online without a big upfront investment. The good news is there are some great options out there that let you get started for free. This article looks at some of the best free website for online store platforms available in 2025, helping you launch your business without breaking the bank. We’ll cover what they offer and why they might be the right choice for you.
Key Takeaways
- Starting an online store is more affordable than a physical shop, with average costs around $39 per month, but free options exist.
- Ecommerce is a growing market, with global sales projected to reach $6.8 trillion by 2026.
- Platforms handle technical tasks, allowing focus on products and customers.
- Flexible business models like dropshipping are supported.
- You can run your business from anywhere with an internet connection.
1. Shopify
When you’re thinking about starting an online store, Shopify often comes up first, and for good reason. It’s been around for ages, and millions of businesses have used it to get their products out there. Honestly, it’s pretty hard to beat if you want to get something selling online fast.
Getting started is super simple. You can sign up for a free three-day trial, and within minutes, you can have a basic version of your store ready. The setup process guides you through adding products, tweaking how your store looks, connecting your own web address, and getting ready to accept payments. Even if you’ve never built a website before, Shopify’s interface is pretty straightforward. Everything is clearly marked, and the help guides are really thorough. Things like designing your store, adding new items, setting up discounts, figuring out payments, and checking your sales numbers are all easy to figure out on your own.
Key Features
- Store Builder: Shopify offers over 100 themes that look good on phones and are easy to customize without needing to code. You can add unlimited products and use a built-in AI tool to help with store design and writing product descriptions. As your business grows, you can add more features with apps or build a totally custom store.
- Selling Tools: You can sell through your website, directly on social media, wholesale to other businesses, and even in person using Shopify POS. Features like abandoned cart recovery and email campaigns help you make more sales. They also have tools to make selling internationally easier.
- Payment Processing: Every Shopify plan includes a payment system that accepts all major payment methods right away. You can also use over 100 other payment providers. The checkout process is customizable, letting you offer options like express checkout, in-store pickup, discount codes, and Shop Pay, which is known for converting well.
Pricing
Shopify offers a free trial, and then plans start at $29 per month when billed annually. There are also transaction fees depending on your plan and payment provider.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Really easy to set up, with all the tools you need included.
- It’s a popular and effective platform, so you get great support and resources.
- Cons:
- It can get pricey, especially if you end up buying a lot of extra apps.
Shopify is a solid choice for most small businesses that need to get an online store running quickly. It’s a platform that can support your business journey, whether you’re starting from home or aiming to become a big international brand. You get one place to manage everything, optimize your store, sell on social media, or explore models like dropshipping.
Shopify is a great way to start a business online. You can explore different selling methods and manage your finances and shipping all in one place. The platform is known for its ease of use, making it accessible for beginners. You can also find many third-party apps to add more functionality to your store as you grow. For those looking to sell products, Shopify provides a robust system to manage your inventory and customer orders effectively. It’s a platform that scales with your business, from a small startup to a larger operation. You can also sell on social media directly through the platform, expanding your reach. If you’re interested in learning more about building a thriving Shopify webshop, there are many resources available.
2. Square Online
Square Online is a really solid choice if you’re already using Square for your physical store. It makes it super easy to get your business online without a huge hassle. The biggest draw here is how well it syncs your online and in-person sales. If you sell something at a market, the inventory updates automatically, so you don’t have to worry about someone ordering something you no longer have. It’s pretty straightforward to set up, too. You can get a basic store page going pretty quickly.
Key Features and Benefits
- Integrated Payments: Works seamlessly with Square’s payment processing, which is convenient if you’re already a Square user.
- Inventory Sync: Keeps your online and physical store inventory levels updated automatically.
- Simple Setup: You can create a basic online store or even just a single product page without much fuss.
- POS Integration: Connects with Square’s point-of-sale system for unified business management.
Pricing and Plans
Square Online offers a free plan, which is great for getting started. You’ll pay transaction fees, of course. If you want to remove Square branding or use your own domain name, you’ll need to upgrade. Paid plans start around $29 per month when you pay annually.
Customization and Design
When it comes to making your site look unique, Square Online is a bit more limited compared to some other platforms. Free users have to work with the built-in site builder, which is decent, but paid plans offer more customizable themes. If you want something really custom, you can hire a Square specialist, but that’s an extra cost.
Support and Resources
Square does offer resources to help you build your site. You can even hire a Square Specialist if you need help with design, setup, or other technical aspects of your online store. They have specialists who can assist with things like SEO and custom web development.
While Square Online is fantastic for syncing sales and inventory, its design options can feel a bit restricted if you’re aiming for a highly unique brand look without paying for custom help.
3. Wix
Wix is a really popular choice for people who want to build a website that includes an online store. It’s a drag-and-drop builder, which means you don’t need to know any coding to get started. They have a ton of templates to pick from, so you can find something that looks good for your business.
Setting up your store is pretty straightforward. You can add products, figure out how you want to get paid, and set up shipping without too much fuss. If you want to add more features, Wix has a big marketplace with apps and extensions. You can connect things like accounting software or shipping tools with just a click. It’s also possible to link Wix to thousands of other apps using something called Zapier.
Wix Pros:
- It’s a top-notch site builder with good eCommerce features built-in.
- It’s a great option if you want to build a complete website where the store is just one part of it.
- You can speed up some of your search engine optimization work.
Wix Cons:
- It’s not as focused purely on eCommerce as some other platforms out there.
Wix is a solid all-around website builder that also handles online stores well. If you’re looking to create a full website with a blog, contact pages, and an online shop all in one place, Wix makes that pretty easy. It’s a good starting point if you don’t want to get into more complicated systems like WordPress.
4. Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder that really focuses on making things look good. If you’re someone who cares a lot about the visual appeal of your online store, this might be the platform for you. It uses a drag-and-drop system, which is pretty easy to get the hang of. You can sell physical items, digital downloads, services, and even gift cards. It also has some built-in tools for managing your stock and printing shipping labels.
Why choose this ecommerce platform?
Once you upgrade to one of their paid plans, Squarespace lets you set up a shop with a secure checkout. It works with popular payment methods like Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Afterpay. You can also add a Shopify Buy Button to your Squarespace site for a small monthly fee, which lets you sell through Shopify’s checkout system.
Plans and pricing
The Basic plan for Squarespace starts at $16 per month if you pay for a full year upfront.
Ecommerce features
Squarespace includes features for keeping track of your inventory. You can also sell subscription products and print shipping labels. If you’re already using Squarespace, you can add a Shopify Buy Button for just $5 a month. This lets you sell items using Shopify’s checkout.
Pros
- Templates that you can change a lot.
- You can sell different kinds of things: physical goods, digital items, gift cards, and services.
- Tools to help with search engine optimization (SEO), with clear instructions.
- Customer support is available all day, every day through email, a chatbot, and social media.
Cons
- It only lets you show one currency at a time, which isn’t great if you sell to many different countries.
- The app store is quite small, with only 36 add-ons compared to thousands on other platforms.
- There’s no phone support if you need to talk to someone directly.
Squarespace is a good option if design is your top priority and you don’t need a huge number of apps or international currency options right away. It’s pretty straightforward to get a good-looking store up and running.
G2 rating ⭐: 4.4/5
5. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking to scale up your online store, especially if you’re not just starting out with a few items. It feels more like a serious business tool than some of the simpler platforms out there. They’ve packed it with features that help established businesses get online fast, like built-in shipping and tax calculations. This means less fiddling with settings and more time actually selling.
Key Features and Considerations
- Scalability: BigCommerce is built for growth. It handles a lot of products and traffic without breaking a sweat.
- Marketplace Integration: You can easily list your products on places like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook directly from your BigCommerce dashboard. It uses something called a Channel Manager to keep everything updated across all your selling spots.
- Customization: While they offer some free themes, the really good-looking ones can cost a bit, usually between $100 and $400. The drag-and-drop builder is quite powerful, though, so you can really make a theme your own if you’re willing to put in the effort or the cash.
- Integrations: It plays nicely with other tools you might be using, like Zapier, which can automate tasks like sending customer info to your CRM. This is super handy for streamlining your workflow.
Pricing Tiers
BigCommerce has a few different plans, and they’re tied to how much you sell.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Sales Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $39 | $50,000 |
| Plus | $105 | $180,000 |
Who is BigCommerce For?
This platform seems best suited for businesses that are already doing some sales or have a clear plan to grow quickly. If you’re just testing the waters with an online store, it might be a bit more than you need right now. It’s geared more towards businesses ready to make a serious push online, not so much for hobbyists.
BigCommerce Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- A robust solution that’s like a scaled-down version of enterprise-level software.
- Features like shipping and taxes are ready to go, helping established businesses get online quickly.
- Cons:
- Could be too much for very small businesses just getting started.
6. WooCommerce
If you’re already using WordPress for your website, then WooCommerce is a pretty natural choice for adding e-commerce capabilities. It’s basically a plugin that turns your WordPress site into a fully functional online store. This means if you know how to create a blog post in WordPress, you’ll pick up adding products pretty quickly. You just need to add product details, images, and organize them into categories. It’s all managed right from your familiar WordPress dashboard, which is a big plus.
WooCommerce itself is free, but you’ll need to factor in costs for hosting and a domain name, just like any other website. Plus, you might end up spending more if you need to buy extra features or extensions from their marketplace. There are tons of these available, from getting real-time shipping quotes to adding subscription options for your customers. You can really customize your store this way, combining WooCommerce extensions with other WordPress plugins.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source, giving you lots of design freedom.
- Comes with basic selling features right out of the box.
- Has a large community of users and developers who can help out.
Cons
- Only works if you have a WordPress site.
- Costs can increase with paid extensions and hosting.
- Customer support can be a bit limited.
Setting up WooCommerce is straightforward if you’re comfortable with WordPress. You download the plugin, install it, and follow the setup steps. It integrates smoothly with your existing site, so you don’t have to learn a whole new system. This makes it a great option for existing WordPress users looking to start selling online.
WooCommerce is a powerful tool for anyone already invested in the WordPress ecosystem. It offers a lot of flexibility, but be prepared for potential extra costs if you need advanced features. It’s a solid way to build your online store without leaving the WordPress environment.
G2 rating ⭐: 4.4
7. Zyro
Okay, so let’s talk about Zyro. It was a website builder that a lot of people used, and it was pretty straightforward for getting an online store up and running. You could pick from different templates, add your products, and set up payment options. It was one of those tools that aimed to make things easy, especially if you weren’t super tech-savvy. They had features like a drag-and-drop editor, which is always nice when you’re building a site yourself.
However, there’s a pretty big update here: Zyro has been discontinued as of December 2023. It’s now fully integrated into the Hostinger Website Builder. So, while you might still find references to Zyro, if you’re looking to build a new online store today, you’ll actually be using the Hostinger platform. This means the features and interface you’d interact with are now part of Hostinger’s builder.
Key Features (Previously Zyro, now Hostinger Website Builder)
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed for ease of use, even for beginners.
- E-commerce Tools: Included product management, inventory tracking, and secure checkout options.
- Customizable Templates: A variety of designs to choose from to match your brand.
- AI Tools: Features like an AI writer and heatmap were available to help optimize your site.
The shift from Zyro to Hostinger Website Builder means that the development and support for the platform are now under Hostinger’s umbrella. This integration aims to provide a more robust and continuously updated website building experience for users.
Pricing (as part of Hostinger)
While Zyro itself is no longer a standalone product, Hostinger offers various plans. Their website builder is typically included in their web hosting packages, often starting with affordable introductory rates. You can usually find plans that include the website builder, a domain name, and other hosting essentials. It’s worth checking out Hostinger’s website directly for the most current pricing and package details, as these can change.
What to Expect Now
Since Zyro is now part of Hostinger, any new online store you build will be on the Hostinger platform. This means you’ll be working with their tools and interface. They offer a range of features that should cover most small to medium-sized online businesses. It’s a good idea to explore what Hostinger provides to see if it fits your needs for your new online venture.
8. Weebly
Weebly
Weebly, now owned by Square, is a solid choice if you’re looking to blend online sales with in-person events. Think farmer’s markets or craft fairs. It’s really built for businesses that already have a physical presence and want to expand online, rather than for those starting purely online. Everything, from your online orders to your in-person sales, can be managed from one spot. This means no more juggling different apps or trying to piece together customer info from random spreadsheets. It’s pretty straightforward.
When Square bought Weebly back in 2018, it integrated its website-building tech. So, if you ever see a URL pointing to weebly.com when you’re using Square, that’s totally normal. It’s just the engine running under the hood.
- Pros:
- Cons:
Weebly’s onboarding process is generally well-regarded. When you first sign up, you’ll go through a questionnaire that asks for details about your business. This helps tailor the setup to your specific needs, making the initial steps less confusing.
9. GoDaddy E-commerce
GoDaddy has a pretty straightforward approach to e-commerce, aiming to make it simple for folks to get an online store up and running. It’s part of their larger suite of tools for small businesses, so if you’re already using GoDaddy for your domain or hosting, it might feel familiar. They offer a free plan, which is great for testing the waters or for businesses with a very small number of products.
Key Features and What to Expect
GoDaddy E-commerce provides a decent set of tools to get you selling online. You get a website builder that’s pretty easy to use, allowing you to pick a template and customize it without needing to be a design whiz. They also handle the basics like payment processing and shipping integrations, which is a big plus when you’re just starting out.
- Website Builder: Drag-and-drop interface for easy site creation.
- Product Management: Add and organize your products, including descriptions and images.
- Payment Processing: Securely accept payments from customers.
- Shipping Tools: Set up shipping rates and manage orders.
- Marketing Integrations: Connect with social media and email marketing tools.
Pricing Tiers
GoDaddy offers a few different plans, including that free option. The paid plans usually add more features, like the ability to remove GoDaddy branding, more storage, and better marketing tools. It’s worth looking at their specific plan details to see what fits your budget and needs.
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost (Approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic store, limited products |
| Basic | $10-$15 | More products, custom domain |
| Standard | $15-$20 | Advanced marketing, analytics |
While GoDaddy E-commerce is accessible, especially with its free tier, it’s important to understand its limitations. For businesses expecting rapid growth or needing highly specialized e-commerce functionalities, exploring other platforms might be a good idea. However, for a simple, no-fuss online shop, it can certainly get the job done.
The platform is a good starting point for anyone looking to establish an online presence without a steep learning curve. It’s designed to be user-friendly, which is a big deal when you’re juggling a million other things as a new business owner. You can get your products listed and start selling without needing a lot of technical know-how. It’s a solid choice for getting your online store off the ground.
10. Jimdo
Jimdo is another option that lets you build an online store without too much fuss. It’s pretty straightforward, especially if you’re just getting your business off the ground and don’t want to get bogged down in complicated settings. They use AI to help you create your store, which can be a real time-saver.
It’s not the most feature-rich platform out there, but for simple product listings and basic sales, it does the job. You can process payments directly through Jimdo, which is convenient, and they handle the hosting and security, so you don’t have to worry about that part.
Key Features and Considerations
- AI-powered store creation: Get your online shop up and running faster with AI assistance.
- Integrated payments: Accept payments directly through the platform.
- Hosting and security included: Jimdo takes care of the technical backend.
Pricing Structure
Jimdo offers a few different plans, and while there’s a free option, it’s quite limited for a serious online store. Paid plans unlock more features, like custom domains and more storage. It’s worth comparing their plans to see what fits your budget and needs.
Ease of Use
If you’re not super tech-savvy, Jimdo is a good choice. The interface is clean and easy to understand. You won’t find as many fancy design options as some other builders, but the simplicity can be a big plus when you’re focused on selling.
Building an online store can feel overwhelming, but platforms like Jimdo aim to simplify the process. They focus on making it easy for anyone to get started, which is great for small businesses or individuals testing out a new product idea.
Wrapping Up Your Online Store Journey
So, you’ve seen the options out there for getting your online store up and running without breaking the bank in 2025. It’s pretty cool how much you can do these days with free tools. Whether you’re just testing the waters or ready to go all-in, there’s a platform that can handle the tech stuff so you can focus on your products and customers. Remember to crunch the numbers a bit with any plan you pick, just to make sure it makes sense for your budget. Starting an online store is more accessible than ever, and with the right free website builder, you’re well on your way to selling on your own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start my online store for free?
You can start your online store for free by signing up for a free account with platforms like Square Online. They offer free plans where you can build your website and start selling. You’ll typically only pay processing fees when you make a sale, not monthly fees to use the service.
How much does it really cost to start an online store in 2025?
The cost to start an online store in 2025 can vary, but it’s generally much cheaper than opening a physical shop. On average, you might spend around $39 per month, but this depends on the features you pick, marketing efforts, and any design help you might need.
Can I sell online without holding inventory?
Yes, you can. Many platforms let you sell without holding your own stock. This is called dropshipping or print-on-demand. It means you can sell items that are made and shipped by someone else, so you don’t need to buy inventory upfront.
What is an e-commerce platform?
An e-commerce platform is like a toolkit for your online business. It provides the software you need to create a website, manage your products, handle payments, and even deal with marketing and keeping track of your stock.
Why should I start an online store in 2025?
Starting an online store is a great idea because it’s more affordable than a physical store. Plus, the online market is huge and growing! You can reach customers anywhere with an internet connection and use powerful tools to help you manage everything, letting you focus on your products.
How should I choose the best e-commerce platform for my business?
When choosing a platform, think about what you sell and how you want to run your business. Look at the plans and payment options to see what makes the most sense for your budget. It’s a good idea to do some quick math to figure out the best fit for you.