Running an online store used to be a complex and costly endeavor. But today, numerous free eCommerce platforms empower aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses to establish their online presence without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 25 free eCommerce platforms, breaking down their features and offering simplified step-by-step guides.
25 Best Free eCommerce Platforms: Simple Guides & Features
1. Shopify
Shopify is a user-friendly platform designed for beginners. You can create your store quickly by following these simple steps:
- Sign up for Shopify.
- Choose a template.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Set up your domain.
- Launch your store.
Features:
- User-friendly interface.
- A wide range of templates.
- Secure and reliable.
- Comprehensive payment options.
- 24/7 customer support.
2. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress. Here’s how to get started:
- Install WordPress.
- Add the WooCommerce plugin.
- Configure settings.
- Add products.
- Set up payments.
Features:
- Highly customizable.
- Integration with WordPress.
- Great for content-heavy websites.
- Various extensions available.
- SEO-friendly.
3. BigCommerce
BigCommerce offers a robust platform for larger businesses. Follow these steps:
- Sign up for BigCommerce.
- Choose a template.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Launch your store.
Features:
- Scalability.
- Responsive templates.
- Built-in SEO features.
- Excellent security.
- Abandoned cart recovery.
4. Wix
Wix is known for its user-friendly website builder. Here’s how to create an eCommerce site with Wix:
- Sign up for Wix.
- Choose an eCommerce template.
- Customize your design.
- Add products.
- Set up payments.
- Publish your site.
Features:
- Drag-and-drop builder.
- Hundreds of templates.
- Mobile optimization.
- Integrated eCommerce tools.
- SEO features.
5. Magento
Magento is a powerful open-source platform. To get started:
- Download and install Magento.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
Features:
- Highly customizable.
- Robust for large stores.
- Strong SEO capabilities.
- Advanced marketing tools.
- Scalability.
6. OpenCart
OpenCart is a free, open-source platform. Begin with these steps:
- Download and install OpenCart.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
Features:
- Easy installation.
- User-friendly admin panel.
- Multilingual support.
- Thousands of extensions.
- SEO-friendly.
7. PrestaShop
PrestaShop offers a user-friendly experience. Follow these steps:
- Download and install PrestaShop.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
Features:
- Intuitive interface.
- Multilingual support.
- Extensive marketplace.
- Marketing features.
- SEO optimization.
8. 3dcart
3dcart is a comprehensive eCommerce platform. Here’s how to start:
- Sign up for 3dcart.
- Choose a template.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Launch your store.
Features:
- All-in-one platform.
- SEO-friendly URLs.
- Abandoned cart saver.
- Integration with various payment gateways.
- 24/7 support.
9. Volusion
Volusion is an all-in-one eCommerce solution. Begin with these steps:
- Sign up for Volusion.
- Choose a template.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Launch your store.
Features:
- User-friendly.
- SEO tools.
- Mobile-responsive.
- Comprehensive analytics.
- Secure checkout.
10. Squarespace
Squarespace is known for its stunning templates. Create your eCommerce site with these steps:
- Sign up for Squarespace.
- Choose an eCommerce template.
- Customize your design.
- Add products.
- Set up payments.
- Publish your site.
Features:
- Beautiful templates.
- User-friendly interface.
- Mobile optimization.
- Integrated blogging.
- 24/7 customer support.
11. Weebly
Weebly is a simple website builder with eCommerce capabilities. Here’s how to set it up:
- Sign up for Weebly.
- Choose an eCommerce template.
- Customize your design.
- Add products.
- Set up payments.
- Publish your site.
Features:
- Drag-and-drop builder.
- Mobile-responsive.
- Integrated eCommerce.
- SEO tools.
- App center for additional features.
12. Zen Cart
Zen Cart is an open-source eCommerce platform. Follow these steps:
- Download and install Zen Cart.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
Features:
- User-friendly admin interface.
- Multiple payment options.
- SEO optimization.
- Multilingual support.
- Community-driven.
13. osCommerce
osCommerce is one of the oldest open-source eCommerce platforms. Get started with:
- Download and install osCommerce.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
Features:
- Robust community.
- Numerous add-ons.
- Multilingual support.
- SEO-friendly.
- Mobile-responsive.
14. Drupal Commerce
Drupal Commerce is a flexible solution for Drupal users. Here’s how to set it up:
- Install Drupal.
- Add the Drupal Commerce module.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
Features:
- Integration with Drupal.
- Highly customizable.
- SEO optimization.
- Developer-friendly.
- Scalable.
15. Ecwid
Ecwid is a versatile eCommerce solution. Begin with these steps:
- Sign up for Ecwid.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
- Embed on your website.
Features:
- Easy integration with existing websites.
- Mobile-responsive.
- Sell on multiple platforms.
- Secure checkout.
- Inventory management.
16. X-Cart
X-Cart offers a feature-rich eCommerce platform. Follow these steps to set it up:
- Sign up for X-Cart.
- Choose a template.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Launch your store.
Features:
- Comprehensive eCommerce features.
- Multichannel selling.
- SEO optimization.
- Secure checkout.
- Support for various payment gateways.
17. PinnacleCart
PinnacleCart is a user-friendly eCommerce platform. Get started with these steps:
- Sign up for PinnacleCart.
- Choose a template.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Launch your store.
Features:
- User-friendly interface.
- SEO tools.
- Mobile-responsive.
- Secure checkout.
- Marketing features.
18. Zenler
Zenler is an eCommerce platform for online course creators. Here’s how to set it up:
- Sign up for Zenler.
- Customize your course website.
- Add courses.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
- Launch your site.
Features:
- Ideal for online courses.
- User-friendly.
- Marketing and sales tools.
- Secure payments.
- Analytics.
19. Snipcart
Snipcart is a simple shopping cart solution. Begin with these steps:
- Sign up for Snipcart.
- Add the Snipcart script to your website.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Launch your store.
Features:
- Easy integration.
- Customizable.
- Secure payments.
- Developer-friendly.
- Multilingual support.
20. Spree Commerce
Spree Commerce is a flexible open-source platform. Here’s how to set it up:
- Download and install Spree Commerce.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
Features:
- Highly customizable.
- Scalable.
- SEO-friendly.
- Responsive design.
- Multilingual support.
21. Jigoshop
Jigoshop is an eCommerce plugin for WordPress. Get started with:
- Install WordPress.
- Add the Jigoshop plugin.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
Features:
- Integration with WordPress.
- User-friendly.
- Mobile-responsive.
- Secure checkout.
- Extensive documentation.
22. Shopware
Shopware is a robust eCommerce platform. Follow these steps to set it up:
- Download and install Shopware.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
Features:
- Comprehensive eCommerce features.
- Responsive design.
- Multichannel selling.
- SEO optimization.
- Community support.
23. LemonStand
LemonStand is a customizable eCommerce platform. Begin with these steps:
- Sign up for LemonStand.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Set up payments.
- Launch your store.
Features:
- Highly customizable.
- Mobile-responsive.
- Secure checkout.
- SEO tools.
- Support for various payment gateways.
24. FreeWebStore
FreeWebStore is a simple eCommerce solution. Get started with these steps:
- Sign up for FreeWebStore.
- Choose a template.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Launch your store.
Features:
- Easy setup.
- Mobile-responsive.
- Secure checkout.
- Basic SEO features.
- Multilingual support.
25. Shopaccino
Shopaccino is an eCommerce platform with various features. Follow these steps to set it up:
- Sign up for Shopaccino.
- Choose a template.
- Customize your store.
- Add products.
- Configure settings.
- Launch your store.
Features:
- Multichannel selling.
- Mobile-responsive.
- SEO optimization.
- Secure checkout.
- Marketing tools.
In this guide, we’ve explored the 25 best free eCommerce platforms, providing you with simplified step-by-step guides and highlighting their key features. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy start or a business owner seeking scalability, there’s a free eCommerce solution that suits your needs. Choose the one that aligns with your goals and start building your online store today.