What if I told you that starting an online store doesn’t have to break the bank? Shocking right?
No doubt starting an online store can be an exciting journey, but finding the cheapest eCommerce platform is often a challenge.
Many business owners and entrepreneurs want to create a functional eCommerce website without overspending. The good news is that several cost-effective solutions cater to various needs, whether you’re just starting or upgrading your existing eCommerce business.
This blog will suggest the best cheap eCommerce builders and help you make an informed decision while maximizing your budget.
What is an eCommerce Platform?
An ecommerce platform is a software solution that enables users to create and manage an online store. This platform provides the necessary tools to build an ecommerce website.
It also allows business owners to sell online effectively. These platforms typically come with built ecommerce features such as shopping carts, payment processing, and inventory management. Users can choose from various plans, including free trials or free plans for those just starting their ecommerce business depending on the platform.
By choosing the right ecommerce platform, entrepreneurs can simplify their operations and provide a better shopping experience for customers.
Why Do You Need an eCommerce Platform?
An eCommerce platform simplifies the process of setting up an online store. It allows business owners to focus on growing their businesses rather than stressing about technical complexities. For affordable or on a budget business, ready-made eCommerce platforms will be a better option. Here are some reasons why a ready-made eCommerce platform is essential.
- We need an eCommerce platform because it is easy to use. It offers features like drag-and-drop tools, pre-designed templates, and a simplified setup. Moreover, choosing ready-made solutions will help you start your business without any delay.
- These platforms offer secure payment gateways, ensuring customer transactions are processed safely and protecting sensitive data.
- eCommerce platforms help manage inventory, track stock levels, and streamline the order fulfillment process, reducing manual effort and the risk of errors.
- They offer a range of customizable options, such as themes, plugins, and integrations, allowing business owners to create a unique shopping experience and meet specific business needs.
- As your business grows, eCommerce platforms can scale with you. Moreover, it offers the flexibility to add new features, expand your product range, and reach a larger audience.
Top Cheapest eCommerce Platforms to Consider
Let’s explore the best eCommerce platforms also affordable and offer great value for business owners:
1. Shopify

Shopify offers everything you need to build and manage a full-fledged eCommerce store, including a website builder, payment processing, inventory management, advanced reporting, marketing tools, and the ability to sell across multiple channels
Benefits:
- Full access to a range of powerful eCommerce tools.
- Customizable themes for a professional storefront.
- Ability to scale with your business growth.
Price: Starts at $25/month (Basic Plan).
Best For: Businesses that need a full-featured online store.
2. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a highly customizable plugin that turns WordPress sites into fully functional online stores. It offers an extensive library of plugins for additional features and is scalable for growing your business.
Benefits:
- Low initial cost, with flexibility to add features as needed.
- Complete control over store design and functionality.
- Suitable for businesses looking for advanced customization.
Price: The main WooCommerce plugin is free to download & use. The other packages plans start at $135 per year.
Best For: Business use or want to build a website using WordPress.
3. Big Cartel

Big Cartel highlights simplicity and also offers quick setup and a basic eCommerce process. It’s a good fit for creatives who want a straightforward platform with minimal hassle.
Benefits:
- Free plan available for very small operations.
- No technical expertise is required to set up.
- Simple interface tailored to small-scale sellers.
Price: Free, paid plans start at $15/month.
Best For: Artists and small businesses selling a limited range of products.
4. Ecwid

Ecwid allows users to integrate eCommerce capabilities into their existing websites and sell through social media. It includes mobile app management for on-the-go operations.
Benefits:
- Cost-effective for those with existing websites.
- Enables social media and multi-channel selling.
- Easy-to-use mobile app for managing sales.
Price: Free plan available; paid plans start at $25/month.
Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses.
5. Squarespace

Squarespace provides a range of visually stunning templates, blogging functionality, and integration options for eCommerce. It’s ideal for showcasing products beautifully.
Benefits:
- Highly professional and stylish website templates.
- User-friendly interface for non-technical users.
- Great for combining eCommerce with content marketing.
Price: Plans start at $25/month
Best For: Easy customization and world-class design.
6. Weebly

Weebly offers a drag-and-drop website builder, basic eCommerce features, and built-in SEO tools to help new businesses establish an online presence.
Benefits:
- Intuitive design perfect for first-time users.
- A free plan is available to test the platform.
- Basic tools for selling online without overwhelming complexity.
Price: Free plan available; paid plans start at $10/month.
Best For: Beginners looking for an easy-to-use platform.
7. PrestaShop

PrestaShop is a free, open-source eCommerce platform that provides complete control over your eCommerce store. It offers extensive customization options through modules and add-ons and has a large community for support.
Benefits:
- Full control over store design and functionality.
- Large library of add-ons to enhance functionality.
- No recurring subscription fees, though hosting and add-ons come with costs.
Price: The core platform is free to use, but launching a website comes at a cost. After a 14-day free trial, pricing starts at €24 (HT) per month.
Best For: Businesses looking for an open-source, highly customizable platform.
8. BigCommerce

BigCommerce offers a robust platform for building and scaling online stores. It includes built-in tools for SEO, multi-channel selling, and payment processing. It’s known for its scalability and ease of integration with various apps and tools. BigCommerce is also known as the best free website builder for eCommerce.
Benefits:
- Advanced eCommerce features for larger stores & adjustable with multiple sales channels.
- Built-in tools for SEO, marketing, and analytics.
- No transaction fees, making it ideal for high-volume sellers.
Price: Standard plans start at $39/month.
Best For: Growing businesses that need more advanced eCommerce features.
9. Subbly

Subbly is a subscription-first eCommerce platform tailored for businesses focused on recurring revenue models. It offers tools to easily create, manage, and grow subscription-based services without the need for advanced technical knowledge.
Benefits:
- Specifically designed for subscription-based businesses, with features like subscription billing, customer management, and analytics.
- User-friendly interface with a website builder and customizable subscription workflows.
- Includes automation tools to streamline order management and recurring payments.
Price: Basic plans start at $39/month.
Best For: Entrepreneurs and businesses focused on subscription boxes, memberships, or other recurring revenue models.
10. Wix

Wix is known for its drag-and-drop website builder, which also includes eCommerce features for selling products. It’s ideal for users who want an easy way to create a professional-looking website without needing coding skills.
Benefits:
- Extremely user-friendly with an intuitive drag-and-drop builder.
- Variety of design templates and customizable features.
- Great for small businesses or personal projects that need a simple online presence.
Price: Basic plans start at $17/month.
Best For: Small businesses or individuals needing a simple, visually appealing website with eCommerce functionality.
Features to Look Out for in Cheap Website Builders
When thinking about cheap ecommerce platforms, it’s essential to consider several key features. Additionally, a platform that offers a free trial or a free ecommerce plan can be beneficial for testing before committing. Key Features to Consider Before Choosing a Website Platform.
- Easy to use
- Make sure features should be flexible.
- Compatible with different browsers.
- Support mobile optimization.
- Ensure blogging & eCommerce tools.
- Customizable template & design
- Excellent customer service
- SEO optimization features.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Cheap eCommerce Platforms
Cheap eCommerce platforms are an attractive option for businesses on a budget also it offer an affordable way to establish an online store.
However, while the lower cost is pretty, it’s important to consider the benefits against potential limitations. This overview explores the key advantages and disadvantages of using budget-friendly eCommerce platforms.
Here’s a summarized table of the advantages and disadvantages of cheap eCommerce platforms:
Aspects | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Cost | Affordable pricing makes it accessible for small businesses and startups. | Limited features compared to more expensive platforms. |
Ease of Use | Often designed with user-friendly interfaces for beginners. | May lack advanced customization options for experienced users. |
Templates | Provides basic templates to quickly set up a store. | Templates may not be as visually appealing or highly customizable as premium platforms. |
Scalability | Suitable for small businesses starting out. | May not support rapid business growth or high-volume sales effectively. |
Integration | Includes basic integrations like payment gateways and shipping tools. | Fewer third-party integrations and advanced tools compared to higher-end solutions. |
Support | Some platforms offer basic support to help with issues. | Support may not be as responsive or comprehensive as with premium services. |
SEO Tools | Basic SEO features help with initial visibility. | Limited advanced SEO capabilities for optimizing larger-scale eCommerce websites. |
How to Set Up Your Ecommerce Website on a Budget?
As you’ve already explored the range of the cheapest online eCommerce platforms. Your next thought might be: how do I set up my eCommerce business?
By following a few strategic steps, you can create a top eCommerce site that meets your needs.
Choose an Affordable Platform
After exploring affordable eCommerce platforms, it’s time to choose. Find a platform that aligns with your business goals and fits your budget. Look for cost-effective platforms with essential tools.
Get an Inexpensive Domain and Hosting
Buy a domain name from services like Namecheap or GoDaddy. For hosting, consider Bluehost, HostGator, or SiteGround for affordable plans.
Use a Ready-Made Template
Many eCommerce platforms offer free or low-cost themes. Start with a simple design that fits your brand. You can upgrade later if needed.
Keep Customizations Simple
Make basic changes to your site, like adjusting colors, fonts, and logos. Avoid costly custom designs until your business grows.
Use Free Plugins and Apps
Many platforms provide free plugins for essential functions like payment processing, SEO, and shipping calculations. For example, WooCommerce has free tools for these features.
Manage Marketing and Content Yourself
Instead of hiring outside help, create your own product descriptions, blog posts, and social media content. Use free tools like Buffer or Hootsuite for social media management.
Utilize Free Tools
Take advantage of free tools for image editing (Canva) and site optimization (Google Analytics, Ubersuggest) to improve performance and marketing.
Ready Made Sofware Solution
If you’re hesitant about the building process, the ready-made solution can be a smart move with high-quality services. This approach allows you to manage your budget more effectively as an entrepreneur.
For such a solution, codecanyan can be a great place to start. Many industry-standard providers are active there to equip businesses like yours with cost-effective and affordable solutions that are ready to launch.
From there you can explore 6amtech’s products. 6amTech provides multiple industry standard solutions by minimizing expenses and ensuring smooth business operations.
No matter what the project you’re building – whether it’s a multi-vendor marketplace, a single-vendor eCommerce store, a versatile eCommerce platform, an on-demand service marketplace, or a multi-restaurant food ordering and delivery system – you’ll find all these solutions here.

Final Thoughts
We think that finding the cheapest eCommerce platform means compromising on quality. Platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce offer affordable solutions packed with essential features to help businesses succeed. By identifying your specific needs and following some practical advice, you can launch an online store that fits your budget and supports your goals. Begin building the eCommerce store that will drive your business forward today!
FAQs
What should I consider when I choose the best ecommerce website builder?
When choosing the best ecommerce website builder, consider factors such as ease of use, pricing, available features, scalability, and support options. It’s also important to assess how well the platform fits your business needs and if it offers a free trial to test its capabilities.
Which is the best free ecommerce platform for small businesses?
The best free ecommerce platform for small businesses often depends on specific needs, but platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify (with a free trial), and Wix are commonly recommended for their user-friendly interfaces and robust features.
Can I create an ecommerce site for free?
Yes, several ecommerce platforms allow you to create an ecommerce site for free. While some may have limitations, platforms like WooCommerce and Wix offer free plans that can be great starting points for small businesses.
What are the best free ecommerce website builders?
Some of the best free ecommerce website builders include WooCommerce, Wix, and Weebly. These platforms offer various features that make it easy to set up an online store without incurring initial costs.
What is the best low-cost ecommerce website option for small business owners?
The best low-cost ecommerce website option for small business owners is typically a platform that offers a free plan or a low monthly fee, such as Wix or Shopify Lite. These options provide good value for money while still offering essential ecommerce features.
Are there free ecommerce platforms that offer a free trial?
Yes, many ecommerce platforms such as Shopify and Big Cartel offer free trials. These free trials allow you to explore the platform’s features before committing to a paid plan, making them ideal for testing what works best for your ecommerce business.
What are the advantages of using a free ecommerce website?
The advantages of using a free ecommerce website include no upfront costs, the ability to test the platform’s features, and the chance to establish an online presence without financial risk. However, it’s important to consider any limitations that might come with a free plan.
How do I choose the ideal ecommerce platform for my business?
To choose the ideal ecommerce platform for your business, assess your specific business needs, budget, and technical skills. Look for platforms that offer the best value for money, scalability options, and features that support your online selling strategy.
What is the cheapest eCommerce platform?
Platforms like Shopify Lite, WooCommerce, and Big Cartel offer affordable options for eCommerce platforms.
Can I build an online store for free?
Yes, platforms like Big Cartel, Ecwid, WooCommerce, and Squarespace have free plans with limited features.
Are cheap eCommerce platforms reliable?
Most affordable platforms are reliable for small businesses but may have limitations in features and scalability.