The cheapest eCommerce platforms in 2025 are Durable AI, Hostinger AI, Ecwid Free, WooCommerce with low-cost hosting, and Shopify Lite. AI builders are fastest to set up, WooCommerce offers long-term affordability, and Shopify Lite gives enterprise-level tools at $9/month.
If you’re starting an online business, keeping costs low is smart—but choosing a platform that can grow with you is even smarter.
Quick Cost Comparison of Budget eCommerce Platforms (2025)
| Platform | Setup Cost | Monthly Cost | Hidden Costs | Scalability |
| Durable AI | $0 | Free / $15+ | Limited SEO | Low |
| Ecwid Free | $0 | Free / $15–$35 | Transaction fees | Medium |
| Hostinger AI | $0–$2.99 | $2.99–$11.99 | Hosting upsells | Low–Medium |
| WooCommerce | $20–$30 hosting | $0 (plugin) | Paid plugins $5–$50 | Medium–High |
| Wix Free / Paid | Free / $17–$39 | Ads on free plan | Limited scaling | Medium |
| Shopify Lite | $0 | $9 | Transaction fees | High |
For a detailed breakdown, check our guide on how much it costs to develop a website in 2025.
Free eCommerce Platforms (Best for MVPs & Testing)
1. Durable AI (Free Plan)
- AI-generated store in <1 minute
- Includes simple checkout & product listings
- Limitations: weak SEO, minimal customization
2. Ecwid Free
- Free plan for up to 5 products
- Can integrate with existing websites
- Limitations: transaction fees, limited SEO
3. Wix Free
- Drag-and-drop simplicity
- Good for small boutiques, portfolios
- Limitations: Wix ads, limited integrations
Best For: hobby sellers, solopreneurs testing an idea.
Need a professional setup? Reliqus can help you launch a free or low-cost website with scalable design, so you don’t waste time on technical issues.
Cheapest Paid Options (Best for Small Businesses)
1. WooCommerce (Low-Cost Hosting)
- Free plugin, works with WordPress
- Hosting + SSL: as low as $20–$30/month
- Plugins add costs, but flexibility is unmatched
Reliqus can help you with WooCommerce website design & development to set up a fully functional store tailored to your business.
2. Shopify Lite ($9/month)
- Add “Buy Buttons” to any existing site
- Accept payments via Shopify checkout
- Limited compared to full Shopify, but powerful for small catalogs
For small businesses that want enterprise-grade features at a low cost, our Shopify website design services can help you get started quickly and professionally.
3. Hostinger AI ($2.99/month)
- Bundled hosting + AI website builder
- Affordable entry point for new businesses
- Limited scalability compared to WooCommerce or Shopify
Best For: businesses that want budget + some growth potential.
H2: Hidden Costs Most People Overlook
Even with “cheap” platforms, these expenses add up:
- Transaction fees: Shopify (2% unless using Shopify Payments), Wix, Ecwid
- Plugins & apps: WooCommerce SEO, advanced checkout, shipping tools
- Domains & SSL: $10–$50/year
- Marketing & SEO: content, paid ads, schema optimization
According to Clutch, the average SMB spends $500–$1,000/year on hidden eCommerce add-ons even when starting with a “free” builder.
Reliqus can reduce hidden costs by guiding you to the most cost-effective solutions. Book a free consultation to see how.
H2: Free vs Paid — Which Is Better in 2025?
- Free Platforms (Durable, Ecwid, Wix Free):
- Best for short-term MVPs
- Expect to migrate if you grow
- Cheap Paid Options (WooCommerce, Shopify Lite, Hostinger AI):
- More stable long-term
- Can support growth without complete rebuild
Reliqus Case Study: A client launched on WooCommerce ($25/month hosting). After SEO optimization, organic traffic doubled within 6 months while costs stayed under $50/month.
Final Verdict — Cheapest vs Smartest Choice
- Cheapest Free Option: Durable AI
- Cheapest Paid Option: Hostinger AI ($2.99/month)
- Best Balance of Cost & Growth: WooCommerce on budget hosting
- Best Enterprise-Grade at Low Price: Shopify Lite ($9/month)
Recommendation: If you’re serious about scaling, avoid lock-in with free AI tools. Start with WooCommerce or Shopify Lite for long-term ROI.
FAQs
Q1. Can I build a free eCommerce website in 2025?
Yes, tools like Durable AI and Ecwid Free offer free tiers, but features are limited.
Q2. What’s the cheapest way to sell online?
Use Shopify Lite ($9/month) or WooCommerce on low-cost hosting.
Q3. Is Wix cheaper than Shopify?
Yes, Wix has cheaper starter plans, but Shopify Lite is more powerful for selling.
Q4. Which cheap platform scales best?
WooCommerce scales better than free AI tools and Wix.
Q5. What hidden costs should I expect?
Transaction fees, domain renewals, SSL certificates, and plugin costs. Reliqus Consulting can help plan your budget and avoid surprises