Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you purchase through our links. All opinions are our own.
1. Shopify
Shopify Market Leader
Shopify dominates ecommerce with a 28% market share. Basic starts at $39/month with 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction on Shopify Payments.
- Pricing: Basic $39/mo (2.9%+30c); Shopify $105/mo (2.7%+30c); Advanced $399/mo (2.5%+30c)
- Pros: Largest app store, best themes, most integrations, Shopify Payments
- Cons: Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments, app costs add up quickly
- Best for: Most online stores - Shopify is the default choice for good reason
2. BigCommerce
BigCommerce No Transaction Fees
BigCommerce charges zero transaction fees on any plan. Standard starts at $39/month with more built-in features than Shopify's equivalent tier.
- Pricing: Standard $39/mo; Plus $105/mo; Pro $399/mo; Enterprise custom
- Pros: Zero transaction fees, more built-in features, strong B2B capabilities
- Cons: Revenue caps force tier upgrades, smaller theme and app ecosystem
- Best for: High-volume stores where transaction fee savings matter
3. WooCommerce
WooCommerce Cheapest at Scale
WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin but requires hosting ($5-50/month), domain, and paid extensions. Total cost is lowest at scale but requires technical management.
- Pricing: Plugin free; Hosting $5-50/mo; Extensions $0-300/year each
- Pros: Lowest total cost at scale, complete customization, own your data
- Cons: Requires technical skills, hosting management, security updates
- Best for: Technical founders who want complete control and lowest long-term cost
4. Squarespace Commerce
Squarespace Commerce Best Design
Squarespace combines stunning design templates with built-in commerce. Commerce plans at $36-65/month have no transaction fee.
- Pricing: Business $33/mo (3% fee); Basic Commerce $36/mo (0%); Advanced $65/mo (0%)
- Pros: Most beautiful templates, built-in design tools, no transaction fee on Commerce
- Cons: Fewer apps, limited payment gateways, less scalable
- Best for: Design-focused brands where aesthetics drive purchasing decisions
5. Wix Ecommerce
Wix Ecommerce Easiest Setup
Wix offers ecommerce on its Business plan at $17/month with no transaction fees. The drag-and-drop builder is the easiest for non-technical store owners.
- Pricing: Business $17/mo; Business Elite $32/mo
- Pros: Easiest builder for beginners, no transaction fees, affordable entry point
- Cons: Less scalable for high-volume stores, limited advanced commerce features
- Best for: Small stores under $10K/month that prioritize ease of use
Need help choosing? Use our free Software Comparison Calculator to find the best fit for your budget and team size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to start an online store in 2026?
Wix Ecommerce at $17/month with no transaction fees is the cheapest all-in-one option. WooCommerce with budget hosting ($5/month) is cheaper but requires technical setup.
How much does Shopify really cost per month?
Shopify Basic costs $39/month plus 2.9%+30c per transaction. For a store doing $10K/month, that totals about $368/month including transaction fees.
Should I use Shopify or WooCommerce?
Choose Shopify for simplicity. Choose WooCommerce for complete control and lowest cost at scale. Most non-technical founders should start with Shopify.
Do all ecommerce platforms charge transaction fees?
BigCommerce and Wix charge zero transaction fees. Shopify charges 2% on external gateways (0% on Shopify Payments). Squarespace charges 3% on Business plan but 0% on Commerce.
Get weekly software deals and comparison updates
Subscribe to LeadSpark Weekly