Shopify alternatives: 5 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
A proper Laravel storefront and admin; the free bit ends where hosting and Laravel operations begin.
licenseMIT
runsyour server
installInstall with Composer/Git and run php artisan bagisto:install, or use the supplied Docker route
dataCatalog, customers and orders in a MySQL-compatible database; media and generated assets in Laravel's server storage/public directories
the catch vs ShopifyBagisto lacks Shopify's managed checkout, hosting, app ecosystem, multichannel operations and support; Laravel operations become the merchant's job.
setupThe first obstacle is a Laravel stack: compatible PHP, Composer, Node build tools, database and web-server configuration
facts verified 2026-08-10
A vast store engine for anyone who thought running WooCommerce did not involve enough infrastructure.
Old-school PHP commerce that still does the whole job instead of selling you ten add-ons first.
licenseGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installUpload a stable PHP release to hosting, create a database, then complete the browser installer
dataCatalog, customers and orders in a SQL database; images, downloads and application storage in server directories
the catch vs ShopifyOpenCart's themes, admin, integrations and multichannel operations are much less refined, and the merchant owns the server.
setupPHP hosting, database and permissions work come first, followed by payment, shipping, mail and extension configuration
facts verified 2026-08-10
A serious modern store; free licence, expensive appetite for RAM and competent administration.
licenseMIT
runsyour server
installUse Shopware's official Docker/CLI setup or its web installer on a supported server
dataCommerce records in a MySQL-compatible database; media and cache on the filesystem or configured S3-compatible storage
the catch vs ShopifyShopware Community Edition demands far more infrastructure and administration and has a smaller plug-and-play ecosystem than Shopify.
setupThe Docker route asks for roughly 8 GB minimum and 16 GB recommended RAM, plus competent server administration
facts verified 2026-08-10
A visual CMS and complete shop in one PHP install; obscure, capable and still your server.
licenseAGPL-3.0+
runsyour server
installDownload and upload the PHP release, open the site URL, and complete the browser installer
dataContent, products, orders and settings in MySQL/MariaDB, SQLite or PostgreSQL; media and downloadable files on the server filesystem
the catch vs ShopifyVvveb cannot match Shopify's app ecosystem, multichannel operations, managed checkout reliability or support.
setupPHP hosting, a database, writable files, mail and payment configuration, plus ongoing server updates
facts verified 2026-08-10
latest recorded source check 2026-08-10 · check current terms at the source
MedusaPopular answer, wrong audience: a headless commerce development platform, not a store a non-builder installs.
nopCommerceCalls itself open source, but its custom NPL is not OSI-approved and requires a powered-by link on every interface screen.
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bagisto | MIT | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 27,900 | 2026-07 |
| Magento Open Source | open source | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 12,200 | 2026-08 |
| OpenCart | GPL-3.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 8,174 | 2026-08 |
| Shopware Community Edition | MIT | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 3,399 | 2026-08 |
| Vvveb | AGPL-3.0+ | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 1,200 | 2026-08 |
They pay because ecommerce failures cost real revenue and trust. The recorded subscription totals $300 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Shopify?
Yes: Bagisto, Magento Open Source, OpenCart and 2 more. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own Shopify?
Our verdict is NOT REALLY. You can build a small store, but Shopify's product is hosted checkout, payments, tax/shipping integrations, app marketplace, fraud/risk tooling, and merchant operations. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Shopify build guide.