Is WooCommerce Free? Discover the True Cost of Building Your Online Store

Key highlights

• Install the WooCommerce plugin to set up a fully functional online store without any initial software cost.
• Select from diverse themes to create a unique and professional look that fits your brand identity.
• Control your budget by utilizing free plugins and upgrading hosting plans only when necessary.
• Secure customer transactions with SSL certificates and optional security tools to safeguard sensitive data.
• Simplify store operations using the WooCommerce dashboard to manage products, payments and shipping efficiently.

WooCommerce has grown in popularity as a versatile and cost-effective option for creating online stores using WordPress. If you’re new to eCommerce, one of your first questions is whether WooCommerce is truly free. The short answer is yes – installing WooCommerce is free. However, handling a successful online business demands more than simply triggering the plugin. The total expense for running a WooCommerce shop could differ depending on several factors, including hosting services, aesthetic elements and security features.  

This article will help you understand every aspect of WooCommerce pricing, from the initial setup to the subsequent charges. You will learn about the free features provided by WooCommerce and the optional, paid upgrades that can improve the functioning of your business. To assist you in determining if WooCommerce is the most promising choice for your company, we’ll further contrast its flexible price structure with that of competing eCommerce platforms, such as Shopify, Wix and BigCommerce.

What is WooCommerce?

WooCommerce, at its core, is a free plugin that offers essential functionality to set up an online store. From product listings to essential payment gateways, you get the tools to manage a functional eCommerce site without paying for the plugin itself. However, while the WooCommerce plugin is free, running a successful store comes with additional costs – think hosting, domain registration and design.

Now that we know what WooCommerce is and how it works, let’s take a closer look at what the free WooCommerce plugin offers.

Is WooCommerce free? What comes with the free WooCommerce plugin?

The free version of WooCommerce comes equipped with many of the basic features you need to start an online store, including: 

• Product listings: You can list an unlimited number of products with complete control over product descriptions, images, pricing and more. 
• Payment gateways: WooCommerce integrates with payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe for free, allowing you to accept payments online without additional software. 
• Basic store functionality: The plugin includes essential features like shopping cart functionality, checkout processes and inventory management. 

However, these basic WooCommerce features require complementary services (example: hosting and a domain) to run your store.  

To better understand the overall investment, let’s move on to discuss how much does a WooCommerce store cost.

What are the essential costs involved in launching a WooCommerce store?

While the plugin is free, you’ll encounter various ongoing costs when setting up and managing a WooCommerce store. These expenses can vary based on your explicit requirements and the size of your store. Let’s break down the significant expenses you should anticipate.

1. Domain registration

Every website requires a domain name and your WooCommerce store is no exception. A domain is your store’s web address (e.g., www.yourstore.com), which plays a significant role in search engine optimization and branding. Domain registration usually costs between $10 and $20 per year, although this can vary depending on the domain extension (.com, .net, .shop) and your chosen provider. For instance, a custom domain name like “myonlinestore.com” can help boost your brand’s visibility and credibility. 

With Bluehost, finding and registering your ideal domain is seamless. You can search for your perfect store name and if you’re unsure, Bluehost’s AI-powered tools can even suggest domain names that align with your business vision. This way, you’ll not only get a domain that stands out but also one that supports your brand’s growth from the start. 

2. Web hosting

The security and functionality of your WooCommerce store are greatly influenced by the web hosting provider you choose. WooCommerce requires a WordPress hosting provider and your choice of hosting can significantly influence your site’s speed and stability. 

While WooCommerce is free, you’ll need a hosting provider to store your website’s data and ensure it is accessible to users. Different hosting options come with varying price points and performance levels: 

• Shared hosting: This is the most affordable option, ranging from $3 to $10 monthly. It’s ideal for small businesses just starting. 
• VPS hosting: If your store starts to grow, you might upgrade to a Virtual Private Server (VPS), costing around $20 to $50 per month. VPS hosting thus offers better performance and security. 
• Dedicated hosting: For larger businesses expecting high traffic, dedicated hosting provides a server solely for your store. Dedicated hosting costs may range from $80 to over $200 monthly. 
• WooCommerce hosting: Providers like Bluehost offer managed WooCommerce hosting for around $20 to $50 per month, with WooCommerce tools, YITH plugins, professional support and optimization for WordPress sites. 

3. SSL certificates

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates are necessary to safeguard the information of your customers and foster confidence. Sensitive data, such as credit card details, is safeguarded when data is sent between your WooCommerce store and its visitors, thanks to an SSL certificate. 

An SSL certificate ensures secure data transfer between your website and visitors, making it essential for eCommerce websites. Although organizations like Let’s Encrypt provide free SSL certificates, paid SSL certificates frequently offer greater levels of validation and guarantee. 

There are two primary options: 

• Free SSL certificates: Many hosting providers include a basic SSL certificate in their packages, making it sufficient for most small stores. 
• Paid SSL certificates: If you require more advanced security features, you can opt for a paid SSL certificate, which usually costs between $50 and $200 per year. 

Having an SSL certificate is crucial for customer trust and improving your site’s SEO ranking since Google favors secure websites.

Now that we’ve covered the basic costs, let’s explore how much designing a WooCommerce store typically costs.

What is the design cost involved in setting up a WooCommerce store? Free vs. paid themes

When you first set up your WooCommerce store, one of the initial decisions you’ll need to make is its design. WooCommerce offers both free and paid themes to create a professional-looking store. But what’s the difference between the two and how do they affect the total WooCommerce costs? 

Free WooCommerce themes

The free WooCommerce themes from the official WordPress repository offer a great starting point for beginners or small businesses. Themes like Storefront provide a clean, customizable design without any upfront cost. They are ideal if launching a simple store without too many advanced WooCommerce features.  

The advantage of free WooCommerce themes is that there is obviously no cost and that you can allocate your budget elsewhere. The themes are easy to use for beginners. These free themes are regularly updated to remain compatible with the WooCommerce plugin. 

However, there are limitations, such as limited customization options, which can restrict the look and feel of your store. Also, there are fewer advanced features compared to premium themes. You may need developer assistance if you want to add extensive customization. 

For a small or medium-sized WooCommerce store, free themes are sufficient if your focus is on functionality rather than aesthetics.

Paid WooCommerce themes

Paid WooCommerce themes provide an extensive number of personalization possibilities for users who desire more ownership over their appearance. These themes include additional WooCommerce features and frequently have tools for improved SEO, security and speed built right in. Depending on the features and degree of support, a premium WooCommerce theme can cost anywhere from $30 to $100+ a year. 

Benefits of paid WooCommerce themes include enhanced customization options and designs. Built-in advanced features like drag-and-drop builders, mega menus and responsive design are also available. You can also avail of ongoing support from theme developers, which can be crucial for resolving issues quickly. 

The cost of paid WooCommerce themes is often justified by the design flexibility and functionality they bring to your store, significantly if you’re scaling or managing multiple stores. 

With the design costs covered, let’s take a look at what expenses to expect when adding functionality through WooCommerce extensions and plugins.

What costs should you expect when adding functionality with WooCommerce extensions and plugins?

Beyond themes, WooCommerce can expand using a variety of free and paid plugins or extensions. These plugins can add essential features, automate processes and improve your store’s functionality. But, as with themes, understanding when to use a free plugin versus a paid one is essential to managing your WooCommerce costs.

Free vs. paid plugins

The WooCommerce ecosystem thrives on its large selection of plugins and extensions that enhance functionality. While there are essential free plugins, such as WooCommerce Shipping, you may need paid plugins to unlock advanced features. 

Free plugins provide essential functionality to help your store operate smoothly. For instance, WooCommerce Shipping is a free extension that allows you to manage shipping methods, print shipping labels and set up shipping zones. Free plugins are great for startups or small stores that don’t require advanced functionality right away. 

However, as your store grows, paid WooCommerce plugins are necessary to unlock premium features. For example: 

• WooCommerce subscriptions: A paid plugin that enables recurring payments, ideal for subscription-based businesses, can cost upwards of $199 annually. 
• WooCommerce bookings: A premium plugin that allows customers to book appointments or services directly from your site, starting at $249 per year. 
• YITH WooCommerce plugins: To add more functionality, you can opt for YITH WooCommerce plugins such as YITH WooCommerce Wishlist ($99 annually) and YITH WooCommerce Gift Cards ($129.99 annually). These are often bought together to enhance the customer experience and increase sales. 

The cost of WooCommerce plugins varies greatly, but paid extensions typically offer more robust support and feature sets, making them a good investment as your business scales. 

Payment gateways and transaction fees

WooCommerce offers multiple payment gateway options, allowing you to choose between its native WooCommerce Payments or third-party solutions like Stripe and PayPal. The transaction fees for these services are usually around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, though these rates may vary depending on the payment provider. 

One advantage of using WooCommerce Payments is that it fully integrates with the WooCommerce dashboard, providing a seamless experience for managing your store’s financials. However, third-party gateways might offer better rates for international transactions, so comparing transaction fees is crucial. 

Additional costs to consider with payment gateways: 

• Monthly fees for specific payment gateways. 
• Additional charges for currency conversion or cross-border transactions. 
• Developer fees for integrating custom payment solutions.

Shipping solutions

Shipping is another critical component of running a WooCommerce store and WooCommerce offers several solutions for setting up shipping labels, configuring shipping rates and integrating third-party carriers. 

For example, you can use WooCommerce Shipping to print shipping labels directly from your WooCommerce dashboard. This service is free for USPS, but you will still need to pay for the shipping labels. 

Other costs to consider: 

• Multiple shipping rates: If you want to offer variable rates based on weight, dimensions or destination, you might need to purchase paid extensions. 
• Third-party shipping services: Some stores integrate external shipping providers like FedEx or DHL, often with premium plugins. 

Next, we’ll break down the recurring costs of keeping a WooCommerce store running smoothly.

What are the ongoing costs for maintaining a WooCommerce store?

Although WooCommerce is free to download and install, running a successful eCommerce store involves additional costs, including various WooCommerce fees. Let’s break down the common expenses you should expect when managing a WooCommerce site.

1. Hosting and maintenance

As your WooCommerce store grows, you may need to upgrade your hosting plan. Recurring costs for hosting depend on the resources your store requires, with plans scaling based on traffic and store size. 

Your WooCommerce store needs a reliable web hosting provider. Depending on the size and traffic of your store, the cost of hosting services will vary. Basic shared hosting can be affordable, but as your store grows, you may need to upgrade to VPS or dedicated hosting for better performance and security.

Some hosting providers, like Bluehost, offer WooCommerce-specific plans that start as low as $5 per month but can increase to $20 or more as your store scales. It’s important to factor in these monthly fees, especially if you’re forecasting significant traffic growth.  

2. Security and marketing plugins

Security is non-negotiable for any eCommerce store, especially with customer data at stake. WooCommerce offers a range of free and paid security plugins like Jetpack and Wordfence, but advanced features often require a premium plan.  

Tools like CodeGuard and SiteLock can add extra layers of protection to your website. CodeGuard offers daily backups and restore options, helping protect your website from data loss, while SiteLock provides malware detection and automatic removal. These tools ensure that your WooCommerce store remains secure and can quickly recover from security threats.   

Investing in SEO tools like Yoast SEO and email marketing automation platforms can drive more traffic but come with recurring costs. For example, a Jetpack Security plan may start at around $10 per month and Yoast SEO’s premium version costs $99 per year. These tools are invaluable for enhancing the store’s security and driving organic traffic, so account for them in your WooCommerce costs. 

3. Developer fees and customizations

WooCommerce’s flexibility is one of its most significant advantages, but advanced customizations may require professional help. If you need to integrate third-party plugins, develop custom features or optimize the user experience, hiring a WooCommerce developer could be essential. 

Developer rates vary widely based on the complexity of the project. Simple customizations cost between $50 and $100 per hour, while more intricate integrations push costs into the thousands if your store requires ongoing customizations. Factor in developer fees as part of your long-term WooCommerce costs. 

With ongoing maintenance costs covered, let’s compare WooCommerce with other eCommerce platforms to see how it stacks up.

Cost comparison: WooCommerce vs. Other eCommerce platforms

Platform	Pricing model	Hosting included	Transaction fees	Customization level	Suitable for
WooCommerce	Pay-as-you-go	No	Varies by payment gateway (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction with WooCommerce Payments)	High (open-source and flexible)	Small to large businesses wanting full control and customization
Shopify	Fixed monthly fees ($29-$299)	Yes	Charges transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments	Moderate	Businesses preferring an all-in-one solution with predictable costs
Wix	All-inclusive plans starting at $23/month	Yes	Included in plan	Limited	Beginners wanting simplicity and ease of use
Squarespace	Fixed monthly fees ($27-$49)	Yes	Included in plan	Limited	Users valuing design and simplicity
BigCommerce	Fixed monthly fees (starting at $29.95)	Yes	Included in plan	Moderate	Larger businesses needing scalability and built-in features

When evaluating WooCommerce, comparing it to other major eCommerce platforms is helpful. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses; understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision. 

1. WooCommerce vs. Shopify 

Shopify offers an all-in-one solution with fixed monthly fees ranging from $29 to $299, depending on the plan. While this simplifies budgeting, it limits customization compared to WooCommerce. WooCommerce, on the other hand, uses a pay-as-you-go model, allowing you to control costs by only paying for the specific features you need. 

Shopify also charges transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments, while WooCommerce integrates with various payment gateways (including WooCommerce Payments) with no additional platform fees. 

2. WooCommerce vs. Wix 

Wix offers simplicity with all-inclusive plans, but WooCommerce’s flexibility and scalability are unmatched. While Wix is more accessible for beginners, WooCommerce allows for deeper customization. 

Wix’s ease of use and all-inclusive plans attract many first-time store owners. However, WooCommerce offers much greater flexibility in terms of customization. Wix plans start at $23 per month for eCommerce functionality, while WooCommerce’s free core and flexible plugin system allow you to add features as needed without being locked into a fixed plan. 

3. WooCommerce vs. Squarespace 

Squarespace is known for its beautiful templates and simple interface. Its eCommerce plans range from $27 to $49 per month. While this provides convenience, it lacks the depth of customization that WooCommerce’s open-source platform offers. 

WooCommerce, on the other hand, lets you control every aspect of your store’s design and functionality, which is a significant advantage if you want a highly customized online store. 

4. WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce 

BigCommerce offers fixed pricing plans that include hosting and features. In contrast, WooCommerce lets you build your store piece by piece, giving you control over costs but potentially adding complexity in managing multiple services. 

BigCommerce offers enterprise-level features, with fixed monthly pricing plans starting at $29.95. Its scalability and built-in features make it a popular choice for larger businesses. However, WooCommerce’s customizable pricing structure can make it more cost-effective for small to medium enterprises, especially if you only need specific features. 

Disclaimer: Prices and features are subject to change; please verify with the providers for the most current information.

WooCommerce offers flexible pricing and extensive customization options, making it a scalable solution for online stores of all sizes. Choosing between WooCommerce and other eCommerce platforms ultimately depends on your business goals, size and specific needs.

Next, let’s explore Bluehost’s WooCommerce hosting plans, thoughtfully designed to support your online store’s growth with optimized performance and reliable support.

Bluehost WooCommerce hosting plans: Tailored for your online store’s growth

Bluehost offers dedicated WooCommerce hosting plans designed to provide everything you need to build, manage and scale your WooCommerce store efficiently. These WooCommerce pricing plans combine optimized performance, robust security and expert support to help you focus on growing your business.

eCommerce Essentials Plan

Perfect for new and small WooCommerce stores, this plan includes:

• Pre-installed WordPress and WooCommerce: Get your store up and running quickly with software ready to go.
• Free domain for one year: Secure your brand identity without additional upfront costs.
• Free SSL certificate: Ensure safe transactions and protect customer data.
• Optimized hosting environment: Tailored for small to medium traffic stores, delivering reliable speed and uptime.
• 24/7 dedicated WooCommerce and WordPress support: Access expert assistance anytime you need it.
• User-friendly WooCommerce dashboard: Easily manage products orders and payments from a centralized interface.
• Affordable pricing: Designed to suit startups and small businesses looking to launch cost-effectively.

eCommerce Premium Plan

Designed for growing stores with higher traffic and advanced needs, this plan offers:

• Enhanced server resources: Improved site speed and performance to handle increased visitors.
• Daily automated backups: Protect your store with reliable data recovery options.
• Advanced security features: Spam protection and additional layers of defense to keep your store secure.
• Marketing credits: Jumpstart your advertising efforts with included promotional funds.
• Priority support: Get faster responses from WooCommerce and WordPress experts.
• Scalable infrastructure: Easily adapt to growing traffic and complex store requirements.
• Access to premium WooCommerce tools: Unlock advanced extensions and integrations to expand your store’s functionality.

Also read: Bluehost WooCommerce Hosting Plans Comparison

Choosing the right Bluehost WooCommerce hosting plan ensures your online store has the hosting solution to match its current scale and future growth, providing a seamless and secure shopping experience for your customers.

Ready to turn your idea into a WooCommerce store that sells?

With Bluehost WooCommerce hosting plans set to support your store’s growth, let’s dive into 5 practical tips to cut WooCommerce store-building costs.

5 tips to minimize WooCommerce store building costs

Running a WooCommerce store doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart choices, you can minimize your costs while still creating a professional, functional store. 

1. Using free plugins and themes effectively 

WooCommerce offers a vast library of free plugins and themes that can be sufficient for small stores. Free WooCommerce themes like Storefront provide excellent functionality and design without the need for expensive customizations. 

2. Scaling gradually 

Start with the basics and upgrade as your store grows. Don’t invest in advanced WooCommerce features or premium plugins until you need them. This approach can help you avoid unnecessary upfront expenses. 

3. Budget-friendly hosting and domains 

Choose a hosting provider that offers budget-friendly WooCommerce hosting plans. Providers like Bluehost provide affordable packages that can help keep your hosting costs low. Additionally, compare prices when registering your domain name to avoid overspending. 

4. Prioritize security and SEO early 

Invest in security and SEO from the start. Using free security plugins and free versions of SEO tools like Yoast can ensure your store remains safe and visible in search engines without upfront costs. You can upgrade these tools as your business grows. 

5. Take advantage of WooCommerce extensions 

WooCommerce offers many free and paid extensions that add functionality to your store. Carefully evaluate which extensions you need and use free options where possible.

By following these 5 tips, you can effectively reduce your WooCommerce store building costs without compromising on quality or functionality. Small changes in planning and strategy can make a big difference in your overall investment.

With smart planning and these cost-saving strategies, you’re now ready to take your WooCommerce store from idea to launch.

Final thoughts

Is WooCommerce really free? While the WooCommerce plugin itself is free, launching and running your own WooCommerce store involves several associated costs. From web hosting and basic SSL certificates to customized themes and security plugins, the actual cost of operating WooCommerce stores depends on your chosen features and business needs. However, the flexibility of free plugins, WooCommerce free themes and affordable add-ons like paid themes allow users to scale their store without breaking the bank. Compared to other platforms, WooCommerce costs are more customizable, making it easier to start small and grow over time.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand, WooCommerce offers a cost-effective way to create an online store that suits your unique needs. With free and paid options, you can design a functional and beautiful store without overspending. 

Get WooCommerce hosting from Bluehost to start your online store today and enjoy seamless scalability and customization with WooCommerce!

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