Is Shopify free? Not permanently. Shopify gives you a free trial and a $1/month intro offer, but to keep a store live and sell, you eventually pay a monthly plan starting at $39. The good news: you can build your entire Shopify store for free with AI Store Generator first, preview everything, and only pay Shopify when you are ready to go live.
You don’t need to spend a dime to get started. You can build your store, explore the tools, and decide if it’s right for you before Shopify charges anything. Let’s break down exactly what’s free, what’s not, and how to get the most value out of it.
So Is Shopify Actually Free?
Here’s how it works:
- Shopify offers a free trial (usually 3 days). You can explore the platform, test your store, and preview everything before committing. No credit card needed upfront.
- Then it’s $1/month for the first 3 months (limited-time offer). After your trial, Shopify lets you run your store for just $1/month while you get things rolling.
- After that, standard pricing kicks in. Most people start with the Basic plan at $39/month.
So no, Shopify isn’t technically free forever. But it does give you time to try it out, use our free Shopify store builder, and decide if you’re all in.
Is There a Free Shopify Plan?
There is no permanently free Shopify plan. Shopify is a paid platform once your trial ends, because your monthly fee covers hosting, security, checkout, and support. What you get instead of a free plan is a low-risk on-ramp: a free trial to test everything, then $1/month for three months so your early costs stay tiny while you set up and make your first sales. The one thing you cannot do is sell to real customers until you pick a paid plan.
Shopify Plans at a Glance
| Plan | Price | Best For |
| Starter | $5/mo | Link-in-bio selling or simple product pages |
| Basic | $39/mo | New stores and first-time sellers |
| Shopify | $105/mo | Growing brands with more traffic |
| Advanced | $399/mo | Big stores, big volume, big data needs |
Most beginners start with Basic because it gives you everything you need to run a full Shopify store. Paying yearly instead of monthly usually lowers these prices further.
What You Can Do for Free
Even before you pay, you can:
- Use an online store builder like AI Store Generator to build your full Shopify store
- Pick your niche and load in products
- Customize your theme, layout, and branding
- Set up your pages, checkout, and product listings
- Preview your entire store like it’s live
The only thing you can’t do is start selling until you choose a paid plan. But the upside is real: you’ll know exactly what your store looks like before you spend a dollar. That is the difference between the free trial (Shopify testing time) and building for free (a complete store you control before paying).
Hidden Costs? Here’s What to Expect
Running any online store comes with a few extra costs. Here’s what to budget for eventually:
- Domain name – around $14/year (optional at first, since you can use Shopify’s free subdomain)
- Apps and integrations – some are free, others cost monthly
- Transaction fees – Shopify takes a small percentage unless you use Shopify Payments
- Marketing tools – email platforms, ads, and similar, depending on how you grow
That said, you can absolutely launch lean. Start with the basics and build up as you go.
Final Thoughts: Is Shopify Worth It?
If you’re serious about launching a store, yes, Shopify is worth it. You’re not just paying for a website builder. You’re paying for:
- Secure hosting
- Built-in checkout
- Mobile-optimized design
- Inventory tools
- A platform that grows with you
Pair Shopify with an online store builder like AI Store Generator and you can build your store for free first, then decide when you’re ready to go live.
Quick Answer: Is Shopify Free?
- Free trial: yes, usually 3 days
- $1/month: for 3 months after your trial
- Totally free forever: no
- Can build your store before paying: yes
- Worth it if you’re ready to sell: yes
Try AI Store Generator
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shopify free to use?
Shopify is free during its trial and $1/month for the first three months, but it is not free to use long term. To keep a store live and sell products, you need a paid plan starting at $39/month.
Does Shopify have a free plan?
No, Shopify does not offer a permanently free plan. It offers a free trial and a $1/month introductory rate, after which you choose a paid monthly plan.
How much is Shopify per month?
Shopify plans range from $5/month (Starter) to $399/month (Advanced). Most new sellers use the Basic plan at $39/month. Paying annually usually reduces the monthly cost.
Can I build a Shopify store for free before paying?
Yes. With a free tool like AI Store Generator you can build your full store, add products, and customize the design before paying Shopify. You only need a paid plan when you are ready to make the store live and start selling.
Is the Shopify free trial really free?
Yes. The trial does not require payment upfront and lets you explore the platform and preview your store. You only start paying once the trial ends and you choose a plan.