Shopify alternative
The simple Shopify alternative for independent sellers
Shopstar gives you a full store — physical products, digital downloads, bookings, memberships, and tickets — from one simple page. Start free, with no monthly fee to make your first sale.
- No monthly fee to start
- Sell everything from one page
- Set up in minutes
Everything you need, built in
How they compare
Shopstar vs Shopify
See how Shopstar stacks up against Shopify for independent sellers and creators.
| Feature | Shopstar | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan to start selling | Paid plans | |
| One page — no website build | ||
| Sell physical products | ||
| Sell digital downloads | Via apps | |
| Bookings & appointments | Via apps | |
| Memberships & subscriptions | Via apps | |
| Event tickets | Via apps | |
| Local South African payment methods | Limited | |
| AI store builder | ||
| Ready for AI shopping agents | Limited |
Comparison based on publicly available information and general plan features; providers change features and pricing, so please verify current details on each provider’s website.
Why Shopstar
Everything Shopify does for a store — simpler
You do not need a website project or a stack of paid apps. Shopstar bundles the essentials into one page you can launch today.
Launch in minutes
Create a beautiful, mobile-first selling page and share the link anywhere. No build, no code, no hosting to manage.
Start free
Begin on the free plan and only pay more as you grow. No monthly fee to get your first sale.
Get paid your way
Accept cards and local payment methods, with automatic payouts to your bank account.
AI store builder
Generate your store, product descriptions, and branding with AI — then make it yours.
Ready for AI shopping agents
Your catalog is discoverable and buyable by AI assistants through open agentic-commerce protocols.
Your brand, your domain
Customise your look and connect your own custom domain, or start on a free Shopstar link.
FAQ
Shopstar vs Shopify, answered
- Is Shopstar cheaper than Shopify?
- Shopstar has no monthly fee to start — you can begin free and pay per sale, or subscribe for lower per-sale fees. See the pricing page for current rates.
- Can I sell digital products and bookings, not just physical goods?
- Yes — Shopstar sells physical products, digital downloads, bookings, memberships, and event tickets from the same page, without extra apps.
- Is Shopstar good for South African sellers?
- Yes. Shopstar supports local payment methods and is built for selling in South Africa, as well as expanding internationally.
- Do I need a developer?
- No. Your Shopstar page is ready to sell in minutes — no code, no theme editing, no hosting to manage.
Sell anything
One page for everything you sell
Get started
Try the simpler alternative
Launch your store on Shopstar today. Start free — no card required.