Services for launching online stores allow you to quickly create a website for e-commerce without the need for programming or coding knowledge. You don’t need to hire specialists—you can set up an online store on your own, even in just a few hours.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 Ukrainian and international services for creating an online store, their pros and cons, as well as key features for Ukrainian entrepreneurs.
Important! Our list does not include services from the aggressor country. The use of Russian software is unacceptable, primarily for security and ethical reasons, and poses risks to the protection of customers' personal data.
Website builder vs. e-commerce platform: what’s the difference
Most services for launching online stores operate on a similar principle: you get ready-made page templates that can be customized for your brand using a simple visual editor. Store management happens in the browser—no additional software or apps are required.
Website builders and e-commerce platforms are often confused, but they have key differences. A website builder is a tool for creating landing pages, business card sites, or online stores using a drag-and-drop interface with a simple visual editor. There may be many templates and extensive design customization options. However, services that position themselves solely as builders have limited e-commerce tools.
Unlike builders, an e-commerce platform is a complete ecosystem—a service with a full set of tools for online sales. For example, platforms offer various integrations for business automation and improving customer experience: CRM systems, payment services, delivery services, and more. Platforms provide greater flexibility in configuring both the visual and functional aspects of a website.
Top 5 services for launching online stores in Ukraine
Each solution has its limitations and features to consider before choosing.
1. Shop-Express
Shop-Express — a Ukrainian platform for creating branded online stores with a convenient drag-and-drop builder. For over 8 years, it has helped Ukrainian entrepreneurs launch e-commerce businesses in Ukraine, grow, and scale to international markets. A key feature of Shop-Express is the ability to develop unique designs tailored to a brand’s needs.
Key features:
- 5 pricing plans starting from 280 UAH/month with a clear list of services and store capabilities.
- 7-day free trial.
- Export focus—multilingual support, multicurrency functionality, PayPal and Stripe integration, and other essential features for global markets.
- Quick technical support (via phone, chat, and email).
- Selling physical and digital products.
- Flexible theme customization, brand-specific design adaptation with platform specialists, or custom design development.
- B2B online stores with wholesale functionality, such as dealer accounts, customer groups with individual pricing.
- Integrations with major Ukrainian payment gateways, delivery services (Ukrposhta, Nova Poshta, Meest Post), and Ukrainian CRM/ERP systems.
- Integrations with Google Analytics, chats, messengers, email marketing tools, and advertising tools (Google Shopping, Meta, Facebook Pixel, TikTok Pixel).
- Marketplace integrations (Rozetka, Hotline, Prom, F.ua, Price.ua).
- Useful content creation integrations (ChatGPT, DeepL).
Limitations:
- Product catalog capacity: up to 2,500 items in the basic plan, up to 25,000 in Optimal, and up to 50,000 in B2B, Pro, and Brand plans.
2. Shopify
Shopify — a Canadian e-commerce platform founded in 2006. One of the largest and most popular global services, available to Ukrainians. It enables global online sales but has many limitations for the Ukrainian market.
Key features:
- 3 main plans starting at €27/month + separate B2B and enterprise plans.
- First 3 months for €1 when subscribing.
- Integrations with numerous services: CRM, POS systems, etc.
- Third-party apps required for unsupported integrations.
- Integrations with global shipping services (DHL, UPS, FedEx).
- Advertising tool integrations (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Google Shopping), as well as chats, email marketing tools, messengers, and more.
- No product catalog limits.
- Unlimited support.
- Selling physical and digital products.
Limitations:
- No Ukrainian language—requires adaptation or an app for translation.
- Transaction fees apply (from 2.9% + 30¢, depending on the plan).
- No native integrations with Ukrainian payment and delivery services like Nova Poshta or LiqPay—third-party solutions are needed.
- The checkout page cannot be edited (e.g., adding Nova Poshta branches as delivery options). Customization is only available in Shopify Plus (from $2,300/month).
3. Horoshop
Horoshop — a Ukrainian e-commerce platform established in 2014. Specializes in online sales and offers essential tools for e-commerce.
Key features:
- 7-day free trial.
- 4 pricing plans from 288 UAH/month.
- Ready-made design templates with optional brand-specific customization.
- Integrations with Ukrainian marketplaces (Rozetka, Hotline, Prom, Price.ua).
- Integrations with CRM/ERP systems, Ukrainian and international payment services, and delivery providers (Nova Poshta, Ukrposhta).
- Google Analytics and ad tool integrations (Google Shopping, Facebook Pixel, TikTok Pixel, Meta).
- B2B functionality: dealer accounts, price types, customer groups.
- Selling physical and digital products.
Limitations:
- Product catalog limits: 1,000 items (Basic), 20,000 (Standard), 50,000 (Pro, B2B).
- No full-fledged page builder.
4. Wix
Wix — an Israeli website builder (for business cards, landing pages, and online stores) with a drag-and-drop interface. A popular service since 2006. Offers extensive design customization but has a learning curve.
Key features:
- 500+ online store templates.
- Limited free version + 4 paid plans from $9/month.
- Free domain for 1 year with any paid plan.
- Wix ADI tool for AI-assisted design.
- Inventory syncing with online stores, social media, and marketplaces.
- Analytics and Meta ad integrations.
- Payment integrations (Wix Payments, PayPal, credit/debit cards, cash).
- Global shipping integrations (DPD, DHL Express, FedEx).
- Accounting system integrations (HubSpot CRM, Salesforce).
Limitations:
- Slow technical support response times.
- No automatic mobile version—requires manual adaptation.
- Not Ukraine-focused—lacks integrations with local payment/delivery services.
- Best for small catalogs and simple structures.
5. Weblium
Weblium — a website builder for business cards, landing pages, and other site types. Includes e-commerce functionality like payment and delivery services, and CRM systems.
Key features:
- 14-day free trial (Basic), StartUp ($5/month), Unlim ($8/month).
- 300+ online store templates.
- Integrations with messengers, accounting systems (Bookon CRM, Sales Google, KeyCRM), Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and email marketing tools.
- ChatGPT and DALL-E integrations in the visual editor.
Limitations:
- Product catalog limit: 10,000 items.
- No multilingual support (single-language sites only).
- Not e-commerce specialized—limited sales tools and integrations.
How to choose an e-commerce platform
When selecting a service, prioritize specialized solutions with comprehensive online sales tools. Basic builders are only suitable for e-commerce beginners testing business ideas.
Ideally, the platform should be Ukraine-adapted with preconfigured integrations for local services—this simplifies store management, improves customer satisfaction, and boosts conversions. For international expansion, consider foreign platforms (or Ukrainian platforms with multilingual/multicurrency support for exports).
