Litecart

Self-Hosted

Lightweight open-source e-commerce platform for small businesses

Overview

Litecart is a minimal, fast e-commerce solution designed for small to medium-sized stores. It features a clean admin interface, responsive storefront, multi-language/currency support, and integration with popular payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe) and shipping providers. Deployable via self-hosting (PHP/MySQL required) or Docker for simplified setup, it prioritizes essential e-commerce tools—inventory management, order tracking, and customer accounts—without unnecessary bloat, making it ideal for users wanting control over their store without complex overhead.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  litecart:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: litecart
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Responsive, mobile-friendly storefront
Multi-language & multi-currency support
Payment/shipping gateway integrations
Inventory & order management
Clean, intuitive admin dashboard

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Litecart hard to install?

Litecart has a simple installation process: upload files to a PHP/MySQL server and run the web-based installer. Docker images are also available, which reduce technical steps for users familiar with containerization.

? Is it a good alternative to Shopify?

Yes for small/medium stores seeking self-hosted control and zero monthly costs. It lacks Shopify’s extensive app ecosystem but covers core e-commerce needs, making it ideal for budget-conscious users who prefer data ownership.

? Is it completely free?

Litecart is open-source under the MIT License—100% free to use, modify, and self-host. No hidden fees exist, though you may pay for hosting, domain names, or premium extensions if desired.

Top Alternatives

Shopify Search Google

BigCommerce Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category E-commerce

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Lightweight for fast performance
⊕ No subscription fees
⊕ Docker support for easy deployment
⊕ Highly customizable with themes/extensions

Cons

⊖ Limited advanced features compared to enterprise platforms
⊖ Smaller community than WooCommerce
⊖ Requires basic PHP/MySQL knowledge for manual setup