Choosing between PrestaShop vs Shopify often comes down to control versus convenience. PrestaShop offers extensive customization but requires technical expertise, while Shopify provides an all-in-one hosted solution with built-in support.
This comparison examines pricing structures, feature sets, scalability options, and long-term costs to help you determine which platform aligns with your business goals and technical capabilities.
Summary
- PrestaShop requires self-hosting and technical knowledge but offers unlimited customization without platform fees
- Shopify provides fully managed hosting, built-in security, and 24/7 support starting at $39/month
- PrestaShop’s total costs depend on hosting, modules, and developer time; Shopify uses predictable monthly pricing
- Shopify Plus offers enterprise features starting at $2,300/month; PrestaShop scales through infrastructure investment
- PrestaShop suits businesses with in-house developers; Shopify works for teams prioritizing speed and simplicity
Platform Overview: PrestaShop vs Shopify
What Is PrestaShop?
PrestaShop is an open-source e-commerce platform launched in 2007. The software itself is free to download and install, giving you complete control over your store’s code, hosting environment, and customization options.
You manage your own hosting, security updates, and server maintenance. This approach works well for businesses with technical resources who want full ownership of their platform without recurring software licensing fees.
What Is Shopify?
Shopify is a fully hosted SaaS e-commerce platform founded in 2006. The platform handles hosting, security, updates, and infrastructure management while you focus on running your business.
Monthly subscription plans range from $39 to $399 for standard merchants, with Shopify Plus starting at $2,300/month for enterprise needs. The pricing includes hosting, SSL certificates, and access to Shopify’s support team.
Now that we’ve covered the basic differences, let’s examine the specific features that set these platforms apart.
Core Features Comparison
Ease of Use and Setup
Shopify offers a guided setup process that takes most merchants 15-30 minutes to complete. The drag-and-drop editor lets you customize themes without touching code, and the admin interface uses plain language throughout.
PrestaShop requires server setup, database configuration, and file uploads before you can start building. The back office provides extensive options but assumes familiarity with e-commerce concepts and technical terminology. Most merchants need developer assistance for initial setup and ongoing customizations.
| Feature | PrestaShop | Shopify |
| Setup Time | 2-4 hours (technical) | 15-30 minutes |
| Technical Skills | High (server, PHP, MySQL) | Low (no coding needed) |
| Hosting Setup | Self-managed | Fully managed |
| Learning Curve | Steep | Gentle |
Customization and Flexibility
PrestaShop gives you direct access to the source code, allowing unlimited customization of functionality, checkout flows, and database structures. You can modify any aspect of the platform to match your exact requirements.
Shopify limits code access to protect platform stability and security. You can customize themes using Liquid templates and extend functionality through apps, but you cannot modify core platform code or database schemas. This trade-off ensures consistent performance but restricts complex customizations.
Theme and Design Options
Shopify offers 12 free themes and over 100 premium themes ($180-$350) through its official theme store. All themes are mobile-responsive and undergo code review before publication. The theme editor provides visual customization without requiring developer knowledge.
PrestaShop provides fewer free themes but offers thousands of third-party templates at varying quality levels. You can create fully custom themes or modify existing ones without restrictions. However, theme quality varies significantly, and you’re responsible for ensuring mobile responsiveness and code quality.
App and Extension Ecosystem
The Shopify App Store contains over 8,000 apps covering marketing, inventory management, customer service, and analytics. Apps integrate directly with your store through Shopify’s API, and most offer free trials before requiring monthly subscriptions.
PrestaShop’s marketplace offers around 4,000 modules with one-time purchase pricing. Many modules require separate licensing for production and development environments. Module quality and compatibility vary, so you should test thoroughly before deploying to production.
Having examined the feature sets, we can now look at how pricing structures differ between these platforms.
Pricing Structure: Shopify vs PrestaShop
PrestaShop Pricing Breakdown
PrestaShop software is free, but running a production store requires several cost components:
- Web hosting: $10-$300/month depending on traffic and performance requirements
- SSL certificate: $0-$200/year (free options available through Let’s Encrypt)
- Premium modules: $50-$300 each (one-time fees)
- Payment gateway fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (varies by provider)
- Developer support: $50-$150/hour for customizations and troubleshooting
Total monthly costs typically range from $50 to $500 for small to mid-sized stores, excluding developer time.
Shopify Pricing Breakdown
Shopify uses tiered monthly pricing that includes hosting, security, and support:
- Basic: $39/month with 2.9% + $0.30 online transaction fees
- Shopify: $105/month with 2.7% + $0.30 transaction fees
- Advanced: $399/month with 2.5% + $0.30 transaction fees
- Shopify Plus: Starting at $2,300/month with negotiable transaction fees
Using Shopify Payments eliminates additional transaction fees. Third-party payment gateways add 0.5% to 2% depending on your plan.
| Cost Component | PrestaShop | Shopify |
| Platform Fee | $0 | $39-$399/month |
| Hosting | $10-$300/month | Included |
| SSL Certificate | $0-$200/year | Included |
| Transaction Fees | Gateway dependent | 2.5%-2.9% + $0.30 |
| Apps/Modules | One-time ($50-$300) | Monthly subscriptions |
Hidden Costs to Consider
PrestaShop costs increase with scale. Higher traffic requires more expensive hosting, and complex features often need custom development work. Budget for ongoing maintenance, security updates, and troubleshooting when calculating the total cost of ownership.
Shopify costs remain predictable, but can add up through app subscriptions. Many essential features require monthly app fees ranging from $10 to $100 each. A typical Shopify store uses 5-10 paid apps, adding $100-$500 to monthly costs.
With pricing considerations covered, let’s examine how each platform handles growth and scalability.
Performance and Scalability
PrestaShop Performance Management
PrestaShop performance depends entirely on your hosting environment, server configuration, and optimization efforts. You control caching strategies, CDN integration, and database optimization, but you’re also responsible for maintaining these systems.
Poorly configured PrestaShop stores experience slow load times and crashes during traffic spikes. Well-optimized installations with quality hosting can handle millions of annual transactions, but this requires ongoing technical management.
Shopify Performance Management
Shopify manages infrastructure automatically, including CDN distribution, server scaling, and caching optimization. The platform maintains 99.99% uptime and handles traffic spikes without manual intervention.
Page speed depends primarily on theme optimization and app selection rather than server performance. Shopify’s infrastructure consistently delivers fast load times across global locations.
Scaling Your Store
PrestaShop scaling requires upgrading hosting resources, implementing load balancing, and optimizing database queries. Large catalogs (50,000+ products) often need custom performance tuning and dedicated servers.
Shopify handles scaling automatically within plan limits. Shopify Plus provides dedicated infrastructure, priority support, and higher API rate limits for enterprise operations. The platform supports unlimited products and bandwidth on all plans.
Performance differences become clearer when we look at security and maintenance requirements.
Security and Maintenance Requirements
PrestaShop Security Responsibilities
You manage all security aspects of PrestaShop stores, including software updates, server hardening, and vulnerability monitoring. PrestaShop releases regular security patches that require manual application.
Third-party modules introduce additional security risks. Each module requires separate updates and security monitoring. Failing to maintain security updates leaves your store vulnerable to data breaches and malware attacks.
Shopify Security Management
Shopify handles all platform security, including PCI DSS Level 1 compliance, SSL certificate management, and automated security updates. The platform monitors for threats and applies patches without requiring merchant action.
All Shopify stores include fraud analysis tools and secure payment processing. The platform maintains security certifications and undergoes regular third-party audits.
Ongoing Maintenance Needs
PrestaShop requires regular maintenance tasks: applying core updates, updating modules, monitoring server performance, managing backups, and troubleshooting compatibility issues. These tasks demand technical expertise and ongoing time investment.
Shopify eliminates most maintenance tasks. The platform handles updates, backups, and infrastructure management automatically. Your maintenance focus shifts to content updates, app management, and business operations.
| Maintenance Task | PrestaShop | Shopify |
| Software Updates | Manual | Automatic |
| Security Patches | Manual | Automatic |
| Backups | Self-managed | Automatic |
| Server Monitoring | Required | Not needed |
| Uptime Management | Your responsibility | Platform managed |
Beyond technical considerations, support access plays a crucial role in platform selection.
Support and Resources
PrestaShop Support Options
PrestaShop provides community forums and documentation, but no direct support for free users. You rely on community knowledge, hired developers, or paid support plans from third-party providers.
The community includes active developers who contribute solutions, but response times vary, and expertise levels differ. Critical issues may require hiring specialized PrestaShop developers at $50-$150/hour.
Shopify Support Options
All Shopify plans include 24/7 support via email, chat, and phone. Support teams handle platform-related questions, technical troubleshooting, and setup guidance. Response times typically range from minutes to a few hours.
Shopify Plus merchants receive dedicated support managers and priority assistance. The platform also provides extensive documentation, video tutorials, and an active community forum.
Developer Ecosystem and Resources
PrestaShop’s open-source nature attracts developers worldwide. You can hire from a global talent pool, but developer quality and availability vary significantly. Most regions lack PrestaShop-specific development agencies.
Shopify maintains a certified expert program with vetted agencies and developers. The platform offers comprehensive API documentation, development tools, and partner support. Finding qualified Shopify developers is generally easier than sourcing PrestaShop talent.
With support structures in place, let’s explore which business scenarios favor each platform.
When to Choose Each Platform
PrestaShop Works Best For
Choose PrestaShop when you have in-house development resources and need complete control over your platform. The solution works well for businesses with unique requirements that demand custom functionality beyond standard e-commerce features.
European merchants particularly benefit from PrestaShop’s built-in multi-currency and multilingual capabilities. The platform originated in France and includes extensive European market features by default.
PrestaShop also suits businesses operating in regions with limited Shopify app coverage or those requiring deep integration with legacy systems. If your business model demands customizations that SaaS platforms cannot accommodate, PrestaShop provides the flexibility you need.
Shopify Works Best For
Choose Shopify when you need to launch quickly without technical complexity. The platform works well for businesses prioritizing speed to market over deep customization capabilities.
Shopify excels for merchants selling primarily in North America, where the app ecosystem is most robust. The platform’s built-in features cover most standard e-commerce needs without requiring extensive development work.
Businesses without dedicated IT staff benefit from Shopify’s managed approach. The platform handles technical operations while you focus on marketing, sales, and customer service.
Migration Considerations
If you’re currently using another platform, both PrestaShop and Shopify offer migration paths. Migrating to Shopify typically involves using migration apps or services that transfer products, customers, and order history.
Migrating to PrestaShop requires more technical expertise but offers greater control over the migration process. You can customize data mapping and maintain specific database structures from your previous platform.
Now let’s address specific comparison scenarios that merchants frequently consider.
PrestaShop vs Shopify Plus
When to Consider Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus targets high-volume merchants processing over $1 million annually. The enterprise plan starts at $2,300/month and includes dedicated infrastructure, unlimited staff accounts, and advanced automation tools.
Plus merchants receive priority support, custom checkout modifications, and wholesale channel access. The platform provides dedicated account managers and access to exclusive Plus partner agencies.
PrestaShop Enterprise Alternative
PrestaShop doesn’t offer a direct “Plus” equivalent, but you can build enterprise-level functionality through custom development and premium hosting. This approach provides unlimited customization at potentially lower monthly costs.
However, achieving Shopify Plus-level performance requires significant technical investment. You’ll need enterprise hosting ($500-$2,000/month), dedicated developers, and ongoing maintenance resources.
| Feature | PrestaShop Enterprise Setup | Shopify Plus |
| Monthly Cost | $500-$2,000+ (variable) | $2,300+ (fixed) |
| Setup Complexity | High (custom) | Low (managed) |
| Customization | Unlimited | Limited but extensive |
| Support | Third-party | Dedicated team |
| Scalability | Infrastructure dependent | Automatic |
With platform differences clarified, let’s examine common questions merchants ask when choosing between these solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Platform Is Cheaper: PrestaShop vs Shopify?
PrestaShop has no platform fees, but total costs depend on hosting, modules, and development work. Small stores might spend $50-$200 monthly. Shopify costs $39-$399 monthly plus transaction fees and app subscriptions, providing predictable expenses but potentially higher long-term costs.
Can I Migrate From PrestaShop to Shopify or Vice Versa?
Yes, migration is possible in both directions. Shopify to PrestaShop migrations offer more flexibility but require technical expertise. PrestaShop to Shopify migrations are simpler using migration apps but may require rebuilding custom features within Shopify’s limitations.
Which Platform Has Better SEO Capabilities?
PrestaShop offers more direct control over SEO elements through code access and module customization. Shopify provides solid built-in SEO features but limits deep technical optimization. Both platforms can achieve strong search rankings with proper optimization.
Do I Need a Developer for PrestaShop?
Yes, most PrestaShop stores require developer assistance for setup, customization, and ongoing maintenance. Budget for $50-$150/hour development costs. Shopify requires minimal to no developer involvement for basic stores.
Which Platform Handles International Selling Better?
PrestaShop excels at multi-language and multi-currency setups out of the box, particularly for European markets. Shopify offers strong international features but may require apps for complex regional requirements. Both support international selling effectively.
How Do Transaction Fees Compare?
PrestaShop charges no platform transaction fees; you only pay payment gateway fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30). Shopify adds 0.5%-2% transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments, which offers competitive rates of 2.5%-2.9% + $0.30.
Key Takeaways
- Choose PrestaShop if you have technical resources and need unlimited customization flexibility without recurring platform fees
- Select Shopify when you prioritize ease of use, managed infrastructure, and predictable monthly costs over deep customization
- PrestaShop vs Shopify Plus depends on whether you prefer building custom enterprise solutions or adopting managed enterprise infrastructure
- Calculate the total cost of ownership beyond platform fees: include hosting, apps, development, and ongoing maintenance for accurate comparison
- Consider your team’s technical capabilities and long-term growth plans when evaluating which platform best supports your business goals
Conclusion
The PrestaShop vs Shopify decision ultimately depends on your technical capabilities, customization needs, and growth trajectory. PrestaShop rewards businesses with development resources and unique requirements, while Shopify excels at providing managed, user-friendly e-commerce without technical overhead.
Both platforms power successful online stores across industries. Evaluate your specific requirements against each platform’s strengths to make the choice that best supports your business objectives.
Ready to make your decision? Connect with our e-commerce team to discuss which platform aligns with your business goals and technical capabilities.
