Prestashop vs Shopify: Which is the Best ECommerce Platform?
Shopify is a great e-commerce solution for small businesses to easily build a store and sell their products online. Shopify provides hundreds of template options that allow businesses to customize their look and feel to suit their brand so they can start selling faster without hiring a web designer. Create a beautiful store with over 70 responsive themes, and customize it without hiring help.
PrestaShop vs Shopify: Visual Comparison
| Prestashop | Shopify | |
|---|---|---|
| Website themes | over 2600 | 250 |
| Ecommerce tools | Over 4,000 | Over 4,000 |
| Product listings | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Customization | Access to core file. | Access to the core file. |
| SEO | native SEO features | SEO via modules |
| Supported languages | Over 75 languages | 21 languages |
| Multi-store management | Yes | No |
| Built-in fraud management | No | Yes |
| Hosting | No | Included |
| SSL Certificates | No | Yes |
| Built-in fraud management | No | Yes |
| Marketplace | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | Zero monthly fees | Starts at $24 monthly |
PrestaShop vs Shopify: Features Compared
Technology
Shopify is a fully hosted e-commerce platform that integrates various functions, including performance, security, and online store maintenance. One subscription fee covers all these services.
PrestaShop is a self-hosted software. To use it, you have to configure it manually. It relies on modules to offer many of the features you’ll need to operate a full-service online business.
Ease of Use
Shopify is more user-friendly and easy to set up than PrestaShop. It was built for those without technical expertise, allowing you to start an online business anywhere. PrestaShop is designed for the tech-savvy. If you’re looking for a hassle-free e-commerce solution, consider Shopify. However, if you want to modify the code, choose PrestaShop.
Payment Processing
Shopify Payments, a built-in payment processor, is available to eligible merchants. It allows them to accept payments without incurring third-party processor fees. You can also integrate PayPal and other payment processors like Skrill. With PrestaShop, you can only accept payments only through a third-party processor. So, you’ll need to pay a commission on top of the gateway fees.
Security
When comparing Shopify vs PrestaShop in the area of security, Shopify offers an out-of-the-box solution. When you sign up for Shopify, you get a free SSL certificate, automatic updates, and 24/7 monitoring. On PrestaShop, you’ll need to buy a separate SSL certificate and manually check for software updates.
Shopify includes a free SSL certificate that helps protect customer data from hackers. Shopify also comes with built-in fraud protection that notifies businesses about suspicious orders.
Themes
Shopify offers a variety of website themes, including nine free ones. Although PrestaShop has more themes available, Shopify’s selection is purpose-built for e-commerce.
Shopify offers 600+ customizable themes, which you can modify to reflect your online brand even if you don’t know how to code.
Pricing
Prestashop is an open-source solution, meaning it’s free to download and install. However, the features are limited. The only cost you’ll incur when using Prestashop relates to web and domain hosting.
Meanwhile, Shopify is a premium e-commerce platform with a 14-day trial window for $1, after which you pay a monthly or annual fee, depending on the plan. The plans come with the features you need to run an online store. You can choose from these four plans:
- Shopify Starter: $5 per month
- Basic Shopify: $29/month (paid annually)
- Shopify: $79/month (paid annually)
- Advanced Shopify: $299/month (paid annually)
Support
Shopify support is available 24/7, no matter which plan you’re on. You’ll also have access to help docs, webinars, blog posts, and online courses to guide you along the way. In contrast, PrestaShop invites you to chat with the PrestaShop community if its self-support resources don’t resolve your query. Shopify doesn’t require you to sign up for a support plan to get technical assistance, as PrestaShop does.
Hosting
Millions of merchants rely on Shopify to power their online stores during important product launches. With reliable uptime and hosting, Shopify can handle high traffic volume, uptime, and more. PrestaShop doesn’t have direct control over hosting, so store owners need to do their due diligence to find a reliable service.
FAQS
Which one is easier to manage?
Shopify is easier to manage than PrestaShop. You can build a store or online business using Shopify even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Can You Migrate from PrestaShop to Shopify?
You can migrate PrestaShop data to Shopify using the Store Importer app. The Store Importer app is a migration tool that lets you quickly move crucial business information, such as customers and products, into Shopify. The tool follows a three-step process. First, it exports a copy of your existing store’s data. Next, it imports the copy into the new Shopify store. Finally, it reviews and edits transferred data before you launch.
