PrestaShop vs Shopify: which one should you choose?

Are you planning to open an online store and are wondering which platform is best for you? If this is the case, this post is perfect for you.
Here we will give you the main reasons to choose one platform over the other. PrestaShop vs Shopify. Let’s get started!

We’re going to start by talking about about the advantages and disadvantages of each platform. Our goal is to help you choose the best option for you to start your eCommerce adventure or maybe even switch the current platform of your eCommerce . Let’s get started!

To get the best analysis we’ll make a comparison between both platforms using 5 main features. 

Shopify vs PrestaShop feature by feature

User friendly

Shopify provides the simplest and clearest interface that you will find. You do not need to know anything about coding or programming, just click/drag as you please and you will have your shop ready in almost no time with a beautiful and professional theme. This ultimately allows you to save a huge amount of time and money. Making this one of the reasons many people decide to start with Shopify.

PrestaShop is a little bit more complex than Shopify, it will require users to know a little bit about coding. This could possibly make this platform to be a little bit trickier to some. However, the knowledge that you need to work with PrestaShop isn’t too advanced and the information you need is usually in the forums.

The winner of “User friendly” section is: Shopify.

Pricing

PrestaShop is a totally free CMS (Content Management System) which means that you can install and use the software without any cost. You only have to pay for hosting services that you choose, usually spending $3-$7 per month. There are no transaction fees either, all you pay for is hosting.

On the other hand, Shopify is a cloud solution and hosting services are provided by themselves. Shopify has 3 different plans:

As we can see, Shopify charges you a minimum fee of $29 (depending on your plan). Shopify also charges you an extra transaction fee of 2% if you are not using their own “Shopify Payments”.

So, in terms of pricing, there is a clear winner: PrestaShop.

SEO

PrestaShop allows you to better work with the SEO placement of your site. If your site is well configured, PrestaShop stores usually give better results on Google’s search ranking.

Shopify has been improving the SEO of their stores in recent years and has been doing well with it. There are many apps that will help you with the SEO of your page too. As a con to some, Shopify has it’s servers in the USA, so if you’re located in Europe your website will be a little bit slower which will affect the SEO ranking.

The winner of “SEO” section is: PrestaShop.

International selling

If you are planning to sell your products internationally, it may be better to go for PrestaShop. 

Core features like multi-language store and currency settings or international taxes and shipping checkout options are available and easy to configure in PrestaShop.

This is not the case with Shopify. If you don’t use Shopify payments you will get charged with an additional fee. Unfortunately, Shopify Payments is only available in 13 countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong (China), Ireland, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, United Kingdom, United States.

The winner of “International Selling” section is: PrestaShop.

Apps & modules

Apps for Shopify and modules for PrestaShop are of great importance when it comes to the success of your eCommerce . These softwares are additional features developed by the platform or third party developers that allow for higher customization for your shop. For example, eCommerce Ads app for Shopify Ads and module for PrestaShop allows you to manage your SEM with Google Ads fast and easily. Also, there are apps that allow you to set an age verification system for your eCommerce in case you are selling +18 products. As you can see, every feature that you may need is available on the Shopify and PrestaShop marketplace.

Both Shopify and PrestaShop have developed a great marketplace, having a huge variety of apps and modules that surely will bring merchants a lot of value.

The winner of “Apps and Modules” section is: Both Shopify and Prestashop!

 

 

PrestaShop vs Shopify at a glance

It is apparent that each platform has its strengths and weaknesses and both are amazing platforms to use and create your online store. Have not you decided yet? check How to choose the best eCommerce platform for your business website. No matter which one you choose, you can’t really go wrong. Just find which platform fits your store better and go for it! 😊

Extra tip: have you had a chance to explore the PMAX campaigns initiated by Google and Microsoft? They’re certainly not to be overlooked!