Choosing the right eCommerce platform is critical when planning a store migration. Whether you’re looking for more flexibility, better performance, or easier management, two popular options worth considering are PrestaShop and OpenCart. Both are open-source platforms with dedicated user communities, customizable codebases, and extensive module libraries. But when it comes to replatforming, the real question is: Which one should you migrate to—PrestaShop or OpenCart? Let’s break it down based on performance, customization, user experience, and long-term growth potential to help you make an informed decision in 2025.

1. Ease of Use & Learning Curve

PrestaShop:
  • Offers a modern and user-friendly dashboard, but the backend interface can feel slightly more complex for beginners.
  • Some technical knowledge is helpful when it comes to customizing themes or managing modules.
  • Comes with a built-in demo store to get you started, but setting up payment/shipping options may require more configuration time.
OpenCart:
  • Known for its clean, intuitive interface that is easier for non-technical users to pick up quickly.
  • Offers a simplified admin panel that many small to mid-sized store owners find more accessible.
  • Out-of-the-box, OpenCart tends to feel lighter and easier to manage.
Winner: OpenCart – Ideal for users who want simplicity and minimal setup hassle.

2. Features & Functionality

PrestaShop:
  • Packed with advanced features even without additional modules, including multi-store management, layered navigation, and advanced SEO settings.
  • Extensive catalog and inventory tools make it ideal for large or growing stores.
  • Offers over 3,000 modules and 2,000+ templates for virtually any feature you might need.
OpenCart:
  • Offers all essential eCommerce features like product management, order processing, shipping, and payment gateways.
  • Has a modular structure that supports thousands of extensions.
  • While powerful, some advanced features (like multi-store support or complex SEO) may require paid extensions.
Winner: PrestaShop – Better suited for stores with large product catalogs and more advanced business requirements.

3. Customization & Development

PrestaShop:
  • Built using PHP and the Symfony framework, PrestaShop is highly customizable but may require experienced developers for deeper changes.
  • Offers better support for multilingual stores and localization features.
  • Strong theme architecture, but template development can be more complex.
OpenCart:
  • Also PHP-based but uses a simpler MVC (Model-View-Controller) structure that’s easier for most developers to modify.
  • Templates are straightforward, and module development is less demanding than with PrestaShop.
  • Great for small teams or DIY store owners who want flexibility without a steep learning curve.
Winner: OpenCart – Easier to customize for non-enterprise-level businesses.

4. Performance & Scalability

PrestaShop:
  • Performs well out of the box but may require server optimization for large stores or heavy traffic.
  • Better suited for businesses aiming for scalability and international expansion.
  • More resource-intensive than OpenCart but offers greater flexibility in return.
OpenCart:
  • Lightweight and faster to load on standard hosting environments.
  • Handles small to medium stores very efficiently.
  • May require third-party extensions or custom workarounds when scaling beyond basic needs.
Winner: PrestaShop – Offers better long-term scalability for ambitious store growth.

5. Cost of Ownership

PrestaShop:
  • The software itself is free, but many essential modules (SEO, marketing, integrations) can be expensive.
  • Hiring PrestaShop developers may cost more due to the complexity of the platform.
  • Suitable for businesses with a budget for long-term growth and customization.
OpenCart:
  • Also free and open-source with a wide selection of free or low-cost extensions.
  • Hosting and maintenance tend to be cheaper due to its lightweight structure.
  • Budget-friendly for startups and small businesses.
Winner: OpenCart – More affordable upfront and ideal for cost-conscious store owners.

6. Community & Support

PrestaShop:
  • A large global community of developers and store owners.
  • Offers official customer support (paid), forums, and thousands of community-generated resources.
  • Better structured documentation and professional services available.
OpenCart:
  • Has a strong user community and a marketplace with thousands of modules.
  • Forums are active, but official documentation is less comprehensive than PrestaShop’s.
  • Offers commercial support through partners.
Winner: PrestaShop – More structured and professional support options.

Which One Should You Migrate To?

Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature PrestaShop OpenCart
Ease of Use Moderate Easy
Built-In Features Advanced Basic to Moderate
Customization High (Developer-friendly) Medium (DIY-friendly)
Scalability High Moderate
Cost to Maintain Higher Lower
Community Support Larger & Structured Friendly & Practical
Choose PrestaShop if: You’re planning to grow your store significantly, need multilingual support, and want a full-featured platform that supports advanced eCommerce operations. Choose OpenCart if: You’re a beginner or small business owner looking for a simple, cost-effective platform that’s easy to manage without a development team.

Need Help Moving Your Store?

Cart2Cart simplifies the migration process, whether you’re switching from Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, Wix, or any other platform to PrestaShop or OpenCart. ✅ Automatically transfer:
  • Products
  • Categories
  • Customers
  • Orders
  • Images
  • SEO URLs and metadata
Start with a Free Demo Migration to see how your data looks on the new platform—no risk, no downtime. Try Cart2Cart Demo Now Let Cart2Cart handle the technical side so you can focus on growing your business—whichever platform you choose.