PrestaShop vs OpenCart: Which is Easier to Set Up & Manage?

Right eCommerce platform directly affects how quickly you can launch your business, how efficiently you can maintain your catalog, and how reliably your site performs as traffic grows.

We host a lot of online stores and marketplaces built on both PrestaShop and OpenCart. Our support team sees the real-world setup and maintenance challenges every day, from first installation to scaling under heavy traffic. That perspective gives us a clear view of what merchants actually face beyond the marketing pages.

This article is written for entrepreneurs, developers, and small-to-medium business owners evaluating a new eCommerce business or planning a migration from an existing store, whether you are starting or growing your eCommerce venture. We’ll compare installation steps, server requirements, and ongoing management tasks, highlighting the technical details and potential pitfalls so you can make an informed decision without spending weeks on trial and error.

Before comparing setup or management, it helps to understand what each platform actually is-as an open source platform-both from a business perspective and from a developer’s.

OpenCart is a free, open-source eCommerce system written in PHP. Its lightweight core makes it well-suited to small and mid-sized stores that want to launch quickly without heavy infrastructure.

For business owners:

• Cost model – No licensing fees; optional marketplace extensions range from free to premium.
• Scalability – Comfortable for catalogs up to tens of thousands of SKUs, provided the hosting plan scales accordingly.
• User friendly solution – OpenCart offers a user friendly solution that is easy to install, navigate, and customize, making it ideal for small and mid-sized stores.
• Support ecosystem – Active community forums and a large pool of freelancers for affordable custom work, providing extensive support options for OpenCart users.

For developers:

• Stack – PHP 7.4+ with MySQL or MariaDB; follows MVC-L architecture that’s easy to extend.
• Theme & module system – Uses OCMOD and event-based modifications to avoid core-file edits.
• API – RESTful API available for integrations with ERPs, CRMs, or headless front-ends.

PrestaShop is also an open-source website builder and PHP platform, but with a heavier emphasis on out-of-the-box functionality and international commerce. This enables users to customize their online stores by editing the code or installing modules, offering flexibility for feature-rich eCommerce sites.

For business owners:

• Cost model – Core software is free; advanced features often rely on paid add-ons and official themes.
• Global readiness – Built-in multilingual and multi-currency support plus extensive tax/localization rules.
• Merchant services – Partnerships for payments, shipping, and analytics integrated into the official marketplace.

For developers:

• Stack – PHP 8.0+ recommended, Symfony framework underpins the core for modern code practices.
• Customization – Highly modular with an extensive hooks system, allowing deep modification without forking the core.
• Performance tuning – Benefits from OPCache, Redis, or Varnish for high-traffic deployments.
• Prestashop store – Developers can leverage a wide range of modules and themes to enhance the features and performance of any PrestaShop store.

These snapshots let decision-makers focus on what matters most. Business owners can weigh licensing costs, scalability, and built-in commerce features. Developers can evaluate code architecture, integration potential, and performance requirements-ensuring the chosen platform fits both the strategic and technical roadmap.

Based on user reviews, platform benchmarks, and our internal experience at Scalesta, OpenCart generally offers faster setup and simpler ongoing management compared to PrestaShop.

Faster Installation. On standard shared hosting, an OpenCart store can typically be installed in about 10–15 minutes, using a common LAMP or LEMP stack. This straightforward setup process makes it especially appealing for beginners or those launching their first online store. PrestaShop usually requires 30–45 minutes, and often benefits from a hosting environment with higher memory and PHP performance.

Ongoing Simplicity. OpenCart’s admin interface is designed with a familiar layout that minimizes technical friction. According to G2’s comparative review, OpenCart scores higher than PrestaShop in Shipping Information Collection (9.1 vs 8.2). At the same time, PrestaShop’s Quality of Support is noted to be stronger (7.3 vs 6.8) in the same comparison.

Technical Overhead. Both platforms are open source, but PrestaShop’s richer built-in feature set often requires third-party modules or developer work to unlock. OpenCart tends to manage basic store needs with fewer extensions and less advanced configuration.

In short: merchants who prioritize getting a working store quickly with minimal fuss may want to choose OpenCart for its straightforward setup process. Those willing to invest more time and resources in setup might lean toward PrestaShop, especially for its support ecosystem and flexibility.

The quick comparison is helpful, but the real story emerges when comparing PrestaShop to other platforms and examining the underlying philosophy of each. A thorough PrestaShop comparison highlights how their design choices shape installation, hosting needs, and long-term management, rather than simply declaring one “better.”

OpenCart approaches eCommerce with a minimalist mindset. Its codebase is lightweight, demanding only PHP 7.4+ and MySQL 5.7+ to run smoothly. This makes OpenCart an excellent choice for small businesses and small business owners who need an affordable, easy-to-deploy solution. That makes it a natural fit for standard shared-hosting plans, where modest memory and CPU allocations are common. Many hosting providers offer one-click installers that complete the process in roughly a quarter of an hour.

The installation wizard automatically configures databases and essential modules, so the store is operational almost immediately. From the first login, merchants are greeted with a clean, uncluttered dashboard that resembles familiar SaaS eCommerce tools. Routine tasks-adding products, tracking stock, processing orders-require no coding. Built-in backup and restore utilities add a layer of security without extra plugins, a detail that appeals to businesses seeking reliability without complexity.

PrestaShop starts from a different premise: provide an expansive feature set capable of supporting intricate catalogs, multilanguage storefronts, and regional tax rules right out of the box. That breadth brings heavier technical demands and a slightly steeper learning curve compared to more user-friendly platforms like OpenCart. Current releases recommend PHP 8.0 or higher and at least 512 MB of memory, and the platform generally performs best on a VPS or optimized hosting environment.

Installation reflects this sophistication. Database creation, file-permission configuration, and module activation require more attention than a one-click script can deliver. While PrestaShop’s documentation is extensive, it assumes a baseline of technical confidence-something developers and seasoned store owners may appreciate but beginners can find daunting.

Once configured, the administration panel reveals why many mid-sized and enterprise merchants gravitate to PrestaShop. PrestaShop's advanced features, such as advanced catalog rules, multi-store management, and granular localization tools, are built in rather than bolted on, making it especially beneficial for larger stores seeking comprehensive and customizable capabilities. The platform’s modular architecture invites deep customization, and its thriving marketplace of extensions makes it possible to tailor nearly every aspect of the shopping experience.

Seen through this lens, the contrast is less about “easy versus hard” and more about strategic intent. Both OpenCart and PrestaShop are eCommerce solutions tailored to different business needs. OpenCart optimizes for rapid deployment and minimal maintenance overhead. PrestaShop invests in a richer core that rewards merchants ready to fine-tune performance and design. Understanding those trade-offs, rather than chasing a single winner, helps businesses align their eCommerce choice with long-term goals.

When evaluating eCommerce platforms, understanding the total cost of ownership is crucial. Both OpenCart and PrestaShop are free to download and open-source, but running a fully functional store involves additional expenses, such as the cost of a hosting service.

Other essential expenses include web hosting, domain registration, payment gateway fees, and optional extensions or themes.

PrestaShop Costs
Although the PrestaShop core is free, several factors contribute to the overall cost. Merchants typically need to pay for hosting, a domain, and an SSL certificate. Beyond these essentials, additional functionality often requires paid modules, which can range widely in price—sometimes up to €999 per module. When it comes to design, while there are free themes available, many merchants opt for paid themes to access advanced features and greater customization, which adds to the total investment. For stores with complex design or feature requirements, hiring a developer familiar with CSS, HTML, PHP, or PrestaShop’s module system is often necessary.

For businesses seeking a more straightforward setup, PrestaShop partners with select hosting providers that offer pre-configured environments. Availability varies by country, so hosting prices may differ depending on location. In addition, PrestaShop users have access to professional support options, which can be especially valuable for troubleshooting and ongoing maintenance. Alternatively, PrestaShop’s SaaS edition, PrestaShop Ready, provides a fully managed solution for roughly $20 per month, appealing to merchants with limited technical experience.

OpenCart Costs
OpenCart is an open source eCommerce platform that follows a similar open-source model: the platform itself is free to download, but a domain, SSL certificate, and hosting are required for operational readiness. Because OpenCart is lightweight, it can run efficiently on affordable shared hosting plans, making the ongoing costs generally lower than PrestaShop.

Merchants seeking a managed environment can opt for OpenCart Cloud, hosted on Amazon Web Services, with tiered plans tailored to store size and traffic. While some extensions are free, more specialized modules may require additional investment, with premium options costing up to $999 per extension.

The takeaway is that, for both platforms, the software cost itself is minimal, but hosting, domain registration, SSL certificates, and necessary modules or extensions contribute significantly to total expenses. OpenCart’s efficiency and flexible hosting options often make it easier to estimate and control costs, whereas PrestaShop’s richer feature set can involve higher upfront investment, particularly when leveraging paid modules or advanced hosting solutions.

When it comes to support, OpenCart primarily relies on community forums and user-generated resources, but does not include official customer support by default. Merchants needing dedicated assistance can purchase official customer support plans, while others may rely on the active community for help. This is an important distinction compared to platforms that include official customer support as part of their offering.

When it comes to setting up a store, the realities of OpenCart and PrestaShop differ considerably. For merchants switching from another platform, store migration is a key consideration, as transferring store data efficiently and securely is essential to minimize business disruption. Understanding these differences helps merchants plan resources, timelines, and technical support needs.

OpenCart is designed for rapid deployment. The process automatically handles database creation, activates essential modules, and provides a ready-to-use store with default settings. Key features such as customization options, multi-language support, SEO tools, and responsive design are available out of the box, enhancing usability and performance. Basic store information, such as name and administrator credentials, is entered during the setup, and merchants can start adding products immediately without coding knowledge.

PrestaShop, by contrast, involves a more detailed process. Store owners must manually upload files via FTP or a hosting file manager, configure databases and file permissions, and navigate a multi-step installation wizard. Additional steps include activating modules, choosing and customizing a theme, and initial configuration of localization packs. This complexity gives more flexibility but generally requires a higher level of technical understanding.

OpenCart comes preloaded with essential eCommerce features and several built-in features. Merchants can quickly configure store settings such as currency, language, time zone, payment gateways, shipping zones, basic tax rules, and SEO options. The platform emphasizes simplicity, allowing users to launch a functioning store without developer intervention.

PrestaShop provides extensive control over configuration and supports multiple languages out of the box. Store owners can define advanced tax rules across multiple regions, install localization packs, customize layouts, activate modules across categories, and manage multi-store setups. While this grants greater flexibility, setting up these features takes additional time and often benefits from technical support or experience with PHP, HTML, and CSS.

OpenCart is approachable for users with limited technical skills. Its intuitive interface simplifies management, making it easy for users to navigate and handle daily operations. A basic understanding of eСommerce operations and familiarity with standard admin interfaces is sufficient to manage day-to-day tasks. The platform’s documentation and community support are geared toward non-technical merchants.

PrestaShop assumes a higher level of technical competency. Developers or store owners comfortable with PHP, HTML/CSS, and complex eCommerce workflows can fully leverage the platform’s capabilities. Advanced modules, multi-store management, and theme customization typically require technical knowledge for optimal performance, and often require technical expertise for advanced features and integrations.

A well-designed website significantly enhances user experience and can boost conversion rates. Customization options play a crucial role in improving store functionality, allowing businesses to tailor their online stores to specific needs. Both OpenCart and PrestaShop offer extensive theming options, but they cater to different needs and skill levels. Advanced themes and modules available on these platforms provide advanced functionality, supporting complex requirements and scalable solutions for growing businesses.

OpenCart provides a user-friendly approach to theming, making it accessible for store owners and developers alike.

• Theme Availability. OpenCart boasts a diverse selection of themes, including both free and premium options. Popular themes like Sellegance Lite, Journal Lite, and MinimalCart are available for free, offering clean and modern designs suitable for various niches. Premium themes such as eMarket and Xtore are also available, providing advanced features and customization options.
• Customization Ease. The platform’s theme system allows for straightforward customization. Users can modify layouts, colors, and fonts through the admin panel without delving into code. For more advanced customizations, developers can access the backend code, ensuring flexibility to meet specific business requirements.
• Preview Functionality. OpenCart’s theme system includes a preview feature, enabling store owners to visualize changes before applying them, reducing the risk of design errors.
• Developer Support. For those with development skills, OpenCart offers extensive documentation and a supportive community, facilitating deeper customization and integration of additional features, including options like multi store functionality for managing multiple stores from a single backend.

PrestaShop offers a vast array of themes, catering to a wide range of industries and design preferences.

• Theme Availability. PrestaShop provides over 500 themes, including both free and premium options. Themes like MyShop and Pro Business are popular choices, offering responsive designs and compatibility with the latest PrestaShop versions.
• Customization Flexibility. While PrestaShop’s themes are highly customizable, achieving advanced modifications often requires knowledge of HTML, CSS, and PHP. The platform’s architecture allows for deep customization, and it also supports managing multiple stores from a single backend, making it suitable for businesses looking to operate several storefronts efficiently. Users should be prepared for a steeper learning curve.
• Theme Builder Tools: PrestaShop offers tools like the Leo Creator and Elementor for theme customization. These tools provide drag-and-drop functionality, simplifying the design process for users without extensive coding experience.
• Third-Party Integrations: PrestaShop’s extensive module marketplace allows for the integration of various functionalities, enhancing the customization possibilities. However, some advanced features may require additional modules, which can incur extra costs.

Both OpenCart and PrestaShop offer robust theming and customization options. OpenCart is ideal for store owners seeking a balance between ease of use and customization flexibility, especially for those with development skills.

An online store’s functionality often hinges on the availability and quality of extensions. Both OpenCart and PrestaShop provide extensive ecosystems of modules and plugins, with certain modules offering multi store support, allowing you to manage several online stores from a single dashboard. However, their structure and implications for store management differ.

PrestaShop offers over 3,700 modules, developed both by PrestaShop itself and by third-party partners. These modules cover a wide spectrum of needs: design and navigation, shipping and logistics, administration, marketing and promotions, payment gateways, and more. PrestaShop modules are particularly beneficial for large stores with complex needs, as they support advanced customization, high traffic handling, and multi-store management. Additionally, PrestaShop maintains a curated collection of around 56 official plugins on its marketplace.

Some of these add-ons are free, while others are premium, with pricing that can vary widely. Seasonal discounts or promotions-such as Black Friday or holiday deals-sometimes reduce costs for high-end modules.

However, the diversity of developers means that integration can occasionally be challenging. Modules created independently may not always work seamlessly together, and incompatible combinations can introduce glitches or performance issues. For complex stores, a careful selection process or technical support may be necessary to ensure smooth operation.

OpenCart supports an extensive library of over 13,000 extensions and plugins, created by both independent developers and official partners. Similar to PrestaShop, these cover a broad range of functionalities: payment gateways, shipping solutions, SEO enhancements, marketing tools, and more.

Many OpenCart plugins are free, while premium extensions typically start around $20, though specialized modules may cost more. The platform’s structure allows for relatively straightforward installation and activation, with a lower risk of conflicts compared to PrestaShop, thanks to its streamlined module architecture.

Comparing specific management tasks reveals how platform design affects daily operations:

Content Management:

• OpenCart provides basic content management for pages and blogs, but may have limited scalability for complex content needs
• PrestaShop offers advanced content tools but often requires additional modules

Marketing Tools:

• OpenCart includes basic SEO tools and promotional features, which may show limited scalability for advanced marketing campaigns
• prestashop’s advanced seo features often require paid extensions

Analytics and Reporting:

• OpenCart provides essential analytics and basic reporting, with limited scalability for in-depth analysis
• PrestaShop offers detailed analytics but advanced features need premium modules

The complexity difference becomes apparent in advanced operations, where PrestaShop excels but requires more expertise.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for improving product visibility and attracting organic traffic. Both PrestaShop and OpenCart provide tools to support SEO, though their approaches differ.

PrestaShop comes with built-in SEO functionalities and strong SEO capabilities: automatic generation of friendly URLs, meta tag editing, XML sitemap and robots.txt management, and canonical tags. For more advanced optimization, additional modules from the PrestaShop marketplace can extend functionality, though these may involve extra costs.

OpenCart provides a more basic SEO framework by default. Customization often requires PHP knowledge to edit meta tags, implement 301 redirects, or manage canonical references. While extensions exist to enhance SEO, their selection and cost vary depending on the features needed.

In practice, store owners using PrestaShop can implement SEO strategies with less technical intervention, whereas OpenCart may require coding skills or additional extensions to achieve comparable SEO performance.

Both OpenCart and PrestaShop are open-source platforms, which can make them vulnerable to security threats if not properly managed. Neither platform releases frequent automatic security patches, so merchants are encouraged to install reputable third-party security modules or extensions.

OpenCart provides official documentation with recommended security practices, but adding extensions alone cannot guarantee complete protection. Risks include compromised or malicious modules, so it is essential to source software from trusted developers and technology partners. Proper server configuration, regular updates, and careful management of extensions are key steps to safeguarding store data.

Choosing the right eCommerce platform and hosting environment is critical for performance, security, and scalability. While both OpenCart and PrestaShop can run on shared hosting, their technical requirements differ, and selecting an optimized hosting plan can save time and prevent future issues. The right e commerce platform will ensure your online store meets your business needs and supports future growth.

As a hosting provider, Scalesta can help you navigate this choice by recommending the optimal hosting environment for each platform, ensuring smooth installation, reliable performance, and scalability as your business grows. We provide pre-configured environments, one-click installation tools, and ongoing technical support so that you can focus on running your store rather than managing infrastructure.

When you’re ready to get started, our team is here to guide you through the setup process and help you select the right platform for your business. To discuss hosting solutions and take the next step toward launching your online store or marketplace:

Which platform is faster to set up, OpenCart or PrestaShop?
OpenCart generally allows stores to be set up in 10–15 minutes using one-click installers, while PrestaShop typically requires 30–45 minutes due to its multi-step installation and additional configuration steps.

Do I need technical skills to manage OpenCart or PrestaShop?
OpenCart is designed for minimal technical expertise; basic eCommerce knowledge is usually sufficient. PrestaShop provides advanced features that often require familiarity with HTML, CSS, PHP, or server management for full customization and multi-store operations.

How do the themes and customization options compare?
OpenCart offers over 1,700 themes and straightforward customization through the admin panel, with developer access for advanced modifications. PrestaShop provides over 500 themes and more complex customization tools, suitable for businesses needing detailed control over design and layout.

What about plugins and extensions for extra functionality?
OpenCart has over 13,000 extensions, with most being free or starting at $20. PrestaShop offers more than 3,700 modules, some of which can be expensive, and integration between modules may require technical oversight to avoid conflicts.

Which platform provides better SEO and marketing capabilities?
PrestaShop includes built-in SEO tools like friendly URLs, meta tag editing, and XML sitemaps, with additional modules available for more advanced optimization. OpenCart’s default SEO features are more basic, and achieving advanced optimization typically requires extensions or coding skills.