PrestaShop vs Shopify
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of PrestaShop and Shopify. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Shopify edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.5/5. However, PrestaShop (3.9/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise European businesses wanting a free, open-source e-commerce platform with multi-language support. Read on for the full breakdown.
PrestaShop vs Shopify at a Glance
PrestaShop
★ 3.9PrestaShop is a free, open-source e-commerce platform popular in Europe. It offers a comprehensive set of e-commerce features out of the box, with a marketplace of modules for extending functionality. Self-hosted like WooCommerce but purpose-built for e-commerce rather than being a plugin on top of a CMS.
Starting from: £0 (free)
Best for: European businesses wanting a free, open-source e-commerce platform with multi-language support
Read full review →Shopify
★ 4.5Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, powering millions of online stores globally. It provides everything needed to start, run, and grow an online business, from website building and product management to payment processing and shipping. Known for its ease of use and extensive app ecosystem.
Starting from: £24/month
Best for: Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem
Read full review →PrestaShop vs Shopify Feature Comparison
Here is how PrestaShop and Shopify compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | PrestaShop | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | Yes | No |
| Starting Price | £0 (free) | £24/month |
| Best For | European businesses wanting a free, open-source e-commerce platform with multi-language support | Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem |
| Our Rating | 3.9/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Mobile App | Limited | Yes |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Limited | Limited |
| Reporting | Basic | Basic |
| Integrations | Limited | Limited |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Exclusive Discount | N/A | N/A |
PrestaShop vs Shopify Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
PrestaShop Pricing
Classic (Self-hosted)
£0 (free)
- ✓Full e-commerce features
- ✓Open source
- ✓Unlimited products
- ✓Community support
Hosted
From £22/month
- ✓Managed hosting
- ✓Automatic updates
- ✓Technical support
- ✓Performance optimisation
Modules
Varies
- ✓Payment gateways
- ✓Shipping modules
- ✓Marketing tools
- ✓Themes
Shopify Pricing
Basic
£24/month
- ✓Online store
- ✓Unlimited products
- ✓2 staff accounts
- ✓Basic reports
Shopify
£59/month
- ✓Everything in Basic
- ✓5 staff accounts
- ✓Professional reports
- ✓Lower card rates
Advanced
£289/month
- ✓Everything in Shopify
- ✓15 staff accounts
- ✓Custom reports
- ✓Lowest card rates
Shopify Plus
From £1,750/month
- ✓Enterprise features
- ✓Unlimited staff
- ✓Dedicated support
- ✓Customisable checkout
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both PrestaShop and Shopify for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
PrestaShop Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Free and open source
- •Strong multi-language and multi-currency support
- •Popular in European markets
- •Good B2B features out of the box
- •Large module marketplace
✗Cons
- •Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting
- •Module costs add up
- •Smaller community than WooCommerce
- •Performance can be an issue with many modules
- •Customer support requires paid plan
Shopify Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Easiest e-commerce platform to use
- •Massive app ecosystem (8,000+ apps)
- •Excellent payment processing (Shopify Payments)
- •Scales from small to enterprise
- •Strong SEO capabilities
✗Cons
- •Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments
- •Monthly costs add up with apps
- •Limited customisation without coding
- •Content management is basic compared to WordPress
- •Migrating away is difficult
Our Verdict: PrestaShop vs Shopify
Both PrestaShop and Shopify are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose PrestaShop if you need European businesses wanting a free, open-source e-commerce platform with multi-language support. With a starting price of £0 (free) and a rating of 3.9/5, it offers free and open source.
Choose Shopify if you need Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem. Starting at £24/month with a 4.5/5 rating, it excels at easiest e-commerce platform to use.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between PrestaShop and Shopify? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, for less. It is an all-in-one CRM with email marketing, SMS, funnels, booking, invoicing, automation, and more, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Need implementation help?
Ikaroa can set up PrestaShop or Shopify for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.