PrestaShop or WooCommerce? Comprehensive comparison of e-commerce platforms
Choosing the right e-commerce platform is one of the most important decisions when setting up an online store. The two most popular free platforms—PrestaShop and WooCommerce—offer different approaches to online sales. In this article, we will help you decide which platform is best for your business.What is PrestaShop?
PrestaShop is a standalone, open-source e-commerce platform designed specifically for running online stores. It was founded in 2007 in France and has since developed into a comprehensive solution dedicated exclusively to online sales.Info
PrestaShop is used by over 300,000 online stores worldwide and is available in over 75 languages.
What is WooCommerce?
WooCommerce is an e-commerce plugin for WordPress, the world's most popular content management system (CMS). It was launched in 2011 and quickly became the most popular e-commerce solution, transforming a regular WordPress website into a fully functional online store.Info
WooCommerce currently powers over 28% of all online stores worldwide, making it the undisputed market leader.
Technical comparison
| Feature | PrestaShop | WooCommerce |
| Platform type | Independent e-commerce solution | Plugin for WordPress |
| Programming language | PHP (Symfony framework) | PHP (WordPress ecosystem) |
| Database | MySQL | MySQL / MariaDB |
| Hosting requirements | Average – higher | Lower – average |
| License | Open Source (OSL 3.0) | Open Source (GPL) |
Installation and configuration
PrestaShopInstalling PrestaShop requires downloading files from the official website and uploading them to the server. The installation process is simple and guides you step by step through the wizard. After installation, you get a ready-to-use store with basic configuration.
// PrestaShop basic requirements: PHP: 7.1 or higher MySQL: 5.6 or higher Memory: minimum 256 MB (512 MB recommended)
WooCommerce
WooCommerce requires WordPress to be installed first, followed by the addition of the WooCommerce plugin from the admin panel. The setup wizard guides you through all the basic store settings.
// Installing WooCommerce in WordPress: 1. WordPress Dashboard > Plugins > Add New 2. Search for "WooCommerce" 3. Click "Install" and "Activate" 4. Run the setup wizard
Tip
WooCommerce is easier to install for people who are already familiar with WordPress. PrestaShop is a better choice for people who want a dedicated e-commerce platform from day one.
Store operating costs
Both platforms are free in their basic versions, but the actual costs of running a store depend on many factors:PrestaShop – cost structure:
- Base software: free
- Premium modules: PLN 50-300 per module (on average)
- Premium templates: PLN 150-500
- Hosting: PLN 50-200/month
- Technical support: optional, PLN 200-500/month
WooCommerce – cost structure:
- Base plug: free
- Premium extensions: PLN 50-500 per extension
- Premium themes: PLN 100-300
- Hosting: PLN 30-150/month
- Additional plugins (SEO, security): PLN 50-200/year
Ease of use and learning curve
PrestaShopThe PrestaShop admin panel is intuitive and designed specifically for store management. All e-commerce features are available right away, without the need to install additional extensions. However, it may take more time to fully master all the features.
Advantages of the PrestaShop interface:
- Dedicated e-commerce panel with all necessary features
- Advanced product and category management
- Built-in analytics and statistics
- Multilingualism and multi-currency built into the system
WooCommerce
For those familiar with WordPress, WooCommerce is extremely intuitive. The admin panel uses the familiar WordPress interface, which significantly reduces the learning curve. It is easier for beginners to use.
Advantages of the WooCommerce interface:
- Familiar interface for WordPress users
- Simple operation for beginners
- Intuitive product addition (similar to adding entries)
- Easy integration with blog content
Tip
If you also plan to run a blog or content site alongside your store, WooCommerce is the natural choice. PrestaShop is better when you focus solely on sales.
Product management
PrestaShop – advanced features:- Unlimited number of products and categories
- Advanced product variant options (combinations)
- Built-in inventory management
- Product packages and accessories
- Advanced product attributes and features
- Virtual and downloadable products
WooCommerce – simplicity and flexibility:
- Simple and quick product addition
- Product variants (color, size, etc.)
- Simple, variable, grouped, and external products
- Basic warehouse management
- Easy addition of downloadable files
- Integration with content (blog posts as products)
Modules, plugins, and extensibility
PrestaShop Addons Marketplace:- Over 4,000 modules and templates
- Official marketplace with verified modules
- Dedicated e-commerce modules
- Average price of modules: PLN 70-250
- Certified modules with guaranteed compatibility
WordPress Plugin Directory and WooCommerce Extensions:
- Over 60,000 WordPress plugins (many free)
- Hundreds of dedicated WooCommerce extensions
- A huge community of developers
- Many free alternatives to paid extensions
- Easy integration with marketing tools
Note
WooCommerce offers more free extensions, but PrestaShop has modules that are more specifically tailored to e-commerce and are often more comprehensive.
Performance and optimization
PrestaShop:- Optimized for e-commerce from the ground up
- Better at handling large product catalogs (10,000+)
- Requires better hosting for optimal performance
- Built-in cache and optimization system
- May be slower with weaker server configurations
WooCommerce:
- Performance depends on your WordPress configuration and the number of plugins
- It may be slower for very large stores.
- Requires additional cache plugins (e.g., WP Rocket)
- Better performance on basic hosting
- Easier optimization for beginners
Tip
For stores with a catalog of over 5,000 products and high traffic, PrestaShop may offer better performance. For smaller stores, WooCommerce will suffice at a lower hosting cost.
SEO and marketing
PrestaShop – SEO capabilities:- Friendly URLs and built-in meta tags
- Automatic generation of a sitemap
- Multilingual URLs and content
- Built-in tools for product positioning
- Requires modules for advanced SEO
WooCommerce – SEO capabilities:
- Full power of WordPress SEO (Yoast, Rank Math, etc.)
- Seamless integration with blogging and content marketing
- Easy creation of sales-supporting content
- A rich ecosystem of marketing plugins
- Better control over content structure
Success
WooCommerce has an advantage in SEO thanks to the WordPress ecosystem, which is considered one of the best platforms for website positioning.
Payments and shipping
Payment methods:Both platforms offer a wide range of integrations with payment gateways:
- PayPal, Stripe, Square
- Przelewy24, PayU, Dotpay (popular in Poland)
- Cash on delivery
- Bank transfers
- BLIK (additional modules/plugins required)
Courier integrations:
- InPost, DPD, DHL, UPS, FedEx
- Parcel lockers and collection points
- Shipping cost calculators
- Automatic shipping labels
Note
In Poland, the availability of integration modules with local payment operators and couriers is comparable on both platforms. It is worth checking the availability of specific integrations before choosing a platform.
Security and updates
PrestaShop:- Dedicated security team
- Regular security updates
- Built-in anti-fraud features
- PCI DSS compliance
- Requires manual update (or via module)
WooCommerce:
- Security based on WordPress
- Frequent updates (automatic)
- Wide selection of security plug-ins
- Easier update management
- Greater attack surface (more plugins = more potential vulnerabilities)
Warning
Regardless of the platform you choose, regular updates of the system, modules, and plugins are crucial for the security of your store. Always make backups before updating.
Support and community
PrestaShop:- Official documentation in multiple languages
- Community forum (over 1 million users)
- Paid technical support available
- Smaller developer community in Poland
- Official training and certifications
WooCommerce:
- Huge WordPress community (very active)
- Hundreds of thousands of posts on forums and blogs
- It's easier to find Polish-language tutorials.
- More developers on the market
- WooCommerce and WordPress documentation
Compliance with the law (GDPR, cookies, invoicing)
Both platforms offer modules/plugins that ensure compliance with Polish and European law:- GDPR consent management
- Cookie banners compliant with regulations
- Integrations with invoicing systems (Fakturownia, InFakt, iFirma)
- Exporting user data
- Right to erasure
Info
As specialists, we offer dedicated modules for cookie consent management and integrations with Polish invoicing systems for both PrestaShop and WooCommerce.
Who is PrestaShop for?
PrestaShop will be a better choice if:- We are planning a large store with an extensive product catalog (5000+).
- We want a dedicated e-commerce platform without additional features.
- We need advanced warehouse management
- We intend to run a multilingual and multi-currency store.
- We have a budget for better hosting
- We do not plan to run a blog or content website.
- We value comprehensive, out-of-the-box solutions.„
Who is WooCommerce for?
WooCommerce will be a better choice if:- We are starting our adventure with e-commerce (low entry threshold)
- We want to link the store to a blog or company website.
- We already know WordPress
- We have a limited initial budget.
- We need a simple store with a basic catalog.
- We care about ease of use and quick start-up.
- We want access to a wide selection of free extensions.
- We plan content marketing and SEO
Cross-platform migration
It is worth knowing that migration between the two platforms is possible, although it requires time and effort. Tools and services are available to help with the transfer:- Products and categories
- Customers and their data
- Historical orders
- Opinions and reviews
Warning
Migrating between platforms is costly and time-consuming. It is better to make an informed decision at the outset than to change platforms later on.
Summary – which platform is better?
There is no clear answer to the question of which platform is better—it all depends on the individual needs and development plans of the store.| Criterion | PrestaShop | WooCommerce |
| Ease of use | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Initial costs | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| E-commerce features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Scalability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SEO and marketing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Community | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance (large stores) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Our recommendation:
Success
For small and medium-sized stores (up to 1,000 products), we recommend WooCommerce due to its simplicity of use, lower costs, and easy integration with content marketing.
Success
For large stores with an extensive catalog (over 5,000 products) and advanced needs, we recommend PrestaShop due to better performance and dedicated e-commerce features.
Need help choosing or implementing?
Choosing an e-commerce platform is a complex decision that requires many factors to be taken into account. As a team cocos.codes We specialize in both platforms and will help you:- Choose the right platform for your needs
- Carry out the implementation and configuration process
- Create dedicated modules and integrations
- Optimize your store's performance and SEO
- Provide technical support and training
Contact us
Tip
Before making your final decision, test both platforms. Install demo versions on a test hosting service and see which platform better suits your needs and expectations.
Regardless of your choice, both platforms will allow you to create a professional and functional online store. The key to success is to properly match the platform to the specifics of your business, development plans, and available resources.
