Prestashop

What is prestashop

PrestaShop is an open-source e-commerce platform that merchants and developers use to create, run, and scale online stores. The core application is free to download and install, and it provides a full feature set for product catalogs, catalog rules, shopping cart and checkout flows, customer accounts, and order management. Because it is self-hosted, you control where it runs and how it is configured, and you can extend its functionality with themes and modules.

PrestaShop is built on PHP and follows a modular architecture that separates core functionality from extensions. That architecture makes it possible to add payment gateways, shipping carriers, marketing modules, and custom integrations without changing the application core. PrestaShop has an active ecosystem of third-party modules and templates available through the PrestaShop Addons marketplace.

For organizations that prefer vendor-assisted deployments, PrestaShop partners and agencies provide hosting, customization, and managed support. The platform is commonly used by small-to-medium merchants, agencies building multiple storefronts, and developers who need source-code control and deep customization.

PrestaShop features

What does prestashop do?

PrestaShop provides a complete set of e-commerce features so merchants can manage products, sales, customers, payments, and shipping. It supports product variants, attribute combinations, bulk import/export, advanced price rules, and inventory tracking. Admin dashboards let merchants monitor orders, sales, and customer activity while storefront templates control the customer-facing layout.

Key commerce workflows are included out of the box: customer registration, address and tax handling, multiple currency support, coupons and discounts, layered navigation (filters), and basic SEO settings for product pages. The checkout can be customized via modules to add one-page checkout flows, guest checkout, or third-party payment providers.

Beyond core commerce, PrestaShop supports multi-store setups (run several storefronts from one back office), localization for multiple languages and tax regimes, and multi-currency transactions. Merchants commonly combine PrestaShop with analytics, ERP connectors, headless frontends, and PIM systems through its modules and APIs.

Core feature highlights (examples):

• Catalog management: product creation, combinations (variants), bulk import/export via CSV, product attributes and features
• Orders and customers: order lifecycle, invoices, returns, customer groups, address book management
• Marketing and promotions: discounts, vouchers, loyalty programs via modules, cross-selling
• Checkout and payments: multi-currency, multiple carriers, integrations with payment gateways via modules
• Multi-store and localization: manage several stores from one back office, language packs, tax rules
• Theme and design: templating system, responsive themes, layout overrides

PrestaShop pricing

PrestaShop offers these pricing plans:

• Free Plan: $0/month — the open-source PrestaShop core available for download
• Hosted / Managed (partner-based): $5–$100+/month — typical third-party hosting costs depending on provider and volume
• Modules & themes: $20–$500 one-time (typical marketplace ranges) for premium addons and templates
• Enterprise / support packages: $500–$5,000+/month — estimated range for commercial support, customization, or fully managed solutions through agencies

The core PrestaShop application itself is distributed free of charge; major direct costs for most merchants come from hosting, premium modules and themes, payment gateway fees, and optional paid services such as agency development, integrations, and ongoing support. For the official downloadable package, see PrestaShop's download page at the PrestaShop website. For premium modules and themes, visit the PrestaShop Addons marketplace to review current prices and availability.

Because PrestaShop is self-hosted, monthly costs vary widely. A small store can run on budget shared hosting at approximately $5–$15/month, while stores that require higher performance, dedicated databases, or autoscaling commonly use VPS or cloud hosting at $50–$300+/month. Agencies offering managed or enterprise-grade services set fixed fees for SLA-backed support and custom development, which are usually negotiated per customer.

PrestaShop pricing details and context

PrestaShop's economic model shifts the recurring subscription cost away from the core platform and onto operational and extension expenses. When estimating total cost of ownership, plan for the following categories:

• Hosting and infrastructure: $5–$300+/month depending on traffic, uptime, and performance requirements
• Extensions and themes: $20–$500+ one-time per module or theme; some complex integrations can cost thousands
• Payment processing: payment gateways charge transaction fees (e.g., 2–3% + $0.20 per transaction) depending on the provider
• Development and customization: agency or freelancer rates vary; a small customization can be $200–$2,000 while system integrations or headless builds can be $5,000+
• Maintenance and security: ongoing support and patching typically billed monthly or hourly — budget $50–$1,000+/month depending on service level

Check PrestaShop's official resources for the latest information about downloads and partner services: view PrestaShop's download page and browse the PrestaShop Addons marketplace.

How much is prestashop per month

PrestaShop starts at $0/month for the open-source download, but operational costs determine the real monthly spend. Small merchants typically pay $5–$30/month for hosting plus optional small costs for a theme or a few paid modules. Mid-market merchants commonly spend $50–$500/month on hosting, security, and premium extensions.

For stores requiring enterprise support or managed hosting, monthly fees commonly exceed $500/month and can reach several thousand dollars depending on customization, dedicated infrastructure, and SLAs.

How much is prestashop per year

PrestaShop costs $0/year for the software license itself. Annual expenses derive from hosting, modules, and services: basic hosting and a few paid modules can total around $60–$600/year, while a professionally managed store with premium services and multiple integrations often reaches $6,000+/year.

Annual budgeting should include renewal fees for any premium modules or theme licences (some are one-time purchases, others have yearly renewal fees for updates and support), SSL certificates if not provided by the host, and payment processor contractual fees.

How much is prestashop in general

PrestaShop pricing ranges from $0 (free) to $5,000+/month when you include hosting, advanced modules, and managed services. The platform itself is free, but realistic deployments require budget for hosting, security, payments, and growth-related improvements. Typical small-store budgets range from $200–$2,000 in first-year costs, including setup and a few paid modules; mid-size stores often budget $5,000–$30,000 for a year including development and integrations.

What is prestashop used for

PrestaShop is used to create online storefronts where merchants list products, manage inventory, accept payments, and fulfill orders. It is well-suited to sellers who want control over their store’s code, server environment, and third-party integrations. Because it is modular, PrestaShop is used both for single-store retail sites and for multi-store scenarios where a single back office manages multiple storefronts.

Typical use cases include B2C retail stores, niche and vertical commerce sites, multi-language e-commerce for regional expansion, and agency-built custom storefronts for clients that require a developer-friendly platform. Merchants also use PrestaShop as a platform for experimentation — adding custom modules for subscriptions, marketplace features, or headless frontend implementations using APIs.

PrestaShop’s extensible nature makes it attractive for merchants who need to integrate with ERPs, CRMs, and logistics providers. For example, businesses integrate PrestaShop with shipping aggregators, tax engines, and marketing automation tools to create an end-to-end commerce stack.

Pros and cons of prestashop

Pros:

• Open-source core with no licensing fees for the software itself, offering full code access and customization capability.
• Large module ecosystem and theme marketplace that allow targeted feature additions without modifying core code.
• Multi-store and localization support that enable international expansion from a single admin.
• Strong developer community and documentation with options for agency support and custom development.

Cons:

• Self-hosted nature means merchants must manage infrastructure, security, and backups or pay for managed services.
• Quality of third-party modules varies; some modules require careful vetting and ongoing maintenance costs.
• Scaling very large stores may require advanced infrastructure design and experienced developers to optimize performance.
• Non-technical merchants can face a steeper learning curve compared with fully-hosted SaaS commerce platforms.

Operational considerations: ensure you budget for hosting, backups, security patches, and module compatibility testing before major upgrades. Consider a staging environment and a managed services partner for mission-critical stores.

PrestaShop free trial

PrestaShop does not operate a single-vendor SaaS trial in the traditional sense because the core software is open-source and downloadable. You can install PrestaShop on a local machine or a hosting provider to try the platform immediately. Many hosting providers offer one-click PrestaShop installers and trial periods for the hosting account itself.

If you prefer a managed evaluation, several PrestaShop partners and agencies provide demo environments or temporary hosted trials that let you evaluate performance and customizations with preinstalled modules and sample data. These demos can be useful for testing workflows like checkout, payment gateways, and shipping integration under realistic conditions.

To start a self-hosted trial, download the latest release from PrestaShop's download page and follow the installation guides. For a quicker test, use a reputable hosting provider that offers a one-click PrestaShop install or a demo from a PrestaShop-certified partner.

Is prestashop free

Yes, PrestaShop is free to download and use as an open-source e-commerce platform. The application source code is available without licensing fees, but running a production store typically incurs costs for hosting, security, premium modules, and development. Paid modules and themes, along with infrastructure and service costs, are common expenses for active stores.

PrestaShop API

PrestaShop provides a Webservice API that allows programmatic access to store resources such as products, categories, customers, orders, and carts. The API exposes REST-like endpoints and supports CRUD operations for most core entities, enabling integrations with ERPs, CRM systems, PIMs, and custom frontends. Authentication is typically handled via an API key generated in the PrestaShop back office.

The developer documentation covers available resources, parameters, and examples for both XML and JSON formats; it also explains how to manage authentication, resource filters, and batch operations. See the PrestaShop Webservice API documentation for full technical details and code examples. Developers often use the API for headless commerce implementations, mobile apps, and synchronization between PrestaShop and external systems.

Beyond the Webservice, PrestaShop 1.7+ is built on Symfony, which makes it easier for developers to create modules using modern PHP patterns. The module system provides hooks and override points so integrations can be built without modifying the core.

10 PrestaShop alternatives

When evaluating alternatives to PrestaShop, consider the trade-offs between hosted SaaS convenience and self-hosted flexibility. Below are ten alternatives commonly considered by merchants.

• Shopify — Hosted SaaS platform focused on ease of use and integrated hosting, payments, and app ecosystem.
• BigCommerce — Hosted platform with strong native features and enterprise capabilities without app dependency for many use cases.
• Magento (Adobe Commerce) — Open-source and enterprise-grade commerce platform with extensive customization capability and high scalability.
• WooCommerce — WordPress-based open-source plugin that is highly customizable for merchants familiar with WordPress.
• Squarespace Commerce — Designer-focused hosted platform for smaller catalogs and visually driven stores.
• Wix eCommerce — User-friendly hosted builder geared to very small merchants and creative businesses.
• Ecwid — Lightweight commerce solution that can be embedded into existing websites and social channels.
• Salesforce Commerce Cloud — Enterprise SaaS commerce solution with deep CRM integrations and global features.
• OpenCart — Open-source shopping cart with a marketplace of extensions and a simpler footprint than some enterprise platforms.
• PrestaShop (self comparison) — if you need full code control and modularity, PrestaShop remains a strong self-hosted option

Paid alternatives to prestashop

• Shopify: Hosted plans starting at fixed monthly fees that include hosting, security, and support; add-on app costs vary depending on needs.
• BigCommerce: Tiered hosted plans targeted at merchant revenue ranges with included features typically billed per month.
• Magento (Adobe Commerce): Enterprise licensing and hosting costs can be substantial, but the platform targets large merchants requiring deep customization.
• Salesforce Commerce Cloud: Enterprise SaaS pricing based on revenue and requirements; designed for large-scale retailers.
• Wix eCommerce: Monthly subscription that bundles hosting and store features for small merchants.

These paid alternatives reduce the operational overhead of hosting and maintenance at the expense of vendor lock-in and less direct server control.

Open source alternatives to prestashop

• Magento Open Source: Highly customizable and feature-rich, used by merchants who require complex workflows and scalability.
• WooCommerce: WordPress plugin that provides flexible e-commerce on a familiar CMS for many content-driven sites.
• Spree Commerce: Modular Ruby-based open-source platform targeted at developers who want a headless approach.
• Saleor: GraphQL-first open-source platform built with modern stacks for headless commerce and fast frontend experiences.
• Sylius: Symfony-based open-source solution for bespoke e-commerce built by developers needing a framework approach.

Open-source alternatives share the same operational responsibilities as PrestaShop but differ in development stacks, ecosystems, and community support models.

Frequently asked questions about PrestaShop

What is PrestaShop used for?

PrestaShop is used for building and running self-hosted online stores. Merchants use it to manage product catalogs, orders, customers, and checkout flows while developers extend functionality with modules and themes. It is appropriate for merchants who need source-code access and deep customization.

Does PrestaShop cost money?

Yes and no — the PrestaShop software is free, but running a store incurs costs. The core software is available at $0/month, but merchants should budget for hosting, premium modules, themes, payment gateway fees, and potential development or agency costs.

Can I use PrestaShop with third-party payment gateways?

Yes, PrestaShop integrates with many payment gateways via modules. Popular gateway modules exist for providers like Stripe, PayPal, and regional payments; payment integration costs depend on the module and gateway fees.

Is PrestaShop suitable for international stores?

Yes, PrestaShop supports multi-language, multi-currency, and tax rules needed for international selling. Its localization features and multi-store mode help merchants manage region-specific pricing, taxes, and languages from a single back office.

Does PrestaShop have an API for integrations?

Yes, PrestaShop offers a Webservice API that exposes products, customers, orders, and other resources for programmatic access. Authentication is handled via API keys and the documentation provides examples for XML and JSON usage.

How does PrestaShop compare to Shopify?

PrestaShop provides more code-level control while Shopify offers a fully hosted experience. PrestaShop is better for merchants who want customization and self-hosting, while Shopify reduces operational burden with a managed platform and predictable monthly pricing.

Can I migrate from another platform to PrestaShop?

Yes, migration to PrestaShop is common and supported via modules and services. Data migration tools and agency services help transfer products, customers, and orders from platforms like Magento, WooCommerce, or Shopify into PrestaShop.

Is PrestaShop secure for handling payments?

Yes, PrestaShop can be secured to handle payments safely, but security depends on hosting and configuration. Merchants must implement HTTPS/SSL, keep modules updated, and follow best practices for server hardening or use managed hosting with security SLAs.

What are typical costs for PrestaShop add-ons?

PrestaShop modules commonly cost between $20 and $500 one-time. Simple extensions like payment connectors or widgets tend to be lower priced, while feature-rich integrations and marketplace connectors can cost several hundred dollars.

Where can I find official PrestaShop documentation and downloads?

PrestaShop provides official documentation, developer guides, and downloads on its website. For downloads and release notes, see PrestaShop's download page, and for developer references review the PrestaShop developer documentation.

prestashop careers

PrestaShop is supported by an ecosystem of contributors, agencies, and companies that work on the core platform, modules, and themes. Career opportunities arise across roles such as PHP/Symfony developers, frontend/UX designers, QA engineers, DevOps professionals working on hosting and scaling, and product managers focused on commerce experiences. Many agencies specializing in PrestaShop offer consulting, development, and managed services and regularly hire engineers familiar with the platform.

Working with PrestaShop also opens roles in e-commerce operations: store administrators, digital marketing specialists, and data analysts who focus on catalog management, conversion optimization, and integration with analytics and CRM tools. Job seekers can find PrestaShop-specific positions at agencies, hosting companies, and merchants that run the platform.

prestashop affiliate

PrestaShop partners and agencies sometimes operate affiliate programs for referrals to hosting, themes, or modules. While PrestaShop’s core project does not centrally operate a single affiliate storefront, ecosystem partners may provide referral fees for customer sign-ups to managed hosting or paid add-ons. If you plan to monetize PrestaShop-related content, evaluate partner programs from hosting providers and module marketplaces and disclose affiliate relationships per your local regulations.

Where to find prestashop reviews

User reviews for PrestaShop appear on software comparison sites, developer forums, and marketplace pages for modules and themes. To gather objective feedback, read merchant case studies on PrestaShop's site and independent reviews on platforms such as G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius. For technical reviews and community discussions, check developer forums and the PrestaShop GitHub repository to see issue reports, community contributions, and release notes.

For extension-specific reviews, inspect the PrestaShop Addons marketplace where users leave ratings and comments on modules and themes.