How much does a PrestaShop store cost?

Agency implementation with custom design, configuration and training: typically from a few thousand euros. PrestaShop itself is free (open source). Ongoing costs: hosting + optional technical support. Zero subscription, zero commissions.

Guide February 2026 5 min read

Which e-commerce platform in 2026? Comparison from an agency perspective

E-commerce platform comparison 2026 - PrestaShop vs Shopify vs WooCommerce vs Shopware

Most articles comparing e-commerce platforms are written from a marketer's, blogger's or the platform's own perspective. Ours is different - we write it as an agency that implements PrestaShop, Shopify, WooCommerce and Shopware daily, for European clients.

We don't have a favorite. We work with four platforms because each solves different problems. In this article we won't say "this one is best" - because it depends on your business. Instead, we'll show which platform we recommend for which scenario, what implementation realistically costs, and what pitfalls we see after dozens of projects.

Our projects on each of these platforms: see portfolio →

1. SaaS vs open source - the fundamental difference

Before we dive into individual platforms, you need to understand one key difference that determines everything else: the operating model.

SaaS (Software as a Service) is a subscription model. You pay a monthly fee and the provider handles hosting, security, updates and infrastructure. No server needed. In return: you have limited code control, often pay transaction commissions, and depend on the provider (vendor lock-in). Examples: Shopify, BigCommerce, Squarespace, Wix.

Open source is a model where you download free software and install it on your own server. You have full control over code, data and infrastructure. No subscription, no commissions. In return: you need a developer (or agency) for implementation, maintenance and updates. Examples: PrestaShop, WooCommerce, Shopware, Magento.

Neither model is "better". SaaS is faster to start and simpler to maintain. Open source gives more freedom and control but requires investment in development. The choice depends on what you value more: simplicity or control.

2. PrestaShop - leading open source in Europe

Details on our technology page: PrestaShop →

PrestaShop is one of the most popular open source e-commerce platforms in Europe - with a particularly strong presence in France, Spain, Italy and Central Europe. Since 2025, the platform is owned by Polish group cyber_Folks (in partnership with Sylius), signaling continued investment and development.

For whom

Medium and large stores (500-100,000+ products) that want full control over code, data and costs. Businesses that have outgrown SaaS platforms and need more freedom.

Advantages from our perspective

Zero transaction commissions, huge module ecosystem (3,000+), strong SEO out-of-the-box, full database and code control, good European payment support (Stripe, Mollie, PayPal) and shipping integration (DHL, DPD, GLS). New versions (8.x, 9.x) built on Symfony - modern architecture.

Watch out for: requires a developer/agency for implementation and maintenance. Upgrades (e.g. 1.7 to 8.x) can be complex. Admin panel less intuitive than Shopify. Needs proper hosting (VPS or dedicated).

3. Shopify - the SaaS conquering Europe

Details: Shopify →

Shopify is the most popular e-commerce platform in the world - and Shopify Payments is now available across Europe. This changes the game: cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna - all without a third-party gateway.

For whom

Businesses that want to launch fast without worrying about servers, updates and security. Stores selling internationally (Shopify Markets). Businesses looking for a managed, global SaaS platform.

Advantages

Zero servers and zero updates (Shopify handles everything), massive App Store (8,000+ apps), Shopify Payments across Europe, intuitive admin panel, Shopify Markets (international selling from one panel), checkout constantly optimized by Shopify.

Watch out for: monthly subscription (from approx. $39/mo), transaction commission if not using Shopify Payments. Limited code access (Liquid, not PHP). Some apps add monthly costs. Less flexibility than open source for very custom solutions.

4. WooCommerce - a store on WordPress

Details: WooCommerce →

WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that turns it into a full-featured online store. The most popular e-commerce solution in the world (over 4 million stores). Strong position everywhere thanks to WordPress dominance.

For whom

Businesses that need a store + corporate website + blog in one CMS. Small and medium stores (up to a few thousand products). Businesses that already have a WordPress site and want to add selling.

Advantages

Full WordPress integration (blog, corporate site, landing pages), huge plugin ecosystem, low entry cost (WordPress + WooCommerce = free), excellent SEO (Yoast/RankMath), full code and data control (open source).

Watch out for: performance drops with large catalogs (10,000+) without optimization. Requires more plugins than PrestaShop to achieve the same e-commerce features. WordPress security needs constant attention (updates, firewall, backups). Admin panel less e-commerce-focused than PrestaShop or Shopify.

5. Shopware - enterprise and B2B

Details: Shopware →

Shopware is a German open source platform gaining popularity as an alternative to Magento/Adobe Commerce. Shopware 6: Symfony + Vue.js, API-first, native B2B, headless-ready. Strong position in the DACH market (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and growing across Europe.

For whom

Medium and large businesses with advanced business logic (B2B, multi-store, headless). Businesses selling in the DACH market. Businesses migrating from Magento 1/2 (end of life or high Adobe Commerce costs).

Advantages

API-first architecture (headless frontend, PIM integration), native B2B (custom pricing, customer groups, quoting), Shopping Experiences (drag & drop content builder), Symfony 6.4 (modern stack), strong DACH community.

Watch out for: smaller specialist and module ecosystem outside DACH than PrestaShop/WooCommerce. Higher implementation cost. Enterprise features (Advanced Search, B2B Suite) require paid license. Steep learning curve for those used to WordPress/PrestaShop.

6. Comparison table: 4 platforms, 12 criteria

Criterion	PrestaShop	Shopify	WooCommerce	Shopware
Model	Open source	SaaS	Open source (WP plugin)	Open source
Subscription	€0	From ~$39/mo	€0	€0 (Community) / paid (Enterprise)
Commission	0%	0% (Shopify Payments) / 0.5-2% (other)	0%	0%
Hosting	Your server	Included	Your server	Your server
Code control	Full (PHP/Symfony)	Limited (Liquid)	Full (PHP/WP)	Full (Symfony/Vue)
Ideal scale	500-100,000+ prod.	1-50,000 prod.	1-5,000 prod.	1,000-100,000+ prod.
SEO	Strong (native)	Good (+ URL limitations)	Very strong (Yoast/RM)	Good (native)
Native B2B	Limited (modules)	Limited (Plus)	Limited (plugins)	Native (B2B Suite)
Headless	API (from 8.x)	Hydrogen (Storefront API)	REST API + GraphQL	Native API-first
European ecosystem	Strong (especially Southern/Central EU)	Strongest globally	Strong (via WordPress)	Strong in DACH
Needs a developer?	Yes	No (basics) / Yes (custom)	Yes	Yes

Full descriptions of each platform (architecture, ecosystem, pricing): compare all platforms →

7. Which platform to choose? Recommendations by scenario

You want to launch fast, don't have a developer, mainly sell B2C

→ Shopify. Fast implementation, zero servers, Shopify Payments across Europe. Lowest entry barrier.

You want full control, have (or plan) a large catalog

→ PrestaShop. Leading open source in Europe, zero commissions, huge module ecosystem. Ideal after outgrowing SaaS.

You need a store + corporate website + blog in one CMS

→ WooCommerce. WordPress = full CMS with e-commerce. Especially if you already have a WP site.

You sell B2B, need enterprise, operate in the DACH market

→ Shopware. Native B2B, API-first, Symfony. Natural Magento successor.

You're on a SaaS platform and want more freedom

→ PrestaShop (full control, zero commissions) or Shopify (better SaaS, global ecosystem). Depends whether you want open source or SaaS.

You're on Magento 1/2 and costs are rising

→ Shopware (enterprise, B2B) or PrestaShop (if you don't need enterprise). Both open source, both cheaper to maintain than Adobe Commerce.

Not sure which platform to choose? Free consultation →

Migration between platforms: details and process →

8. FAQ

There is no single best - it depends on your business. PrestaShop is a leading open source option (zero commissions, full control). Shopify is the best SaaS (Shopify Payments across Europe). WooCommerce is ideal when you need a store + website on WordPress. Shopware is the enterprise and B2B platform.

Agency implementation with custom design, configuration and training: typically from a few thousand euros depending on scope. PrestaShop itself is free (open source). Ongoing costs: hosting + optional technical support. Zero subscription, zero commissions.

Absolutely. Shopify Payments works across Europe: cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna. Subscription from approx. $39/mo, but zero server costs, zero updates, zero security worries. Especially worthwhile for businesses that want to launch fast or sell internationally.

WooCommerce when you need a store + corporate website + blog in one CMS (WordPress). PrestaShop when e-commerce is the priority and you have a large product catalog (PrestaShop is faster with better native e-commerce features). Both are open source and free.

Consider migrating if: you're paying transaction commissions, you need more flexibility (custom features, integrations), your revenue is growing and subscription + commissions are becoming a significant cost. PrestaShop = full control, zero commissions. Shopify = better SaaS, global ecosystem. We migrate stores between platforms - details.

Not sure which platform to choose?

We work with four platforms and recommend the one that fits your business - not the one we know best. Describe your project and we'll help you choose.

Free consultation