Prestashop
PrestaShop is a free, open-source e-commerce platform that allows you to build a fully customizable online store. Launched in 2007 and used by over 300,000 merchants worldwide, PrestaShop offers merchants full control over store functionality, design, and backend operations.
Unlike hosted platforms like Shopify or Wix, PrestaShop is self-hosted, meaning you need to install it on your own server (or through a hosting provider). This gives you flexibility and ownership, but also requires more technical know-how or the help of a developer.
In 2025, PrestaShop continues to evolve under the stewardship of M33 Group and PrestaShop Edition by PayPal, bringing more integrations, improved UX, and marketplace-friendly features.
Key Features of PrestaShop (2025)
1. Open Source and Free to Use
PrestaShop itself is completely free to download and use, with no monthly subscription fees. You can modify the code, add features, or create custom modules as needed.
2. Full Design Control
With access to the theme files and back-end code, you can design your store exactly how you want. Choose from hundreds of free and premium themes or build one from scratch.
3. Powerful Product Management
Manage unlimited products, categories, attributes, combinations, stock levels, pricing rules, and downloadable products.
4. Multi-language & Multi-currency
Sell internationally with native support for over 75 languages and multiple currencies.
5. Built-in SEO Tools
Customize URLs, meta titles, meta descriptions, alt texts, and more—plus auto-generated sitemaps and canonical tags.
6. Payment Gateway Integrations
PrestaShop integrates with PayPal, Stripe, Square, Amazon Pay, and more than 250 payment modules through the PrestaShop Addons Marketplace.
7. Shipping & Tax Automation
Set up dynamic shipping rules, real-time rates, international shipping zones, and tax configurations.
8. Marketplace & Multivendor Support
Easily convert your store into a multi-vendor marketplace with modules like PrestaShop Marketplace by Knowband or Agile Multiple Seller.
9. Custom Modules & Plugins
Extend your store’s functionality using over 4,000 modules and add-ons, from email marketing to dropshipping, CRMs, and analytics tools.
10. GDPR and Security Features
Includes privacy tools, SSL compatibility, cookie consent banners, and regular community-driven security updates.
PrestaShop Pricing Breakdown (2025)
| Category | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Software License | Free | Open-source and free to download. |
| Web Hosting | $5–$30+/mo | Depends on your provider (e.g., SiteGround, A2 Hosting, or OVH). |
| Themes | $0–$150 one-time | Free or paid themes from the PrestaShop Addons marketplace. |
| Modules/Plugins | $0–$300+ each | Optional add-ons for extra functionality. |
| Development Costs | Varies | May require hiring a developer for setup/customization. |
| Maintenance | Varies | Ongoing updates, backups, server monitoring. |
While the software itself is free, running a PrestaShop store does require investment—particularly if you need premium modules, themes, or technical support.
PrestaShop Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
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100% Customizable: Full access to code and templates.
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Free Core Software: No monthly subscription fees.
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Scalable: Supports complex catalogs, multistores, and internationalization.
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SEO-Friendly: Built-in tools and clean code for better search performance.
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Extensive Add-ons: 4,000+ modules and integrations.
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Large Global Community: Strong ecosystem with documentation and forums.
❌ Cons
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Requires Hosting & Setup: Not beginner-friendly; requires installation and ongoing maintenance.
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Premium Add-ons Can Be Pricey: Costs can add up quickly with paid modules.
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No Official Support: Support comes from the community or paid third-party providers.
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Learning Curve: Especially if you’re not tech-savvy or new to open-source platforms.
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Mobile Editing Limited: No mobile app for store management like Shopify or Wix.
Who Should Use PrestaShop?
PrestaShop is ideal for:
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Tech-savvy entrepreneurs or developers who want full control over their store.
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Businesses selling internationally (multi-language, multi-currency, VAT support).
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Mid to large-scale e-commerce operations that require deep customization.
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Retailers with complex catalogs needing advanced inventory and category features.
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Store owners looking to avoid monthly SaaS fees and prefer owning their tech stack.
PrestaShop vs Shopify vs WooCommerce vs BigCommerce
| Feature | PrestaShop | Shopify | WooCommerce | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Cost | Free | From $39/mo | Free (plugin) | From $39/mo |
| Hosting Required | ✅ (self-hosted) | ❌ (included) | ✅ (WordPress hosting) | ❌ (included) |
| SEO Tools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best For | Developers, large stores | Small–medium biz | WordPress users | Complex catalogs |
Final Verdict: Is PrestaShop Worth It in 2025?
Yes—if you value control, scalability, and flexibility.
PrestaShop remains one of the best open-source e-commerce platforms available in 2025. While it requires more effort to set up and maintain than SaaS alternatives like Shopify or Wix, the freedom to fully customize your store and the zero monthly fees make it an attractive option for serious sellers and developers.
If you’re comfortable with tech or can hire a developer, PrestaShop offers enterprise-level power—without the enterprise-level price tag.
FAQs About PrestaShop
**Is PrestaShop really free?
Yes, the core software is open-source and free. However, you’ll need to pay for hosting, optional modules, themes, and potential development services.
Do I need to be a developer to use PrestaShop?
Not necessarily, but technical knowledge (or access to a developer) is highly recommended—especially for setup and customizations.
Can I use PrestaShop for dropshipping?
Yes, with third-party modules like AliExpress Dropshipping or BigBuy Integration, you can run a dropshipping store with PrestaShop.
Is PrestaShop secure?
Yes, as long as you use SSL, keep modules updated, and choose a secure hosting provider. Like all open-source platforms, security depends on how you manage it.