WooCommerce vs. PrestaShop

WooCommerce and PrestaShop are very popular ecommerce platforms. Both have benefits and drawbacks. Anyone considering either option for an online retail presence should explore each system to determine which is best for their needs. By comparing and contrasting the pros and cons of each ecommerce platform, users will be able to select the platform that is ideal.

Ease of Installation

WooCommerce: As a WordPress plugin, WooCommerce is easily installed on an existing WordPress site. A wizard helps guide users through the process, making it quick and painless. If a WordPress site does not already exist, users must create one, which adds time to the installation process but is also relatively easy, especially when using a host with a one-click install option. PrestaShop: Users must download the PrestaShop files, then upload them to their web server. Once that is complete, PrestaShop estimates about five minutes to install for most users, with the automated installer. Beginner users may require up to 20 minutes to complete the install.

Ease of Use

WooCommerce: WooCommerce is easy to use, and acts as an extension of an existing WordPress site. Any information, stats, or details a user may need is available on the WordPress dashboard. This system is robust, with many built-in features, and additional functionality through extensions and plugins is easy to find and maintain. PrestaShop: PrestaShop is popular with many major retailers owing to its combination of ease of use, and customizability. With 310+ built-in features, this platform can do essentially anything users want it to do. A modern and updated admin interface makes it easy to navigate all of the potential of the platform.

Search Engine Friendly

WooCommerce: SEO in WooCommerce is highly functional with built-in features like custom URLs and descriptions. Extensions add onto SEO capabilities, enabling further control over site maps, robots.txt., Google Analytics, and other SEO tools. The basics come with WooCommerce. There is little stopping users from expanding even further. PrestaShop: PrestaShop also comes with built-in features including customized meta titles and descriptions as well as SEO-friendly URLs. Modules to expand SEO exist, but may be more complex to use as compared to those found on platforms such as WooCommerce.

Integration Ecosystem

WooCommerce: WooCommerce works with web-based devices, and iPhone/iPad with popular integrations including FreshBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Amazon Payments, FedEx, USPS and UPS. WooCommerce integrates with a large number of services. PrestaShop: PrestaShop works with Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad and web-based devices. The platform promises seamless integration with official partner modules, from marketplaces to management tools. Integrated services include Bitcoin, Facebook, PayPal, WordPress, and Amazon Marketplace.

Cost to Maintain

WooCommerce: The WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is free. Commercial plugins and extensions, however, have to be paid for annually, so if you require further functionality, be prepared to pay for it each year. Paid themes and designs are optional, but some users prefer them to the free options. Users should also be aware that hosting and payment processing will also have a cost. PrestaShop: PrestaShop is free, and open source, so many users are working to expand on its capabilities with free add-ons. Like WooCommerce, additional costs will be incurred through running this program, including the domain name, hosting, and any paid features.

Customizability

WooCommerce: Much like WordPress, WooCommerce is highly customizable with various plugins and extensions that are easy to find, install, and operate. Even the most beginner users should find it simple to customize WooCommerce to their needs. PrestaShop: There are numerous ways to customize and add on to PrestaShop with some tech know-how. Users can add static pages and/or a blog with a free module, install paid or free themes, and do customization on their own if they understand HTML and CSS. Like WooCommerce, users are mainly limited by their own time and skills.

Hosted vs. Self-Hosted

Both of these e-commerce platforms require hosting, which adds to the overall cost but may provide more control over some aspects of the store.

Target Market

WooCommerce: This ecommerce platform is ideal for small to medium sized businesses, and can target any customer base with its customizability. Social integration comes easily with plugins and extensions. PrestaShop: PrestaShop is fairly scalable for various sizes of companies, though large enterprises may find that it is not powerful enough for their needs. The wide array of modules and add-ons make it possible for users to target specific customer demographics through social media, emailing, and other outreach.

	WooCommerce	PrestaShop
Easy of Installation	Practically installs itself, with a setup wizard handling most of the work. 5/5	Install through uploading files to a server. Ease of installation depends on user skill. 4/5
Ease of Use	Very easy to use for beginners, without holding advanced users back. 5/5	Modern, updated, and easy to use, with numerous built-in functions keeping things running smoothly. 5/5
Search Engine Friendly	Extremely SEO-friendly! 5/5	SEO-friendly, with some work. 4/5
Integration Ecosystem	Easy integration with a vast variety of service providers, including several mailing systems. 4/5	High degree of integration with various platforms, services, and applications. 4/5
Cost to Maintain	Cost varies depending on what users want to spend; initial plugin is free. 3/5	Cost varies depending on what users want to spend; initial platform is free. 4/5
Customizability	Highly customizable, limited only by a users’ skills and budget. 5/5	Customizable, but may require some technological skills for true control over every aspect of the design and function. 4/5
Hosted vs. Self-Hosted	Self-hosted — more work, but more freedom.	Self-hosted — more work, but more freedom.
Target Market	Subscription services, social media targeting, and other custom plugins work to target customers.	May not be the ideal choice for larger businesses needing robust power and control.

Tags: Ecommerce • WooCommerce