BigCommerce vs PrestaShop: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between BigCommerce and PrestaShop comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: BigCommerce wins this matchup. Wix eCommerce is our overall E-commerce Platforms pick. Wix eCommerce is our free E-commerce Platforms pick. Pick PrestaShop if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
BigCommerce
Enterprise e-commerce platform
Best for you if:
- • You want no transaction fees
- • You want built-in features
PrestaShop
Open-source e-commerce platform
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (BigCommerce requires payment)
- • You want open source e-commerce
- • You want free to start
| At a Glance | BigCommerce | PrestaShop |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $39/moStandard | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | E-commerce Platforms |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose BigCommerce or PrestaShop?
Choose BigCommerce if
Enterprise e-commerce platform
- You want no transaction fees
- You want built-in features
Choose PrestaShop if
Open-source e-commerce platform
- You want a fully free tool (BigCommerce requires payment)
- You want open source e-commerce
- You want free to start
- Budget matters (Free vs $39/mo)
| Feature | BigCommerce | PrestaShop |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 922 reviews | ★4.4/5 361 reviews |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsSEO Tools | E-commerce PlatformsWebsite Builders |
In-Depth Analysis
BigCommerce
Enterprise e-commerce platform
BigCommerce's pricing is fair for its feature set, especially the 'Standard' tier at $39/month which offers unlimited products.
Watch out
App store add-ons for advanced features
Strengths
- +No transaction fees
- +Built-in features
- +B2B capabilities
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Fewer themes
Key features
PrestaShop
Open-source e-commerce platform
PrestaShop's pricing is incredibly generous, offering a fully open-source and free 'Classic' tier.
Strengths
- +Open source e-commerce
- +Free to start
- +Good module system
- +European focus
- +Customizable
Weaknesses
- -Modules can be expensive
- -Hosting not included
- -Support paid
- -Learning curve
- -Less modern than Shopify
Key features
Pricing: BigCommerce vs PrestaShop
| Plan | BigCommerce | PrestaShop |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $39 Standard | Free Classic |
| Tier 2 | $105 Plus | $24 month Hosted |
| Tier 3 | $399 Pro | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on BigCommerce pricing and PrestaShop pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
PrestaShop is free. BigCommerce is paid.
Go with: PrestaShop
Want the highest-rated option?
BigCommerce: 4.3/5 (922 reviews). PrestaShop: 4.4/5 (361 reviews).
Go with: PrestaShop
Value user reviews?
BigCommerce: 922 reviews (4.3/5). PrestaShop: 361 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: BigCommerce
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
BigCommerce is paid. PrestaShop is free. Go with PrestaShop if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are e-commerce platforms tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
PrestaShop is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
BigCommerce
- Larger review base (922 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
PrestaShop
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
The Bottom Line
BigCommerce wins this matchup. Wix eCommerce is our overall E-commerce Platforms pick. Wix eCommerce is our free E-commerce Platforms pick. That said, PrestaShop is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigCommerce or PrestaShop better?
BigCommerce is rated in our evaluation. BigCommerce is paid and PrestaShop is free.
What are BigCommerce and PrestaShop used for?
BigCommerce: Enterprise e-commerce platform. PrestaShop: Open-source e-commerce platform.
What does BigCommerce cost vs PrestaShop?
BigCommerce is a paid tool. PrestaShop is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.