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 is our overall pick for e-commerce platforms workflows. 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:
- • BigCommerce is an e-commerce platform for building online stores
- • It provides hosting, payment processing, and tools for selling across channels
PrestaShop
Open-source e-commerce platform
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • PrestaShop is an open-source e-commerce platform for online stores
- • It provides a modular system with thousands of themes and addons
| 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
- No transaction fees
- Built-in features
- B2B capabilities
Choose PrestaShop if
Open-source e-commerce platform
- Open source e-commerce
- Free to start
- Good module system
- You want a fully free tool (BigCommerce requires payment)
| Feature | BigCommerce | PrestaShop |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 906 reviews | ★4.4/5 169 reviews |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsSEO Tools | E-commerce PlatformsWebsite Builders |
In-Depth Analysis
BigCommerce
Enterprise e-commerce platform
Strengths
- +No transaction fees
- +Built-in features
- +B2B capabilities
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Fewer themes
Key features
PrestaShop
Open-source e-commerce platform
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 (906 reviews). PrestaShop: 4.4/5 (169 reviews).
Go with: PrestaShop
Value user reviews?
BigCommerce: 906 reviews (4.3/5). PrestaShop: 169 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 (906 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
PrestaShop
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
The Bottom Line
BigCommerce is our 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.