OpenCart vs Magento: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between OpenCart and Magento 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
OpenCart
Open-source e-commerce platform
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need website builders features specifically
- • OpenCart is an open-source e-commerce platform for online stores
- • It provides a modular system with extensions and themes for customization
Magento
Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 7.6/10)
- • You need e-commerce platforms features specifically
- • Magento is an open-source e-commerce platform for online stores
- • It provides flexible product management, checkout, and extensions
| At a Glance |  OpenCart |  Magento |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Website Builders | E-commerce Platforms |
Rating | 76/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | OpenCart | Magento |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 76 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Website BuildersE-commerce Platforms | E-commerce PlatformsMarketplace Builders |
How OpenCart and Magento Compare
OpenCart
Open-source e-commerce platform
Free · 76/100 score
Magento
Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe
Free tier available · 84/100 score
OpenCart is a website builders tool. Magento is in e-commerce platforms.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenCart is free. Magento is freemium.
Go with: OpenCart
Want the highest-rated option?
OpenCart: 76/100. Magento: 84/100.
Go with: Magento
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Magento
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OpenCart is free. Magento is freemium. Go with OpenCart if free matters most.
What's your use case?
OpenCart is a website builders tool. Magento is in e-commerce platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Magento scores higher: 84/100 vs 76/100.
Key Takeaways
Magento
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 76
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenCart
- Completely free
- Better fit for website builders
The Bottom Line
Magento (84/100) is our pick. That said, OpenCart is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenCart or Magento better?
Magento scores 84/100 in our evaluation. OpenCart is free and Magento is freemium.
What are OpenCart and Magento used for?
OpenCart: Open-source e-commerce platform. Magento: Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe.
What does OpenCart cost vs Magento?
OpenCart is completely free. Magento is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.