PrestaShop vs BigCommerce: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between PrestaShop and BigCommerce 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:
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
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
| At a Glance |  PrestaShop |  BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $24/monthHosted | $39/moStandard |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | E-commerce Platforms |
Rating | - | - |
Choose PrestaShop or BigCommerce?
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)
Choose BigCommerce if
Enterprise e-commerce platform
- No transaction fees
- Built-in features
- B2B capabilities
| Feature | PrestaShop | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 169 reviews | ★4.3/5 906 reviews |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsWebsite Builders | E-commerce PlatformsSEO Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
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
BigCommerce
Enterprise e-commerce platform
Strengths
- +No transaction fees
- +Built-in features
- +B2B capabilities
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Fewer themes
Key features
Pricing: PrestaShop vs BigCommerce
| Plan | PrestaShop | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Classic | $39 Standard |
| Tier 2 | $24 month Hosted | $105 Plus |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $399 Pro |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on PrestaShop pricing and BigCommerce pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
PrestaShop is free. BigCommerce is paid.
Go with: PrestaShop
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: PrestaShop
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: BigCommerce
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
PrestaShop is free. BigCommerce is paid. 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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 PrestaShop or BigCommerce better?
BigCommerce is rated in our evaluation. PrestaShop is free and BigCommerce is paid.
What are PrestaShop and BigCommerce used for?
PrestaShop: Open-source e-commerce platform. BigCommerce: Enterprise e-commerce platform.
What does PrestaShop cost vs BigCommerce?
PrestaShop is completely free. BigCommerce is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.