PrestaShop vs Payhip: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between PrestaShop and Payhip 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.
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
Payhip
Sell digital products and memberships
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | E-commerce | E-commerce |
Rating | 80/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | PrestaShop | Payhip |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | E-commerce | E-commerce |
Understanding the Differences
Both PrestaShop and Payhip solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.PrestaShop positions itself as "open-source e-commerce platform" while Payhipfocuses on "sell digital products and memberships". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose PrestaShop
PrestaShop makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose Payhip
Payhip is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, PrestaShop lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: PrestaShop
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Payhip is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Payhip
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: PrestaShop
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? PrestaShop is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated PrestaShop higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Payhip more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What PrestaShop Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Payhip If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with PrestaShop (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. PrestaShop scores higher in our analysis, but Payhip might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PrestaShop or Payhip better?
Based on our analysis, PrestaShop scores higher with 80/100. PrestaShop isfree while Payhip is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from PrestaShop to Payhip easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do PrestaShop and Payhip offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. PrestaShop is completely free.Payhip is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.