Zen Cart vs Payhip: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zen Cart 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:
Zen Cart
Empowering businesses with a free, open-source, and feature-rich e-commerce platform.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Free, open-source e-commerce shopping cart software.
- • Offers extensive built-in features for product, sales, and customer management.
Payhip
Sell digital products and memberships
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Payhip is a platform for selling digital products and memberships
- • It handles payments, delivery, and affiliates for creators and educators
| At a Glance |  Zen Cart | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | E-commerce Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Zen Cart | Payhip |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsCheckout & Cart | E-commerce PlatformsMembership Sites |
Understanding the Differences
Both Zen Cart and Payhip solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Zen Cart positions itself as "empowering businesses with a free, open-source, and feature-rich 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 Zen Cart
Zen Cart 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. Scoring 80/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Zen Cart lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Zen Cart
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: Payhip
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Zen Cart 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 Payhip higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Payhip more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Payhip Does Better
- Higher overall score (80/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Zen Cart If
- You need a completely free solution
- 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 Payhip (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Payhip scores higher in our analysis, but Zen Cart 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 Zen Cart or Payhip better?
Based on our analysis, Payhip scores higher with 80/100. Zen Cart 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 Zen Cart 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 Zen Cart and Payhip offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Zen Cart is completely free.Payhip is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.