OpenCart

Name: OpenCart
Brand: OpenCart
Rating: 4.1 (259 reviews)

Claim this tool Editor reviewed

Open-source e-commerce platform

E-commerce Platforms Website Builders Marketplace Builders

Visit Website

4.1(259 across the web)

FreeVisit Website

Reviews onG2CapterraSourceForge

259 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Open source e-commerce

Biggest con

Outdated architecture

TL;DR - OpenCart

OpenCart is an open-source e-commerce platform for online stores
It provides a modular system with extensions and themes for customization
Completely free and open-source

Pricing: Free forever

Best for: Individuals & startups

4.1/5 across review platforms

What is OpenCart?

Editorial review

OpenCart provides open-source e-commerce. Self-hosted stores with extensions-e-commerce you can customize completely. The customization is unlimited. The extensions are many. The self-hosting provides control. Merchants wanting self-hosted stores consider OpenCart for open-source e-commerce.

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluateSourceopencart.com ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

Open source e-commerce
Free to use
Extensions available
Self-hostable
Good for small stores

Cons

Outdated architecture
Security concerns
Less features than competitors
Community shrinking
Better alternatives exist

Ratings Across the Web

4.1(259 reviews)

OpenCart holds an aggregate rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 259 reviews across G2, Capterra and SourceForge, last checked March 18, 2026.

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

E-commerceOpen sourceExtensionsThemesMulti-storeSEO friendly

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 20, 2026

Free

Open source

Full e-commerce
Extensions
Multi-store

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Is OpenCart worth the price?

95/100

OpenCart's pricing is exceptionally generous, being completely free and open-source.

This makes it an outstanding value for businesses looking to minimize initial software costs. It is best for small to medium-sized businesses and developers who are comfortable with self-hosting and managing their own infrastructure.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Hosting fees (VPS, shared, etc.)

Domain name registration

SSL certificates

Paid extensions/themes

Developer/maintenance time

How OpenCart Compares to Competitors

Compared to platforms like Shopify, which starts at $29/month, or BigCommerce, starting at $39/month, OpenCart's free model offers significant cost savings. While the others provide managed hosting and support, OpenCart requires users to handle these aspects themselves, trading convenience for zero software cost.

Reviews

Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT cover

$99Free with your review

Review OpenCart, get a free AI guide

Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.

Write a review

4.1/5

Across 259 verified user reviews on Capterra, G2, SourceForge

Add your hands-on experience using the offer above to help the next buyer.

Best OpenCart Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

View full list →

Wix eCommerceFreemium

Build, run, and scale your online store with an AI-powered eCommerce platform.

4.4

ShopifyPaid

Launch and grow your online store with ease

4.5

WooCommerceFree

Open-source e-commerce for WordPress

4.5

SquarespacePaid

Build beautiful, code-free websites with integrated e-commerce and scheduling

4.5

BigCommercePaid

Enterprise e-commerce platform

4.3

EcwidFreemium

E-commerce platform that embeds anywhere

4.6

MagentoFreemium

Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe

4.1

See all e-commerce platforms tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

All OpenCart alternatives7+ tools ranked, pricing + verdict per pick OpenCart vs Wix eCommerceHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins OpenCart vs ShopifyHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins OpenCart vs WooCommerceHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

Explore More

Best E-commerce Platforms Tools Best Website Builders Tools Best Marketplace Builders Tools Best Free E-commerce Platforms Best Free Website Builders Best Free Marketplace Builders

OpenCart FAQ

How does OpenCart support e-commerce operations?

OpenCart provides an open-source e-commerce platform that allows merchants to build and manage their online stores. It is designed for self-hosted stores, offering extensive customization options through its available extensions.

Which teams would benefit most from using OpenCart?

OpenCart is best suited for merchants who prefer self-hosted e-commerce solutions and desire complete control over their online store. It is particularly good for small stores looking for a free-to-use platform with customization potential.

How does OpenCart compare to Shopify?

OpenCart offers a self-hostable, open-source e-commerce platform that is free to use, providing extensive customization. In contrast, Shopify typically offers more built-in features and a more modern architecture, though it operates on a different pricing model.

What kind of limitations should users be aware of with OpenCart?

Users should be aware that OpenCart has an outdated architecture and may present security concerns. It also offers fewer features compared to some competitors, and its community is noted to be shrinking.

How is OpenCart priced?

OpenCart is free to use, as it is an open-source platform. There is no paid plan required to utilize its core functionalities for building an e-commerce store.

Can OpenCart be customized extensively?

Yes, OpenCart offers unlimited customization possibilities for self-hosted stores. It supports a wide array of extensions that allow users to tailor their e-commerce platform to specific needs.

Source: opencart.com

Guides & Articles

Best Open Source E-commerce Platforms in 2026

Features OpenCart

Best E-commerce Platforms in 2026

Expert guide

Best Free Website Builders in 2026

Expert guide