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PrestaShop vs. Woocommerce – What is the bottom line?

Dorian Banutoiu
Updated on: May 13, 2017 — Reading time: 16 minutes 48 Comments

First of all, we feel that we should mention that the following article is NOT created as a promotional tool for one of the two eCommerce platforms. This material is purely informational based on our previous experience in dealing with both content management systems.
Table of contents

So, let’s get down to business!

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Basic principles

  • Prestashop is a purely eCommerce platform designed to help medium and big sized businesses to sell their products online.
  • You can add static (CMS) pages and add a blog functionality using a free module.
  • Woocommerce is a FREE WordPress plugin designed to extend the CMS’s functionality with a shopping cart.
  • The predominant feeling that it gives: it was meant to help content websites to sell some products related to their subject matter.
However, they are the same thing, right? Wrong!

Speed performance

  • The Prestashop built in file system cache is not very good. It slows down the websites each time we try to use it.
  • We had some good experiences with Memcached.
    • for this, you need some support from your host. Usually, the Memcache is not activated on the web server
    • Memcached is especially useful for high-traffic websites, acting like a buffer between the website and the database
  • The Prestashop code minify feature is very simple
    • we have encountered some problems regarding the Google Analytics tracking code: moving the JS code to the bottom sometimes breaks the reporting
  • We created a Prestashop Speed Optimization Guide for those of you who want to dive in deeper
  • We had some issues with the W3 Total Cache. Mainly with the minify engines. (most common errors are blank pages – the minimization breaks the CSS or the JS)
  • WP Super Cache (free) Tested by Canonicalized  and WP Rocket (paid)  Tested by Canonicalized plugins are good choices to speed up Woocommerce
  • Most specialists recommend a combination of the Hypercache and Better WordPress Minify plugins Tested by Canonicalized for low to medium traffic websites

Design

Themes
  • Available on the official website (addons.prestashop.com): 1300+ themes
  • Available on ThemeForest: 390+ themes
  • Available on Template Monster: (1000+ templates)
  • Forget about nulled/stolen modules or themes.
    • we have tried to find obscure websites that offer such items, but they are well hidden
    • also, the themes the we struggled to find are outdated, incompatible with current versions of Prestashop or with plenty of bugs
    • do not forget that nulled items could be infected with different kinds of malware
  • When we think of themes, our mind usually takes us to WordPress themes. These are the most popular ones. Not every theme is built to work with Woocommerce, but with the possible help of some plugins, you can easily make any theme compatible with this eCommerce platform.
  • Most templates can be found on themeforest. There are around 430 out of the box compatible Woocommerce themes available now
    • there are about 6000 themes designed for WordPress; almost every one of these can be modified to work with Woocommerce
  • Nulled themes are one of the most controversial subjects out there
    • there are a LOT of websites providing nulled themes and plugins; most of them for wordpress and woocommerce
    • you should be careful with these modules/themes: check the Security section down the page for some examples of vulnerabilities
Implementation
  • Prestashop is built using the Smarty framework. So, if you know a little bit of HTML and CSS, you can crack the design on your own.
  • The Woocommerce design can be edited from within the theme itself, by overriding the plugins templates.
Mobile friendliness
  • On Prestashop, you have multiple options: responsive or mobile theme
    • a frequently asked question: What if the user wants to use the desktop version of the site from his mobile phone?
    • in this case, you are pretty much forced to use a separate mobile template. There are some workarounds, but this is your best option
  • Almost all the WordPress/Woocommerce themes are responsive now.
    • if you would like to use an m.yoursite.com version, this can be done through a plugin like WP Mobile Edition or WPtouch Tested by Canonicalized

Limitations

  • Prestashop is a platform that can support tens of thousands products. Of course, issues could arise with more products you add, such as:
    • if you want to use filters, large categories will load slower
      • to overcome this problem, you will have to purchase a module such as Ajax Filter by Presto Changeo Tested by Canonicalized, Amazzing filter on Addons.Prestashop, or Advanced Search 4 (more expensive)
      • we have tested the presto changeo module; it will do the job perfectly
        • more than this, you can use it on other listing types (manufacturers, search, etc.) – the Prestashop built in layered nav can be used ONLY for categories
      • tip: don’t overdo it with many filter options (e.g. we have seen a website of which every product has a unique attribute to be used as a filter -> it has some loading issues)
      • if you have too many product images, you will have to use a CDN
    • more than one or two thousand visitors a day you may have to place your database on a private server or on a VPS
  • From what we have tested, Woocommerce can support many products. You can even try to push it to 10 or 20 thousand products.
  • On the front end, it will work just fine. Some real issues will appear in the admin section.
  • The products admin will be almost unusable
    • sorting products from the listing will be quite impossible
    • searching for images will take a very long time
    • editing products in bulk will be hard to perform for more than 50 – 100 products at once

Layered navigation

  • The PrestaShop built in Layered Navigation filter is pretty basic. In case you have more than a few hundred products per category, it will slow your website considerably
    • you have the option to create color or material filters
    • you have and ajax price slider that looks ok
  • The Woocommerce Layered Nav plugin is very useful.
  • You can try an SEO optimized one like Woocommerce SEO by Code Ninjas Tested by Canonicalized
    • you could run into some indexing issues if you are importing products
  • For color filters, we are using a widget from the plugin YITH WooCommerce Ajax Navigation Tested by Canonicalized
  • Woocommerce has built-in price slider also, not ajax-powered though

Stock management

  • Prestashop has built-in an advanced stock management section that can help you manage supplies from multiple warehouses.
  • You can keep track of your products by UPC or EAN13, and you can even send purchase orders right from the Backoffice.
  • Woocommerce does not provide right out of the box advanced inventory management options.
  • However, some plugins allow you to integrate with well-known software such as TradeGecko, StitchLabs.

Integrations

ERP
  • There is much fuss lately regarding the Odoo ERP (formerly known as OpenERP)
  • There is a Prestashop connector module for this (priced at 180 euros): Odoo openerp bridge
  • You can also integrate your online store with a custom ERP using Prestashop’s webservice
  • There is a plugin connecting Woocommerce with Odoo, and it’s free.
  • If you are using any ERP the price of the connector plugin is, in fact, irrelevant; the cost of the ERP alone and the implementation are enough to deal with
Accounting software
  • About 50 accounting and invoicing modules on the official add-ons website here
  • There are currently 13 accounting plugins available on the Woo platform for extensions here
Shipping
  • Prestashop offers useful shipping options in the back-office:
    • custom pricing by location, weight, the size of a package
    • custom pricing for different groups of customers
    • defining and sorting of couriers
  • If you want to extend these capabilities, there are about 180 Shipping and Logistics modules on the official Addons market.
  • Also, from what we have noticed almost every major courier has a Prestashop module developed. The headaches caused by AWBs and other shipping issues will be a thing of the past.
  • Woocommerce: 40+ official shipping extensions, including the very flexible Table Rate Shipping Tested by Canonicalized plugin
Payment gateways
  • Prestashop: 150+ official add-ons available including HiPay, PayPal, Skrill, Authorize.net, Pos payment modules and so on
  • Woocommerce: 140+ official extensions including Authorize.net, Stripe, Amazon Payments, Paypal and so on

On-site marketing

Automated discounts
  • There is a “Price rules” section
  • You don’t have the ability to offer a product for free if the order total is greater than a predefined amount, or if the customer buys more than a predefined number of items
    • e.g. 1: buy 3, get one for free
    • e.g. 2: if the order total is larger than $150, you get a product for free
  • You have the Dynamic Pricing Woocommerce plugin – it costs $129
  • There is a cheaper version on codecanyon ($26)
Product Reviews
  • You can configure preferences and moderate your reviews from the Product Comments module.
  • If you would like to have more engaging and active reviewers you can try the Yotpo module.
    • There is a free version of this service, but it is branded with their logo.
    • It’s worth to take a look at what Yotpo can bring to your business.
  • Woocommerce uses the WordPress comment system with an addition 5-star rating option.
  • If you want to list ratings on categories, you can check out our module (developed by Canonicalized): Woocommerce Category Rating
    • it will calculate the average score of the products and will add it to category pages using Schema.org format
    • this is useful for SEO purposes because it will show rich snippets in Google

Multi-store

  • You can deploy multiple Prestashop stores from the back office with a few clicks.
  • This could be a very compelling option for some business owners.
    • you will have a group of online stores in the same admin area
    • you can create shop groups
    • you can have a shop with a selection of products
      • e.g.: you are the owner of a fashion store; now imagine separate stores for dresses, tops, shoes, jeans, etc.
      • these stores will be easily managed from a single place
    • you can have different shops for each country you operate in
    • you can have a custom domain or subdomain for each shop
  • Woocommerce: WordPress multisite can be tricky, especially if you want it to be multilingual.

Multi-language

  • The setup is very simple for Prestashop
    • you can add multiple languages from the admin
    • if you are using a theme that does not have several translations, you will have to do this manually
    • if you have more than one language available, the default URL will redirect to the default language directory: yoursite.com -> yoursite.com/lang/
      • if you want to avoid this, you can do it using the multistore option: creating a separate domain/subdomain for each language
  • For Woocommerce, it can be done through a plugin
    • the most popular plugin that can translate your store is WPML
    • it is possible that you will notice some loading issues when using multiple languages
    • also, it can be done using a free module: polylang

Multi-currency

  • You can import new currencies with one click in Prestashop
    • there is a useful module that redirects the visitor to its country’s currency: Location & Currency Detection Tested by Canonicalized by Presto Changeo
  • You can use multiple currencies with the WPML translation plugin or with the Woo extension Currency Converter Widget
    • there won’t be more the one currency available; the visitor will be able just to switch the display of currency for prices and totals

B2B

  • For Prestashop, it is available at the click of a button. The options are limited, of course.
    • you will need a developer if you want it tailored to your needs
  • It is quite difficult to develop Woocommerce as a B2B platform
    • you don’t have the ability to create customer groups

Product syncing

  • Prestashop has a built-in import section. It works fine, but it has its issues:
    • it could be slow in some cases; you will need to alter your default hosting settings
    • keep in mind to include the default category for a product when exporting/importing
      • you won’t be able to find products through the listing, or your products might lack essential elements such as breadcrumbs
  • Importing in Woocommerce can be done using a paid extension
    • this plugin is excellent and intuitive WP All Import Tested by Canonicalized
    • you also need the Woocommerce add-on for this (total price: $139)

Security

  • First of all, make SURE you use a version newer than 1.6.1.0 because earlier ones are vulnerable to an exploit
    • if you don’t have the ability to update your store, you can use this Security Patch Module: Security patch
  • Another common issue for Prestashop is that some themes have the .tpl files accessible by anyone
    • if you care about your website’s frontend and if you wouldn’t like it if someone steals it we recommend adding the following rules to your main .htaccess file <Files *.tpl> order deny,allow deny from all </Files>
  • To avoid XSS security issues, you should always check that Smarty template variables look like this {$variable|escape}
  • It is a good idea to protect the back office with a .htaccess/.htpasswd password
  • Woocommerce security is pretty much WordPress security:
  • don’t install nulled themes or plugins
  • don’t use old themes and plugins
  • Hackers love outdated versions of popular plugins and themes
    • e.g.: if you have the Revolution Slider plugin installed (a version older than 4.1.4), you might be vulnerable to an exploit
      • someone could gain access to your database credentials by simply accessing this URL: /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=revslider_show_image&img=../wp-config.php
    • also, some early versions of very popular themes like Avada, Ultimatum, X Theme, The7 etc. have the same issue
    • more details about this on the Sucuri blog

Costs

Average price for a theme
  • On themeforest: $60
  • On the PS official website: $110 (subscribe to their newsletter and you will get coupon codes from time to time)
  • Woocommerce: $55
Average price for a module
  • On codecanyon: $22
  • On the official website: $300
  • On codecanyon: $35
  • On the WooThemes official website: $110
Resources needed
  • Prestashop uses a lot of resources
    • this will also result in higher costs
    • it is not as demanding as a platform like Magento, but a good hosting is required
  • Woocommerce does not use any particular resource
    • a basic hosting with a database will do for small to medium websites
    • more than that could become irrelevant

Available developers

  • Available Prestashop freelancers on freelancer.com, elance, upwork
    • 11000+
  • Prestashop tasks (jobs) on the same sites
    • 100+
  • Available Woocommerce freelancers on freelancer.com, elance, upwork
    • 6000+
  • Woocommerce tasks (jobs) on the same sites
    • 400+
  • It seems that there are a lot of skilled developers and not so many jobs, so you are pretty much set on that.

Docs & training

Documentation
  • The Prestashop documentation is not very comprehensive
    • it lacks some essential elements that can help developers and store owners to fix their problems faster
    • the forum is full of entry-level users that won’t help you very much; though some experienced developers are answering most questions
    • the documentation and forum are not very well SEO optimized; you will notice that is hard to find right answers to your questions by
    • be careful always to check the Prestashop version when troubleshooting
  • The Woocommerce and WordPress documentation are spectacular
    • almost every idea, error, or plugin can be found on Google within a few clicks
    • everything is documented on the WordPress Codex and at Woothemes docs
    • the wordpress.org forum is very active; you will find answers to tricky questions very fast
Trainings
  • Prestashop has a series of official training courses for different levels of experience
  • The training is pretty expensive ($800-$1000), but from our experience, we can state that it’s worth it
  • You will perform a 2-day intensive, professional training
  • We didn’t manage to find any official woocommerce training.
  • If you are a video learning fan, you can try some courses on Udemy or Lynda

Basic on-page SEO

  • We haven’t found a plugin to generate in real time auto meta descriptions and titles based on a template
    • you can try the SEO manager Tested by Canonicalized module (codecanyon) to do this, but each time you add a product or a category you will have to press the update button
  • Duplicate content issues
    • Prestashop doesn’t use rel=”canonical” very often, which is not very good
    • you might think that you will end up with a lot of duplicate pages in your hands, but this does not happen that much
  • If you are using an older version of Prestashop, the default robots.txt file might be blocking some .css and .js files
    • as you may know, it’s a bad SEO practice to do so, and Google will send warnings through Search Console
  • Woocomerce/Wordpress has important on-page SEO stuff built in
    • will have to be extended with the Yoast SEO plugin for better performance
  • The chances to generate duplicate content are pretty slim if you are using the Yoast SEO plugin correctly configured
  • We have created an in-depth article about WooCommerce SEO. If you are leaning towards WooCommerce, make sure you check it out!

URLs and 404 errors

  • Prestashop uses 301 redirects making use of the id from the URLs
    • this is a vital element that offers much stability to your eShop
    • some modules can clean the IDs from URLs, but you shouldn’t do it if stability is your prime concern
  • There is no need for the products and categories to have a URL base
    • If you want to, you can add one from the “SEO and URLs” preferences
  • Woocomerce, adds by default these URL roots: /product-category/ and /product/
  • We have found that the Remove Taxonomy Base Slug Tested by Canonicalized plugin works very well when trying to get rid of the category base
    • be sure to hit Save Permalinks if you spot 404 errors when accessing categories
  • For the product URLs, we recommend using just “/p/” as base
    • if you are determined to get rid of this too, there are some premium plugins like WooCommerce URL Cleaner (be careful – you might run into speed issues as your site grows)
  • If you plan to use SEF filters and no category base, you will most likely run into some problems
  • WordPress usually generates 301 redirects when a product URL has changed, which is great in keeping your website 404 free

Conversion rate optimization

Checkout process
  • The Prestashop default checkout process is not marvelous
    • you can choose between a 5-step process and a one-page checkout (the one-page checkout is not a one-step checkout – you have to save your details before showing payment and shipping options)
    • there are a few modules that can make the one-page checkout more user-friendly
      • we have tested the Presto Changeo – One Page Checkout Tested by Canonicalized, it will do just fine
  • The woocommerce checkout is very straightforward
    • usually, it’s a two-step process (cart and actual checkout), but you can easily place both sections on the same page
Recovering abandoned carts
  • There is much talk in the eCommerce area about recovering abandoned carts through email
  • Prestashop modules
    • official marketplace: Abandoned Cart Reminder Pro
    • there is a cheaper one on codecanyon called Abandoned Cart Alerts Tested by Canonicalized
      • it has some issues, but it does the job properly
      • scenario example: let’s say you are logged in your buyer account from your desktop, and you don’t send the order
        • you get an email within two hours letting you know you forgot some products in your cart
        • you read this email on your phone
        • you click on the link from this email, and you are logged in automatically into your account and taken to the cart with the products you forgot to order
        • nice, right?
Loyalty rewarding
  • There is a built-in option: from your buyer account, you can turn loyalty points into a voucher that you should enter on the cart page
    • for extra features you need a paid module
  • There is a Woo extension for this: Woocommerce Points and Rewards
    • it’s easier to for the end user just because you can apply the loyalty discount directly on the cart page

Add/edit products

  • The Prestashop admin requires some time to configure products
    • you can’t edit products in bulk, from the product listing; some plugins can help you with this, but they are primitive and quite expensive.
    • product combinations have to be added one by one
    • before adding combinations (also called variations), you have to add default attributes from a separate section of the admin
    • editing prices in bulk is not available by default
  • On Woocommerce, you can bulk edit products from the listing, but you will run into some issues if you are trying to revise more than 100 – 200 products at once
    • adding variations is a little bit simpler than with Prestashop
    • you don’t have to go to a different page each time you want to add a new product attribute

Bottom line

prestashop
woocommerce
Documentation & support
Resource demand
Versatility
Autonomy
eCommerce features
Search system
Speed performance
Design options
SEO options
Costs

Worldwide usage

  • Prestashop: 3.8% (200 hundred thousand+ online stores)
  • Woocommerce: 31.8% (almost 2 milion online stores)
Built with presta or woo

*source: BuiltWith.com

Some tips from our team

  • Create a wishlist of features and compare it to this article. Make sure you include every idea you have!
  • Be careful when picking developers. They have to be reliable, honest and most of all, they have to know their business
  • Don’t take too long to decide! You can always switch shopping carts
Keep in mind [Tweet “More is lost by indecision than by wrong decision”]

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