PrestaShop is a free, open-source eCommerce platform for building and running an online store. Because it is self-hosted, you download the software at no cost and run it on your own web hosting, which gives you full control over your store and its data.
Who it suits
PrestaShop fits an owner who wants to own their store outright, avoid ongoing platform fees, and is comfortable with a bit more technical setup, or has a developer to help. It is a strong middle ground between a rigid hosted builder and building from scratch.
What you get
- A full-featured, free eCommerce platform with catalogue, cart and checkout.
- A large library of modules and themes to extend the store.
- Full control over hosting, data and customisation.
- A paid cloud-hosted option for those who prefer it managed.
Pricing
The PrestaShop software itself is free. Your real costs are web hosting, a domain, and any paid themes or modules you choose. There is also a paid cloud version that bundles hosting and support for a monthly fee. Check the current cloud pricing if you want the managed route.
Our take
PrestaShop is a good choice if you want to own your store and keep platform costs down, provided you are ready to handle hosting and updates. Pair it with reliable, fast web hosting so your store loads quickly for local shoppers. If you would rather everything be managed for you, a hosted platform like Shopify trades control for convenience.
Related: eCommerce explained · Web hosting for your store · Shopify compared