BigCommerce vs PrestaShop
BigCommerce and PrestaShop both power serious e-commerce stores, but they are built fundamentally differently. BigCommerce is an elite managed SaaS solution focused on enterprise stability and scale. PrestaShop offers core open-source flexibility now bundled into an easy-to-use hosted option. It’s a choice between managed performance and total code control.
Robust tools meet customer service disconnect.
We observe BigCommerce heavily emphasizing high-level enterprise tools, like guaranteed 0% transaction fees and robust infrastructure for scalability. However, user reviews detail severe service issues, including unexpected server outages and deeply unresponsive customer support, even for priority users. Overall, BigCommerce provides impressive technical capability that is unfortunately undermined by inconsistent stability and poor customer experience.
Pros
- Guaranteed 0% transaction fees on the Enterprise plan.
- High reliability with 99.99% reported uptime.
- Industry-leading optimized one-page checkout available.
- Customizable, non-cookie cutter themes compared to competitors.
Cons
- Customer service is frequently reported as unhelpful, non-existent, or indifferent.
- Specific users mention significant, unexpected server downtime (e.g., 25-hour outages).
- Platform infrastructure (CMS, blog system) reportedly struggles with SEO and formatting.
- Essential features like product filters are locked behind high-tier plans.
High customization, reliability risks.
We find PrestaShop excels in offering a complete, highly customizable open-source core, particularly valuable when using the simplified Hosted Offer. However, many users report technical instability, frequent bugs, and notable financial risks associated with the third-party module marketplace. Overall, PrestaShop is a powerful tool best suited for users who possess substantial development resources or are prepared for high ongoing maintenance costs.
Pros
- Simplified launch and hosting is included via the new Hosted Offer plan.
- Strong legal compliance features built-in (GDPR, automatic VAT calculation).
- Highly flexible and customizable open-source core platform.
- Integrated toolkit covering marketing, payments, and shipping solutions.
Cons
- High risk associated with low-quality or obsolete third-party modules.
- Frequent reports of technical bugs and software instability in later versions.
- Requires substantial existing technical knowledge or high ongoing spending.
- Support team sometimes lacks specialized technical advisory skills.
AboutBigCommerce
BigCommerce Essentials is a top-rated ecommerce platform designed specifically for fast-growing businesses, including high-volume operations and B2B SMBs. It operates as a high-performance platform that truly scales with you. Built-in flexibility means you have the freedom to customize your store and save money at the same time. You get robust features that ensure efficient operation, allowing you to focus on expanding your brand and attracting more shoppers. ✅
AboutPrestaShop
The PrestaShop Hosted Offer is a complete, turnkey solution designed to get your ecommerce business running quickly. It’s built on PrestaShop version 8 and simplifies the entire setup process. This package includes efficient store hosting, providing 50GB of space thanks to our partner Gandi. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs who want a powerful, modular tool but need the technical aspects handled for them. Your store is set up and ready to go in just 30 minutes, guided by our experts. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Pricing & Fees
PrestaShop is fixed and cheap, while BigCommerce saves money only when you scale your revenue high.
BigCommerce uses custom quote pricing for its Enterprise plan. Crucially, the Enterprise tier includes a guaranteed 0% additional platform transaction fee. BigCommerce focuses on maximizing profit margin as sales volume explodes. PrestaShop offers a beautifully simple, fixed cost of €290 per year (excl. VAT). This bundles hosting, tools, and support into one predictable annual subscription. This cost certainty is ideal for new or low-volume stores. The choice depends solely on your volume. PrestaShop is immediately more affordable. BigCommerce becomes significantly cheaper than competitors once you exceed high-tier revenue caps. If you are projected to hit over $500k in sales, the 0% fees in BigCommerce offer immense long-term savings.
Platform Stability
BigCommerce guarantees reliability; PrestaShop users report persistent instability and update risks.
BigCommerce promises best-in-class 99.99% uptime for core service reliability. They have maintained a perfect 100% uptime record during Cyber Week for ten years straight. This infrastructure is built for maximum traffic endurance. PrestaShop, particularly with its open-source history, features user reports of frequent technical bugs and instability after updates. Its stability relies heavily on the quality of maintenance and custom coding. BigCommerce handles all performance management centrally; you just run your store. PrestaShop requires technical resources to troubleshoot stability issues and risky updates. For peak traffic resilience and operational peace of mind, BigCommerce offers a far safer, managed environment.
Customization Control
PrestaShop allows total code control; BigCommerce offers excellent, managed flexibility.
BigCommerce provides customization via a powerful drag-and-drop Page Builder and customizable themes. It allows for high-quality design within the safe constraints of the SaaS platform. PrestaShop is natively open-source, giving developers unlimited freedom to modify source code, modules, and functionality. You gain total control over the platform's core behavior. PrestaShop is the undeniable choice for retailers requiring unique, deeply integrated custom workflows. BigCommerce excels at surface-level design and seamless feature integration. If you have a dedicated development team, PrestaShop offers the highest possible degree of personalization unavailable on a managed platform like BigCommerce.
Launch & Onboarding
PrestaShop launches stores almost instantly; BigCommerce focuses on complex, expert-guided scaling.
BigCommerce offers Launch Coaches and priority migration assistance for professional setups. Their process focuses on comprehensive deployment for long-term growth. PrestaShop's Hosted Offer is designed for speed: your pre-installed store is ready in approximately 30 minutes. Expert guidance ensures the initial setup is nearly instant. PrestaShop dramatically lowers the initial technical barrier to entry for new entrepreneurs. BigCommerce prioritizes robust installation for high-stakes scaling operations. If your primary goal is rapid time-to-market, PrestaShop’s 30-minute launch provides a clear advantage.
Enterprise Scaling
BigCommerce has native multi-site features; PrestaShop requires custom development for complexity.
BigCommerce is built for the enterprise using native tools like Multi-Storefront management. This allows centralized control of multiple brands or regional sites. It also includes integrated B2B features like detailed customer groups. PrestaShop does not natively include complex multi-store or dedicated B2B tools in the Hosted Offer. Users must custom-build or find reliable modules for these functions. BigCommerce provides these high-end scaling tools out-of-the-box as part of the managed service. Replicating them on PrestaShop adds cost and complexity. Any business needing advanced brand management or dedicated wholesale operations should prioritize native BigCommerce functionality.
Legal Compliance
PrestaShop integrates specific EU compliance tools; BigCommerce focuses on global security adherence.
BigCommerce adheres to crucial international security standards like ISO, PCI, SOC, and GDPR compliance. It manages platform-level adherence globally. PrestaShop includes specific merchant-facing tools like the Legal Assistant for cookie and GDPR management. It crucially provides automatic VAT calculation based on country. PrestaShop significantly simplifies the administrative burden of European tax and privacy laws for the merchant. BigCommerce relies on platform-wide adherence. Merchants focused on the EU market will find PrestaShop’s integrated VAT and GDPR features highly valuable and time-saving.
Our Verdict
The decision between BigCommerce and PrestaShop hinges on control versus convenience and stability. If stability, infrastructure, and native scaling are paramount, BigCommerce is the clear choice. PrestaShop provides ultimate flexibility and lower fixed costs, but it demands higher technical investment. BigCommerce dominates the managed performance and enterprise scaling space. The platform guarantees 99.99% uptime, removing the massive risk of crashing during crucial Cyber Week peaks. BigCommerce’s 0% transaction fees on Enterprise plans mean maximum profit retention as your sales volume grows past the critical $1 million mark. Multi-store and B2B tools are included natively. PrestaShop excels at rapid deployment and unparalleled customization. The new Hosted Offer provides a ready-to-use store in just 30 minutes for a fixed €290 annual fee. PrestaShop is ideal for complex design requirements and offers integrated compliance tools, simplifying GDPR and automatic VAT calculation for EU selling. Ultimately, the deciding factor is your technical resource level and risk appetite. BigCommerce is the highly professional, managed highway suitable for established, high-volume concerns. PrestaShop is a powerful development tool best utilized by teams with strong technical expertise who prioritize code control over guaranteed vendor stability. Choose BigCommerce if you seek enterprise reliability for serious traffic and scaling complexity. Opt for PrestaShop if your business demands specialized European compliance or needs total, unfettered customization of the back end at a low, predictable annual cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper for a new, small store: BigCommerce or PrestaShop?
PrestaShop offers transparent, fixed pricing at only €290 per year for its Hosted Offer. BigCommerce pricing for the Essentials plan is not publicly listed. PrestaShop offers far greater upfront cost certainty for a new small shop.
Is PrestaShop's open-source flexibility easier to manage than BigCommerce's SaaS model?
No, PrestaShop often requires significant technical knowledge and high maintenance costs for updates. BigCommerce handles all hosting and core maintenance as a managed service. BigCommerce provides more reliable operational ease for non-developers.
Which platform is better for managing multiple websites or brands?
BigCommerce is superior here due to its native Multi-Storefront feature capability. This allows you to efficiently manage several brands or regional sites from one central backend. PrestaShop does not feature this key capability natively.
Which platform is more stable during peak shopping seasons like Cyber Week?
BigCommerce has an exceptional record of 100% uptime during Cyber Week for ten years straight. PrestaShop's history includes user reports of instability and bugs following crucial updates. BigCommerce wins decisively for required peak traffic stability.
Does BigCommerce charge massive transaction fees like other SaaS platforms?
No, BigCommerce is highly competitive concerning fees. Their Enterprise plan guarantees 0% additional transaction fees, regardless of your chosen payment provider. This maximizes profit retention for high-volume operations.
Does BigCommerce offer the same specialized GDPR tools as PrestaShop?
BigCommerce adheres to all global security and privacy standards, including GDPR compliance. PrestaShop specifically includes the Legal Assistant tool and built-in automatic VAT calculation. PrestaShop simplifies complex EU compliance for the seller.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.