PrestaShop vs Subbly
PrestaShop and Subbly are both solid e-commerce solutions but serve wildly different goals. PrestaShop is built for maximum customization in traditional retail sales. Subbly is highly specialized for running scalable, predictable subscription businesses. Your business model is the fastest way to choose a winner here.
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.
Built for subscription power, backed by great support.
We analyzed Subbly's unique position as a dedicated subscription platform, noting its deep feature set designed specifically for recurring revenue models and migration needs. While pricing lacks public transparency and the site builder is somewhat basic, its high-tier tools and exceptional, video-backed customer service stand out. Overall, this is a highly functional tool ideal for specific subscription-box needs.
Pros
- Built specifically for subscription box management, not as an add-on.
- Exceptional, knowledgeable, and responsive customer service that provides demonstration videos.
- Powerful marketing and incentive tools (trials, funnels, automations, coupon controls).
- Offers sophisticated, proprietary features like Predictive Churn AI in top-tier plans.
Cons
- Specific plan pricing is not publicly listed, lacking financial transparency.
- The integrated site builder is rigid compared to other drag-and-drop website tools.
- Customer support is inconsistent or unavailable during weekend hours.
- Advanced features (like Stripe integration and branding removal) are reserved for premium tiers.
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. 💡
AboutSubbly
Subbly provides a focused pathway for moving your operations. While the specific function is not detailed, it clearly serves businesses seeking operational change. We know that many clients have Switched from their previous platforms to use this solution. It is built for companies needing an efficient way to transfer their services or data.
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Core Business Model
PrestaShop is for products and flexibility; Subbly is purely for recurring subscriptions.
PrestaShop is a powerful general e-commerce platform for high-volume product sales. It supports complex inventory needs and detailed product customization natively. Subbly specializes entirely in the complex logistics of recurring billing and subscriber management. It is designed for subscription boxes and predictable monthly revenue. For specialized subscription tools, Subbly is the superior platform. If you sell primarily one-time items, PrestaShop is your choice. PrestaShop: General e-commerce, high customization. Subbly: Dedicated subscription management. Winner: tie
Customization Potential
PrestaShop allows deep code modification; Subbly focuses on functionality over extreme design.
PrestaShop's open-source core means you can endlessly customize themes and modules. Developers have ultimate control over the platform's every detail. Subbly is highly specified for its niche, and its site builder can feel restrictive. Customizing deeply requires working within Subbly's proprietary framework. If unique, bespoke design is your priority, PrestaShop provides unparalleled flexibility. Subbly is less flexible but more focused on reliable operation. PrestaShop gives endless options. Subbly's builder is functional but potentially rigid. Winner: A
Platform Stability
Subbly provides a predictable, stable environment; PrestaShop users report major technical instability.
Subbly users praise its stability, consistent weekly updates, and reliable performance over time. User reviews for PrestaShop frequently cite major technical bugs and software instability, especially after core updates. Many PrestaShop users lament that expensive third-party modules fail without warning. Subbly offers a more consistent, managed operational environment, minimizing business risk. Reliability is a significant factor for operations. Subbly is noted for stability. PrestaShop stability is a serious risk. Winner: B
Compliance Features
PrestaShop bundles automatic VAT and GDPR tools; Subbly does not advertise these specific tools.
PrestaShop's Hosted Offer includes crucial legal features like automatic VAT calculation. It also provides guidance for GDPR compliance and cookie management via the Legal Assistant. Subbly's features focus purely on subscription mechanics and do not list specific tax or legal automation. For EU merchants, PrestaShop provides robust compliance tools out-of-the-box. Subbly users may need external integrations for tax compliance. PrestaShop assists with VAT and GDPR. Subbly lacks explicit tax automation. Winner: A
Data Migration
Subbly specializes in seamless migration; PrestaShop focuses on fast new store creation.
Subbly specifically offers a free migration service to move existing subscriber data smoothly. They promise minimized downtime and 24/7 support during the transition. PrestaShop’s strength is launching a new store quickly using expert guidance in about 30 minutes. If you already have a large subscriber list you need to port over, Subbly’s migration path is purpose-built for that task. Subbly has a clear migration path. PrestaShop focuses on fast launch success. Winner: B
Customer Support
Subbly provides 24/7 chat support; PrestaShop offers expert help six days a week.
Subbly offers assistance via chat and email around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. PrestaShop provides dedicated expert support via phone, chat, or email six days a week. While PrestaShop support is guided and expert-led, Subbly’s 24/7 availability is an advantage for businesses running globally. Subbly’s accessibility slightly edges out PrestaShop. Subbly provides reliable 24/7 support. PrestaShop offers expert support 6 days/week. Winner: B
Total Ownership Cost
Subbly starts cheaper monthly; PrestaShop's annual fee often spirals with required modules.
PrestaShop has a fixed annual fee of €290, which includes hosting and core tools. Subbly’s pricing starts at a much lower monthly rate, offering more scalable entry costs. The functional core of PrestaShop often requires purchasing pricey, potentially unstable third-party modules. Subbly's built-in subscription features mean fewer expensive add-ons are necessary. Subbly generally offers better predictable value for subscription businesses. Subbly has clear, low monthly costs. PrestaShop's true cost relies on modules. Winner: B
Our Verdict
The decision between PrestaShop and Subbly is essentially a choice of business strategy. You are deciding between ultimate customizability and specialized stability. The verdict hinges entirely on whether you primarily sell traditional products or recurring subscriptions. PrestaShop’s strength is its sheer, untamed flexibility thanks to its open-source core. Need a unique, highly complex storefront or custom feature? PrestaShop allows developers endless control over every detail. The Hosted Offer simplifies the launch, including critical features like automatic VAT calculation. PrestaShop is powerful, but beware: it demands significant technical resources to mitigate risks like module failure. Subbly shines because it specializes entirely in the profitable world of recurring revenue management. It handles complex subscription mechanics natively, controlling billing and churn essential for growth. If you are moving an existing subscriber base, Subbly provides a supported, safer migration path. User reviews confirm Subbly generally offers better reliability and stability than PrestaShop. The deciding factor should be your core revenue stream and risk tolerance. If you require total control over a vast, traditional product catalog, choose PrestaShop, provided you have developers. If your revenue relies on managing renewals, minimizing churn, and stable operation, Subbly is the dedicated, safer platform. Final Recommendation: Go with Subbly if you run a subscription model and value stability, smooth migration, and 24/7 support. Use PrestaShop if you are a developer or have a large budget for deep customization and want the open-source freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PrestaShop or Subbly better for subscription box businesses?
Subbly is purpose-built for recurring revenue management and managing subscriber data. It includes native features for trials, funnels, and churn reduction. PrestaShop requires highly unstable third-party modules to handle subscriptions effectively.
Which platform is easier to set up, PrestaShop or Subbly?
PrestaShop offers an expert-guided installation, making the initial 30-minute launch very fast. Subbly is noted for its user-friendly interface and clearer onboarding experience. Ongoing management is generally much simpler with Subbly.
Does Subbly have VAT and GDPR compliance features like PrestaShop?
PrestaShop includes automatic VAT calculation and GDPR compliance assistance in its Hosted Offer. Subbly's feature list does not explicitly list these automated compliance tools. PrestaShop offers significant out-of-the-box value here.
Which is cheaper to run long-term, PrestaShop or Subbly?
Subbly has lower, flexible monthly pricing starting at just $7. PrestaShop requires a fixed annual €290 commitment plus potentially high costs. PrestaShop's true cost rises due to development needs and expensive, required modules.
Can I get 24/7 technical support with PrestaShop?
No, PrestaShop expert support is available 6 days a week via email, chat, or phone. Subbly offers dedicated 24/7 chat and email support. Subbly is more accessible if issues arise outside of business hours.
Why are PrestaShop reviews lower than Subbly reviews?
PrestaShop is highly polarized, struggling with technical bugs and risky third-party module instability. Subbly reports higher stability, better feature reliability, and consistent support. Subbly offers a safer, more predictable investment.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.