PrestaShop Review
Open-source store software popular across Europe.
Overview
PrestaShop is a capable open-source platform especially popular across Europe, with strong native multi-language and multi-currency support that international merchants value. The core is free and self-hosted.
Expect to pay for modules and hosting, and to handle more hands-on maintenance than a SaaS platform. It rewards technically comfortable EU-focused sellers.
Our verdict
PrestaShop is a capable open-source alternative with strong multi-language and multi-currency support, especially popular in Europe. Expect to pay for modules and hosting, and to do more hands-on maintenance.
Best for: Technical EU merchants wanting localization
Key features
Strong localization
Excellent built-in multi-language and multi-currency support for international stores.
Free open-source core
No license fee — you control the code and your data.
Large module marketplace
Thousands of modules and themes extend the platform.
Multi-store
Manage several storefronts from one back office.
Pros
- Free, open-source core
- Strong localization & multi-store
- Large module marketplace
Cons
- Paid modules add up fast
- Requires technical maintenance
Ideal for
- Technical EU merchants wanting strong localization
- Sellers who want open-source control without platform fees
- Multi-language, multi-currency stores
Not ideal for
- Non-technical sellers wanting a managed experience
- Merchants who dislike paying per-module for features
Pricing
free core + hosting & modules · 0% (processor fees apply) transaction fees
Free, self-hosted
Typical monthly outlay
The core is free, but real costs come from hosting (~$30/mo typical) and paid modules, which can be pricey individually. Budget for modules and maintenance rather than a subscription.
Performance & reliability
Performance depends on hosting and module discipline. Well-hosted PrestaShop stores are fast; bloated module stacks can slow them.
Support
Community forums and documentation are the primary free support, with paid official support and a partner network available. Many merchants lean on developers.
Full specifications
- Hosting type
- Self-hosted
- Free trial
- Free core
- Themes / templates
- Thousands (marketplace)
- App marketplace
- 5,000+ modules
- Staff accounts
- Unlimited (role-based)
- Multi-currency
- Yes
- POS included
- No
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Yes
- Built-in blog
- No
Payments & security
- Payment gateways
- 250+ payment modules
- SSL certificate
- Yes
- PCI compliant
- Yes
- Gift cards
- Yes
Capabilities & limits
- Product limit
- Unlimited
- Drag-and-drop editor
- No
- Multi-language
- Yes
- API access
- Yes
- Mobile app
- No
- Support channels
- Community forum, paid official support
Frequently asked questions
Is PrestaShop free?+
The core software is free and open-source. You pay for hosting, a domain, and any premium modules or themes.
Why is PrestaShop popular in Europe?+
Its strong native localization, multi-currency, and tax handling suit the EU’s many languages and regulations.
Do I need a developer?+
For anything beyond a basic store, technical skills or a developer help significantly with setup and maintenance.