Are you tired of the limitations and challenges that come with using OpenCart for your e-store? Perhaps you've encountered issues with its customization options or found its scalability lacking as your business grows. Whatever the reason, it's clear that OpenCart isn't the perfect fit for everyone. And we are here to provide you with the best 8 OpenCart alternatives all of time:
Let’s dive right in!
Top 8 OpenCart Alternatives You Should Turn To
#1. Shopify
If you’ve been searching for OpenCart alternatives that combine ease of use with robust eCommerce features, Shopify is nothing but the right answer. Unlike OpenCart, which requires a complex installation setup, launching a Shopify store is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
With a monthly subscription from $39 to $399/month, you can customize your theme, add products, set up shipping, configure payments, etc.- all in one dashboard. It’s also noteworthy that Shopify is packed with tons of built-in sales and marketing features that grow with your store.
What makes Shopify better than OpenCart?
- Ease of Use: We’ve noticed that Shopify’s user interface is far more beginner-friendly compared to OpenCart, making store management a breeze.
- Performance: In our experience, Shopify stores tend to load faster and handle traffic more efficiently, a crucial factor for peak sales periods.
- Rich App Marketplace: Shopify’s app store is a treasure trove of functionalities, vastly outdoing what’s available on OpenCart.
- Reliable Support: Having access to Shopify’s 24/7 support was a lifesaver
- Simplified Payments: Setting up payment gateways on Shopify is straightforward, unlike the more complex process on OpenCart.
- Marketing and SEO Tools: We found Shopify’s built-in tools for marketing and SEO more advanced and easier to use.
Who do we recommend Shopify for?
Merchants who want to find a user-friendly eCommerce platform with robust sales features and integrations with third-party apps.
Suggested reading:
- Shopify Review: Is Shopify Worth It to Build Your Store?
- OpenCart vs Shopify – All Features Compared
- OpenCart to Shopify Migration in 3 Simple Steps | LitExtension
#2. WooCommerce
Next up, we have WooCommerce – one of the most robust OpenCart alternatives. Like OpenCart, WooCommerce is an open-source eCommerce platform. However, what makes WooCommerce better than OpenCart is that the platform allows for much more flexibility and customization options.
Not to mention that as a plug-in built for WordPress, WooCommerce inherits WordPress’s fantastic SEO functionalities – enabling you to optimize your web store for search engines fully. Also, like Shopify, WooCommerce comes with powerful built-in eCommerce features, letting you manage and scale your online store all in one place.
What makes WooCommerce better than OpenCart?
- Seamless WordPress integration: Unlike OpenCart, WooCommerce effortlessly melds into any WordPress site, making it ideal for those already versed in WordPress andthereby, streamlining the eCommerce setup.
- Unparalleled customizability: Thanks to the extensive range of themes and plugins in WordPress and WooCommerce, personalizing your store is only limited by your imagination.
- Affordability: WooCommerce is completely free to download. You only invest in additional extensions as needed, offering a more budget-friendly approach compared to OpenCart's structure.
- Ease of use: WooCommerce is not well-known for ease of use. Nevertheless, managing an online store with WooCommerce is still simpler than OpenCart
Who do we recommend WooCommerce for?
Entrepreneurs seeking an eCommerce solution that blends ease of use with the flexibility and power of WordPress, offering a cost-effective and customizable platform.
Suggested reading:
- WooCommerce Review: All Pros & Cons Analysis
- OpenCart vs WooCommerce Comparison
- How to Migrate OpenCart to WooCommerce in 3 Steps
#3. BigCommerce
OpenCart’s limited features cannot catch up with your exceptional growth? If that’s the case, BigCommerce would make one of the perfect OpenCart competitors you should turn to.
As an eCommerce platform built for big-sized businesses, BigCommere provides you with extensive customization, complex catalog management, and sophisticated enterprise-grade features.
What makes BigCommerce better than OpenCart?
- Scalability: BigCommerce is designed to support large-scale businesses, effortlessly managing high volumes of traffic and transactions, a notable advantage over OpenCart.
- Advanced features: The platform boasts enterprise-grade features like B2B selling capabilities, multi-channel integration, advanced analytics, etc.
- Advanced security: BigCommerce offers robust security features, essential for large enterprises handling sensitive customer data.
- Extensive API support: The platform provides comprehensive API support, allowing for deep integration with existing business systems, which is often a requirement for larger organizations.
Who do we recommend BigCommerce for?
BigCommerce is best suited for medium to large businesses that require a robust, scalable eCommerce platform with advanced features and enterprise-grade capabilities.
#4. PrestaShop
This list would be incomplete without PrestaShop – one of the top-tier OpenCart alternatives thanks to its extensive customization options.
PrestaShop is renowned for its powerful eCommerce capabilities, including a comprehensive set of cross-border functionalities and professional templates. However, it's important to note that PrestaShop demands a certain level of technical proficiency.
What makes PrestaShop better than OpenCart?
- Advanced customization: PrestaShop offers greater customization options compared to OpenCart, providing more flexibility for tailoring the store to specific needs.
- Comprehensive cross-border features: PrestaShop includes extensive functionalities for international eCommerce, a significant advantage for businesses targeting a global market.
- Technical control: It offers more technical control over the eCommerce environment, which is beneficial for users with the necessary skills to leverage this aspect.
- SEO and marketing tools: The platform comes with robust built-in SEO and marketing tools, offering more advanced options for optimizing online visibility.
- Flexible product management: Prestashop offers more sophisticated options for catalog and product management, catering to a wide range of product types and business models.
Who do we recommend PrestaShop for?
PrestaShop is best suited for those who have a clear vision for their online store and possess the technical skills to implement it. It is ideal for entrepreneurs and businesses looking for a platform that allows detailed customization and control.
Suggested reading:
- PrestaShop Review: Pricing, Design and Features
- OpenCart vs PrestaShop | 7+ Critical Differences
#5. Magento
From our experience, Magento shines as an exceptional OpenCart alternative, especially for businesses that require a comprehensive and scalable eCommerce solution.
While OpenCart serves well for simpler needs, Magento is rather a go-to choice for larger-scale online stores and enterprises. Its robust architecture not only supports extensive product catalogs and high customer traffic but also offers remarkable flexibility and customization.
What makes Magento better than OpenCart?
- Scalability and performance: Magento is designed for scalability, efficiently handling large product catalogs and high traffic volumes, which is crucial for growing businesses.
- Advanced customization and flexibility: It offers unparalleled customization capabilities, allowing for the creation of unique, complex online stores.
- Extensive features and functionality: Magento comes packed with a wide range of advanced features out of the box, including comprehensive inventory management, multi-store capabilities, and sophisticated marketing tools.
- Strong developer community: With a large and active developer community, Magento provides extensive support and resources, facilitating the development of custom solutions.
- Comprehensive B2B functionality: Magento offers robust B2B features not typically found in OpenCart, catering to the complex needs of business-to-business transactions.
Who do we recommend Magento for?
We recommend Magento for medium to large businesses that require a robust, scalable eCommerce platform capable of handling high traffic and large product catalogs.
It's particularly ideal for enterprises that need advanced customization, extensive B2B features, and a platform that can support complex, multi-faceted online stores.
Suggested reading:
- Magento 2 Review – Pricing & Commerce Features
- How to Migrate From OpenCart To Magento (3 Steps Only)
#6. Big Cartel
If you're an artist or independent creator needing a simple platform for online sales, Big Cartel might be what you're looking for. This platform is appreciated for its straightforward approach, contrasting with the more complex nature of OpenCart.
What makes Big Cartel better than OpenCart?
- Ease of setup: Known for its user-friendly setup process, Big Cartel allows beginners to start selling online more quickly than OpenCart.
- Focused functionality for artists and makers: Tailored specifically for creative sellers, offering tools and features that directly cater to their needs.
- Simplified product and inventory management: Offers a more streamlined approach for managing products and inventory, suitable for smaller-scale operations.
- Integrated tools for artists: Includes specific tools for functions like print-on-demand services, which are vital for many artists and creators.
Who do we recommend Big Cartel for?
Big Cartel is a good solution for independent artists, makers, and small-scale sellers. They need an uncomplicated, cost-effective platform to sell their creations directly to their audience.
#7. Shift4Shop
It would be a mistake to leave Shift4Shop out of this list of OpenCart alternatives, especially if you're looking for a platform with more advanced features and options.
Shift4Shop caters to a range of businesses with its comprehensive set of tools and functionalities, making it a solid choice for those who need more than just a basic online store.
What makes Shift4Shop better than OpenCart?
- Comprehensive eCommerce tools: Shift4Shop includes a wider array of built-in features for managing an online store, from inventory management to advanced shipping options, offering a more complete solution than OpenCart.
- Diverse payment gateways: Supports a broader range of payment processors, offering greater flexibility in handling transactions.
- Integrated CRM system: Includes customer relationship management functionalities, which are not typically found in OpenCart.
- Greater customization options: Allows for more extensive customization in both store design and functionality.
Who do we recommend Shift4Shop for?
Shift4Shop is ideal for those who need integrated marketing tools, superior SEO capabilities, and a variety of payment options to streamline their online business operations.
#8. Wix eCommerce
And lastly, Wix eCommerce is one of the top OpenCart alternatives if you are struggling with the technical headaches of running a store with OpenCart.
Wix eCommerce is part of the Wix website builder platform, making it a good choice for those who prioritize ease of use and a visually appealing interface for building their online store. It offers customizable templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and various integrated features for managing an online business.
What makes Wix eCommerce better than OpenCart?
- User-friendly interface: Wix is famous for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Hence, it's easier for beginners to design and manage their online stores.
- Stunning design templates: It offers a wide range of visually appealing templates, allowing users to create aesthetically pleasing stores with minimal effort.
- Integrated website and store builder: Seamlessly integrates eCommerce functionality with website building, enabling a more cohesive online presence.
- All-in-one solution: Provides hosting, security, and support within the platform, simplifying the overall management of your online store.
Who do we recommend Wix eCommerce for?
Wix eCommerce is ideal for small business owners, artists, and entrepreneurs. They are those who value design and simplicity and do not require highly complex or customizable eCommerce functionalities.
A Brief Overview Of OpenCart
If you are weighing OpenCart vs other eCommerce platforms, let’s get you some fundamental knowledge and understanding of the platform first.
OpenCart pros & cons
With years of experience on the OpenCart platform, we believe that while it’s easy to set up a basic eCommerce store, the platform can hardly catch up with your store growth as you scale up.
Here are all the pros and cons of OpenCart for your reference:
Pros | Cons |
|
|
Why look for OpenCart alternatives?
After empowering thousands of merchants to migrate their online stores from OpenCart to other platforms, below are the 5 most off-putting things about OpenCart that drive businesses away from the platform:
- Performance and scalability: As businesses grow, they often outgrow OpenCart's capabilities, especially in handling high traffic and large inventories.
- Advanced eCommerce features: OpenCart might lack certain advanced features like sophisticated SEO tools, AI-driven analytics, and extensive customization options.
- Difficult inventory import: Importing inventory lists can be cumbersome and not very user-friendly, especially for large product databases.
- Integration limitations: Difficulties in integrating with other systems and applications, which is crucial for expanding e-commerce operations.
- User experience: The need for a more intuitive and modern user interface to enhance the shopping experience for customers.
OpenCart Alternatives – FAQs
What is better than OpenCart?
The answer varies depending on your specific e-commerce needs. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento are often considered better for certain businesses, offering more features, scalability, and ease of use.
Is OpenCart completely free?
OpenCart is free to download and use. However, there are additional costs for things like hosting and premium themes or extensions. Notably, OpenCart also offers a cloud-hosted solution, OpenCart Cloud, which is a paid service, provides hosting and additional support.
Is OpenCart an eCommerce platform?
Yes, OpenCart is an open-source eCommerce platform that allows users to create and manage their online stores.
Is OpenCart easy to use?
OpenCart is relatively user-friendly, particularly for those with some technical knowledge. However, its setup and customization may present challenges for beginners compared to more intuitive platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, or Wix eCommerce.
Final Thoughts
OpenCart is a great eCommerce platform with multi-lingual functionalities and a sufficient set of sales & marketing functionalities. However, OpenCart is not a one-size-fits-all platform, as it would be more suitable for small to medium-sized businesses instead for large ones.
Therefore, we hope our list of the 8 best OpenCart alternatives can give you some valuable insights.
Don’t forget to visit LitExtension’s blog site and join our active Facebook Community for all things eCommerce – news, tips, tricks, and more!
