OpenCart vs Shopify
Compare OpenCart and Shopify on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
OpenCart
Best for
- • SMB merchants wanting a free PHP open-source cart
- • Teams comfortable self-hosting and buying extensions
- • Catalogs that do not need Magento/Adobe programme depth
Starting from $0.00/user/mo
Free plan available
VS
Our verdict
There is no universal winner between OpenCart and Shopify. Choose OpenCart when SMB merchants wanting a free PHP open-source cart. Choose Shopify when Merchants wanting a hosted store without managing infrastructure. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.
Choose OpenCart if: SMB merchants wanting a free PHP open-source cart
Choose Shopify if: Merchants wanting a hosted store without managing infrastructure
Shopify
Hosted SaaS ecommerce platform with themes, checkout, channels, and POS — Basic from $39/mo ($29 annual), Grow $105 ($79 annual), Advanced $399 ($299 annual), Plus from $2,300/mo.
Best for
- • Merchants wanting a hosted store without managing infrastructure
- • Brands scaling across online + retail channels
- • Teams that value app ecosystem over building custom stacks
Starting from $39.00/user/mo
No free plan
OpenCart vs Shopify pricing
OpenCart researched starting price from $0/mo; a free plan is researched. Shopify researched starting price from $39/mo. Affiliate economics excluded.
OpenCart
From $0.00/user/mo
Shopify
From $39.00/user/mo
OpenCart
Starting from $0.00/user/mo
No free trial evidenced
- OpenCart (open source)Popular$0.00/user/mo
- Free GPL download — you own hosting, security, extensions, and agency work.
- Managed cloud (confirm live)Custom
- Secondary sources cite ~$59–$99/mo managed hosting — confirm live; not treated as first-party confirmed tiles.
Shopify
Starting from $39.00/user/mo
Free trial available
- Basic$29.00/mo
- $29/mo billed annually ($39 monthly). Entry full online store.
- GrowPopular$79.00/mo
- $79/mo billed annually ($105 monthly). Professional reports and staff accounts.
- Advanced$299.00/mo
- $299/mo billed annually ($399 monthly). Advanced reporting and lowest standard processing.
- PlusCustom
- From $2,300/mo — enterprise checkout, automation, and B2B features.
Estimate your team cost
Monthly estimate from verified per-seat list pricing. Confirm on the vendor site before purchasing.
OpenCart
$0.00/mo
Shopify
$585.00/mo
+$585.00/mo — Shopify costs more
Verified monthly unit prices · Aug 18, 2026
Prices in USD
Shown per user / month from verified list pricing.
Plans can change
Confirm live vendor rates before purchasing.
Add-ons may apply
Calling, SMS, or usage fees can add cost.
Independence
Affiliate status never changes pricing outcomes.
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