Hey everyone,
I’m stuck choosing between PrestaShop and Shopify for an online store project next year. I need to build custom stuff, so I’m curious about the tech side of things.
Some questions I have:
- How different is it to make modules for PrestaShop (PHP/Symfony) compared to Shopify (Liquid + APIs)?
- Can you do deep customization on Shopify, or does PrestaShop give you more access?
- Which one has better docs and is easier to work with in 2025?
I’ve played around with both:
- Tried Shopify’s Node.js stuff and their Admin API
- Made a basic PrestaShop 8 module using Symfony
I’m okay with PHP and JS, but I want to know which one will be easier to maintain and add complex features to over time.
Shopify seems faster to set up, but maybe limited for backend work. PrestaShop looks more open but might be trickier to work with.
Anyone here worked with both recently? I’d love to hear about your experiences, especially with coding, tools, and getting things live. Thanks!
As someone who’s worked extensively with both PrestaShop and Shopify, I can offer some insights based on recent projects.
For custom development, PrestaShop definitely gives you more flexibility. The PHP/Symfony stack allows for deeper customizations, especially on the backend. You can pretty much modify any aspect of the system if you’re willing to dig into the code.
Shopify, while more limited, has come a long way in terms of customization. Their APIs are robust, and the App Bridge framework lets you integrate custom UI elements seamlessly. However, you’re still constrained by Shopify’s architecture.
In terms of documentation and developer experience, Shopify has the edge. Their dev resources are top-notch, and the ecosystem is more modern. PrestaShop’s docs can be hit-or-miss, especially for newer versions.
Maintenance-wise, Shopify wins for simpler stores. But for complex, highly customized shops, PrestaShop might be easier to maintain long-term since you have full access to the codebase.
Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs. If you need deep customization and don’t mind the extra complexity, go with PrestaShop. If you want a more streamlined dev experience and can work within Shopify’s constraints, it’s a solid choice.
Having worked on both platforms recently, I can share some insights. PrestaShop offers more backend flexibility, allowing deeper customizations with its PHP/Symfony stack. You can modify core functionalities if needed, which is crucial for complex projects. Shopify, while more restricted, has improved its customization capabilities. Their APIs and App Bridge framework are robust, but you’re still bound by their architecture. Documentation-wise, Shopify leads with comprehensive, up-to-date resources, whereas PrestaShop’s docs can be inconsistent. Ultimately, your choice depends on project complexity and long-term goals.