Updated: October 2026
The short answer: it depends on your business model, not on the technology. We have implemented all three platforms since 2004, and most projects that go wrong don't fail because of the tool — they fail because the tool doesn't fit the business. This guide sums up what we tell every client on the first call.
The comparison at a glance
| Magento | PrestaShop | Shopify | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal profile | B2B and complex catalogs, enterprise | B2C/B2B SMBs with contained budgets | B2C brands prioritizing speed and simplicity |
| Model | Open source (self-hosted) | Open source (self-hosted) | SaaS (monthly fee) |
| Typical initial cost | High (serious projects from €30-40k) | Medium (from €10-20k) | Low-medium (from €5-15k) |
| Cost to maintain | High: needs a team or agency | Medium | Low: the platform maintains itself |
| Native B2B | The most complete (per-customer pricing, approvals) | Possible with modules | Limited (better on Plus) |
| ERP integration | Excellent, built for it | Good with custom development | Good via apps and API |
| Customization | Total | High | Medium (within the SaaS frame) |
| Time to launch | Months | Weeks-months | Weeks |
Choose Magento (Adobe Commerce) if…
You sell B2B or run a complex catalog: per-customer pricing and catalogs, recurring orders, approval flows, multi-store or multi-country. Magento is the most complete open source platform and the one that integrates best with an ERP (SAP, Business Central, Holded). In exchange it demands investment: a serious project starts at €30-40k and needs professional maintenance. With the Hyvä frontend, Magento's historic speed problem is gone.
Choose PrestaShop if…
You are an SMB that wants to own its platform without Magento's cost. PrestaShop offers the best cost-flexibility balance: open source, a large module ecosystem, and reasonable B2B capability with the right modules. Upgrading versions (1.6/1.7 to 8/9) is a well-trodden path.
Choose Shopify if…
You are a B2C brand and your priority is launching fast without managing technology: Shopify maintains itself, the checkout converts very well and the monthly cost is predictable. The trade-offs: you pay fees, deep customization has limits, and serious B2B requires Shopify Plus.
The 3 mistakes we see most
- Choosing on initial price instead of total cost: a cheap-to-launch Shopify can get expensive in fees and limits; a Magento without a maintenance budget degrades within a year.
- Ignoring ERP integration: if orders, stock and price lists don't sync by themselves, the store creates admin work instead of removing it.
- Replicating B2C to sell B2B: professional buyers need their prices, their catalog and ordering in seconds — not a pretty storefront.
What about price? We published real 2026 ranges in our guide how much does an online store cost?
Already have a store and want to switch?
Migrating platforms while preserving SEO, customers and order history is a project in itself — we do it routinely in both directions (PrestaShop→Magento, Magento→PrestaShop, Magento 1→2). The key is auditing beforehand what is worth migrating and what is not.
Not sure? We'll tell you for free
Tell us what you sell, to whom and with which systems, and we'll tell you which platform fits — with a first call within 24 hours, no strings attached.
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