We get contacted by lots of people who ask us “how much for an Opencart theme” or “I am looking to have a website made in Woocommerce” and often they are asking this because its a platform they have used before, OR their friend has a website made in one of these platforms — but its always important to ask whether the platform you are enquiring about is actually the best one for you and your needs.
In this article we will explore the differences between Opencart vs Woocomemrce to help you understand why one may be better for you, than the other.
Opencart
Opencart is an open-source bit of software, meaning the core software is free to use and modify by anyone. Out the box, it is a great system and could be totally suitable for many businesses without hardly any modifications.
Opencart Modules
Opencart comes preloaded with many modules, some for taking payments, some for configuring shipping options and lots of other things too — all the most common/requested modules. This makes it very cost-effective to set up with things like PayPal, Stripe and basic shipping charges such as flat rate and free shipping.
If the pre-loaded Opencart modules aren’t what you need, then you can choose from a wide range of other modules available to further extend the functionality of your opencart website. Some of the modules are free to use, many of them require licencing but are all usually well priced and affordable for most people.
Opencart Themes/Templates
If you want your Opencart website to look amazing, then you can download or purchase a template that is pre-styled, so all you need to do is configure colour and logos and then add banners and creative elements — and then you are ready to rock. If there are no pre-made templates that take your fancy then you could have a bespoke Opencart Theme made by someone like ourselves.
Opencart Verdict
For stores that have lots of products with options, and want something solid, reliable and robust — Opencart is a great choice.
The main downside with the Opencart system is that occasionally the integration you require isn’t available, for example if you wanted to use a new payment gateway or wanted to integrate with a lesser known shipping company then the modules may not exist so you could incur costs getting one made. Opencart isn’t the first choice of system when developers are making modules to integrate their platforms, so sometimes its left off the list.
Anything is possible though, so even if the module isn’t available, it can be created by opencart developers, such as ourselves.
WooCommerce
WordPress and WooCommerce are two names that are often mentioned when people talk about websites. A huge portion of the internet is made up of WordPress websites, and millions of online shops are made using their WooCommerce extension.
WooCommerce Plugins
Thanks to the vast WordPress community, there are millions of WordPress and WooCommerce plugins available, meaning that you can link your store to almost anything including accountancy packages, payment solutions and more.
The WooCommerce ecosystem is designed in such a way that “hooking” features and functionality into their platform is quite straightforward, so even if the integration you need isn’t available you can enlist the services of a WordPress developer who will be able to make the module for you.
Many WordPress and WooCommerce plugins require licencing, some of them annually, but this allows the developers to spend time keeping the plugins updated, keeping them safe and compliant.
WooCommerce Themes/Templates
Styling your WooCommerce website is also straightforward, thanks to the millions of templates and themes available to download. There are lots of great free WordPress themes that can be modified to suit your brand or you can get a WordPress agency to make you something bespoke.
WordPress themes for Woocommerce are often very configurable, and can be set up in many different configurations, this allows for easy modification in future and allows store owners to make many of the styling changes they need, themselves.
If a stock WordPress theme is not ticking all the boxes, then WordPress designers like ourselves can design and build you something totally bespoke.
WooCommerce Verdict
If you are wanting to run a fairly straightforward online store, with a small selection of products and categories, or a small subscription-based business then WooCommerce is perfect for you. Also, if you like to be a bit more “hands-on” and have the ability to tweak and alter your websites features and settings, then WordPress and WooCommerce will be right up your street.
However, if you are wanting to sell 1000’s of products, or a large number of products with complex variations and options then due to the way WooCommerce interacts with the website database, you may find your online shop runs slow and requires very expensive web hosting and speed tweaks.
Conclusion
So, should you go for Opencart? Or WooCommerce? In short, they are both good and both serve a purpose. Generally speaking we recommend dedicated eCommerce software like Opencart for large stores and WooCommerce for smaller stores — but apart from that, pick the platform you feel is most suited to you.
Here are some example websites using both platforms, which should show you the kinds of things possible with either Opencart or WordPress / WooCommerce. All these websites have been made by dijitul and we continue to work with the clients to keep them online and taking orders.
Opencart Website Examples
- MitzyBitz — Mitsubishi 4x4 Parts
- SVA Car Lamps and Panels
- Parrot Supplies
- Startin Group — Car Accessories
