PrestaShop 9 and PrestaShop 8 are both actively used platforms, but they target different needs. PS9 brings modern architecture while PS8 offers proven stability. Which one should you choose?
PrestaShop 9 vs PrestaShop 8: Feature Comparison
| Feature | PrestaShop 8 | PrestaShop 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | Symfony 4.4 | Symfony 6.4 LTS |
| PHP | 7.2 - 8.1 | 8.1 - 8.4 |
| Default Theme | Classic (Bootstrap 4) | Hummingbird (Bootstrap 5) |
| Admin UI | Mixed legacy + Symfony | Mostly Symfony + Twig |
| API | Legacy Webservice API | New Admin API (OAuth + API Platform) |
| Image Formats | JPG, PNG, GIF | JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, AVIF |
| Security Updates | Limited | Symfony 6.4 LTS until 2027 |
| Module Ecosystem | Large (mature) | Growing (requires updates) |
Performance Comparison
PrestaShop 9 is significantly faster thanks to:
- PHP 8.x JIT compiler — up to 30% faster execution
- Symfony 6.4 optimizations — better routing and dependency injection
- Hummingbird theme — deferred jQuery, native WebP/AVIF, smaller CSS bundle
- Reduced technical debt — cleaner codebase means fewer overhead
When to Upgrade to PrestaShop 9
Upgrade now if:
- You need headless commerce or modern API integrations
- Performance is critical for your business
- Your modules are already PS9-compatible (check our compatibility guide)
- You want long-term security support
Stay on PrestaShop 8 if:
- You rely on legacy modules without PS9 versions
- Your custom theme uses heavy Smarty template overrides
- You cannot afford migration downtime right now
Migration Path
Read our step-by-step PrestaShop 9 migration guide for detailed instructions. Also check the PHP version compatibility chart to ensure your server is ready.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | PrestaShop 8 | PrestaShop 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | Symfony 4.4 | Symfony 6.4 LTS (support until 2027) |
| PHP | 7.2 – 8.1 | 8.1 – 8.4 |
| Default Theme | Classic (Bootstrap 4) | Hummingbird (Bootstrap 5 + TypeScript) |
| Image Formats | JPG, PNG, GIF | JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, AVIF |
| Admin API | Legacy Webservice (API keys) | New Admin API (OAuth 2.0 + API Platform) |
| Back Office Templates | Mixed Smarty + Twig | Mostly Twig (Symfony controllers) |
| Architecture | Mixed legacy + CQRS | Full CQRS + Symfony DI |
| Multistore | Yes | Yes (improved UI) |
| B2B Features | Basic | Enhanced catalog rules + pricing |
| Headless Support | Partial (Webservice) | Full (Admin API) |
| Split Shipments | No | Yes (from PS 9.1) |
| Security Updates | Limited timeline | LTS until 2027+ |
Migration Timeline by Store Size
| Store Type | Products | Custom Modules | Est. Migration Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small / Simple | <500 | 0-3 | 3–5 days |
| Medium | 500–5,000 | 5–15 | 2–4 weeks |
| Large | 5,000+ | 15+ | 1–3 months |
| Enterprise (complex custom) | Any | Custom core mods | 3–6 months |
Which Version Should You Choose by Store Type?
New Store (starting fresh)
→ Choose PrestaShop 9. No migration cost. Get long-term LTS support, modern API, Hummingbird theme and best performance from day one.
Existing PS8 Store — B2C, Simple Setup
→ Plan migration to PS9 in 2026. Audit your modules first. If all your key modules have PS9 versions available, migrate now. If not, wait 3-6 months for the ecosystem to mature further.
Existing PS8 Store — Heavy Customizations
→ Wait and plan carefully. Custom admin controller overrides, custom themes with deep Smarty integration, or heavily modified core files will require significant rework. Allocate 2-4 months for proper migration.
PrestaShop 1.7 Store
→ Consider migrating directly to PS9. PS 1.7 is end-of-life. Jumping straight from 1.7 to 9 is feasible and avoids doing two migrations. Budget significant time for module and theme updates.
Cost of Migration
Migration costs depend on customization level:
- Simple store, all standard modules: Agency cost €500–€2,000 (mostly testing and go-live)
- Medium store, some custom modules: €2,000–€8,000 (module updates + staging + testing)
- Large store, custom development: €8,000–€30,000+ (significant rework)
DIY migration for technical merchants: budget 40–120 hours of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PrestaShop 8 still supported?
Yes, PrestaShop 8 still receives security patches as of 2026, but the focus of new features and development has shifted to PS9. PrestaShop has not announced an official end-of-life date for PS8, but it is advisable to plan migration in the next 12–18 months.
Can I run PS8 and PS9 in parallel?
Not on the same installation, but you can run a PS9 staging environment alongside a live PS8 store during the migration period. This is actually the recommended approach.
Will my SEO rankings be affected by migrating?
If done correctly with proper URL redirects and no structural URL changes, migration should have minimal SEO impact. PrestaShop 9 actually helps SEO with faster page speeds and better Core Web Vitals via the Hummingbird theme.