OpenCart
OpenCart is a lightweight, open-source eCommerce platform (PHP/MySQL) with a straightforward admin and extension ecosystem. It suits small to mid-size stores that want a simple, self-hosted cart.
Overview
OpenCart stores products, options, categories, customers, and orders in a clear MySQL schema. It is easy to install and customize. The core is minimal; extensions add payment, shipping, and marketing. Popular in certain regions and with developers who want a clean codebase without WordPress or Magento complexity.
Market segment
Small to mid-size stores and developers who want a simple, open-source cart without WordPress. Popular in certain regions and with budget-conscious merchants who can manage their own hosting.
Specialization
Simplicity: Clean admin and core code. Product options: Options and option values map to variants. Multi-store: Multiple stores from one install. Extensions: Extension marketplace and community extensions for payments and shipping.
Main features
- Products, options, and option values (variants)
- Categories and manufacturers
- Customers, addresses, and order history
- Orders, order statuses, and payment/shipping extensions
- Multi-store and basic API
What makes it different
OpenCart is lighter than Magento or WooCommerce and easier to run on modest hosting. It has fewer built-in features than hosted SaaS but lower complexity and no WordPress dependency. Suited to merchants who want a straightforward, self-hosted store with a clear database structure.