When it comes to building an e-commerce site, there are several choices available to you.
Here we compare two solutions that are quite different from one another.
Which of Sylius or Prestashop is best suited to setting up an online store?
You’ll see that each solution has its advantages and disadvantages, and that the choice will be based above all on the real needs of your store in terms of e-commerce functionalities.
Sylius vs Prestashop, the ultimate comparison! 
Introducing Sylius
Sylius is an e-commerce framework created in 2011 and based on the Symfony PHP framework (created in 2005 by the French company SensioLabs), which is a benchmark in its field.
A framework is a set of tools enabling a developer to build an application faster and more easily.
It’s a sort of toolbox from which developers can draw when they need to build an application and don’t want to start from scratch.
The framework will integrate the basic functionalities found in most applications, such as user management, error handling, authentication, security… All these functions, which can be tedious to set up, are already ready, so the developer can concentrate on the business aspect, which represents the real value of the application.
Sylius is a Symfony overlay that integrates all the basic functionalities required to build an e-commerce site: site tree and product catalog management, currency management, order management, promotional codes and special offers…
Comparison between Sylius and Prestashop
Sylius and Prestashop naturally have a lot in common.
This is logical, given that their purpose is the same: to build an e-commerce site.
However, their approaches are quite different.
Sylius, an e-commerce framework
Sylius is a framework based on Symfony.
This means that to set up an e-commerce site based on Sylius, the skills of a Symfony developer are essential.
While many e-commerce functionalities are available in Sylius, you’ll need development to implement them.
Depending on the complexity of the project, development times can be considerable, and may involve a certain budget.
Sylius is based on Symfony, a benchmark in PHP development.
It’s the ideal technical solution for creating a high-performance, robust and secure site, incorporating all the functionalities required for an e-commerce site.
Sylius interfaces easily with external systems such as ERP or CRM.
A high-performance back office
Sylius offers a back-office that’s easy to learn and use.
It incorporates virtually all the standard back-office functions of an e-commerce site.
All e-commerce features
Sylius lets you manage categories as well as products, whose characteristics can be easily customized.
Order management also includes tracking and refund management.
Customer management is also very comprehensive, and can be combined with the customer feedback management module integrated by default.
Naturally, you can also manage prices, promotions, payments, delivery and taxes.
The site can easily be created in several languages, with different currencies for each country if required.
Modules to extend Sylius functionality
Numerous modules are available to enhance Sylius, notably for invoices, delivery notes, credit notes, to extend content types, manage a newsletter, import or export data, or exchange with an Elastic Search server to set up an optimal search solution. 
Prestashop, an e-commerce CMS
Prestashop is a complete turnkey solution for setting up an e-commerce site.
Unlike Sylius, which is a development framework, Prestashop is a CMS, based above all on content and product management.
Prestashop can be installed very quickly, and requires little or no special technical knowledge.
A complete back office
Prestashop’s back-office is easy to learn, and gives you total control over the life of your site.
From product management to customer relations, not forgetting orders and payments, everything is easily accessible from the back office.
A customizable store
The store’s design is fully customizable, thanks to the many themes available, both free and paid, which can then be adapted.
Element layout, graphics, colors – everything is customizable, with little or no code.
Modules for almost everything
If a feature isn’t available in your Prestashop, it’s probably because a module exists to fill the gap.
While installing a module is straightforward, setting it up and configuring it may require a bit of work to match your exact needs.
And don’t forget compatibility between modules and site performance.
The more modules you install, the greater the risk of incompatibility.
Similarly, if too many modules are activated, site performance can suffer.
So it’s best to be cautious when choosing and installing modules.
Sylius vs Prestashop in brief
The great strength of Sylius lies in its flexibility.
Because it’s a framework, you can develop any complex, innovative functionality you can imagine.
Its modular architecture (a coherent assembly of autonomous components) means you can modify virtually any element to meet a very specific need that would not necessarily be covered by a more conventional solution.
Its implementation requires the intervention of a Symfony developer.
Prestashop, on the other hand, offers a turnkey solution that meets most e-commerce site needs.
In just a few minutes, you’ll have an operational site (which then needs to be populated with content, of course).
Unmet needs can be met by additional modules.
You don’t need to know anything about development to install and use Prestashop.
Prestashop will meet most of the classic needs of an e-commerce site, while Sylius will be better suited to the development of very specific functionalities that a classic solution would not be able to provide.
To conclude on Sylius vs Prestashop
Specialized in e-commerce development for many years, I put my skills at your service.
Don’t hesitate to contact me and tell me about your e-commerce project.
It will be my pleasure to accompany you throughout your project, from the study of your needs to the launch of your e-commerce site.
