Which Version of OpenCart Should I Use for a New Site?

Posted by JackBudd on November 29, 2024

If you're setting up a new OpenCart store, one of the first questions you’ll face is: Which version of OpenCart should I use? It might seem logical to jump straight to the latest version, OpenCart 4 (OC4), but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding.

Issues with OpenCart 4

OpenCart 4 introduces new updates but also comes with significant challenges. These issues have made many developers, including us, cautious about using it for new projects.

Here are the key problems with OpenCart 4:

  1. Lack of OCMOD Support

    • One of the biggest drawbacks is the lack of OCMOD (OpenCart Modification System). OCMOD is essential for modifying OpenCart files without overwriting the core code, and its absence means many existing extensions don’t work with OpenCart 4.

  2. Stability Concerns

    • Frequent bugs and unpredictable behavior have been reported, making OpenCart 4 unreliable for live stores.

  3. Extension Compatibility

    • Many extensions built for OpenCart 3.x are not compatible with OpenCart 4, often requiring costly modifications or replacements.

  4. Checkout Problems

    • Users have reported errors during checkout, such as issues with payment gateways and shipping selection, leading to a poor customer experience.

  5. SEO URL Limitations

    • SEO URLs in OpenCart 4 always include "route," which negatively impacts search engine optimisation and results in less clean URLs.

  6. Order Editing Issues

    • Problems with editing existing orders in the admin panel have been noted, limiting administrative flexibility.

  7. Recurring Payments

    • Significant issues with recurring payments can disrupt subscriptions and ongoing billing setups, making it less viable for stores relying on these features.

  8. Upgrade Complications

    • Upgrading from OpenCart 3.x to 4 can lead to unexpected errors, compatibility problems, and data migration challenges.

  9. Development Stage Issues

    • Although officially released, OpenCart 4 still feels like it’s in a development phase, with unresolved bugs and missing features that make it less appealing for production use.

Why OpenCart 3.0.4.0 Is Still the Best Choice for Now

Given these challenges, we currently recommend using OpenCart 3.0.4.0 for new sites. It is a stable and reliable version with broad compatibility, and most extensions and themes are designed for it. This ensures you’ll have access to all the tools you need to build a successful store.

What’s Next for OpenCart 4?

The good news is that OpenCart 4 is expected to improve in future updates. The next version is anticipated to include OCMOD support, which will resolve one of its major limitations. Once this happens, many developers, including us, will update our extensions and adopt OpenCart 4 for new builds.

Conclusion

For now, OpenCart 3.0.4.0 remains the best choice for setting up a new store due to its stability, OCMOD support, and extensive third-party compatibility. While OpenCart 4 holds promise, it’s not quite ready to replace 3.x for most users.

We’ll continue to monitor updates to OpenCart 4, and when it’s ready, we’ll be among the first to adopt and support it, ensuring a smooth transition for our clients. 

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