Why We Still Recommend OpenCart 3 in 2025

Posted by Joe on September 9, 2025

When you're starting a new online store, or upgrading an existing OpenCart site, you want to be on the latest and greatest version of OpenCart.

If you look at the OpenCart download page, that would appear to be version 4. But not so! Here are just a few of the reasons why OpenCart 4 is not recommended:

1. OpenCart 4 still has serious bugs

The OpenCart 4 issue tracker lists dozens of unresolved problems - some going back to the very first release! These include major issues like extensions not upgrading properly, discounts not applying correctly, search not working and even checkout errors that stop orders from going through! To make things worse, new releases of OpenCart 4 often introduce more bugs than they fix. Not the kind of uncertainty you need when your business relies on online sales.

By contrast, OpenCart 3 is tried and tested. Since its release, it has built a reputation for dependability. The most recent update is fully compatible with modern PHP versions, ensuring your website runs smoothly, securely, and as fast as your server allows. In short, OpenCart 3 just works, right out of the box.

2. OpenCart 4 has fewer third-party extensions

Every OpenCart website relies on extensions, for payment gateways, shipping rules, custom checkouts, ERP integrations, you name it.

OpenCart 4 made extensions harder to build and more prone to conflicts by replacing the tried-and-tested OCMOD system with a weaker “Events” system. Later versions tried to bring OCMOD back, but in a broken, hybrid form that still causes conflicts.

OpenCart 3 keeps things straightforward. It continues to support the original OCMOD, which has been in place for over a decade and remains the most powerful, flexible, and developer-friendly way to extend functionality. That means smoother development, fewer compatibility issues, and faster delivery of features you actually need.

3. OpenCart 4 extensions are incompatible with OpenCart 4

Yes, you read that correctly. Each minor update to OpenCart 4 can change things so drastically that extensions stop working altogether. Even a small version upgrade can break your store, leaving you stuck on one release or paying pay for costly fixes to compatibility issues.

OpenCart 3, on the other hand, has enjoyed years of consistent architecture. Most extensions created for earlier versions of OpenCart 3 continue to work seamlessly on the latest release. That means a wider range of reliable, well-supported extensions is available for your store, giving you more flexibility at lower long-term cost.

4. The future of OpenCart 4 is uncertain

Because of these problems, it’s impossible to know what the next OC4 release will bring. New bugs? Broken extensions? Unexpected changes? Investing in OpenCart 4 today could mean paying for an entirely new site again in just a few months.

So, what about OpenCart 3 in comparison?

With all this said about OpenCart 4, you might be thinking - what would be the benefits of going with OpenCart 3?

1. OpenCart 3 is the most stable version of OpenCart

OpenCart 3 builds on the solid foundation of earlier versions, with gradual improvements rather than disruptive rewrites. Since its release in 2017, it has consistently delivered stability, speed, and reliability. Recent updates have introduced useful new features - like the flexible new currency system - without breaking what already works.

2. OpenCart 3 has the largest extension ecosystem

Because OpenCart 3 has been consistent for years, extension developers have been able to focus on improving and expanding functionality instead of constantly re-writing code. That means with OpenCart 3, you get the widest range of extensions and themes, strong compatibility across OpenCart 3 patch releases, and the greatest assurance of support for everything from popular payment gateways to niche ERP integrations. Whatever your store needs, there’s likely an OpenCart 3 extension ready to go.

3. OpenCart 3 is still actively updated!

The latest version 3.0.4.1 was released in May 2025, and development of 3.0.4.2 is already underway. The most recent updates focus on security, PHP compatibility, and integrations with the most popular payment providers. In short, your site will run fast, secure, and hassle-free on modern servers.

4. The future with OpenCart 3 is reliable

With its stability, active development, and vast array of extensions, OpenCart 3 is a safe investment for your online business. It has everything you need today, and the confidence that your store will keep running smoothly tomorrow.

While OpenCart 4 may have the highest version number, it’s not yet the most practical choice for businesses that need stability, reliability, and cost-effective growth. OpenCart 3 is mature, widely supported, actively maintained, and trusted by thousands of successful online stores. It is for these reasons that we strongly recommend OpenCart 3 in 2025.

Ready to future-proof your store? Get in touch with us today to build your new website, or upgrade your older version, on the true latest and greatest version of OpenCart, the venerable OpenCart 3.

Testimonials

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