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 quite: for now, OpenCart 3 is still the best choice for your online store.

Here are a few of the reasons why OpenCart 4 is not yet recommended:

1. OpenCart 4 is relatively new

OpenCart 4 is in many ways a brand new platform compared to its predecessors. And as with any brand new system, there will be some minor teething issues when it first comes into widespread use. The OpenCart 4 issue tracker lists a number of issues that are being worked on, and although this number continues to decrease, it's not quite at the level yet where it can be guaranteed for use on the majority of websites. As the last few remaining issues are resolved, it is our hope that OpenCart 4 will soon become ready for primetime.

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 introduces a major overhaul to the extensions system used by OpenCart versions 2 and 3, replacing the OCMOD system with one based on 'event hooks' similar to other leading eCommerce thingies. The most recent versions of OpenCart 4 are starting to bring OCMOD back in a hybrid form that is designed to interoperate with the new events-based system.

What this all means for extension creators is a new way of doing things that requires some re-training, and it may be a little while, though hopefully not too long, before OpenCart 4 extensions are up to speed and as widely available as for OpenCart 3.

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 is continuing to evolve

Being the newest version, OpenCart 4 is undergoing rapid evolution in its early releases. While this can mean exciting new cutting-edge features, it also means third-party extensions may struggle to keep up. With the continuous development of the OpenCart 4 core, it may be some time before system updates can guarantee compatibility with extensions built for earlier releases of OpenCart 4 - which hopefully won't be too long in the future.

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.

So, what about OpenCart 3 in comparison?

Because of these factors, we continue to recommend OpenCart 3 over 4 for the time being, until the last few kinks in OpenCart 4 are ironed out and it gains widespread adoption.

With this in mind - 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.

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. We're hoping OpenCart 4 will soon be ready for general use - in the meantime, 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.

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