# Zen Cart Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra

> With the help of Capterra, learn about Zen Cart Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Shopping Cart products and more.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/145901/Zen-Cart

---

# 

 Zen Cart Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons

Last updated on March 13, 2026

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team.

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How Capterra verifies reviews

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How Capterra ensures transparency

Capterra lists all providers across its website—not just those that pay us—so that users can make informed purchase decisions. Capterra is free for users. Software providers pay us for sponsored profiles to receive web traffic and sales opportunities. Sponsored profiles include a link-out icon that takes users to the provider’s website. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-ensure-transparency/)

[Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Integrations](#integrations)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews)

Zen Cart

## What is Zen Cart?

On-premise, open-source tool that helps users manage operations for eCommerce platforms related to product catalogs, orders & more.

## What is Zen Cart used for?

[Shopping Cart](https://www.capterra.com/shopping-cart-software/)

Top alternative

Featured

Overall rating

Based on 14 user reviews

Reviews sentiment

Positive

\-

Neutral

\-

Negative

\-

Contact vendor  
for pricing

Free trial  
not available

Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products...

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings...

Do you work for Zen Cart?[Manage this product listing](https://digitalmarkets.gartner.com/get-listed/claim-bx?url=http://www.zen-cart.com&name=Zen Cart)

## Compare with a popular alternative

Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status.

### Zen Cart

4.4 (14)

VS.

[4.3 (657)](https://www.capterra.com/p/227129/Magento-Commerce/reviews/)

Starting Price

Contact vendor

Starting Price

Contact vendor

Free Trial

Free Version

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

Ease Of Use

4.2 (13)

Ease Of Use

3.8 (26,341)

Value For Money

4.8 (12)

Value For Money

4.1 (20,200)

Customer Service

4.0 (13)

Customer Service

4.0 (20,453)

## Zen Cart alternatives

Highest Rated

[PayPal](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/)

[4.6 (26,363)](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/reviews/)

Starting price

$0.29

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

94%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/)

[Shopify](https://www.capterra.com/p/83891/Shopify/)

[4.5 (6,680)](https://www.capterra.com/p/83891/Shopify/reviews/)

Starting price

$29.00

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

93%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/83891/Shopify/)

[WooCommerce](https://www.capterra.com/p/225601/WooCommerce/)

[4.5 (1,042)](https://www.capterra.com/p/225601/WooCommerce/reviews/)

Starting price

Contact vendor for pricing

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

94%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/225601/WooCommerce/)

[WordPress](https://www.capterra.com/p/131687/WordPress/)

[4.6 (14,978)](https://www.capterra.com/p/131687/WordPress/reviews/)

Starting price

$9.00

Per User, Per Month

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

User Rating

94%

of reviewers

rated it above 4 stars

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/131687/WordPress/)

[View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/145901/Zen-Cart/alternatives/)

## Features

Features with the highest number of reviews are displayed first. Those that have no reviews appear next, sorted alphabetically.

Abandoned Cart Saver

Built-in tool that sends an email invitation to customers who have added an item to their cart but left before completing checkout

Access Controls/Permissions

Define levels of authorization for access to specific files or systems

API

Application programming interface that allows for integration with other systems/databases

Catalog Management

Create and manage digital catalog of products/services with their details, specifications, and price

Credit Card Processing

Accept and process credit card transactions

Customizable Templates

Pre-designed layouts that can be customized to match preferences and requirements

Zen Cart 15 features

Built-in tool that sends an email invitation to customers who have added an item to their cart but left before completing checkout

Define levels of authorization for access to specific files or systems

Application programming interface that allows for integration with other systems/databases

Create and manage digital catalog of products/services with their details, specifications, and price

Accept and process credit card transactions

Pre-designed layouts that can be customized to match preferences and requirements

Track products that are for sale at a reduced price or part of coupon promotions

Has a built-in eCommerce system or integrates with third-party systems to manage online sale of products

Electronically collect payments for goods or services

Manage and handle various international currencies

Manage and support multiple languages

Present a catalog of inventory that customers can view

Oversee the process of issuing refunds

Track and facilitate returns of products sold

Implementation of various strategies to manage tax obligations via planning and maintaining compliance

Features

4.5 (13)

4.5

Based on 13 reviews

## Pricing

Value for money

4.8 (12)

### Starting price

Contact vendor  
for pricing

Free trial  
available

Value for money

4.8 (12)

4.8

Based on 12 reviews

## Integrations

[

PayPal](https://www.capterra.com/p/207944/PayPal/)[

authorize.net](https://www.capterra.com/p/221412/authorizenet/)

## Support, customer service and training options

Customer Service

4.0 (13)

Support

-   Email/Help Desk
-   FAQs/Forum
-   Knowledge Base
-   Phone Support
-   24/7 (Live rep)
-   Chat

Training

-   In Person
-   Live Online
-   Webinars
-   Documentation
-   Videos

Deployment

-   Web
-   Android
-   iPhone/iPad

Typical users

-   Freelancers
-   Small businesses
-   Mid size businesses
-   Enterprises

Customer Service

4.0 (13)

4.0

Based on 13 reviews

## User reviews

Overall rating

4.4

Based on 14 reviews

Filter by rating

5(10)

4(1)

3(1)

2(2)

1(0)

Mentioned topic

Sorted by most recent

RP

Rebecca P.

Behavioral Technician

Mental Health Care

### "Zen Chart"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

5/10

August 11, 2023

Its got the job done that I was assigned to do.

Pros

The ease of navigating from one task to another.

Cons

There are more specific things that can be charted on similar software systems

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

Darwin O.

Chief Operating Officer

Marketing and Advertising

### "Zen Cart is an easy to implement ecoomerce solution to companies fo any size"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

May 13, 2022

Pros

The implementation process is really easy, support is on point and it really solves most of ecommerce needs for companies of any size.

Cons

It could have better tracking capabilities but there are always work arounds to get that fixed.

Alternatives considered

[Wix](https://www.capterra.com/p/169007/Wix/)

[Online Auction System](https://www.capterra.com/p/177650/Ecommerce-Marketplace-Solution/)

[WooCommerce](https://www.capterra.com/p/225601/WooCommerce/)

[Shopify](https://www.capterra.com/p/83891/Shopify/)

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AU

Anonymous User

Applications Engineer

Computer Hardware

### "Free and Highly Customizable, but Needs Advanced Setup"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

December 2, 2021

Pros

The software is completely free, and also not too difficult to install. It is also completely open source, so the customization options are endless. The developers do update it regularly. It includes everything necessary to start your online store/ecommerce business. There are many modules you can add to it, to apply any feature your business might need. Once set up, it is easy to use by anyone

Cons

Broken code requires time intensive debug, and once in a while things may not work perfectly together. Some of the features that can be added with modules could just be part of the default experience, in my opinion. Setup requires some technical skill, but again, it is free.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

CS

Chris S.

MD

Retail

### "Seamless and Easy"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

February 18, 2020

Good.

Pros

Very easy to install and use, installation instructions very clear.

Cons

Not that much really, it does everything that it says on the box. Was a little pricey but not too bad.

Reasons for choosing Zen Cart

Easy to understand functionality

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

MR

Michael R.

President

Marketing and Advertising

### "Excellent ECommerce Solution"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

October 31, 2019

It has been an excellent ecommerce solution for our campground and I am very happy.

Pros

I have used this software for over 5 years with a client and it has served us well. Each year, I load in the new events for the summer camping season and add links to the separate website. It is quick, provides a quick and easy way for our customers to pre-register. I am so glad I decided to go with this 3rd party software than trying to set up my own system.

Cons

I have not found any cons. I have had to troubleshoot customer orders or different features but there is a rich and diverse support system from other having similar issues.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

DAVID L.

OWNER

Retail

### "Review of Zen Cart"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

August 29, 2019

Pros

It's FREE! and it's powerful. Does everything I need plus more. So much better than the 1and1 online eCommerce software I use to use. So many add ons can do just about anything.

Cons

Nothing at all to dislike. it's free and powerful.

Reasons for choosing Zen Cart

highly recommended by a good friend who helped me set it up.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

Dave L.

Operations

Retail

### "Best shopping cart software around"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

4.0

4.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

9/10

October 31, 2018

Great software. I use it on several sites. There is pretty much a plugin for anything you want to do. Highly reccomended.

Pros

Easy to use . Many plugin features. Pretty much anything you want to do , there is a plugin.

Cons

Somewhat hard to figure some things out at times.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AM

Arthur M.

CEO

Information Technology and Services

### "New technologies are coming and this is past"

2.0

Overall Rating

2.0

2.0

Ease of Use

2.0

2.0

Features

2.0

2.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

3/10

October 1, 2018

Pros

By the first time, seems easy to install on your application, but bug solving can be a problem.

Cons

When I faced bugs with this platform or needed to migrate to another platform, it wasn´t easy to get data from it.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AU

Anonymous User

### "Great cart, but not very beginner friendly."

3.0

Overall Rating

3.0

3.0

Ease of Use

1.0

1.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

2/10

March 10, 2018

Pros

The cart is open source, so it is perfect for those on a budget. Once you get it set up, adding categories and products are fairly easy, just a bit time consuming.

Cons

I run my own social network, and I couldn't set up ZenCart myself. I had to pay a friend to do it. There's just so much work involved with settings and criteria that needs to be done that it was overwhelming for a first timer. A clearer, more concise back end would be a wonderful thing.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

GF

Gonzalo F.

Office Assistant

### "This is a great software when building new eCommerce web site."

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

0/10

November 17, 2017

Pros

I'm a web developer and most of my clients uses Zen Cart. I recommend this to them compare to Magento is because its easy to manage the code and databases. It has also a feature where you can run the query directly to the software and not going to the host web site to run it there. What I love most is that, you can create your own html files with out touching the original files. Zen Cart will automatically detect the new created files and use it to run. It really easy to customize the software base on the customer needs.

Cons

At first, it is really difficult to understand the layout of the software and where to locate them. But as soon as you get used to it, it will be easily.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

[View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/145901/Zen-Cart/reviews/)

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Popular comparisons

[WooCommerce vs Zen Cart](https://www.capterra.com/compare/145901-225601/Zen-Cart-vs-WooCommerce) 

Independent research methodology

Capterra's researchers use a mix of verified reviews, independent research and objective methodologies to bring you selection and ranking information you can trust. While we may earn a referral fee when you visit a provider through our links or speak to an advisor, this has no influence on our research or methodology.

[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/)

How Capterra verifies reviews

Capterra carefully verified over 2.5 million+ reviews to bring you authentic software experiences from real users. Our human moderators verify that reviewers are real people and that reviews are authentic. They use leading tech to analyze text quality and to detect plagiarism and generative AI.

[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-verify-reviews/)

How Capterra ensures transparency

Capterra lists all providers across its website—not just those that pay us—so that users can make informed purchase decisions. Capterra is free for users. Software providers pay us for sponsored profiles to receive web traffic and sales opportunities. Sponsored profiles include a link-out icon that takes users to the provider's website.

[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-ensure-transparency/)