One of the most common questions we get from clients and developers is: should I switch to OpenCart 4 already, or is it safer to stick with version 3? New releases offer exciting features, but they also come with potential issues. Let’s take an honest look at both versions.
OpenCart 3.0.4.1 - Conservative but Reliable
Version 3.0.4.1 isn’t a game-changer - it’s a maintenance update to 3.0.4.0. The database structure hasn’t changed, so upgrading is as simple as replacing the files. No upgrade scripts or risky migrations.
What makes it attractive is its stability. Most third-party extensions and themes support it, and the ecosystem around 3.x is mature and well-tested. That’s why many developers still recommend this version for production stores.
OpenCart 4.1.0.3 - Ambitious but Unpolished
The 4.x branch is where the platform is evolving. Performance improvements, modern PHP support, an updated CKEditor, and even a built-in blog module - all indicate a more advanced CMS direction.
But those benefits come at a cost. Some users have run into bugs during updates. Others are dealing with module incompatibilities and UI changes in the admin panel. In other words, this version is still finding its feet.
Our recommendations
If you're launching a store soon and want something that “just works” - go with OpenCart 3.0.4.1. It’s dependable, compatible with almost everything, and battle-tested in real-world projects.
But if you're a developer or someone who loves being on the bleeding edge - OpenCart 4.1.0.3 might be worth exploring. Just be sure to test it on a staging server before committing to it live.
OpenCart 3 is a classic for a reason. OpenCart 4 is the future - but not quite the present yet. If you value peace of mind, stay on version 3 for now. If you enjoy exploring new tech, version 4 offers a glimpse of what’s to come.
Need help setting up, migrating, or optimizing your OpenCart store? Get in touch - we work with all versions.
