ECOMMERCE TIPS
BigCommerce vs Shopify: Which Platform Should You Choose?
by Hannah
The success of an eCommerce business doesn’t just depend on great products and marketing - it starts with the right platform. Your choice of an e-commerce solution determines everything from website speed and design flexibility to transaction fees and long-term scalability. However, with so many options available, one of the most debated decisions is BigCommerce vs Shopify.
Both platforms dominate the market, but they cater to businesses with distinct needs. Shopify is recognized for its exceptionally simple learning curve, making it an accessible choice for those new to e-commerce or migrating from other platforms. BigCommerce, conversely, is valued for its robust built-in features and scalability, appealing to growing businesses seeking greater control and reduced dependence on third-party applications.
However, this decision isn’t always straightforward.
This article provides a comprehensive, side-by-side comparison of BigCommerce vs Shopify, covering key factors like pricing, features, ease of use, scalability, and marketing capabilities.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which platform best aligns with your business goals, along with actionable next steps to implement your choice effectively. Let’s dive in!
1. BigCommerce vs Shopify: A quick overview
1.1. Platform introduction
Shopify is a cloud-based e-commerce platform designed to streamline and simplify online selling for businesses of all sizes. Launched in 2006, Shopify has evolved into a leading platform, catering to a diverse range of businesses, including small, medium, and large enterprises.
Example from Anker: Limited promotion from March 11th - 31st.
It focuses on providing a streamlined and accessible platform for anyone to start an online store.
On the other hand:
BigCommerce is an "open SaaS" (Software as a Service) eCommerce platform. This means it provides a robust, pre-built e-commerce foundation while also offering significant flexibility for customization through APIs and integrations.
A key strength is its focus on providing built-in features, especially for businesses with complex needs, such as B2B functionalities.
So, what is the difference between Shopify and BigCommerce?
While both platforms cater to a wide range of businesses, BigCommerce tends to emphasize scalability and built-in features for larger or more complex businesses, particularly in the B2B space.
Shopify, recognized for its user-friendly interface and extensive ecosystem, provides a versatile solution for businesses of all sizes seeking ease of implementation and a broad range of integrations.
1.2. A comparison table between BigCommerce vs Shopify
Shopify | BigCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
Definition | SaaS platform, known for user-friendliness and ease of setup, catering to a broad range of businesses. | "Open SaaS" platform, emphasizing scalability and built-in features, especially for complex businesses. |
Pricing |
|
|
Target audience | Small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs. | Mid-sized to large businesses, B2B, and those with complex eCommerce needs. |
Design & Customization | Provides a wide range of themes, with easier drag-and-drop customization. Liquid templating provides more advanced customization. | Offers flexible customization through its Stencil theme engine and APIs. Strong customization options, especially for developers. |
Ease of use | Very user-friendly interface, known for its intuitive setup and ease of navigation. | Relatively easy to use, but can have a steeper learning curve than Shopify, especially for beginners. Highly functional backend. |
eCommerce Features | Comprehensive e-commerce tools, with a vast app store for extending functionality. | Comprehensive e-commerce tools, with a vast app store for extending functionality. |
Marketing tools | Provides a range of marketing tools, with strong integrations and a large app ecosystem for marketing extensions. | Offers a solid set of built-in marketing tools, including SEO, email marketing integrations, and promotions. |
App & Integrations | Has a very extensive app store with a wide variety of apps for all e-commerce needs. | Offers a growing app marketplace with a focus on quality integrations. |
Scalability | Highly scalable, particularly through Shopify Plus for enterprise-level businesses. | Designed for scalability, with robust infrastructure and features for high-volume businesses. |
1.3. Shopify BigCommerce comparison: Ideal business types
The ideal business type between BigCommerce vs Shopify varies significantly between these platforms.
Shopify excels with:
Diverse business types and levels: Shopify is a versatile platform, suitable for businesses at various stages of development, from startups to large enterprises.
Variety of industries: Shopify supports a wide range of industries, with a strong presence in sectors such as Apparel and Home & Garden, among many others.
Businesses seeking flexibility and ease of use: Its intuitive interface and high customization capabilities make Shopify an ideal choice for those looking to quickly set up and operate an online store.
Shopify has empowered numerous startups and small businesses to thrive. For instance, Allbirds, known for its sustainable footwear, initially built its online presence on Shopify.
BigCommerce caters to:
Midsize to enterprise businesses: BigCommerce targets businesses that require stability and scalability, particularly those ranging from mid-sized to large enterprises.
Businesses in the autos & vehicles industry: BigCommerce is currently serving a significant number of brands in this industry, providing specialized solutions.
Businesses seeking robust features and deep customization: BigCommerce offers many built-in features and API customization, meeting the needs of businesses with complex requirements.
For example, brands like BMW leverage BigCommerce for their online parts and accessories stores, showcasing its capability to handle complex catalogs and brand-specific designs.
Ultimately, the choice between BigCommerce vs Shopify depends on your specific business needs and priorities.
(*) Pro tip: If you're looking for real-world user experiences and comparisons, you might find valuable discussions on platforms like BigCommerce vs Shopify Reddit, where users share their insights and opinions.
To make the best decision, it’s essential to dive deeper into how these platforms compare in key areas such as pricing, customization, scalability, marketing tools, and so on.
In the next section, we’ll break down each factor in detail, highlighting the strengths and limitations of BigCommerce vs Shopify to help you determine which platform aligns best with your business goals.
2. BigCommerce & Shopify: A head-to-head comparison
2.1. Shopify vs BigCommerce pricing
Shopify | BigCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
Monthly plans |
|
|
Free trial | 3 days | 15 days |
Transaction fees |
| No additional transaction fees |
Additional fees |
|
|
So, is BigCommerce better than Shopify regarding pricing?
The answer, as always, depends on your specific circumstances.
For high-volume sellers: BigCommerce's zero transaction fees make it a compelling choice, provided you stay within your sales volume limits.
For predictability and control: If you use Shopify Payments and carefully manage your app expenses, Shopify can offer a predictable and cost-effective solution.
For those using third-party gateways: Shopify can become significantly more expensive due to transaction fees.
2.2. Ease of use
Shopify has earned its reputation as the go-to platform for beginners, and for good reason.
Intuitive setup
From the moment you sign up, the experience is designed to be seamless and intuitive. The onboarding process is guided, the dashboard is clean and organized, and the overall interface is remarkably user-friendly.
Drag-and-drop theme editor
One of Shopify's key strengths lies in its drag-and-drop theme editor. This feature allows users to customize their storefronts with ease, without requiring any coding knowledge. Simply select elements, drag them into place, and watch your vision come to life. This level of simplicity empowers even those with minimal technical expertise to create visually appealing online stores.
Vast app ecosystem
Furthermore, Shopify's vast app ecosystem also contributes to its ease of use. Many apps are designed with user-friendliness in mind, simplifying complex tasks and adding functionality with just a few clicks.
When comparing BigCommerce vs Shopify, BigCommerce, on the other hand, prioritizes robust functionality and advanced features.
Robust functionality
While this makes it a powerful platform for businesses with complex needs, it also results in a steeper learning curve. The abundance of built-in features can be overwhelming for beginners, and the dashboard, while functional, is not as intuitively organized as Shopify's.
Technical customization
Customization in BigCommerce often requires a greater degree of technical expertise. While it offers customization options, users may find themselves needing to delve into code or rely on developers to achieve their desired results. This can be a significant hurdle for those without technical backgrounds.
(*) Our verdict:
When it comes to pure ease of use, is Shopify or BigCommerce better?
Shopify emerges as the clear winner here.
Its intuitive interface, drag-and-drop customization, and user-friendly app ecosystem make it the ideal platform for beginners and those prioritizing a streamlined experience.
2.3. Design & customization
Shopify shines in its commitment to user-friendly design in this race between BigCommerce vs Shopify.
User-friendly themes
Its vast library of themes, both free and premium, caters to a wide range of industries and aesthetic preferences. The themes are generally clean, modern, and visually appealing, making it easy to create a professional-looking storefront with minimal effort.
Intuitive theme editor
The real strength of Shopify's design lies in its intuitive theme editor. The drag-and-drop interface allows users to customize layouts, colors, fonts, and other design elements without writing a single line of code. This empowers entrepreneurs with limited technical skills to create visually stunning stores.
Advanced customization (Liquid)
For those with coding expertise, Shopify's Liquid templating language provides a powerful tool for advanced customization. Liquid allows for granular control over the store's code, enabling developers to create highly customized experiences.
Whereas, BigCommerce offers a more robust and flexible approach to design and customization.
Flexible design
Its Stencil theme engine provides a powerful framework for creating highly customized storefronts. While the theme selection might not be as extensive as Shopify's, the themes are generally well-designed and focused on functionality.
Extensive API access
BigCommerce's strength lies in its extensive API access. This allows developers to deeply customize the platform, integrating third-party tools and creating unique design experiences. While this level of customization requires technical expertise, it provides unparalleled flexibility for businesses with complex design needs.
Advanced theme development (Stencil)
The Stencil CLI and developer tools allow for advanced theme development, and the ability to work locally on themes.
(*) Our verdict:
In the design & customization category, which is better: Shopify or BigCommerce?
It is a tie.
To summarize, you should choose Shopify if:
You prioritize a user-friendly design experience and visual customization.
You prefer a wide selection of themes.
You are looking for efficient customization, even with limited coding skills.
You aim to launch a professional-looking store quickly.
You require robust customization options and flexibility.
BigCommerce will be an ideal choice if:
You require deep API integration for highly technical customizations.
You have coding expertise or plan to work closely with developers for advanced modifications.
You want very granular control over your store's code at the code level.
2.4. eCommerce features
BigCommerce vs Shopify, two giants in the industry, offer distinct approaches to eCommerce core functionalities. Let's dissect their offerings and determine which platform provides the most robust eCommerce arsenal.
Inventory management
Shopify's real-time inventory tracking and clear state categorization provide a foundation for efficient inventory management.
While BigCommerce emphasizes multi-location management, Shopify's vast app ecosystem offers adaptable solutions that can be tailored to any business size, ensuring scalability without rigid, built-in limitations. This is especially important for dropshippers, making Shopify vs BigCommerce for dropshipping a common discussion.
Shopify's flexibility here is a large advantage.
Product management
When it comes to handling complex product catalogs, BigCommerce shines. With support for up to 600 variants and flexible product option creation, it caters to businesses with highly customizable offerings. This is particularly relevant when evaluating Shopify vs BigCommerce for B2B, as these businesses often involve intricate product configurations.
Shopify, limited to 100 variants and three product options, can be restrictive for businesses with intricate product lines. However, Shopify's app ecosystem easily fills any gap for those niche businesses needing more variants, without overcomplicating the platform for the majority of users.
Shopping cart and checkout
Both platforms offer intuitive and customizable shopping cart experiences. BigCommerce boasts strong native cart functions, while Shopify leverages its "Shop" app integration for a slight edge. Both platforms provide robust abandoned cart recovery, ensuring you don't lose valuable sales.
Payment options and fees
BigCommerce's no-transaction-fee policy is a major draw, especially for high-volume sellers. While Shopify provides a wider array of payment options, including its native Shopify Payments, transaction fees can accumulate.
BigCommerce offers greater flexibility in payment provider selection, while Shopify prioritizes seamless integration with its own gateway.
AI integration
Both platforms, BigCommerce vs Shopify, are incorporating AI into their offerings. Shopify has been at the forefront with Shopify Magic, but BigCommerce is catching up with BigAI Copywriter. This evolving landscape highlights the platforms' commitment to innovation.
(*) Our verdict:
Why is Shopify better than BigCommerce in eCommerce features?
For businesses seeking a versatile, scalable, and future-proof e-commerce platform, Shopify emerges as the winner. Its ecosystem, focus on innovation, and proven conversion optimization make it the ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.
2.5. Marketing tools
Shopify emerges as a formidable marketing force, offering a comprehensive suite of native tools and a vast ecosystem of integrations.
Comprehensive built-in marketing tools
From the outset, Shopify provides merchants with the means to optimize their stores for search engines, automate email campaigns, and recover abandoned carts.
Seamless integrations
Its seamless social media integrations allow for direct selling on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, expanding your reach and engaging customers where they spend their time. The Shopify Marketplace Connect app simplifies selling across marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy, streamlining multichannel selling.
Advanced marketing platform integrations
Furthermore, Shopify's integrations with leading marketing platforms like Mailchimp, Klaviyo, and HubSpot provide access to sophisticated campaign management and customer relationship tools.
BigCommerce offers a solid foundation for marketing.
Native marketing features
It provides tools for creating promotional banners, automating email notifications, and managing newsletter settings. However, for more advanced marketing functionalities, BigCommerce relies heavily on third-party apps.
While its app marketplace offers a selection of marketing tools, the reliance on external integrations can lead to added costs and potential integration complexities.
(*) Our verdict:
The key difference between BigCommerce and Shopify lies in the level of integration and native functionality.
Shopify presents a more holistic and streamlined marketing experience, with a wider range of built-in tools and a vast, well-established ecosystem of marketing integrations.
BigCommerce, while offering a solid base, requires more reliance on third-party apps to achieve comparable marketing capabilities.
For businesses prioritizing a comprehensive, integrated, and easily managed marketing platform, Shopify is the winner. Its robust native features, extensive integrations, and intuitive interface empower merchants to execute powerful marketing campaigns and achieve their growth objectives.
2.6. App & integrations
Shopify's app store is a force to be reckoned with in this 360-degree comparison between BigCommerce vs Shopify.
Vast app store
Boasting 8000+ apps, it's a veritable marketplace of functionality, covering everything from marketing automation and customer service tools to advanced inventory management and shipping solutions. This vast selection empowers merchants to tailor their stores to their precise needs, creating highly customized and feature-rich experiences.
This app-centric approach provides unparalleled flexibility and customization. However, it also comes with potential drawbacks.
Potential costs and complexities
Reliance on third-party apps can lead to increased monthly costs and potential integration complexities. The sheer volume of apps can also be overwhelming for some users, requiring careful research and selection.
BigCommerce takes a different approach, emphasizing robust built-in features.
Curated app marketplace
BigCommerce has a more curated app marketplace. While its app selection is smaller than Shopify's, BigCommerce focuses on quality integrations that enhance its core functionality.
(*) Our verdict:
In the dynamic arena of app integrations between BigCommerce vs Shopify, Shopify emerges as the decisive winner.
While BigCommerce offers a solid foundation with its built-in features and API-driven integrations, Shopify's app-centric ecosystem provides an unmatched level of customization and adaptability.
Shopify ensures that merchants can find solutions for virtually any e-commerce need, from advanced marketing automation to intricate inventory management.
2.7. Scalability
Shopify's scalability is anchored in its robust cloud infrastructure and vast app ecosystem.
Shopify Plus for enterprise
Shopify Plus, its enterprise-grade plan, is meticulously designed for high-volume businesses, offering increased bandwidth, dedicated support, and advanced APIs. This ensures that even during peak traffic surges, Shopify can handle the load with unwavering reliability.
Global infrastructure and performance
Shopify's global infrastructure is another key asset, facilitating seamless international expansion with features like multi-currency and multi-language support. Furthermore, Shopify's superior server speeds ensure a consistently fast and responsive user experience, which is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and driving conversions.
For example, Shopify Plus has proven its scalability for brands experiencing explosive growth, such as Fashion Nova, which handles massive traffic surges during flash sales.
BigCommerce approaches scalability with a focus on robust native features and API-driven flexibility.
Native features and API flexibility
The platform is inherently designed to handle large product catalogs, complex pricing structures, and high transaction volumes, providing a solid foundation for growing businesses.
B2B scalability
BigCommerce excels in B2B e-commerce, offering features like customer groups, custom pricing, and bulk orders, which are essential for scaling B2B operations.
(*) Our verdict:
It's clear that neither platform holds a decisive advantage, especially when comparing Shopify Plus vs BigCommerce, resulting in a well-earned tie.
The choice ultimately depends on the specific priorities and operational needs of the individual business.
2.8. Security
Shopify's security and compliance strategy is built upon a foundation of robust infrastructure and stringent certifications.
Robust certifications
Holding PCI DSS Level 1 compliance, the highest standard in the payment card industry, Shopify ensures that sensitive payment data is handled with the utmost security.
Core security features
Free SSL certificates are provided for all stores, encrypting data transmission and fostering customer trust. Shopify's cloud infrastructure is designed with multiple layers of security, protecting against data breaches and unauthorized access. Regular security audits are conducted to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Compliance tools and resources
Shopify also provides tools and resources to help merchants navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance, including GDPR and CCPA. This proactive approach to compliance demonstrates Shopify's commitment to protecting both merchants and their customers.
Now it is the turn of BigCommerce.
PCI DSS compliance and SSL
When comparing BigCommerce vs Shopify, it is clearly stated that BigCommerce also prioritizes security and compliance, adhering to PCI DSS standards to ensure secure payment processing. Like Shopify, BigCommerce includes free SSL certificates with all stores.
Fraud protection tools
BigCommerce distinguishes itself with its robust built-in fraud protection tools, supplemented by integrations with third-party fraud prevention services. This multi-layered approach to fraud detection helps merchants minimize financial risks and maintain customer trust.
(*) Our verdict:
In the realm of security and compliance, which is better: BigCommerce or Shopify?
Both of them are formidable contenders. Neither platform holds a significant advantage, as both prioritize the protection of sensitive data and adherence to industry regulations.
2.9. Support
Shopify | BigCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
Support channels | Phone, Live chat 24/7, Email | Phone, Live chat 24/7, Email |
Knowledge base | Comprehensive, user-friendly, extensive | Robust knowledge base, less extensive |
Community | Very active, large user base | Active, smaller user base |
Educational resources | Shopify Learn (courses, webinars) | BigCommerce University (training) |
Dedicated account manager | Shopify Plus only | No |
It's important to note that both platforms offer varying levels of support depending on the chosen plan, with higher-tier plans (like Shopify Plus) including dedicated account support.
(*) Our verdict:
Shopify emerges as the clear winner in the support and resources category between BigCommerce vs Shopify. Its larger community, more extensive documentation, and diverse educational resources provide a more comprehensive and accessible support experience.
3. A strategic guide to choosing between BigCommerce vs Shopify
With BigCommerce vs Shopify both offering robust solutions, the choice isn't always clear-cut. This article provides a strategic decision framework to help you navigate the e-commerce maze and select the platform that best aligns with your business's unique needs and growth trajectory.
Shopify | BigCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
Business stage | Suitable for businesses of all stages. | Best for mid-sized to enterprise businesses requiring advanced features. |
Industry suitability | Fashion, beauty, and subscription-based businesses due to strong branding tools and multi-channel selling. | B2B, wholesale, and high-volume retailers need built-in product management. |
Technical resources | Beginner-friendly with intuitive design and minimal coding needed. | Better for businesses with technical resources or custom development needs. |
Scalability & Growth | Scales well with apps but may require Shopify Plus for enterprise-level growth. | Supports scaling without costly upgrades, with multi-storefront and advanced SEO. |
Budget considerations | Can become expensive with added app costs and transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments. | More cost-effective due to built-in features and no transaction fees. |
4. Conclusion: Navigating the BigCommerce vs Shopify landscape
In the comparison between BigCommerce vs Shopify, Shopify stands out for its broad appeal, catering to diverse business types and levels across various industries. With a strong presence in sectors like Apparel and Home & Garden, Shopify offers a versatile platform suitable for many.
BigCommerce, on the other hand, is tailored towards businesses seeking stability, particularly those at mid to enterprise levels, and has a notable market share in serving brands within the Autos & Vehicles industry.
The key difference between Shopify and BigCommerce at a glance:
Ease of use: Shopify provides an intuitive, beginner-friendly experience, while BigCommerce offers more advanced features with a steeper learning curve.
Customization & Design: Shopify excels in user-friendly theme customization, whereas BigCommerce provides deeper flexibility for developers.
eCommerce features: BigCommerce has stronger built-in tools, while Shopify relies on third-party apps for advanced functionality.
BigCommerce vs Shopify pricing: BigCommerce eliminates transaction fees, making it more cost-effective for high-volume sellers, whereas Shopify can be pricier depending on app and payment choices.
Scalability: Shopify Plus and BigCommerce Enterprise both cater to high-growth businesses, but BigCommerce is particularly strong for B2B and complex catalogs.
Marketing & Apps: Shopify boasts a vast app marketplace and integrated marketing tools, while BigCommerce has fewer apps but strong built-in capabilities.
Next steps for you to get started include:
Assess your business needs: Define your sales channels, product complexity, and future growth plans.
Test both platforms: Use their free trials to explore key features and see which fits best.
Plan for scalability: Consider expansion, integrations, and long-term platform flexibility.
Budget wisely: Factor in software costs, apps, and any necessary development resources.
With AI-driven personalization, headless commerce, and omnichannel experiences shaping the future, businesses must choose a platform that evolves with technology. Whether Shopify or BigCommerce, selecting a flexible, scalable platform ensures your business stays ahead in an ever-changing digital marketplace!
Hannah
eCommerce Specialist
With over 5 years of experience under her belt, Hannah is an eCommerce writer who crafts content specifically for a website that deals with online sales. She simplifies technical details to assist entrepreneurs in utilizing the platform and launching their online ventures.
