If you’re planning to launch an online store, chances are you’ve come across two big names — BigCommerce vs Shopify. Both platforms allow you to create, launch, and grow your e-commerce business without having to be a tech wizard. But the big question is, which one is for you?
What is BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is a hosted ecommerce solution geared towards expanding businesses and brands requiring robust tools integrated into the base system. You don’t have to download software or seek an external hosting company — it’s all-in-one.
It’s known for:
- A broad array of built-in features (you won’t have to depend on third-party apps as much).
- Robust SEO features to enable you to rank in search engines.
- No transaction fees regardless of which payment gateway you choose.
BigCommerce is typically popular with mid-size to large enterprises or those with plans to grow rapidly.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is one of the world’s most popular e-commerce platforms. It’s designed to be easy and intuitive to use. Whether you’re an entrepreneur just beginning your first online store or a big brand — Shopify tends to be the go-to choice for simplicity.
It’s known for:
- A drag-and-drop interface that is easy for beginners to use.
- A gigantic app store (more than 8,000 apps) for expanding your store’s functionality.
- Responsive and gorgeous themes that will look great on any device.
Shopify is perfect for beginners and small to medium companies who want a seamless experience without the need to go into technicalities.
Also Read: Creating Your E commerce Website: Step-by-Step Guide
BigCommerce vs Shopify: Head-to-Head Comparison
Here’s a simplified breakdown comparing the two platforms:
| Feature | BigCommerce | Shopify |
| Ease of Use | Requires some learning | Extremely beginner-friendly |
| Themes & Design | 12 free, 100+ paid themes | 12 free, 100+ paid themes |
| Built-in Features | Rich out-of-the-box tools | Many features require apps |
| SEO Tools | Advanced, more customizable | Basic, less flexible URL structure |
| Transaction Fees | None (any payment provider) | 0.5%–2% unless using Shopify Payments |
| App Store | 1,000+ apps | 8,000+ apps |
| Support | 24/7 chat, phone, email | 24/7 chat, phone, email |
| Best For | Scaling businesses, international selling | Beginners, creatives, dropshipping stores |
Ease of Use: Is Simplicity a Priority?
If you’re not tech-inclined and desire to create a store hassle-free, Shopify has a smoother ride. It takes you through installation, product establishment, and launching your store without a hassle.
BigCommerce isn’t overly complicated, but there are more features that could be time-consuming to learn. It’s best suited for those users who are handy with delving into advanced settings or who have someone in-house to take on the technical aspects.
Design and Customization: Who Offers Better Control?
Both have contemporary, mobile-friendly themes. Shopify themes are a bit more refined and simpler to customize without coding.
BigCommerce has good designs too, but if you customize intensely, you might require some HTML/CSS expertise or developer assistance. On the other hand, BigCommerce offers greater control over product filtering and custom fields — particularly great for complex catalogs.
Features and Flexibility: Built-In vs Add-Ons
Here’s where BigCommerce really shines — it comes packed with features like:
- Real-time shipping rates
- Multi-currency support
- B2B functionality
- Custom product filters
With Shopify, you can do all of this too, but you’ll likely need third-party apps, many of which cost extra. That means your monthly bill could go beyond your base plan.
Did You Know? According to BuiltWith, BigCommerce is used by more high-volume brands in the U.S. due to its robust features, while Shopify dominates in sheer number of stores thanks to its beginner appeal.
SEO and Marketing: Getting Found Online
BigCommerce offers more flexibility in SEO. You can control:
- URL structure
- Meta tags
- Robots.txt files
- Canonical tags
Shopify does a decent job with SEO, but it locks in certain URL paths (like /products/ and /collections/), which can be limiting for advanced SEO strategies.
If SEO is critical for your business, BigCommerce has the edge.
Pricing: Which Platform is More Affordable?
Here’s a look at standard pricing:
| Plan | BigCommerce | Shopify |
| Standard | $39/month | $39/month |
| Plus | $105/month | $105/month |
| Pro | $399/month | $399/month |
Key difference: Shopify charges extra transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments (which isn’t available in every country). BigCommerce does not charge any transaction fees, no matter what gateway.
Scalability and Performance: Growing With You
Both sites are stable and can manage heavy traffic and sales volumes. But BigCommerce is built for scale. It won’t hold key features hostage behind pricey apps or restrict access to enterprise solutions.
If you’re going to grow quickly, or have a sophisticated product catalog, BigCommerce provides you with the infrastructure to scale without surprises.
Final Verdict: BigCommerce vs Shopify
So, which one is right for you?
Choose Shopify if:
- You’re just starting out and want the simplest route.
- You like an intuitive look and feel and less setup.
- You want access to a huge app marketplace.
Choose BigCommerce if:
- You want robust features out of the box.
- You’re focused on SEO and growth.
- You want to avoid extra app and transaction fees.
The ideal platform ultimately depends on your requirements. If simplicity and design are your focus — Shopify wins. BigCommerce is worth taking into consideration, nevertheless, if scalability, integrated functionality, and sophisticated SEO are your top concerns.
Conclusion
Depending on your needs, BigCommerce vs Shopify is the best option. If you’re new to e-commerce or prefer a hassle-free, smooth setup, Shopify is simple to learn, has clean themes, and boasts an enormous app store.If you’re looking for growth, require more sophisticated features right out of the box, or prefer greater control over SEO and expenses, BigCommerce may be the better choice.
Ultimately, it’s what’s best for your business size, technical abilities, and long-term goals. Choose the one that fits your path.
FAQ’s
Is BigCommerce better than Shopify for SEO?
Yes. BigCommerce has greater control over SEO, such as flexible URLs and metadata. It’s perfect for companies prioritizing organic search expansion.
Does Shopify charge extra fees?
Yes. If you don’t use Shopify Payments, you’ll pay transaction fees up to 2%. Regardless of whether you utilize their payment gateway or not, BigCommerce does not impose such fees.
Which is easier for beginners?
Shopify is better suited for newcomers, given its clean design and guided installation. BigCommerce offers more features but with a slightly higher learning curve.
Can I migrate from Shopify to BigCommerce?
Yes. Products and data can be exported manually or through migration tools. Migration services are also offered to assist in making the transition easier.