You might have spent hours trying to find a clear, unbiased answer to the most asked question: which one is better between Shopify and BigCommerce?
The truth is, both platforms are phenomenal. If we look at the annual revenue generated by Shopify in 2024, it was $9 billion. Whereas BigCommerce hit $310 million in 2023. That’s huge!
Both the eCommerce platforms handle inventory, process payments, and run storefronts better than anything we had a decade ago. But still, why does the decision cause so much ambiguity?
Because it’s not about the features they have; it’s about the strategic, operational, and financial approaches they force your business to adopt.
Many businesses start well, but they fail after picking the wrong platform, which ultimately breaks the bank. But when you strategically pick your ecommerce development platform, you can build an ecommerce store that grows and scales flawlessly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll offer an in-depth comparison of Shopify and BigCommerce to help you pick the right platform to build your ecommerce website. Let’s get rid of your dilemma.
| Key Takeaways: Considering user experience and ease of use, Shopify definitely has an edge over BigCommerce. Shopify is well-suited for startups and small businesses that need a quick setup and a faster launch. BigCommerce is suitable for large businesses that need complex stores with advanced functionality.If you prioritize value, speed, and other predictable experiences, you should definitely go with Shopify.If you want to leverage advanced built-in features for your business and want better control over the API access, BigCommerce is an ideal choice. Now, both platforms’ tier pricing starts around $29/month, but their fees differ (BigCommerce is usually expensive). |
What Is Shopify?
Shopify is a cloud-based ecommerce platform where entrepreneurs and businesses can sell online or in person. From developing your first-ever ecommerce website to maintaining an existing retail business, Shopify handles it all without breaking a sweat.
It is one of the most popular ecommerce development platforms today and offers a rich set of tools and features like the drag-and-drop store editor, Shopify POS, free and paid themes, inventory and order management, secure integrated payments, AI-driven personalization, etc.
These tools and features work together as a system that helps you set up a store in minutes and sell products anywhere.
Shopify is ideal for:
- Startups and small enterprises
- Retail businesses
- Large enterprises with scalable demand
- Subscription-based product services
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface | Limited core customization |
| Robust infrastructure | App dependency |
| Vast ecosystem | Content limitation |
| Highly scalable | No email hosting |
| All-in-one solution | Recurring costs add up |
| 24*7 customer support | Difficulty with migration |
What Is BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is a cloud-based ecommerce solution that provides a hosting platform for building and running an ecommerce business with less coding. BigCommerce has been one of the most reliable ecommerce solutions with a wide array of features such as a drag-and-drop page editor, 130+ payment options, AI-powered personalization, and the list goes on.
From payment processing, shipping, and product features to customization, BigCommerce incorporates all the elements that are necessary to create robust ecommerce sites with advanced functionality.
BigCommerce is ideal for:
- Mid to large-sized organizations
- Wholesale businesses or B2B sectors
- Businesses that need powerful SEO features
- Companies that want to expand their marketplace
| Pros | Cons |
| Robust security & compliance | Limited sales volume |
| Multi storefront | Steeper learning curve |
| Unlimited staff accounts | Limited customization |
| No transaction fees required | No built-in email marketing |
| Built-in features | Manual tax setup |
| Excellent scalability | Basic blog functionality |
Shopify vs BigCommerce: A Quick Takeaway
| Parameter | Shopify | BigCommerce |
| Ease of Use | Very beginner-friendly; simple UI | Slightly more complex due to more built-in features |
| Design & Themes | 100+ modern themes; strong customization using Liquid | 150+ themes; customization through the Stencil framework |
| Built-in Features | Good essentials, but it relies heavily on apps | More native features, fewer apps needed |
| Scalability | Scales well, but advanced features may require apps | Extremely scalable; ideal for large catalogs and enterprises |
| Learning Curve | Very easy to learn | Moderate, especially for non-tech users |
| Payments | Shopify Payments + 100+ gateways; extra fee if not using Shopify Payments | 65+ gateways; no extra transaction fees |
| Customization | Easy but app-dependent | More native customization options |
| Pricing | Lower starting cost, but app costs add up | Slightly higher price but more included features |
| Best For | Beginners, small businesses, simple stores | Growing brands, enterprises, and feature-heavy stores |
A Detailed Comparison Between Shopify vs BigCommerce
Choosing between Shopify and BigCommerce isn’t about which is “better”—it’s about which architecture fits your growth trajectory. While both offer hosted convenience and multichannel reach, they solve different pain points.
Let’s have a look at a more in-depth comparison between BigCommerce and Shopify:
- Ease of Use
Choosing a winner depends on your priority: speed or power. Shopify is the “Beginner’s Dream.” It is the most intuitive choice for those with zero tech skills. Its clean dashboard and Shopify Magic (AI) handles product descriptions and setup with almost no effort. So, it offers tools that make launching in an afternoon easy.
BigCommerce is more complex because it packs advanced features—like B2B and multi-storefront tools—directly into the core. While its robust UI has a steeper learning curve, it includes everything “in the box.” Shopify is simpler initially but relies on expensive third-party apps. BigCommerce requires more setup time but eliminates the need to manage dozens of extra plugins and fees.
Who is the winner? If you want a faster launch more intuitive user experience, Shopify wins the game.
- Pricing
When it comes to comparing the pricing of Shopify and BigCommerce, it’s a tie with only a minor difference. However, both the ecommerce platforms have the same pricing, starting from $29 per month.
Here is a cost breakdown along with some alterations:
| Features | Shopify | BigCommerce |
| Initial Price | $29 per month | $29 per month |
| Free Trial | Up to 3 days | Up to 15 days |
| Hidden Costs | Themes | Fewer apps needed |
| Transaction Fees | 2% if not using Shopify payment | Zero |
Who is the winner? Clearly, BigCommerce is the most suitable option because it is cost-effective compared to Shopify. Most importantly, this ecommerce platform has a 15-day free trial period.
- Themes & Design
When it comes to themes, Shopify really wins, but not for the reasons most people think. In the official store, you’ll actually find around 160 curated options, with premium price tags usually landing between $180 and $390.
While BigCommerce offers a slightly higher count of official themes at nearly 190, Shopify leads in modern theme designs. And, they are famously mobile-first; everything from the cart drawers to the navigation feels like it was built for a smartphone from day one.
BigCommerce themes are robust and great for massive, heavy-duty catalogs, but their free options can feel a bit dated compared to Shopify’s sleek aesthetic. Shopify’s “Online Store 2.0” makes moving blocks and sections feel natural with an updated theme architecture.
Who is the winner? When it comes to themes & design, Shopify seems to be winning the race because of its mobile responsiveness and modern themes.
- Payment Gateways
When comparing payment gateways, the distinction comes down to cost versus convenience. Shopify pushes its in-house provider, Shopify Payments, which simplifies setup and includes solid fraud analysis tools. However, there is a catch: if you choose a third-party gateway like PayPal or Stripe instead, Shopify hits you with an extra transaction fee ranging from 0.5% to 2%. This “platform tax” can seriously eat into your margins as you scale.
BigCommerce takes a more flexible approach. It supports over 65 pre-integrated gateways without charging any additional transaction fees, regardless of your plan. This freedom allows you to negotiate better rates with your preferred provider and keep more of your profit.
Who is the winner? BigCommerce wins for flexibility and cost-efficiency. It gives you total freedom to use your preferred payment method without being penalized for not using an in-house system.
- Security
Shopify offers a fortress-like, fully managed security environment. It is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant by default, meaning it meets the highest global standards for credit card data protection from the moment you sign up.
Every store is automatically issued an SSL certificate, ensuring all data transmitted is encrypted via HTTPS. Because Shopify is a closed, hosted ecosystem, they handle the heavy lifting of server patches and vulnerability monitoring, leaving you with zero “security debt.”
BigCommerce provides an equally robust, multi-layered defense system. Like its rival, it is PCI DSS Level 1 certified across all its servers, providing enterprise-grade protection against data breaches. It also offers a variety of SSL options, including the ability to bring your own high-assurance certificate.
BigCommerce excels in its transparent uptime and proactive mitigation of DDoS attacks. The platform is architected to ensure that as your traffic scales, your security protocols don’t lag behind.
Who is the winner? Both platforms are exceptional in terms of security features, and it’s a tie for BigCommerce vs Shopify.
- Selling Features
Shopify is built for speed and accessibility. Its native toolset—including abandoned cart recovery, automated discount engines, and multi-channel synchronization—is designed for immediate deployment. You don’t need a developer to launch a complex promo.
While its core features are robust, Shopify relies heavily on its App Store (thousands of vetted add-ons) to provide niche functionality. This “pick-and-mix” approach keeps the interface clean but can lead to monthly “app creep” in your billing.
BigCommerce takes a “built-in” philosophy. Its Channel Manager is arguably more powerful out of the box for enterprise-level multi-channel selling. It allows you to sync inventory and orders across eBay, Amazon, and Walmart without necessarily relying on third-party apps.
BigCommerce often includes advanced features—like customer groups and wholesale pricing—in its core product, which Shopify typically hides behind “Plus” or third-party paid apps.
Who is the winner? Well, it’s a tie between Shopify and BigCommerce on this point.
- SEO Features
Shopify is considered the gold standard in terms of SEO that truly puts the user at the forefront. It has been designed to have a clean and unfussy workflow in which nontechnical founders can optimize meta tags, product descriptions, and URL structures in seconds.
It automates all of the under-the-hood technicalities, such as SSL certificates and sitemap generation, without manual effort.
BigCommerce is for those who want granular, “pro-level” SEO tools baked into the core engine. BigCommerce provides more technical flexibility than Shopify, with examples including the ability to change URL structures entirely and a more robust native blogging engine.
With this power, however, comes a more substantial learning curve: its interface is less intuitive, and if you don’t know your technical SEO, you may find yourself needing to hire a consultant or an agency to unlock its full potential.
Who wins? Taking this factor into consideration for the Shopify vs BigCommerce battle, Shopify would win with ease of implementation, and BigCommerce for advanced technical control.
- Customer Support
As soon as you sign up for a free trial, you’ll receive an appointment that will be a 10-minute call. The reason for doing so is to understand your business briefly and give suggestions accordingly.
Shopify customer service provides support via their social media channels. If you ask for assistance in the Shopify editor, it will take you to the corresponding page in the Shopify knowledge centre.
Who is the winner? BigCommerce’s help centre is useful but less clear than Shopify’s. A more streamlined help centre organization and in-app guidance may give it a small advantage, making support issues easier to resolve for Shopify merchants.
Final Words
If you’ve spent time comparing Shopify vs BigCommerce, you already know both are powerful ecommerce platforms — just built for different kinds of businesses. The real question isn’t which one is “better,” but which one fits you.
Shopify shines when speed and simplicity are your top priorities. Its clean interface and massive app ecosystem make it perfect for brands that want to launch fast, test ideas, and spend their time selling — not tinkering with backend settings.
BigCommerce, on the other hand, feels built for the engineers and growth strategists out there. It’s the go-to for complex catalogs, B2B setups, and stores that need serious customization without relying on endless plugins. It demands a bit more technical know-how, but in exchange, you get power and scalability that pay off in the long run.
Most businesses get stuck at this very decision point — and that’s where we come in. At Galaxy Weblinks, we don’t push one platform over the other. We dig into your business model, your SKUs, your operations, and your growth goals to recommend what truly fits.
Whether that means a sleek, high-converting Shopify storefront or a headless BigCommerce build that can handle enterprise-level complexity, our team knows how to make it work — and make it last.
Still unsure? Let’s talk. One quick conversation with our ecommerce experts could save you weeks of trial and error — and help you build an online store that actually grows with you.
FAQs
Q. I’m on BigCommerce—is migrating to Shopify actually worth it?
A. It depends on your pain points. If you’re tired of fighting a clunky backend and want better design flexibility, Shopify is a no-brainer. It’s perfect for brands that want to scale fast without needing a developer for every tiny change. Shopify’s app ecosystem is massive too. Most expanding firms switch because they want that “easy-to-use” flow that saves time and money.
Q. BigCommerce vs. Shopify Plus: Which one wins for scaling a store?
A. Honestly? Shopify Plus usually takes the crown for most high-growth brands. It’s just more versatile. Everything from the checkout experience to backend automation is built to handle massive spikes in traffic without breaking. If you want a setup that’s simple to manage but powerful enough to hit eight figures, Shopify has the edge. It’s the favorite for a reason—it just works.
Q. What’s the monthly cost for a BigCommerce subscription?
A. Their pricing tiers are pretty standard. You’re looking at:
- Standard: $39/mo
- Plus: $105/mo
- Pro: $399/mo
- Enterprise: Custom pricing (this is for the big players). One thing to watch out for—BigCommerce has “sales caps.” If you sell too much, they’ll automatically bump you to a more expensive plan.
Q. Is BigCommerce a good fit for small businesses or startups?
A. It can be, especially if you have a massive product catalog right from day one. But for most small teams, it’s a bit overkill. Shopify is usually the better bet for startups. You get a hassle-free interface and can launch in days. BigCommerce is great if you need “built-in” features, but Shopify is better for those who want speed and a huge library of third-party apps to customize everything.
Q. Is there actually any platform better than Shopify?
A. “Better” is subjective. If you’re a WordPress fanatic, WooCommerce is your best friend. For someone who wants a super simple, aesthetic portfolio with a shop, maybe Squarespace works. But for a serious eCommerce business? Shopify is the most comprehensive tool on the market. It’s the industry standard for a reason—it’s hard to beat that mix of power and simplicity.
