Choosing the right e-commerce platform can make or break the long-term success and scalability of your online business. Whether you’re an ambitious entrepreneur launching your very first store or an established brand planning aggressive expansion, the decision often comes down to the two giants of the industry: BigCommerce vs Shopify. Both platforms have earned global recognition for their robust features, intuitive interfaces, and vast ecosystems of tools, but the way they help businesses grow and operate differs in some crucial ways.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Your online store’s performance, SEO rankings, user experience, and even customer satisfaction are all directly impacted by the platform you choose. For example, a platform with limited customization could slow down your growth, while one with higher transaction fees might eat into your margins as you scale.
Both BigCommerce and Shopify are widely used by successful online retailers around the world. In fact, Statista reports that Shopify powers millions of stores globally, while Gartner consistently highlights BigCommerce as a strong digital commerce leader. Understanding what each brings to the table in terms of features, scalability, and integrations is critical before making a choice.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the BigCommerce vs Shopify comparison, unpacking their pricing, features, scalability, SEO strengths, and more. The goal is simple: to give you the clarity and confidence you need to make an informed, strategic decision that aligns perfectly with your business goals—whether that’s rapid entry into the market, international expansion, or creating a highly customized shopping experience.
| Category | BigCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & TCO | More built-in features, predictable costs | Lower entry price, higher long-term app costs |
| Transaction Fees | No additional platform fees | Extra fees if not using Shopify Payments |
| Built-in Features | Advanced SEO, multi-currency, and filtering included | Lean core, relies on apps for advanced features |
| Themes & Design | Stencil framework for custom control | Large theme store, drag-and-drop builder |
| Scalability | Enterprise-ready, multi-storefront, strong APIs | Scales well, Shopify Plus for enterprise |
| SEO Controls | Granular URL, AMP, metadata controls | Solid basics, limited URL flexibility |
| App Ecosystem | Smaller marketplace, deeper native integrations | Massive app store with 8,000+ options |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support, technical expertise | 24/7 support, large community |
| Learning Curve | Steeper, feature-rich platform | Beginner-friendly, quick launch |
| Best For | Complex operations, B2B, large catalogs | Startups, small teams, D2C brands |
Quick Links
What Are BigCommerce and Shopify?
BigCommerce and Shopify are both Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms designed to help businesses create, manage, and grow online stores. However, their approaches differ, from pricing models and scalability to customisation and out-of-the-box functionality.
BigCommerce is known for offering extensive built-in features, making it a favourite among businesses looking for robust capabilities without relying heavily on third-party apps. On the other hand, Shopify is celebrated for its user-friendliness, sleek interface, and powerful app ecosystem, which empowers users to customise their stores to a high degree with ease.
Understanding the core philosophy behind each platform is essential. BigCommerce leans toward giving merchants a comprehensive toolbox from the outset, while Shopify emphasises simplicity, allowing users to scale functionalities via apps and integrations. This fundamental distinction colours every other aspect of the BigCommerce vs Shopify discussion.
Why Choosing the Right Platform Matters
The e-commerce industry is competitive and fast-moving. Choosing the wrong platform can lead to limitations in scalability, poor SEO performance, or unexpected costs. A misaligned choice often results in unnecessary complexity, wasted resources, and, ultimately, lost revenue.
When comparing BigCommerce vs Shopify, the goal isn’t simply to find the most feature-rich or cheapest option. It’s about identifying the platform that aligns with your business’s size, goals, technical expertise, and future trajectory. For example, if you’re a tech-savvy team planning rapid expansion, you might prioritize API capabilities and customization. If you’re a solo entrepreneur aiming for speed and simplicity, ease of use could outweigh advanced functionality.
This nuanced approach underscores the importance of digging deeper than surface-level features. Let’s examine how each platform performs in the areas that truly matter.
How Do They Compare on Pricing and Total Cost of Ownership?
While pricing may seem straightforward at first glance, the BigCommerce vs Shopify debate gets more complex once you factor in hidden costs like app subscriptions, transaction fees, and required customizations.
Shopify offers three primary pricing tiers: Basic, Shopify, and Advanced. Each tier unlocks more functionality, but users often find themselves purchasing additional apps to access features not included in their plan. These costs can accumulate quickly. Moreover, unless you use Shopify Payments, you’ll be subject to additional transaction fees.
BigCommerce also offers tiered pricing, but its plans include more native features from the get-go, such as advanced SEO tools, product filtering, and multi-currency support. This can significantly reduce reliance on third-party apps, making the total cost of ownership more predictable and often lower in the long run.
In essence, Shopify may look more affordable initially, but as your business scales and demands grow, BigCommerce can deliver greater value per dollar spent, especially if you’re focused on growth and functionality.
Also Read: How to Build an Engaged Online Community
Design and Customization: Freedom or Framework?
The visual appeal and UX of your online store directly influence conversion rates. In terms of themes and customisation, BigCommerce vs Shopify each offer distinct advantages.
Shopify shines with its professionally designed theme store and intuitive drag-and-drop builder. Even users with minimal technical knowledge can create beautiful, conversion-optimised stores quickly. Additionally, Shopify’s vast community of developers means there’s no shortage of custom themes and design services available.
BigCommerce, while also offering attractive themes, caters more to users who want granular control over design. Developers can take advantage of its Stencil framework for highly customizable experiences. If your brand requires a specific visual identity and you have coding resources, BigCommerce may be a better fit.
While Shopify simplifies the design process, BigCommerce provides deeper customisation potential out of the box. Your decision should hinge on whether ease or extensibility is more critical to your business strategy.
Scalability and Performance: Built for Growth?
As your online store grows, your platform must evolve with it. Scalability is often a key deciding factor in the BigCommerce vs Shopify debate, especially for businesses forecasting significant expansion.
Shopify has built an impressive infrastructure capable of handling high traffic, and its enterprise-level solution—Shopify Plus—is tailored for large-scale operations. Its app store allows businesses to plug in the tools they need as they grow, although this sometimes leads to app fatigue and compatibility issues.
BigCommerce, in contrast, has scalability embedded in its DNA. Features like multi-storefront capability, native B2B support, and extensive API access make it ideal for growing brands, especially those expanding internationally or operating in complex verticals. Plus, BigCommerce’s headless commerce capabilities allow for decoupled front-end development, empowering businesses to deliver lightning-fast, custom experiences.
If you’re building for long-term growth with operational complexity, BigCommerce often edges out Shopify in scalability, though Shopify remains an excellent choice for rapid, straightforward growth paths.
Also Read: How to Add Product Brands to Your WooCommerce Store
SEO and Marketing Capabilities
Driving organic traffic is crucial, and here the BigCommerce vs Shopify matchup gets particularly interesting. While both platforms offer basic SEO features, BigCommerce comes with more advanced tools by default.
BigCommerce provides complete control over URL structure, automatic microdata, and customizable robots.txt files—all essential for technical SEO. Moreover, it supports AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) and allows for more granular editing of metadata, making it a strong contender for businesses focused on search visibility.
Shopify also offers solid SEO features, but they can be somewhat limiting. URL structure, for instance, is less flexible. You may need third-party apps to bridge these gaps, which adds to the cost and complexity. That said, Shopify does offer powerful integrations with social media platforms and marketing tools, giving users plenty of options for outreach and engagement.
Ultimately, if SEO is a cornerstone of your growth strategy, BigCommerce offers more freedom and control without needing extra plugins. Shopify, while competent, requires more effort to achieve the same level of optimisation.
Integrations and App Ecosystem- BigCommerce vs Shopify
No platform exists in isolation. Your e-commerce business likely relies on a suite of tools, from CRM and accounting software to shipping and email marketing platforms. So, how do BigCommerce vs Shopify compare in this arena?
Shopify’s app ecosystem is unmatched in size and variety. With over 8,000 apps, virtually any functionality you need is just a few clicks away. From dropshipping to loyalty programs and affiliate marketing, Shopify’s marketplace has a solution for nearly every business need.
BigCommerce, while offering a smaller app marketplace, focuses on deeper native integrations. It often includes features that would require an app on Shopify. Moreover, BigCommerce supports open APIs and partnerships with leading ERP and CRM systems, making it an excellent choice for mid-sized to enterprise-level businesses with complex operational requirements.
If your store depends heavily on plug-and-play solutions, Shopify may offer greater flexibility. But if you seek deeper, more stable integrations without relying on too many third-party apps, BigCommerce delivers a more streamlined experience.
Customer Support and Community
When technical issues arise or you need expert guidance, responsive support can be a game-changer. Evaluating BigCommerce vs Shopify in terms of customer service and community support helps illuminate their respective commitments to user success.
Shopify offers 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email. It also boasts an extensive knowledge base and an active community forum. The volume of users means finding solutions, advice, or third-party support is often easier.
BigCommerce also provides 24/7 support and prides itself on its U.S.-based customer service teams. Moreover, BigCommerce support is often praised for its technical expertise and willingness to help users navigate more complex configurations.
Both platforms excel here, but the nature of your queries may tip the balance. If you anticipate more advanced questions or require architectural support, BigCommerce’s technically skilled support team could be a better resource.
Also Read: How to Add a Free Shipping Limit in WooCommerce the Right Way
Migration and Learning Curve- BigCommerce vs Shopify
Switching platforms or starting from scratch comes with a learning curve. When comparing BigCommerce vs Shopify, ease of onboarding and user experience are often pivotal for first-time entrepreneurs and seasoned sellers alike.
Shopify’s clean interface and guided setup process make it exceptionally easy to get started. Even users with zero web development experience can launch a store within days. Its dashboard is intuitive, making it ideal for solo operators or small teams.
BigCommerce, by comparison, has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set. However, for businesses that value control and are comfortable with a slightly more technical experience, this complexity pays off in flexibility and long-term customization.
For quick deployment and minimal training, Shopify holds the advantage. For robust, enterprise-ready customization, BigCommerce proves its worth over time.
Closing Remarks: BigCommerce vs Shopify — Which Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, the BigCommerce vs Shopify debate is not about which platform is objectively better, but rather which is best for your business model and goals.
If you need an easy-to-use platform with beautiful design options, a powerful app store, and seamless onboarding, Shopify may be your perfect match. It caters especially well to startups, smaller operations, and D2C brands looking for speed and simplicity.
However, if your business requires native features, complex workflows, multi-storefront capabilities, or you’re preparing for rapid scale, BigCommerce offers a more enterprise-ready solution. Its powerful built-in tools reduce reliance on apps and give you more control, especially in the realms of SEO, performance, and customisation.
Ultimately, both platforms can power successful online stores, but the better one for you depends on where your business is now and where it’s headed.
Would you like a downloadable comparison checklist for BigCommerce vs Shopify to help with your decision?
FAQs
Does BigCommerce integrate with Shopify?
Not directly — they are two separate e-commerce platforms. However, when it comes to payment processing, both platforms offer wide integrations. BigCommerce supports over 65 payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, while Shopify provides access to 100+ gateways, including its own built-in option, Shopify Payments.
Is Shopify a reliable e-commerce platform?
Absolutely. Shopify is known for its strong security, offering built-in protections and SSL encryption to keep customer data safe. With an impressive 99.98% uptime rate, you can count on your store being available whenever shoppers visit.
Which is better: BigCommerce or Shopify?
It depends on your business needs. Shopify is often preferred for ease of use and a massive app ecosystem, while BigCommerce is stronger for built-in features and scalability without relying on too many apps.
Is Shopify cheaper than BigCommerce?
Both platforms have similar pricing, but Shopify may require additional paid apps for features that BigCommerce includes by default. This means your overall cost could vary depending on your store’s requirements.
Which platform is better for SEO?
BigCommerce offers slightly more flexibility for SEO out of the box, while Shopify provides user-friendly SEO features and integrates well with third-party tools. Both platforms perform well when optimised properly.
Can I migrate from Shopify to BigCommerce (or vice versa)?
Yes, migration tools and services are available that help you transfer products, customers, and orders between the two platforms with minimal downtime.
Which platform is better for beginners?
Shopify is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its simple interface, tutorials, and drag-and-drop store builder. BigCommerce has a steeper learning curve but offers more built-in functionality.
Which platform is best for large businesses?
BigCommerce is often preferred for large and enterprise-level businesses because of its scalability and built-in advanced features, while Shopify Plus is also a strong option for high-growth brands.
Do Shopify or BigCommerce charge transaction fees?
Shopify charges transaction fees if you don’t use Shopify Payments. BigCommerce, on the other hand, doesn’t charge transaction fees regardless of your payment gateway.
Which has better customer support: Shopify or BigCommerce?
Both platforms provide 24/7 support via chat, phone, and email. Shopify’s support is praised for its responsiveness, while BigCommerce offers detailed support with a focus on business growth.
Can I use dropshipping with both Shopify and BigCommerce?
Yes, both platforms support dropshipping. Shopify has a broader range of dropshipping apps (like Oberlo alternatives and DSers), while BigCommerce integrates well with dropshipping providers through apps.
Which platform is future-proof for long-term growth?
Both are reliable, but BigCommerce tends to include more built-in enterprise features for scaling, whereas Shopify grows with your business through its app marketplace and Shopify Plus upgrade.
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