Shopify vs. BigCommerce: Best E-commerce Platform for Your Business

Selecting the ideal e-commerce platform is crucial for online business success. This comparison of Shopify and BigCommerce will help you identify the best solution to support your business's growth.

 New to online selling? You may also want to explore our Best Credit Card Processors for Small Businesses to ensure your checkout experience is cost-efficient and optimized for conversions.

Shopify: Quick Overview

Shopify is a user-friendly, all-in-one e-commerce solution suitable for businesses of all sizes, known for its simplicity and powerful app ecosystem.

  • Key Features:

    • User-friendly interface, excellent for beginners.

    • Extensive app store with numerous integrations.

    • Built-in SEO features, facilitating online visibility.

    • Robust payment gateway with Shopify Payments.

  • Pricing:

    • Plans starting from $29/month.

    • Transaction fees waived when using Shopify Payments.

  • Best For:

    • Small to medium businesses seeking ease of use, a vast selection of integrations, and scalable solutions.

Already using Shopify and wondering how it handles payments? Compare how it stacks up with competitors like Stripe in our Stripe vs. Recurly guide to subscription billing.

 
Screenshot of Shopify ecommerce dashboard for Shopify vs BigCommerce comparison
 

BigCommerce: Quick Overview

BigCommerce caters primarily to growing businesses and enterprises, offering robust features and advanced customization capabilities.

  • Key Features:

    • Extensive built-in features, requiring fewer additional apps.

    • Superior SEO capabilities for advanced marketing strategies.

    • Highly customizable for developers and enterprises.

    • No transaction fees on standard plans.

  • Pricing:

    • Plans starting from $29.95/month.

    • Transparent pricing structure with no additional transaction fees.

  • Best For:

    • BigCommerce suits larger businesses aiming for substantial growth, extensive customizability, and comprehensive built-in features.

Before signing a merchant agreement, read your go-to 2025 guide to small business card processing.

 
Screenshot of BigCommerce ecommerce dashboard for Shopify vs BigCommerce comparison
 
Shopify vs BigCommerce: Feature Comparison
Features Shopify BigCommerce
Pricing Model Monthly fee + transaction fees Monthly fee, no transaction fees
Customizability Good, user-friendly customization Excellent, extensive customization
SEO Capabilities Good, built-in SEO tools Excellent, advanced SEO tools
Setup Complexity Easy Moderate to complex
App Integrations Extensive App Store Comprehensive built-in features

Looking for a broader comparison? Our 2025 guide to the Best Credit Card Processors by Business Type breaks down which providers excel across various industries and payment methods

How to Choose: Shopify or BigCommerce?

Evaluate your business needs and growth strategy:

  • Ease of Use & Quick Launch:

    • Shopify offers an intuitive interface and extensive app integrations, ideal for quick setup.

  • Advanced Customization & Features:

    • BigCommerce is better suited for businesses needing deeper customization, comprehensive built-in tools, and no additional transaction fees

Still deciding? Our Credit Card Processor Comparison by Business Type can help you match the right e-commerce tools with your business model.

ScaleUp Tip

Consider your growth trajectory carefully. Shopify’s easy-to-use features may benefit early-stage businesses, whereas BigCommerce could provide better long-term scalability and customization for ambitious growth. Align your choice with both immediate needs and future goals.

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