Shopify vs BigCommerce

Shopify vs BigCommerce: The Quick Verdict

Shopify and BigCommerce are the two leading hosted eCommerce platforms, and both can power stores of any size. Shopify is easier to start with and has the largest app ecosystem. BigCommerce includes more features out of the box and suits stores with large catalogs or B2B needs. Shopify ranks higher overall in our tests.

Ease of Use

Shopify is simpler for new store owners. The admin is clean, setup guides are clear, and you can launch a basic store in an afternoon. BigCommerce has more settings and options built in, which is powerful but takes longer to learn.

Built-In Features vs Apps

This is the key difference. BigCommerce includes product filtering, reviews, advanced shipping rules, and multi-channel selling without extra apps. Shopify keeps the core simpler and relies on its App Store for many features, which gives you choice but adds monthly subscriptions.

Themes and Design

Both offer 180+ themes, including free options. Shopify themes are generally more modern, and its theme editor is easier to use. BigCommerce has fewer free themes, and deeper design changes often require code.

SEO

Both perform well. BigCommerce offers flexible URL structures and automatic redirects by default. Shopify handles the essentials well and has many SEO apps, though some URL patterns are fixed.

Payments and Fees

Shopify charges extra transaction fees if you use a third-party payment gateway instead of Shopify Payments. BigCommerce lets you choose from many gateways without platform transaction fees, which helps protect margins.

Pricing

Both start at $29/mo. Shopify costs grow with apps, while BigCommerce plans have annual online sales thresholds that can force an upgrade as revenue increases. Model both scenarios using your expected sales before choosing.

Multi-Channel and International Selling

Both platforms let you sell beyond your own website. Shopify connects to social channels, marketplaces, and in-person sales through its POS hardware and apps, and Shopify Markets helps manage multiple currencies and languages. BigCommerce offers native integrations with major marketplaces and social platforms, plus strong tools for multiple storefronts managed from one dashboard. For wholesale, BigCommerce includes customer groups, price lists, and quote features designed for B2B buyers, while Shopify provides similar capabilities mainly on its higher-tier Plus plan. If you plan to sell internationally or to businesses as well as consumers, list these requirements first and compare which platform covers them without extra apps.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Shopify if you:

• are launching your first online store
• want the largest selection of apps and themes
• need strong in-person POS

Choose BigCommerce if you:

• have a large or complex catalog
• sell B2B or wholesale
• prefer built-in features over app subscriptions
• want freedom to choose payment gateways

Final Thoughts

Both platforms offer free trials, so import a sample of your real products into each one. Test the checkout, shipping rules, and product filters, and add up the full monthly cost, including the apps you would need. Total cost and daily workflow, not the headline price, should decide this choice.