Shopify vs BigCommerce 2026: Best E-Commerce Platform
By Itai Varochik | Updated February 18, 2026 | 3 min read
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Overview
Shopify and BigCommerce are the two leading hosted e-commerce platforms. Shopify has 4+ million stores. BigCommerce positions itself as more feature-rich with no transaction fees. We built stores on both.
Ease of use
Shopify is easier to set up and manage. The admin interface is cleaner and the theme customization more intuitive. BigCommerce has a steeper learning curve but more built-in features.
Built-in features
BigCommerce includes more natively: unlimited staff accounts, built-in reviews, real-time shipping quotes, multi-currency. Shopify requires paid apps for many of these.
Transaction fees
BigCommerce charges no additional transaction fees regardless of processor. Shopify charges 0.5-2.0% on non-Shopify Payments transactions.
App ecosystem
Shopify: 8,000+ apps. BigCommerce: ~1,000. For niche needs, Shopify's ecosystem is more likely to have a solution. Downside: app costs add up.
Pricing
Both start at $39/month with identical base pricing tiers ($39, $105, $399). Total cost differs based on apps needed and transaction fees.
Our verdict
Choose Shopify for the largest app ecosystem and easiest setup. Choose BigCommerce for more built-in features, no transaction fees, and third-party processor flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BigCommerce charge transaction fees?
No, BigCommerce charges no additional transaction fees regardless of payment processor. Shopify charges 0.5-2.0% for non-Shopify Payments.
Is Shopify easier than BigCommerce?
Yes, Shopify has a cleaner interface and more intuitive setup. BigCommerce has a steeper learning curve but includes more features natively.