Shopify vs BigCommerce
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: Shopify (4.5/5)
We tested Shopify and BigCommerce side-by-side. Shopify comes out ahead overall, but BigCommerce may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Shopify | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 4.5/10 | 4.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 4.3/10 | 3.4/10 |
| Value for Money | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Customer Support | 3.9/10 | 3.7/10 |
| Overall | 4.2/10 | 3.9/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Shopify | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Online Store Builder | No | No |
| Payment Processing | No | No |
| Inventory Management | No | No |
| Marketing & SEO Tools | No | No |
| App Store | No | No |
| Multi-channel Sales | No | No |
| Abandoned Cart Saver | No | No |
| Professional Reporting Tools | No | No |
| SEO Tools | No | No |
| Unlimited Staff Accounts | No | No |
Pricing Comparison
Shopify: From $39/month
BigCommerce: From $39/month
Shopify Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive e-commerce ecosystem with extensive app store
- Scalable for businesses from startups to large enterprises
- User friendly interface for store setup and management
- Robust marketing and SEO tools built in
- Reliable hosting and security infrastructure
Cons
- Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments
- Customization can be limited without coding knowledge on lower tiers
- Pricing can become expensive for advanced features or high volume stores
- Reliance on third party apps for certain functionalities
BigCommerce Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive built-in feature set reduces reliance on third-party apps
- No transaction fees on sales, which can lead to significant savings for high-volume merchants
- Robust scalability suitable for businesses of all sizes, from growing startups to large enterprises
- Flexible API allows for extensive customization and integration with existing systems
- Strong SEO capabilities and marketing tools are integrated directly into the platform
Cons
- Higher starting price compared to some entry-level e-commerce platforms
- Steeper learning curve for new users due to the platform's extensive features
- Theme customization can be complex, often requiring developer assistance for advanced changes
Key Specifications
| Spec | Shopify | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Pricing | From $39/month | From $39/month |
| Year Founded | 2006 | N/A |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Canada | N/A |
Our Verdict
Shopify wins overall. Choose Shopify if you value Small to medium sized businesses launching an online store. Choose BigCommerce if you prioritize Medium to large-sized businesses requiring advanced e-commerce functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shopify better than BigCommerce?
Based on our testing, Shopify scores higher with a rating of 4.5/5 compared to BigCommerce's 4.2/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between Shopify and BigCommerce?
Shopify is known for: The world's leading e-commerce platform powering 4.8M+ online stores.. BigCommerce is known for: Enterprise-grade e-commerce platform with more built-in features and no transaction fees..
Which is cheaper, Shopify or BigCommerce?
Shopify pricing: From $39/month. BigCommerce pricing: From $39/month.
Can I use Shopify and BigCommerce together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the e-commerce category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of Shopify?
Comprehensive e-commerce ecosystem with extensive app store. Scalable for businesses from startups to large enterprises. User friendly interface for store setup and management
What are the pros of BigCommerce?
Comprehensive built-in feature set reduces reliance on third-party apps. No transaction fees on sales, which can lead to significant savings for high-volume merchants. Robust scalability suitable for businesses of all sizes, from growing startups to large enterprises
Which e-commerce should I choose?
Choose Shopify if you value Small to medium sized businesses launching an online store. Choose BigCommerce if you prioritize Medium to large-sized businesses requiring advanced e-commerce functionality.