BigCommerce vs Shopify
BigCommerce and Shopify are both leading ecommerce platforms, but they differ significantly in pricing structure, complexity, and target merchant size. Shopify dominates the SMB segment with simplicity and affordability, while BigCommerce targets mid-market and enterprise retailers seeking advanced features and customization.
BigCommerce
Enterprise-focused ecommerce platform designed for mid-market and large retailers. Offers advanced features, multi-channel selling, and customization without requiring external hosting.
Starting Price
$29.95/month
Transaction Fees
None
Founded
1996
Target Segment
Mid-market to enterprise
App Marketplace
~600 apps
Pros
- Advanced features and customization out-of-the-box without developer expertise
- Transparent, tiered pricing with no transaction fees
- Strong support for B2B, wholesale, and high-volume operations
Cons
- Steeper learning curve and more complex interface for beginners
- Higher monthly costs starting at $29.95, escalating quickly with features
- Smaller app ecosystem compared to Shopify
Shopify
Beginner-friendly ecommerce platform dominating the SMB market. Known for simplicity, extensive app ecosystem, and rapid store setup with minimal technical knowledge.
Starting Price
$39/month (Basic)
Transaction Fees
2.9% + 30¢ per order
Founded
2006
Target Segment
Startups to mid-market
App Marketplace
6,000+ apps
Pros
- Extremely user-friendly interface and quick store setup (under 1 hour)
- Massive app ecosystem (6,000+) enabling unlimited customization
- Competitive pricing starting at $39/month with transparency and scalability
Cons
- Transaction fees on basic plans (2.9% + 30¢) increase effective costs
- Less native B2B and wholesale functionality compared to BigCommerce
- Platform limitations may require workarounds for advanced customization
Shopify wins
Shopify's user-friendly interface, massive app ecosystem, and dominance in the SMB market make it the better general-purpose choice for most merchants, though BigCommerce wins for enterprise complexity.
BigCommerce
Best for mid-market B2B retailers, high-volume stores, and merchants needing advanced native features without app dependency.
Shopify
Best for startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking fast setup, simplicity, and extensive third-party customization options.
Feature & Scalability Comparison
Ease of Use
Shopify prioritizes simplicity with drag-and-drop builders and minimal setup, while BigCommerce requires more technical knowledge to leverage advanced features.
Native Features
BigCommerce includes advanced features like multi-vendor, API access, and B2B tools natively; Shopify requires apps for equivalent functionality.
App Ecosystem
Shopify's 6,000+ integrated apps vastly outnumber BigCommerce's ~600, providing more third-party extensibility options.
Enterprise Readiness
BigCommerce's native B2B, wholesale, and multi-channel tools make it production-ready for large operations without customization.
Pricing Transparency
BigCommerce has no transaction fees with clear tier pricing; Shopify's per-transaction fees add ongoing costs beyond base plan price.
Customization Flexibility
Both are highly customizable; Shopify's massive app library and Liquid templating edge slightly ahead, though BigCommerce offers deeper native configuration.
Pricing & Total Cost of Ownership
| Aspect | BigCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Base Cost (Starter) | $29.95 | $39.00 |
| Transaction Fees | None | 2.9% + $0.30 per order |
| Mid-Tier Plan Cost | $79.95 | $105.00 |
| Payment Processing | Standard rates (3rd-party) | Shopify Payments (2.7% + 30¢) or 3rd-party |
| App Costs | Variable, fewer premium options | Variable, extensive paid ecosystem |
| Best For Volume | High-volume (eliminates transaction fees) | Low-to-mid volume (transparent base pricing) |
When to Choose Each Platform
Choose Shopify if you're a startup or small business prioritizing speed-to-market, simplicity, and access to extensive third-party integrations; it's ideal for merchants testing ideas or scaling rapidly with limited technical resources. Choose BigCommerce if you're a mid-market or enterprise retailer requiring advanced B2B capabilities, multi-channel management, and transparent pricing without per-transaction fees; it suits high-volume operations and sellers needing sophisticated native features.
When to choose each
Choose BigCommerce if…
Best for mid-market B2B retailers, high-volume stores, and merchants needing advanced native features without app dependency.
Choose Shopify if…
Best for startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking fast setup, simplicity, and extensive third-party customization options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shopify is better for small stores due to its lower starting price, beginner-friendly interface, and faster setup time. BigCommerce's advanced features and complexity are overkill for startups and add unnecessary cost.
BigCommerce starts at $29.95/month with no transaction fees, while Shopify starts at $39/month but charges 2.9% + $0.30 per order. For high-volume sellers, BigCommerce's transparent pricing becomes more cost-effective; for low-volume, Shopify's base plan is cheaper.
BigCommerce includes more advanced native features for B2B, wholesale, and multi-channel selling out-of-the-box; Shopify offers comparable features primarily through its larger app ecosystem. The choice depends on whether you prefer built-in tools or extensibility via apps.
Sources & references
Suggested sources to verify product details, pricing, reviews, and specifications.
- OfficialBigCommerce Official Pricing
BigCommerce tier pricing, features, and transaction fee policy
- OfficialShopify Official Pricing
Shopify plan pricing, transaction fees, and base feature comparison
- MarketplaceShopify App Store
Shopify app ecosystem size and third-party integration availability