What is the best ecommerce platform for my business?
Is Shopify or BigCommerce a better fit for your business? Learning some of the similarities and differences between the platforms can help you start evaluating an e-commerce platform for your business.
BigCommerce and Shopify are both rated as Leaders in the B2C ecommerce space. In this article, we compare BigCommerce and Shopify in terms of some elements critical for making the right e-commerce choice.
The Honest Truth
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to Shopify vs BigCommerce. In many ways, they are similar, but there are a few key areas where they are different. This article will compare BigCommerce and Shopify according to key ecommece features so you can learn to analyze which option is best for you. Read this page to learn which one will meet your needs.
Platform Overview and Overall Score
Shopify’s Score – ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
BigCommerce Score – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
What is BigCommerce?
BigCommerce, established in 2009, is a leading open SaaS ecommerce platform designed to empower businesses of all sizes to build, manage, and scale online stores. Known for its flexibility, BigCommerce offers advanced customization options, built-in SEO tools, and integrations with leading third-party applications. While accessible to small businesses, the platform stands out for its ability to support medium to enterprise-level companies with robust features like multi-storefront capabilities and headless commerce architecture. BigCommerce prioritizes growth-focused solutions, making it a popular choice for brands aiming to scale seamlessly in a competitive ecommerce landscape.
How does BigCommerce work?
Merchants need to pay a licensing fee to gain access to the BigCommerce software. BigCommerce plans range in price and have different tiered plans to fit small to enterprise-level business needs. BigCommerce is built API first, meaning it has all the capabilities necessary for developing customization or leveraging 3rd party apps and integrations. This makes it a favorite among businesses that require custom solutions for complex needs.
What is Shopify?
Shopify, founded in 2006, began as a simple platform to take the complexity out of online selling. Since then, it has grown into a global ecommerce leader, empowering millions of businesses to build and manage online stores. Shopify has a native suite of tools for design, inventory, payment processing, and marketing. Shopify predominantly focuses on empowering entrepreneurs with the digital tool kit to get an ecommerce store up and running. Additionally, Shopify does support some medium-sized to enterprise-level companies.
How does Shopify work?
Shopify is a cloud-based platform that enables businesses to create, customize, and manage online stores. Merchants need to pay a monthly or annual fee to access Shopify’s tools for designing a store, managing products, processing payments, managing inventory, and handling shipping. Shopify is known to have a user-friendly interface, customizable themes, and integrations for apps that make it “easy” to set up a new website without needing technical expertise.
Website Themes and Templates
The front-end of a website is one of the most important parts of any ecommerce site. This is what your customers see and use to navigate while they’re on your website. The front-end of most websites run on Shopify and BigCommerce are run with themes (i.e., templates). Themes are an important part of any e-commerce platform, since the theme acts as the framework for the look and feel of your website. Read below to learn how themes and templates are similar and different on each platform.
Shopify Themes
You have three ways to get a theme for your Shopify website. First, you could download a free theme from the Shopify theme store. Second, you could buy a paid theme from the Shopify theme store. Third, you could have a custom theme created by an ecommerce webstore developer.
- 100’s of Themes in the Shopify theme store
- Build your own custom theme
- Theme prices range from FREE - $500+
Most merchants opt to use a free or paid theme from the theme store. Shopify comes with 12 free themes you can choose between when creating your website. If these free themes are insufficient, given your business's needs, more than 150 paid options are also available. The free Shopify themes are a good way to save money, but the free Shopify themes are widely used, so your online store is more likely to look like others if you choose one of those, while the paid themes help you stand out. To browse and purchase a Shopify Plus theme, visit the Shopify Themes Store.
BigCommerce Themes
With BigCommerce, you have three options for selecting a theme for your online store. First, you can choose a free theme from the BigCommerce Theme Marketplace. Second, you can purchase a premium theme from the marketplace for more advanced features and design options. Third, you can work with a BigCommerce developer to create a fully custom theme tailored to your specific needs. While many merchants find the free and premium themes sufficient for their requirements, a custom-built theme is ideal for those looking to stand out or meet unique business goals.
- 100’s of Themes in the BigCommerce theme marketplace
- Build your own custom theme with a BigCommerce developer
- Theme prices range from FREE - $500+
When it comes to themes, BigCommerce has an edge over Shopify. BigCommerce currently offers 15 free website themes that can be customized to match your company's brand. If the free themes don't meet your needs, you can explore over 200 paid themes on the BigCommerce Theme Marketplace. However, what sets BigCommerce ahead of Shopify when it comes to themes is not the sheer number available but the customizability of those themes.
BigCommerce's themes are more customizable than many of Shopify's themes, from the look to the theme's functionality. If you are looking for the most flexible option for your BigCommerce website design, you will need to work with a BigCommerce theme developer who can help you with theme customizations during your BigCommerce Implementation.
Native Theme Editor and Page Builder
Both BigCommerce and Shopify have a native theme development tool you can access once you sign up for their platform. Both are very similar, but the Shopify tool is generally easier to pick up one, while there tends to be a slightly steeper learning curve for first time users when working with the BigCommerce native theme development tool. After about 20 hours of use, the average user gets comfortable using the tool of their choice (Shopify or BigCommerce). So, this is really a minor difference, but something to take note of nonetheless.
Shopify Theme Editor and Page Builder
Shopify provides an intuitive landing page builder designed to help businesses create effective, branded pages without needing technical expertise. Its Page Editor offers a drag-and-drop interface for customizing text, images, and calls to action, making it easy to design pages aligned with marketing goals. Shopify also supports integration with advanced tools like Shogun for businesses that require more page-building flexibility and features. Shopify does a good job of simplifying the page-building processes.
BigCommerce Theme Editor and Page Builder
BigCommerce’s Page Builder is a solid tool designed to help merchants create and customize landing pages and storefronts without requiring extensive technical expertise. Its widget drag-and-drop interface allows users to adjust layouts, text, images, and widgets, ensuring that pages align with brand and marketing goals.
The tool supports real-time edits, preview functionality, and advanced features like custom code embedding, promotional banners, and third-party app integrations to enhance functionality. However, some users find it less intuitive than other platforms like Shopify. Overall, BigCommerce’s Page Builder is solid but might have a steeper learning curve than Shopify.
Website Speed
Google recommends that ecommerce websites have mobile page load speeds of 2 seconds and a desktop page load speed of 2.5 seconds. Website speed is a critical factor in ecommerce success, directly impacting conversion rates, user experience, and overall business performance. A fast-loading website keeps visitors engaged, reducing bounce rates and increasing the likelihood of completing purchases. Studies show that even a one-second delay in page load time can lead to a significant drop in conversion rates. Beyond user satisfaction, speed also plays a role in SEO; search engines like Google factor site performance into rankings, meaning slow sites may struggle to appear prominently in search results.
Additionally, fast websites are often easier to manage, as optimized platforms typically include efficient backend systems that streamline updates and operations. Prioritizing website speed ensures a seamless experience for users while driving higher engagement and sales. Now, let’s take a look at Shopify website speed v.s. BigCommerce website speed.
Shopify Speed
You might be wondering, how to speed up a Shopify website? Well, the answer depends on your specific website. There are lots of contributing factors to slow website page speed. Factors could include code efficiency, image optimization, caching, app load time, integrations, high-traffic, ecommerce hosting services, etc. Even based on this list, you might have an idea of where you start digging into your website. If not, reach out to an ecommerce expert so they can run diagnostics to point you in the right direction.
BigCommerce Speed
Already on BigCommerce? Here are some tips for how to speed up a BigCommerce website. First, use THIS GUIDE to optimize your images. If images are improperly formatted, it can bog down a website. To improve your website page speed, make sure your images are properly formatted. Second, review the dynamic features you have throughout your website. These usually are on the homepage. Dynamic features could be product displays, rolling image slides at the top of your homepage, etc. These features take bandwidth to load, therefore taking more time.
Where can I take a website speed test?
Listed below are four websites you can use to test your site speed.
Apps
Apps are needed to build out the capabilities of your website. Both BigCommerce and Shopify have a solid native feature set, but you will need apps to build out the website the way you want to.
Imagine your website as a house. BigCommerce and Shopify lay the foundation and set the walls. It’s your job as a website manager to fill in the rooms in a way that makes sense to your customers. Apps do just that. They give you the tools and features needed to make your website a great place for your customers to shop.
Shopify Apps
Within the ecommerce industry, Shopify is known to have one of the largest app ecosystems. Shopify is used globally and has a low barrier to entry for new merchants or tech companies that want to offer ecommerce apps. This means merchants on Shopify have a lot of options for apps with similar functions, but some of the apps are low quality. A good rule of thumb is you get what you pay for. Many of the Shopify apps have “free” versions or “free for a limited time” versions you can sign up for. This is great perk if you want to learn the app before you make a longer term commitment or pay for it. Overall, Shopify has a large app ecosystem, but not all are high-quality. Be prepared to test out 2-5 apps with similar functions before finding the right one for you. Take a look at the Shopify App Store to see what apps are available.
BigCommerce Apps
BigCommerce is known within the ecommerce landscape to be a good open SaaS platform for established companies. This means the apps that are available follow suit. Most of the apps within the BigCommerce ecosystem are not “starter apps”. This means most cost money to start and offer a good set of features right off the bat. You will be able to find some apps that might have a free 14-day trial, but most apps do not offer this. Overall, we’ve found that BigCommerce apps are more trustworthy right off the bat since they’re developed and tested for medium to enterprise-level businesses. Take a look at the BigCommerce App Marketplace to see what apps are available.
Additionally, BigCommerce is very developer friendly because of their open API model. You can work with a company like Anchor Group for custom BigCommerce App development. This will ensure you get the exact features you're looking for and need in your app.
Integrations
Strong integrations are vital for ecommerce stores, enabling seamless connections between platforms like ERPs, CRMs, and payment gateways. They streamline workflows, improve user experience, and ensure accurate data for inventory and orders. Well-implemented integrations also support scalability and operational efficiency, helping businesses grow while maintaining a smooth customer journey. There are generally two options for achieving an integration: you could use a connector or a custom integration.
- Connectors are faster and simpler to set up since they function as a plug-and-play connection with minimal customization. The downside is that depending on the connector you use, you may be limited in the data passed between the systems, so it's important to ensure you choose a high-quality connector.
- Custom Integrations, on the other hand, can be tailored to meet your business's unique requirements, but they are often more of an investment upfront. You would need to ensure that your custom integration is high quality from the start to avoid future heavy repairs and customization further down the road.
Shopify Software Integrations
Shopify makes integration straightforward for ecommerce businesses, providing the tools to seamlessly connect with payment gateways, inventory systems, and marketing solutions. Its app marketplace offers a vast selection of options, while APIs support custom solutions for unique needs. These integrations are essential for streamlining processes, minimizing manual effort, and ensuring your store operates efficiently. With Shopify, businesses gain the flexibility to adapt and scale, keeping operations smooth and customers happy.
BigCommerce Integrations
BigCommerce is built on an open API structure, making it highly integration-friendly. This architecture allows merchants to connect their online stores with various third-party tools, systems, and applications, creating a seamless ecosystem for managing their ecommerce operations. Whether it’s integrating with ERP systems like Oracle NetSuite, marketing platforms, or shipping providers, BigCommerce’s API-driven approach empowers businesses to customize and enhance their workflows efficiently.
Regardless of the method you choose for connecting your BigCommerce store to an ERP system, finding a partner who has experience working with both solutions is key to ensuring a successful connection. For example, if you need a BigCommerce NetSuite integration, a company like Anchor Group, which is both a NetSuite Partner and a BigCommerce Partner, might be a good fit!
Need an integration? You can work with a BigCommerce Integration partner to get your software integration set up the right way the first time!
Pricing
Both BigCommerce and Shopify are ecommerce hosting platforms. This means you will pay a subscription fee to get access to their ecommerce software. One of the most fundamental differences between these two platforms is their pricing structure. On a high level they look very similar, but the differences need to be noted – especially for scaling businesses.
Both Shopify and BigCommerce have set up their software to help you build and grow your business, but it comes at a cost. See below for more specifics on Shopify pricing or BigCommerce pricing.
Shopify Pricing
You might be wondering, how much is Shopify? Shopify pricing is very straightforward. First, you can pay for Shopify on a monthly or annual basis. The overall price you pay is lower if you go with an annual payment. Shopify has four different subscription plans that give you access to your Shopify account. The Shopify plans range in price from $29 to $299 per month. The more expensive plans have more features, perks, and resources, so with each subscription tier you increase, you will get more native features as part of your subscription. Additionally, Shopify offers Shopify Plus starting at $2300 per month. With each subscription tier, you increase, you will get more native features as part of your subscription.
Maybe you’re wondering, how can I cancel my Shopify subscription? Canceling a Shopify subscription is simple and straightforward. Go to the “settings” section of your account and select “plans”. From here, you will be able to deactivate your Shopify plan. Before fully deactivating your account, be sure to download product data, theme code, image, or anything else that you might need for future use.
In the discussion around pricing, it is important to note that other factors play into Shopify’s total monthly cost beyond just the licensing price alone:
- Shopify Apps: Each Shopify account includes themes (free and paid). However, you will need apps to enhance your website's functionality. Most apps are purchased monthly through a subscription-based model.
- Transaction Fees: Shopify charges a transaction fee for all transactions that take place outside of its payment gateway. For example, it charges a 2% transaction fee for third-party payment providers.
BigCommerce Pricing
BigCommerce pricing is very straightforward. You can pay for BigCommerce on an annual or monthly basis. There are four main subscription tiers for small businesses. These subscription tiers range in price from $29 - $299 per month. The higher the subscription tier, the more native features you will automatically have access to after you sign up. This could include things like marketing features, increased API call limits, etc. For medium, large, and enterprise-level customers, BigCommerce has custom pricing. To get custom pricing, you will work directly with a BigCommerce sales rep to determine your rate.
There is another key factor to consider:
- BigCommerce Apps: With a BigCommerce subscription, you get access to free themes and an array of themes available for purchase. Because BigCommerce is set up differently, there is more native functionality (especially for SEO), but some apps will still be needed to fully build your website.
No transaction fees: Unlike Shopify, BigCommerce does not have transaction fees. It’s as simple as that! In many cases this makes BigCommerce a more favorable option for high volume sellers.
Here at Anchor Group, we have guided numerous merchants through full-scale BigCommerce implementations. As a BigCommerce Partner, we’ve assisted our clients in navigating the BigCommerce migration process, one crucial aspect of which is a clear understanding of various subscription tiers.
Payment Gateways
One major difference between Shopify and BigCommerce is the way they handle processing payments. This is an important distinction because it impacts every merchant that is on either of these platforms. Based on the size of your business, one of these platforms, BigCommerce or Shopify, might be better than the other for you.
Shopify as a Payment Processor
Shopify has its own payment processor called Shopify Payments. This essentially means, Shopify is taking a certain percentage of all the money that flows through your Shopify account. So, at the end of the day, Shopify is charging you a subscription fee and a percentage of your revenue. Shopify has set up Shopify Payments in such a way that it’s easy to go with it before you really even know what you’ve done. Shopify Payments makes it challenging and somewhat difficult to move away from Shopify payments to partner with a company like PayPal or BlueSnap. This means you will have more of a challenge partnering with a payment process that has more competitive rates than Shopify Payments. This is something you need to be aware of since it directly impacts the success of your bottom line.
BigCommerce Payment Gateways
BigCommerce is focused on merchant freedom when it comes to payment processors. BigCommerce does not currently own its own payment processor. Instead they have preferred vendors they suggest merchants work with. This gives you, the merchant, more power over your business. Instead of making switching payment providers difficult, like Shopify, BigCommerce tries to make selecting a payment provider as easy as possible. This is especially important for merchants within industries that can only work with specific payment providers based on products they sell (i.e. firearm industry).
Global Ecommerce
If you are a large international business or global enterprise, you will likely want to compare the higher-tier plans offered for both of these solutions in detail: BigCommerce Enterprise vs. Shopify Plus. What follows is just a little high-level information about the global features offered through each platform.
Shopify Global Ecommerce Features
A basic Shopify plan offers limited global e-commerce options, while Shopify Plus includes enough global options to sell in major countries and meet most customers' needs. Shopify Plus includes several language options, but some customers have complained about language issues related to the checkout page. If your global e-commerce needs and plans are limited to major markets, Shopify will likely meet your needs. However, if you aim to reach smaller, more specific markets, you should ensure Shopify Plus has the capabilities you need to succeed in those regions.
BigCommerce Global Ecommerce Features
The most basic BigCommerce plan only includes the English language. However, you can still localize your front-end experience through third-party API or app-driven translation. A basic version of BigCommerce can be successful for companies operating within English-speaking countries or who plan to add only a few other languages. However, all additional languages must be added using a combination of JSON translation files, Stencil CLI, and the BigCommerce control panel. If you plan to engage in global ecommerce, BigCommerce's Enterprise plan likely incorporates the features you need, from multiple languages to currency options and more!
Explore this BigCommerce Feature List to see if it has the features and capabilities that you are looking for in an e-commerce platform!
Headless Commerce
Headless commerce is quickly becoming a game-changer in ecommerce, offering businesses more flexibility and control over their entire online presence. Unlike traditional systems, where the front-end and back-end are tied together, headless commerce separates these layers. This allows businesses to customize their storefronts and integrate seamlessly with multiple platforms. This approach enables brands like yours to deliver customized shopping experiences in many ways.
Headless ecommerce solutions are ideal for large to enterprise-level merchants that are technology-first and are ready to push the boundaries within their industry. Headless ecommerce websites are not cheap to create compared to using native ecommerce platform software.
Shopify Headless Ecommerce
With headless commerce, Shopify users can build highly personalized storefronts and optimize their designs without being limited by the platform's traditional structure. This enables faster innovation, as businesses can integrate various touchpoints while maintaining solid backend operations. However, adopting a headless approach requires more development resources and technical expertise and typically suits larger businesses with a dedicated development team or the ability to partner with agencies for custom solutions. Shopify offers tools and APIs for easy integration, allowing merchants to scale their operations more effectively across different digital platforms. Overall, Shopify still is focusing most of its attention on the standard templated way of building ecommerce websites.
BigCommerce Headless Ecommerce
BigCommerce's headless commerce solution offers flexibility and scalability, enabling businesses to create fully customized, dynamic storefronts while leveraging the BigCommerce back-end. With headless commerce, businesses can develop a decoupled front-end from the core platform, allowing for more creative control over the user experience and the ability to integrate with multiple touchpoints, such as mobile apps, marketplaces, or even physical retail environments. BigCommerce offers specialized tools like Catalyst and MakeSwift to help merchants unlock the full potential of headless architecture.
These tools can be implemented by BigCommerces Agency Partners. BigCommerce Catalyst is a developer-friendly platform that provides access to APIs, integrations, and resources for building complex ecommerce solutions, making it ideal for brands requiring advanced customizations. BigCommerce MakeSwift enables merchants to create highly tailored, no-code front-end experiences with advanced design features, empowering businesses to quickly develop and deploy customized storefronts. Overall, BigCommerce is leading the charge into headless ecommerce.
Are you ready for Headless Commerce on Shopify or BigCommerce?
Read through the question below to see if you’re ready to take the next step.
- Does your company strive to be on the leading edge of modern technology?
- Does your company want a modern, flexible, scalable ecommerce solution?
- Does your website require a fully customized front-end design for unique products or customer needs?
- Is your current platform limiting your ability to scale or innovate?
- Does your internal team have advanced ecommerce development skills, or are you ready to partner with an agency to fulfill that need?
- Does your company have the finances to afford an expensive ecommerce build?
- Are you willing to invest in ongoing development and maintenance to keep a headless system running smoothly?
Security
Security is a top priority for both Shopify and BigCommerce, ensuring the protection of your online store and customer data. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, both platforms offer solid security features that give you peace of mind.
Shopify Security
Shopify takes security seriously with features like SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). With Shopify, your customers' data is encrypted during transactions, helping safeguard against data breaches. Shopify also provides regular security updates and has a dedicated security team that actively monitors for potential threats. For merchants, Shopify’s admin interface has built-in protections that make it easy to stay secure and up-to-date.
BigCommerce Security
BigCommerce offers similar security features with SSL encryption, PCI DSS compliance, and 2FA. They ensure that sensitive customer information is protected during transactions and storage. In addition to these standard measures, BigCommerce provides a robust security infrastructure that includes regular vulnerability scans and compliance with global security standards. The platform is also equipped with features like fraud prevention tools and built-in automated security updates to further minimize risks for merchants.
Customer Support
When it comes to keeping things running smoothly, both Shopify and BigCommerce really have their merchants' backs with solid customer support. Both platforms make sure you’ve got the expert help and resources to keep your store running like a well-oiled machine.
Shopify Customer Support
Shopify offers 24/7 support through live chat, email, and phone, perfect for quickly handling any hiccups. Plus, its Help Center and community forums are packed with resources like tutorials and troubleshooting tips, making it easy to find the answers you need on your own.
BigCommerce Customer Support
BigCommerce offers 24/7 support, including live chat and phone assistance. Specialized teams are ready to tackle tricky issues related to store setup or integrations. Their knowledge base, video tutorials, and webinars give merchants plenty of ways to learn and solve problems at their own pace.
BigCommerce v.s. Shopify: What’s the best ecommerce platform for me?
Not a one-size-fits-all scenario
The question of whether Shopify or BigCommerce is right for you depends on many factors about your business. In conclusion, both Shopify and BigCommerce offer distinct advantages depending on the specific needs of your ecommerce business. Shopify is an excellent option for small to medium-sized businesses seeking simplicity and an extensive app ecosystem, making it easy to set up and manage an online store. However, BigCommerce stands out with its robust set of features designed for scalability and customization, making it ideal for growing businesses and enterprises requiring more complex solutions. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your business size, needs for customization, and growth potential, with each platform offering powerful tools to support your ecommerce goals.
- Small Business (<1M/yr) - Shopify
- Medium Business(1M-10M) - Shopify/BigCommerce
- Large Business(10M-50M) - BigCommerce
- Enterprise Level Business (50M+) - BigCommerce
Want to continue the conversation? Reach out to Anchor Group today!
A Note on Platform Comparison
In this article, we chose not to compare specific plans of Shopify and BigCommerce since we are trying here to simply give a sense of how the platforms compare as a whole, and many companies will scale between different levels of an e-commerce platform post-implementation. As you continue to research what the platforms include, make sure you are comparing like plans to ensure you are comparing apples to apples. For example, if you are a large company or global enterprise, you will want to consider Shopify Plus vs. BigCommerce Enterprise. On the other hand, smaller companies might want to compare a BigCommerce Essentials basic plan with a basic Shopify plan.
WooCommerce vs Shopify vs BigCommerce
Now that you have learned just a bit about when Shopify vs BigCommerce may be a good first for a business, you may be wondering how WooCommerce compares. We often see people asking about BigCommerce vs WooCommerce vs Shopify as they look to find the ecommerce solution that is right for their business. While we don't have an article that outlines all three side-by-side, we do have an article on WooCommerce vs BigCommerce that you can check out! Hopefully, that article, in connection with this one, can help you understand how Shopify compares to WooCommerce and BigCommerce!
BigCommerce Certified Partner, Oracle NetSuite Alliance Partner
As both a BigCommerce Certified Partner and an Oracle NetSuite Alliance Partner, Anchor Group is ready to handle BigCommerce and NetSuite projects alike! Whether you already have one platform and are looking to integrate the other, are considering a full-scale implementation of both platforms or simply need support with ongoing customizations, our team is ready to help answer any questions you might have! Contact Our Team!
