Shopify vs BigCommerce: Which E-Commerce Platform Is Right for You?

Choosing the right e-commerce platform is a crucial decision for any online retailer. Two of the biggest names in the space—Shopify and BigCommerce—both offer powerful tools to build, manage, and grow your store. But depending on your needs, one may be a better fit than the other.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Pricing and Plans

Both platforms offer pricing tiers ranging from $39 to $399 per month, and both include:

• Unlimited products, bandwidth, and file storage

• Free SSL certificates

• PCI-compliant security

However, Shopify limits the number of staff accounts based on your plan (from 2 to 15), while BigCommerce allows unlimited staff accounts on all plans—a key benefit for growing teams.

Transaction Fees

This is where BigCommerce pulls ahead.

• Shopify charges affordable transaction fees if you use Shopify Payments. Fees range from 2.4% to 2.8% for online credit card payments depending on the Shopify plan you choose. If you decide to use a 3rd party payment provider, Shopify will charge an additional 1% on top of the transaction fees charged by the 3rd party provider.

• BigCommerce charges no transaction fees, regardless of your payment processor. That can translate into significant savings over time, especially for high-volume stores.

Payment Options

• BigCommerce offers 65+ pre-integrated online payment gateways—with no additional fees.

• Shopify supports many gateways but offers affordable rates if you select Shopify Payments.

Abandoned Cart Recovery & Loyalty Tools

Both platforms offer:

• Abandoned cart saver

• Stored credit card functionality

• Cart-level discounts

• Coupon codes

• Automatic discounts based on customer groups

When it comes to customer retention and conversion, both platforms provide strong features, though BigCommerce often includes these tools built-in, while Shopify may require additional apps.

SEO Capabilities

If SEO is important to your growth strategy, consider the differences:

BigCommerce: Built-in SEO tools

• Optimized and unique URLs

• URL rewrites (automatically update when product names change)

• Embedded microdata on product pages

• Fast-loading, responsive themes

Shopify: Strong third-party SEO apps

• Fewer native SEO controls

• More reliant on app marketplace for SEO enhancements

Verdict: BigCommerce offers stronger out-of-the-box SEO, but Shopify provides more flexibility through its vast app ecosystem.

Themes & Mobile-Friendliness

Both Shopify and BigCommerce offer a range of responsive, mobile-friendly themes, helping your store look great across all devices.

Custom Product Filtering & Reviews

• BigCommerce supports custom product filtering to help customers navigate your catalog more easily.

• It also integrates Google Customer Reviews for building trust and credibility.

These features give BigCommerce a slight edge for stores with larger or more complex inventories.

User Experience and Ease of Use

• Shopify is known for its clean, beginner-friendly interface. It's easy to set up and run, especially if you're just starting out.

• BigCommerce is more powerful but comes with a steeper learning curve, as many advanced tools are built directly into the dashboard.

If you’re a solo entrepreneur or new to eCommerce, Shopify might feel more intuitive. If you're experienced and need more control out-of-the-box, BigCommerce is worth the learning curve.

Support and Resources

Both platforms offer 24/7 customer support across live chat, email, and phone (with Shopify Lite offering limited access). Support quality is strong across the board.

Conclusion: Shopify or BigCommerce?

👉 Choose Shopify if: You're just getting started and want a user-friendly, app-rich experience with beautiful design themes.

👉 Choose BigCommerce if: You want a powerful platform with strong built-in features, no transaction fees, and enterprise-level SEO and customization.Still unsure? Reach out to us and we’ll help you choose the best solution based on your business goals.