Shopify

4.5 (6.1k reviews)

Leading ecommerce platform for building online stores with powerful selling tool...

VS 2026

BigCommerce

4.3 (1.9k reviews)

Enterprise ecommerce platform with advanced features and no transaction fees....

Shopify vs BigCommerce: Which Is Better in 2026?

Comprehensive comparison of Shopify and BigCommerce covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.

Quick Overview

Shopify

  • Best for: Ecommerce stores, Dropshipping
  • Starting price: $29/mo
  • Category: ecommerce
  • Founded: 2006
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BigCommerce

  • Best for: Growing ecommerce, Multi-channel sellers
  • Starting price: $39/mo
  • Category: ecommerce
  • Founded: 2009
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Feature Comparison

Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Shopify and BigCommerce.

Feature
Shopify
BigCommerce
Visual Editor
Responsive Design
CMS
Ecommerce
Custom Code
SEO Tools
Hosting
Payments
Multi-channel

Our Verdict

After extensive testing and analysis, Shopify edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Shopify offers better overall user satisfaction. BigCommerce remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize growing ecommerce.

Winner

Shopify

Best for Ecommerce stores and Dropshipping. Best ecommerce features.

Try Shopify
Alternative

BigCommerce

Best for Growing ecommerce and Multi-channel sellers. No transaction fees.

Try BigCommerce

Pros & Cons

Shopify Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Best ecommerce features
  • Easy to use
  • Great app store
  • Reliable hosting
  • Strong POS
Cons
  • Transaction fees
  • Limited customization
  • Expensive apps
  • Content blogging limited

BigCommerce Pros & Cons

Pros
  • No transaction fees
  • Multi-channel selling
  • Built-in features
  • Scalable
  • Good SEO
Cons
  • Sales limits per tier
  • Limited free themes
  • Learning curve
  • Less apps than Shopify

Pricing Comparison

Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.

Shopify

subscription
Starting from $29 /mo
Basic $29 /mo
  • Online store
  • 2 staff accounts
  • Basic reports
Advanced $299 /mo
  • 15 staff accounts
  • Advanced reports
  • Third-party shipping rates
Plus $2,300 /mo
  • Unlimited staff
  • Dedicated support
  • Custom checkout

BigCommerce

subscription
Starting from $39 /mo
Standard $39 /mo
  • Unlimited products
  • Staff accounts
  • Multi-channel selling
Pro $399 /mo
  • Custom SSL
  • Product filtering
  • Google customer reviews
Enterprise Free
  • Priority support
  • Custom integrations
  • Unlimited API calls

Which Tool Is Best For You?

Choose Shopify if you need:

  • Ecommerce stores
  • Dropshipping
  • Retail businesses
  • Growing brands
  • Best ecommerce features
  • Easy to use
Try Shopify Free

Choose BigCommerce if you need:

  • Growing ecommerce
  • Multi-channel sellers
  • B2B ecommerce
  • High-volume stores
  • No transaction fees
  • Multi-channel selling
Try BigCommerce Free

Shopify vs BigCommerce FAQ

What are the main differences between Shopify and BigCommerce?

Shopify focuses on ecommerce stores with best ecommerce features, while BigCommerce excels at growing ecommerce with no transaction fees. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.

Is Shopify or BigCommerce better for small businesses?

Both tools have paid plans. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Shopify's lower starting price of $29/month.

What is the pricing difference between Shopify and BigCommerce?

Shopify starts at $29/month, while BigCommerce starts at $39/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.

Can Shopify integrate with BigCommerce?

While direct integration may vary, both Shopify and BigCommerce support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Shopify integrates with Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, while BigCommerce works with Amazon, eBay, Facebook.

Which tool is easier to use, Shopify or BigCommerce?

Based on user reviews, Shopify generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.5 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Shopify is known for easy to use.

Does Shopify or BigCommerce offer better customer support?

Both Shopify and BigCommerce provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Shopify offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.

What are the pros of Shopify compared to BigCommerce?

Shopify's main advantages include: Best ecommerce features, Easy to use, Great app store. Compared to BigCommerce, it's particularly strong for ecommerce stores.

What are the cons of Shopify compared to BigCommerce?

Shopify's potential drawbacks include: Transaction fees, Limited customization. BigCommerce may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.

Should I switch from Shopify to BigCommerce or vice versa?

Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.

Which tool is best for ecommerce in 2026?

In 2026, Shopify leads in this comparison with a 4.5 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Shopify excels for ecommerce stores, while BigCommerce is ideal for growing ecommerce.

Written by

EW
Emma Wilson SMB Software Specialist

Emma specializes in software solutions for small and medium businesses. With experience running her own consulting firm, she understands the unique needs of growing companies and evaluates tools from a practical ROI perspective.

83 articles
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