Starting an e-commerce store is a big step, and choosing between hosting platforms like BigCommerce and Shopify is often the first hurdle you’ll face.
POWR has been a partner developer on both platforms for 10 years and have millions of users so we know a thing or two about each of them.
In this article, I’ll break down what makes BigCommerce and Shopify unique, and how they’re the same, so you can pick which one that feels right for you.
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Both platforms make building a successful e-commerce store possible, but each one shines in different ways that might work better for your specific needs.
Whether you're planning to sell your own products, start a dropshipping business, or bring your physical store online, picking the right platform from the start can save you a lot of hassle later on.
Think of BigCommerce as that reliable friend who comes packed with everything you need right out of the box. It's built to grow with you, featuring more built-in tools than you might initially need - but that's actually a good thing.
What makes BigCommerce stand out is that you won't have to keep adding extra apps (and extra costs) as your business grows.
They're especially good at handling larger catalogs and multiple product variations, which is perfect if you're planning to sell lots of different items or if each product comes in various sizes, colors, or styles.
Shopify is like the Swiss Army knife of e-commerce - it's incredibly flexible and user-friendly, which is why it's become so popular with first-time sellers.
While it might not pack as many built-in features as BigCommerce, it makes up for it with an amazing app store that lets you add exactly what you need, when you need it.
Shopify really shines when it comes to ease of use and design options. Plus, if you're into selling on social media or in person, Shopify has some of the best tools for connecting all these different ways of selling.
Understanding the cost structure of an e-commerce platform is crucial because it directly impacts your bottom line as your business grows.
Both platforms offer tiered pricing plans, but they differ significantly in what's included and how they handle transaction fees.
Understanding the cost structure of an e-commerce platform is crucial because it directly impacts your bottom line as your business grows.
While both platforms offer tiered pricing plans, they differ significantly in what's included and how they handle transaction fees.
BigCommerce packs a lot of built-in features into each tier, and they never charge extra transaction fees. All pricing plans also come with a 15-day free trial. Here's how the plans break down:
Also worth noting, each plan comes with a 25% discount if you choose annual billing, as well as a custom Enterprise option for established businesses (best for $1m+ online revenue).
Shopify's pricing is straightforward, but remember - you'll pay additional transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments. Here's the breakdown:
Shopify also offers discounted rates for annual billing and $1/month for the first 3 months and 24/7 chat support for all plan types.
Setting up shop looks a bit different on each platform, and here's what you need to know.
BigCommerce walks you through everything step-by-step, but it can feel a bit overwhelming at first because they show you all the features at once. Think of it like getting the keys to a new car and seeing all the buttons and switches on your first sit - it's a lot to take in, but you'll get the hang of it.
Shopify takes more of a "learn as you go" approach. They start you off with a checklist of the basics - adding products, picking a theme, and setting up payments. It's like having a friend guide you through just what you need to know right now, saving the advanced stuff for later when you're ready.
Both platforms have clean, modern dashboards, but they serve different types of users.
Shopify's dashboard feels more like using your favorite social media app - everything is where you'd expect it to be, with big buttons and clear labels. The design seems to say, "Don't worry, you've got this!"
BigCommerce's dashboard is more like a pilot's cockpit - there are more controls visible upfront, which some people love because everything's at their fingertips. Your product stats, order management, and marketing tools are all front and center. It might take a day or two to get comfortable with it, but once you do, you'll appreciate having all that power readily available.
Shopify is easier to learn if you're brand new to e-commerce. Most people can have a basic store up and running in an afternoon. It's like using a smartphone - you can start with the basics and discover more features as you go.
BigCommerce has a steeper learning curve, but for good reason. Since it comes with more built-in features, there's simply more to learn upfront. Think of it like learning to drive a manual car instead of an automatic - it takes more time to master, but you'll have more control once you do.
Your store's look and feel can make or break your first impression on customers, and both platforms understand this well.
Both Shopify and BigCommerce have significantly invested in their theme offerings, though they take different approaches to design flexibility.
Let's break down what each platform offers in terms of themes and designs:
Source: Shopify
Source: Omnisend
Shopify uses a drag-and-drop editor that feels a lot like putting together a PowerPoint presentation. Want to move something? Just click and drag.
Want to change colors? Click and pick. It's super intuitive, and you don't need to know any code to make your store look professional.
BigCommerce recently updated their visual editor to be more user-friendly, but they still give you more technical control if you want it.
It's like having both an automatic and manual mode on a camera - use the simple controls if you want, or dive into the advanced settings if you're feeling tech-savvy.
Let's face it - most of your customers will probably shop on their phones, so this part really matters. Both platforms handle mobile really well, but in slightly different ways:
Shopify themes are basically foolproof when it comes to mobile. Everything automatically adjusts to look great on phones and tablets, and you can preview your mobile store with one click. It's pretty much "set it and forget it."
BigCommerce gives you a bit more control over how things look on mobile, which can be both good and bad. Good because you can fine-tune everything, bad because you might need to spend more time making sure everything looks perfect on all screen sizes.
This is where BigCommerce and Shopify really start to show their differences. Think of it like buying a car: BigCommerce is like getting all the extras included in the base price, while Shopify is more like choosing which features you want to add on.
BigCommerce comes with:
It’s worthwhile to have a look at the full list of BigCommerce features.
Shopify base features include:
As above, so below – a look at the best Shopify features.
Shopify absolutely dominates here. Their app store is like the iPhone App Store of e-commerce.
Source: Shopify
Shopify's massive app marketplace means you'll find multiple solutions for pretty much any feature you can imagine.
The downside to this flexibility is that you might end up paying monthly subscriptions for several apps to get all the features you need, which can quickly add up to significant costs.
While this might seem like a drawback, it actually works in your favor if you're just starting out since you can begin with just the basics and add functionality as your business grows.
BigCommerce's app marketplace might not be as large as Shopify’s, but what it does have is straight to the point, and includes any app you’ll need to run a successful store.
Source: BigCommerce
BigCommerce's smaller app marketplace isn't necessarily a weakness - it's more a reflection of their "everything included" approach.
The apps they do offer tend to be more focused on extending advanced functionality rather than providing basic features, which means you won't need to rely on third-party solutions for essential store operations.
The trade-off is that you might have fewer options when looking for very specific or niche functionality, but the apps available are typically more robust and business-focused.
Both platforms handle the SEO basics well, but there are some notable differences:
While both platforms offer payment gateways and support most major payment providers, they handle them differently:
Shopify has made AI a cornerstone of their platform development, rolling out new features almost monthly to help merchants automate routine tasks and enhance their stores.
Here's what they currently offer through their Shopify Magic suite:
BigCommerce has taken a more measured approach to AI integration, focusing on practical applications that improve operational efficiency rather than flashy features.
Their AI approach is more focused on backend optimization:
What sets them apart is their approach: Shopify is building their own AI tools in-house with Shopify Magic, making them immediately available to merchants.
BigCommerce takes a partnership approach, integrating with established AI providers and focusing more on business intelligence than content creation.
As of early 2025, Shopify seems to be investing more aggressively in consumer-facing AI features, while BigCommerce is prioritizing operational AI tools.
Starting small? Here's what you should know. Shopify typically works better for small businesses because:
Got bigger dreams? BigCommerce tends to be the better enterprise choice because:
For dropshipping, Shopify takes the lead:
Both platforms shine here, but in different ways:
Shopify excels at:
BigCommerce stands out for:
Choose BigCommerce if you:
The bottom line: BigCommerce is your best bet if you're thinking long-term and want a platform that can grow with you without adding tons of extra costs along the way.
Go with Shopify if you:
The bottom line: Shopify is your go-to if you want to get up and running quickly and don't mind adding (and paying for) extra features as your business grows.
Remember, there's no "perfect" choice - it's about what fits your specific needs. Both platforms are solid options that have helped thousands of businesses succeed online.
The best choice is the one that aligns with your business goals, technical comfort level, and budget. And hey, if you're still not sure, both platforms offer free trials, so you can test drive them before making your final decision!
Both platforms have similar starting prices, but their fee structures differ significantly. Shopify charges additional transaction fees (0.5-2%) unless you use Shopify Payments, while BigCommerce never charges extra transaction fees. However, BigCommerce requires you to upgrade based on annual sales volumes, which Shopify doesn't do.
Yes, you can migrate from BigCommerce to Shopify or vice versa. Both platforms offer migration tools and partner networks to help with the process. The complexity depends on your store size, but typically involves transferring products, customer data, order history, and SEO elements. Most migrations take 1-2 weeks with professional help.
While neither Shopify or BigCommerce requires a business license to open a store, you'll need to comply with your local business regulations. This might include getting a business license, sales tax permit, or other relevant documentation depending on your location and what you're selling.
BigCommerce has more built-in B2B features, including customer groups, price lists, fully-customizable forms, and quote management. Shopify requires additional apps for most B2B functionality. If B2B is a significant part of your business model, the BigCommerce B2B Edition offers more comprehensive solutions out of the box.
Shopify has a clear advantage for dropshipping with direct integrations to platforms like Oberlo and AliExpress. While BigCommerce supports dropshipping, you'll find more dropshipping apps and automated solutions in Shopify's ecosystem.
Shopify pushes users toward their in-house Shopify Payments by charging additional transaction fees (0.5-2%) when using other payment gateways. BigCommerce doesn't charge extra transaction fees regardless of your payment gateway choice and offers more built-in payment options.
Both platforms allow you to pause or cancel your subscription. Shopify offers a "pause" feature that reduces your monthly fee while maintaining your data. BigCommerce doesn't have a pause feature, but you can cancel anytime and export your data before doing so.
Both offer integrations with major carriers, but Shopify has a slight edge with their in-house shipping service offering discounted rates. BigCommerce partners with shipping solutions and offers real-time quotes from multiple carriers as a built-in feature.
Both platforms offer 24/7 support, but access levels vary by plan. BigCommerce provides phone support on all plans, while Shopify reserves phone support for higher-tier plans. Both offer email, chat support, and extensive knowledge bases.
Yes, both platforms allow you to connect domains from any provider. The process is straightforward and well-documented for popular domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains.
BigCommerce offers more robust inventory management features out of the box, including complicated variant management and bulk editing tools. Shopify's basic inventory management is simpler but might require apps for more complex needs like automated stock alerts or supplier management.
I'm Mick and I run the growth team at POWR. We make no-code apps and plugins for e-commerce shop owners and small businesses globally. Last I checked, we have over 18 million POWR apps in the wild in every country on Earth 😎
My career spans two decades, primarily in growth marketing and advertising with stints in broadcast television, healthcare marketing, and copy editing.
I went to the College of Journalism at the University of Louisiana - Monroe. My wife Elizabeth, son Gavin, and pup Jolene (yes, only Jolene gets in the picture lol) call Lafayette, Louisiana, home.