Two of the most popular platforms today are BigCommerce and Shopify. Both offer robust features, ease of use, and scalability, but they also have distinct differences that can influence your decision. In this blog, we’ll compare BigCommerce and Shopify head to head to help you determine which is the best fit for your business.
Ease of Use
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is known for its user-friendly interface. Setting up a store is straightforward, with a comprehensive dashboard that guides you through the process. However, some users find that the multitude of built-in features can make the interface a bit overwhelming at first.
Shopify
Shopify is renowned for its simplicity and ease of use. The platform offers an intuitive interface and a streamlined setup process. Shopify’s onboarding experience is very beginner-friendly, making it ideal for those new to eCommerce.
Winner: Shopify – Shopify’s interface is slightly more intuitive and user-friendly, especially for beginners.
Features
BigCommerce
BigCommerce comes packed with built-in features that cater to both small and large businesses. These include advanced SEO tools, multi-channel selling capabilities, and a variety of payment gateways. BigCommerce also offers a wide range of customization options and does not charge extra for many features that Shopify requires plugins for.
Shopify
Shopify provides a solid set of features, including various sales channels, SEO tools, and a wide range of themes and apps. However, many advanced features often require third-party apps, which can add to the overall cost.
Winner: BigCommerce – BigCommerce offers more built-in features without the need for additional apps, making it a more comprehensive solution out of the box.
Customization
BigCommerce
BigCommerce provides robust customization options through its Stencil theme framework. It also offers access to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for deeper customization. This makes it flexible for businesses with specific design requirements.
Shopify
Shopify’s theme customization is handled through its Liquid templating language. While Liquid is powerful, it has a steeper learning curve than traditional coding languages. However, Shopify’s theme store offers a wide variety of high-quality, easily customizable themes.
Winner: Tie – Both platforms offer strong customization options, but BigCommerce is more accessible for those familiar with standard coding languages, while Shopify has a broader range of pre-designed themes.
Scalability
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is highly scalable and can support businesses as they grow from small startups to large enterprises. It handles large product catalogs and high traffic volumes efficiently without significant performance issues.
Shopify
Shopify is also designed to scale with your business. Shopify Plus, its enterprise-level solution, offers additional features and support for high-growth businesses. Shopify’s app ecosystem allows businesses to add functionalities as needed.
Winner: Tie – Both platforms are equally capable of scaling with your business, providing the necessary tools and support for growth.
Pricing
BigCommerce
BigCommerce’s pricing starts at $29.95 per month for the Standard plan, with additional plans available for growing businesses. One advantage is that many features are included in the base price, reducing the need for additional apps and their associated costs.
Shopify
Shopify’s pricing also starts at $29 per month for the Basic plan, but as your business grows, you may need to invest in higher-tier plans and additional apps. The total cost can add up quickly depending on the features you require.
Winner: BigCommerce – BigCommerce’s pricing structure is more inclusive of necessary features, potentially offering better value for money.
Customer Support
BigCommerce
BigCommerce offers 24/7 customer support via phone, live chat, and email. They also provide a comprehensive knowledge base and community forums.
Shopify
Shopify also provides 24/7 support through phone, live chat, and email. Additionally, Shopify has a vast array of tutorials, forums, and a robust help center.
Winner: Tie – Both platforms offer excellent customer support with multiple channels and extensive resources.
Integrations and Apps
BigCommerce
BigCommerce has a robust marketplace with numerous apps and integrations. However, its app store is not as extensive as Shopify’s. The platform focuses on providing many built-in features, reducing the need for third-party apps.
Shopify
Shopify boasts one of the largest app ecosystems in the eCommerce space, with thousands of apps available to extend your store’s functionality. This allows for significant customization and flexibility.
Winner: Shopify – Shopify’s extensive app store provides more options for customization and functionality enhancements.
Conclusion
Choosing between BigCommerce and Shopify ultimately depends on your specific business needs and priorities. Here’s a quick recap:
- Ease of Use: Shopify is more beginner-friendly.
- Features: BigCommerce offers more built-in features.
- Customization: Both platforms are highly customizable, with BigCommerce being more accessible for standard coding.
- Scalability: Both are equally scalable.
- Pricing: BigCommerce provides better value for money with more inclusive pricing.
- Customer Support: Both platforms offer excellent support.
- Integrations and Apps: Shopify has a larger app ecosystem.
If you value ease of use and a vast app ecosystem, Shopify might be the better choice. However, if you prefer a platform with more built-in features and potentially lower overall costs, BigCommerce could be the way to go. Evaluate your business’s unique requirements to make the best decision for your eCommerce journey.
