When it comes to setting up your online store, the choice of an e-commerce platform can significantly impact your business's success. Two major contenders in this space are Shopify and BigCommerce. In this detailed comparison, we'll explore the intricacies of each platform to help you make an informed decision tailored to your business needs.
With more than 2 million users per day, Shopify is the largest e-commerce platform. BigCommerce comes in second, with around a million users, and is a formidable competitor. It takes a lot of work to compare the advantages of Shopify vs BigCommerce, especially considering that both are top-notch e-commerce platforms that serve a large number of successful businesses.
Both platforms showcase distinct strengths, complementing each other's weaknesses. Based on our thorough research, the decision between Shopify and BigCommerce hinges on the specific type of website you aim to build!
1. Better Pricing
With a value-for-money score of 3.6 out of 5, Shopify beat BigCommerce, which had a rating of 3.4 out of 5. Shopify was the clear winner. The turning point? The $5 Starter plan, a great choice for individuals on a tight budget, was introduced by Shopify. What makes Shopify stand out in terms of providing a fantastic offer are the little but significant things!
Pricing
| Platform | Basic | Medium | Advaced |
| Shopify | $29/ month | $79/ month | $299/ month |
| BigCommerce | $29/ month | $79/ month | $299/ month |
There are three price categories available for the excellent e-commerce platforms BigCommerce and Shopify. The monthly options offered by BigCommerce range from $29 to $299, with an additional 10% reduction for yearly payments. Shopify has comparable options that range in price from $29 to $299 per month, but they provide a larger 25% discount for yearly commitments.
2. Pros and Cons
Shopify
| Pros | Cons |
| Outstanding flexibility and a multitude of options for store growth | Changing API performance might be trickier than expected |
| Reasonably priced and dependable | Expect limitations in content management compared to other tools. |
| Ensures rapid company growth | |
| Excellent service and care | |
| Versatility for customization | |
| Integrated SSL for outstanding protection |
BigCommerce
| Pros | Cons |
| It's an all-in-one solution – no need for extra components. | The pricing can be a bit intricate, adding a layer of complexity. |
| You get full access for development and modifications in the backend. | The cost of themes can vary, with some being pricier than others |
| Enjoy a customized and excellent design experience | Lack of Third-Party App Store |
| Explore numerous options for sales channels | You might encounter some awkwardness in certain sections. |
| Count on outstanding security and dependability |
3. Ease of use
Whether you are an experienced business owner or you are just getting started in eCommerce, user-friendliness is important for everyone. The ease of use of BigCommerce and Shopify should therefore be taken into account when comparing the two.
Shopify
Shopify stands out for its user-friendly interface. Whether you're a tech novice or an experienced user, its intuitive dashboard simplifies the setup process, ensuring a swift launch for your online store.
Shopify proves perfect for newcomers! It's loaded with features, each one thoughtfully explained via tooltips, those handy little boxes that pop up when you hover over an item, giving you a quick rundown.
BigCommerce
Running BigCommerce may require a bit more effort, but the payoff is sweet, you get extra flexibility to fine-tune various aspects of your store.
BigCommerce comes with so many capabilities out of the box, you're always faced with an array of alternatives for whatever task you're attempting to achieve, which can occasionally feel difficult.
4. Theme customization
| Shopify |
| Use 13 free themes, 140 paid themes |
|
User-friendly interface for easy theme installation and customization. |
| All Shopify themes are mobile-responsive, providing an optimal viewing experience on different devices. |
| High-quality, professionally designed themes to enhance the visual appeal of online stores. |
| Themes come with various built-in features to enhance the functionality of online stores. |
| BigCommerce |
| Use 15 free themes, 160 paid themes |
| Intuitive theme customization tools for a straightforward user experience. |
| BigCommerce themes are designed with mobile responsiveness in mind, offering a seamless experience across devices. |
| Themes are crafted with attention to detail, ensuring a polished and modern look. |
| BigCommerce themes often include built-in functionalities, reducing the reliance on third-party apps. |
5. Making the Decision
Shopify
- You prioritize a user-friendly platform suitable for users with varying technical expertise.
- An extensive app store with a variety of plugins is essential for your business.
- Hosting and security are top priorities.
- Robust SEO capabilities are crucial to improving your online visibility.
BigCommerce
- if you're looking for an all-in-one solution that minimizes the need for third-party apps and has integrated features.
- Pricing transparency and the absence of transaction fees are critical for your budgeting.
- Multi-channel selling is a priority for expanding your reach.
- Robust security protocols are mandatory for your online business.
Also read: How does the free Shopify Bundles app work?
6. Marketing Snapshot
Shopify
Shopify is well known for its extensive tools of marketing resources, which are designed to help companies connect with their target market and increase revenue.
- SEO Optimization: Customize titles, meta descriptions, and alt text for enhanced search engine visibility.
- Social Media Integration: Showcase products directly on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Email Marketing: Engage with customers through targeted campaigns and cart recovery features.
- App Store: Explore a vast ecosystem of marketing apps for added functionality.
- Abandoned Cart Recovery: Automatically remind customers to recover potential sales.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce stands itself apart by focusing the provision of marketing solutions suitable for a diverse array of business needs.
- SEO Tools: Optimize URLs, meta tags, and descriptions for improved search visibility.
- Social Media Integration: Connect seamlessly with popular platforms for cohesive product promotion.
- Content Management: Use the built-in system to create engaging blogs and informational pages.
- Email Marketing: Send targeted campaigns to build loyalty and promote products.
- Analytics: Gain insights into customer behavior for data-driven decision-making.
Conclusion
The decision between BigCommerce and Shopify is based on your unique business objectives. Shopify is a great platform for a variety of users because of its huge app ecosystem, versatility, and ease of use.
We at Tameta Tech, an ecomm studio with a focus on Shopify, are aware of the small variations between each platform. Our experience guarantees the success of your online business, regardless matter whether you like Shopify's adaptability. For outstanding e-commerce solutions customized to your specific business needs, trust Tameta Tech.
