Choosing between Shopify and BigCommerce is not just about choosing a website builder. It affects your checkout, payment fees, app costs, SEO setup, product management, B2B features, POS system, and how easily your ecommerce store can grow.
Both platforms are strong. Both can help you launch and scale an online store. But they are not built for the same type of merchant.
Shopify is usually better for beginners, DTC brands, dropshipping stores, creators, retail businesses, and merchants who want fast setup, strong checkout, native POS, and a huge app ecosystem.
BigCommerce is often better for B2B sellers, complex catalogs, multi-storefront brands, merchants using third-party payment gateways, and teams that want more built-in ecommerce features with less app dependency.
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This guide compares Shopify and BigCommerce by pricing, fees, ease of use, apps, SEO, checkout, B2B, POS, large catalog support, migration, pros and cons, and real business scenarios.
Shopify vs BigCommerce
Shopify is better if you want an easier platform, faster setup, stronger checkout, native POS, more apps, and a smoother experience for beginners or DTC brands.
BigCommerce is better if you need stronger built-in features, no additional platform transaction fees, complex catalog management, B2B tools, multi-storefront support, and more payment gateway flexibility.
Scenario 3: B2B or complex catalog store at $100,000/month+
| Factor | Shopify | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| B2B | Often better on Shopify Plus or with apps | Stronger native B2B positioning |
| Catalog complexity | Good, but may need apps/custom build | Strong fit |
| Multi-storefront | Possible depending on setup | Strong positioning |
| Payment flexibility | More limited if avoiding fees | Stronger |
| Best fit | Shopify Plus or custom setup | BigCommerce |
Shopify charges third-party transaction fees if you use a payment provider outside Shopify Payments: 2% on Basic, 1% on Grow, and 0.6% on Advanced. BigCommerce lists Standard, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans, and its pricing is tied to sales thresholds as stores grow.
At-a-glance verdict
| If you need... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Fast setup | Shopify |
| Beginner-friendly dashboard | Shopify |
| Huge app ecosystem | Shopify |
| Native POS | Shopify |
| Strong checkout conversion | Shopify |
| No additional platform transaction fees | BigCommerce |
| Complex product catalogs | BigCommerce |
| More built-in features | BigCommerce |
| B2B and wholesale flexibility | BigCommerce |
| Multi-storefront support | BigCommerce |
| Third-party payment gateway flexibility | BigCommerce |
For most beginners and DTC brands, choose Shopify. For B2B, complex catalogs, and advanced built-in commerce needs, choose BigCommerce.
Shopify vs BigCommerce: quick comparison
| Category | Shopify | BigCommerce | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Easier for beginners | Slightly more advanced | Shopify |
| Pricing | Lower entry point on some plans, but apps and payment fees can add up | Higher listed plan prices, but no additional transaction fees | Depends |
| Transaction fees | Extra fees if not using Shopify Payments | No additional platform transaction fees | BigCommerce |
| Apps | 16,000+ apps | Smaller app ecosystem | Shopify |
| Built-in features | Strong core, often extended by apps | More built-in commerce features | BigCommerce |
| Checkout | Strong Shopify Checkout and Shop Pay ecosystem | Flexible checkout | Shopify |
| POS | Native Shopify POS | Third-party POS integrations | Shopify |
| B2B | Stronger on Shopify Plus or with apps | Strong native B2B positioning | BigCommerce |
| Multi-storefront | Possible depending on setup | Strong built-in positioning | BigCommerce |
| Large catalogs | Good, but may need apps/customization | Stronger fit for complex catalogs | BigCommerce |
| SEO | Easy for most merchants | Strong technical flexibility | Tie |
| Best for | Beginners, DTC, dropshipping, retail | B2B, complex catalogs, technical teams | Depends |
Shopify’s app ecosystem is a clear advantage: the Shopify App Store says it has more than 16,000 apps. BigCommerce, on the other hand, positions itself around more native features, B2B, multi-storefront, headless, and developer flexibility.
How we compared Shopify and BigCommerce
We compared Shopify and BigCommerce using the factors that matter most when choosing an ecommerce platform:
- Pricing
- Transaction fees
- Ease of use
- App ecosystem
- Built-in features
- SEO
- Checkout
- B2B and wholesale
- POS
- Large catalog support
- Payment flexibility
- Migration
- Real store scenarios
Pricing and feature details were checked against official Shopify and BigCommerce sources. Shopify’s pricing page confirms yearly discounts and third-party transaction fees, while BigCommerce’s pricing page explains plan pricing, sales thresholds, Pro plan GMV rules, and payment processing details.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is an all-in-one commerce platform that helps merchants build an online store, accept payments, manage products, track inventory, sell across channels, and operate online or in person.
Shopify’s biggest strength is simplicity. A first-time founder can choose a theme, add products, connect payments, and launch without hiring a developer.
Shopify also has a massive app ecosystem. Its App Store lists over 16,000 apps across categories like marketing, conversion, SEO, store design, shipping, subscriptions, reviews, bundles, and dropshipping.
Shopify is best for
- First-time ecommerce founders
- DTC brands
- Dropshipping stores
- Creators and small businesses
- Retailers selling online and offline
- Brands that need native POS
- Stores that need many apps
- Merchants who want a simple dashboard
- Fast-growing consumer brands
Real situation: first-time founder
Imagine you are launching a small skincare brand with 20 products, no developer, and a limited budget. You want to go live quickly, connect payments, install a few marketing apps, and start testing ads.
In that situation, Shopify will usually feel easier. You can get a store live faster, manage daily tasks from one dashboard, and add features through apps as your store grows.
What is BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is a SaaS ecommerce platform built for merchants who want flexibility, built-in features, and more control over their store setup.
BigCommerce is especially useful for merchants with complex product catalogs, B2B workflows, third-party payment needs, multi-storefront requirements, or technical teams that want more control.
BigCommerce’s official comparison page emphasizes built-in features, customization control, B2B and wholesale features, multi-storefront, headless commerce, and payment flexibility.
BigCommerce is best for
- B2B ecommerce stores
- Wholesale businesses
- Complex product catalogs
- Multi-storefront brands
- Merchants using third-party payment providers
- Headless commerce projects
- Technical ecommerce teams
- Stores that want fewer app dependencies
Real situation: B2B seller
Imagine you sell industrial equipment with 5,000 SKUs, custom pricing for different customer groups, bulk ordering, and multiple storefronts for different regions.
In that case, Shopify may start feeling app-heavy unless you use Shopify Plus or custom development. BigCommerce can make more sense because it is built with complex catalog and B2B workflows in mind.
Shopify vs BigCommerce pricing
Pricing is not only about the monthly subscription cost. You also need to consider payment processing, transaction fees, app costs, theme costs, POS costs, development costs, and plan upgrades.
Shopify pricing
Shopify says Basic, Grow, and Advanced plans receive a 25% discount on yearly subscriptions. It also offers a free 3-day trial.
Shopify charges extra third-party transaction fees if you use an external payment provider instead of Shopify Payments:
Shopify third-party transaction fees
| Shopify plan | Third-party transaction fee |
|---|---|
| Basic | 2% |
| Grow | 1% |
| Advanced | 0.6% |
These fees are important if you already use a specific payment processor or operate in a market where Shopify Payments is not your preferred option.
BigCommerce pricing
BigCommerce lists four pricing options: Standard at $39/month, Plus at $105/month, Pro at $399/month, and Enterprise plans with pricing based on online sales.
BigCommerce also uses trailing 12-month sales thresholds. Once annual sales exceed $50,000, a store is automatically upgraded to Plus. Above $180,000, the store moves to Pro, starting at $399/month. The Pro plan includes up to $400,000 in online sales, with an extra $150/month for each additional $200,000 in GMV beyond that.
Pricing verdict
Shopify is usually easier and more affordable to start with.
BigCommerce can be better when payment gateway flexibility and no additional transaction fees matter more.
Shopify vs BigCommerce fees
| Fee type | Shopify | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan fee | Yes | Yes |
| Payment processing fee | Yes | Yes |
| Extra platform transaction fee | Yes, if not using Shopify Payments | No additional transaction fees |
| App costs | Common | Often, fewer are needed for native features |
| Theme costs | Free and paid themes | Free and paid themes |
| POS costs | Native POS options | Third-party POS integrations |
| Revenue-based upgrades | Not like BigCommerce sales thresholds | Yes, based on annual sales thresholds |
BigCommerce says it does not add transaction fees, while Shopify charges additional third-party transaction fees when merchants use payment providers outside Shopify Payments.
Real situation: payment-sensitive store
If your margins are tight and you must use a specific third-party payment gateway, BigCommerce deserves a closer look. Avoiding extra platform transaction fees can matter a lot when order volume increases.
Shopify vs BigCommerce real cost examples
Scenario 1: New store under $5,000/month
| Factor | Shopify | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Setup difficulty | Easier | Moderate |
| App needs | A few apps | Fewer apps needed for some features |
| Payment setup | Best with Shopify Payments | More gateway flexibility |
| Best fit | Shopify | BigCommerce only if payment flexibility matters |
Recommendation: Choose Shopify if you are a beginner and want the smoothest launch.
Scenario 2: Growing DTC brand at $50,000/month
| Factor | Shopify | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Apps | Huge ecosystem | Smaller ecosystem |
| Checkout | Strong advantage | Good, but less Shopify-like ecosystem |
| POS | Native Shopify POS | Third-party integrations |
| Growth tools | Strong | Strong but fewer app varieties |
| Best fit | Shopify | Depends on catalog complexity |
Recommendation: Choose Shopify if your main goal is fast DTC growth, paid marketing, upsells, subscriptions, reviews, and sales channel expansion.
Scenario 3: B2B or complex catalog store at $100,000/month+
| Factor | Shopify | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| B2B | Often better on Shopify Plus or with apps | Stronger native B2B positioning |
| Catalog complexity | Good, but may need apps/custom build | Strong fit |
| Multi-storefront | Possible depending on setup | Strong positioning |
| Payment flexibility | More limited if avoiding fees | Stronger |
| Best fit | Shopify Plus or custom setup | BigCommerce |
Recommendation: Choose BigCommerce if your store needs B2B features, complex catalog control, multi-storefront support, and more payment gateway flexibility.
Shopify vs BigCommerce: ease of use
Shopify is easier for most beginners.
The dashboard is clean, the setup flow is simple, and most merchants can add products, choose a theme, connect payments, and launch without technical support.
BigCommerce is still user-friendly, but it can feel more advanced. That is not always a weakness. For merchants who need more control, BigCommerce’s depth can be useful.
Ease of use winner: Shopify
Choose Shopify if you want the fastest path from idea to live store.
Shopify vs BigCommerce apps and integrations
Shopify wins on app ecosystem.
The Shopify App Store says it has over 16,000 apps, including apps for store design, marketing, conversion, SEO, shipping, product reviews, subscriptions, bundles, and dropshipping.
BigCommerce has apps and integrations, too, but its approach is different. It tries to include more native features so merchants do not need to rely on apps for everything.
App winner: Shopify
Choose Shopify if you want the largest ecosystem and more flexibility through apps.
Shopify vs BigCommerce built-in features
BigCommerce is stronger for built-in features.
Shopify covers core ecommerce needs very well, but advanced functionality often comes through apps. BigCommerce positions itself as having more built-in features, more customization control, stronger B2B functionality, and native support for complex scaling needs.
Built-in features winner: BigCommerce
Choose BigCommerce if you want fewer add-ons and more native control.
Shopify vs BigCommerce SEO
Both Shopify and BigCommerce can perform well in search results if you use good ecommerce SEO practices.
Shopify is easier for everyday SEO tasks like editing titles, meta descriptions, product content, collections, redirects, and blog posts.
BigCommerce can be stronger for technical teams that want more control over URL structures, large catalogs, and complex site architecture.
SEO winner: Tie
Choose Shopify if you want easier SEO management. Choose BigCommerce if you want more technical SEO flexibility.
Shopify vs BigCommerce checkout
Shopify has a strong checkout advantage.
Shopify says its checkout conversion rate outpaces competitors by up to 36% and by 15.2% on average, based on an external study. Shop Pay can also lift conversion when used as an accelerated checkout.
BigCommerce offers a customizable checkout, but Shopify’s checkout and Shop Pay ecosystem are major reasons DTC brands often prefer Shopify.
Checkout winner: Shopify
Choose Shopify if checkout conversion, speed, and buyer familiarity matter most.
Shopify vs BigCommerce payment processing
Shopify works best when you use Shopify Payments. If you use a third-party provider, Shopify charges additional transaction fees of 2%, 1%, or 0.6%, depending on the plan.
BigCommerce says it does not add transaction fees, and its pricing page notes support for a wide range of payment providers.
Payment winner: BigCommerce for flexibility, Shopify for simplicity
Choose Shopify if you are comfortable using Shopify Payments. Choose BigCommerce if third-party gateway flexibility is important.
Shopify vs BigCommerce B2B and wholesale
BigCommerce is usually stronger for B2B and wholesale out of the box.
BigCommerce’s comparison page highlights B2B features such as an invoice portal, custom catalogs, and stronger native B2B capabilities. It also positions BigCommerce as stronger for multi-storefront, headless, and enterprise catalog needs.
Shopify can support B2B too, especially with Shopify Plus or apps, but BigCommerce may be better if B2B is central to the business from day one.
B2B winner: BigCommerce
Choose BigCommerce if you need custom catalogs, customer-specific pricing, wholesale workflows, or account-based buying.
Shopify vs BigCommerce POS
Shopify wins for POS.
Shopify POS lets merchants sell products in person, accept payments, manage orders, and sync inventory between online and offline sales. Shopify says online store updates automatically sync with Shopify POS, including inventory, products, and payment updates.
BigCommerce can support POS through third-party integrations, but Shopify’s native POS ecosystem is more attractive for retailers.
POS winner: Shopify
Choose Shopify if you sell both online and in physical locations.
Shopify vs BigCommerce for large catalogs
BigCommerce is usually the better fit for large or complex catalogs.
If you sell thousands of SKUs, many variants, B2B product lists, regional catalogs, custom pricing, or multi-storefront product groups, BigCommerce can reduce app dependency and custom work.
Shopify can handle large catalogs, too, but complex catalog needs may require apps, Shopify Plus, or custom development.
Large catalog winner: BigCommerce
Choose BigCommerce if product complexity is one of your biggest operational challenges.
Shopify vs BigCommerce for dropshipping
Shopify is usually better for dropshipping.
The main reason is the app ecosystem. Dropshipping stores often depend on product sourcing apps, review apps, upsell tools, email/SMS tools, fulfillment integrations, and landing page builders. Shopify’s App Store gives merchants more options in these areas.
Dropshipping winner: Shopify
Choose Shopify if you want the easiest dropshipping setup and the widest choice of apps.
Shopify vs BigCommerce for small businesses
For most small businesses, Shopify is easier to start with.
A small business usually needs:
- easy setup
- simple product management
- basic SEO
- payment setup
- email marketing
- reviews
- abandoned cart recovery
- analytics
- low technical burden
Shopify handles this with less friction.
BigCommerce can still be a good fit for small businesses with more complex catalogs or payment needs, but Shopify is usually the better default for beginners.
Small business winner: Shopify
Choose Shopify if you want simplicity. Choose BigCommerce if your small business has complex product or payment requirements.
Shopify vs BigCommerce scoring system
This scoring table adds a practical decision layer.
| Category | Shopify score | BigCommerce score | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner ease | 9/10 | 7/10 | Shopify is easier to launch and manage |
| App ecosystem | 10/10 | 7/10 | Shopify has 16,000+ apps |
| Built-in features | 8/10 | 9/10 | BigCommerce includes more native commerce tools |
| Payment flexibility | 7/10 | 9/10 | BigCommerce has no additional transaction fees |
| Checkout | 9/10 | 8/10 | Shopify has a strong checkout and Shop Pay ecosystem |
| B2B | 8/10 | 9/10 | BigCommerce has stronger native B2B positioning |
| POS | 9/10 | 7/10 | Shopify POS is native and tightly integrated |
| Large catalogs | 8/10 | 9/10 | BigCommerce is better suited for complex catalogs |
| SEO | 8/10 | 8/10 | Both can rank well with proper SEO |
| Overall flexibility | 9/10 | 9/10 | Shopify via apps; BigCommerce via native control |
Scoring verdict:
Shopify wins on ease, apps, checkout, POS, and beginner experience. BigCommerce wins on payment flexibility, B2B, built-in features, and catalog complexity.
Shopify pros and cons
Shopify pros
- Easy for beginners
- Huge app ecosystem
- Strong checkout
- Native POS
- Good for DTC brands
- Great for dropshipping
- Easy store management
- Strong theme and partner ecosystem
- Good sales channel support
Shopify cons
- Additional transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments
- Paid apps can increase costs
- Advanced features may require apps
- B2B may require Shopify Plus or extra tools
- Less ideal if you want fewer third-party dependencies
BigCommerce pros and cons
BigCommerce pros
- No additional platform transaction fees
- Strong built-in features
- Good for B2B and wholesale
- Better fit for complex catalogs
- Multi-storefront support
- Strong payment gateway flexibility
- Less app dependency for some advanced features
- Good for technical teams
BigCommerce cons
- More learning curve than Shopify
- Smaller app ecosystem
- Native POS is not as strong as Shopify’s
- Sales thresholds can force plan upgrades
- May feel less beginner-friendly
When not to choose Shopify
Shopify may not be the best choice if:
- You want to avoid extra platform transaction fees while using third-party payment gateways
- You need advanced B2B features without Shopify Plus or apps
- You dislike depending on paid apps
- Your catalog is highly complex
- You want more built-in tools from the start
When not to choose BigCommerce
BigCommerce may not be the best choice if:
- You want the easiest beginner experience
- You need the largest app ecosystem
- You want native POS
- You want the fastest plug-and-play launch
- Your team has no technical resources
- You mainly run a simple DTC or dropshipping store
Shopify vs BigCommerce decision matrix
| Store type | Better platform | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time ecommerce store | Shopify | Easier setup |
| Dropshipping store | Shopify | More apps |
| DTC brand | Shopify | Strong apps, checkout, sales channels |
| Retail + online store | Shopify | Native POS |
| Small business | Shopify | Simpler daily management |
| B2B store | BigCommerce | Stronger native B2B positioning |
| Wholesale catalog | BigCommerce | Better catalog and customer group fit |
| Large catalog store | BigCommerce | Better for complexity |
| Multi-storefront brand | BigCommerce | Strong multi-storefront positioning |
| External payment gateway store | BigCommerce | No additional transaction fees |
| Technical ecommerce team | BigCommerce | More native flexibility |
Shopify vs BigCommerce migration
Migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify
You may consider moving from BigCommerce to Shopify if you want:
- easier store management
- more apps
- native POS
- stronger checkout
- better DTC growth tools
- smoother beginner experience
Shopify says merchants switching from another ecommerce platform can use the Store Importer app to import products, customers, and order data.
Migrating from Shopify to BigCommerce
You may consider moving from Shopify to BigCommerce if you want:
- no additional transaction fees
- more built-in features
- more B2B flexibility
- stronger large catalog support
- more third-party payment freedom
- multi-storefront control
BigCommerce says it offers migration support, migration apps, and data migration services for merchants moving to BigCommerce.
Shopify vs BigCommerce: who should choose what?
Choose Shopify if you are:
- a beginner
- a DTC brand
- a dropshipper
- a creator
- a small business
- an online + offline retailer
- a brand that wants a fast setup
- a merchant who wants many apps
- a store owner who wants native POS
Choose BigCommerce if you are:
- a B2B seller
- a wholesale business
- a large catalog store
- a multi-storefront brand
- a technical ecommerce team
- a merchant using third-party gateways
- a business that wants more built-in features
- a seller that wants less app dependency
Final verdict: Shopify or BigCommerce?
There is no universal winner. The right platform depends on your business model.
Choose Shopify if you want the easiest platform to launch, manage, and scale a modern ecommerce store. It is better for most beginners, DTC brands, creators, dropshippers, retail stores, and businesses that need strong apps, checkout, POS, and sales channels.
Choose BigCommerce if your store has more complex requirements. It is better for B2B sellers, wholesale businesses, large product catalogs, multi-storefront operations, technical teams, and merchants who want more payment gateway flexibility.
Final recommendation
For most new ecommerce businesses, Shopify is the safer and easier choice.
For merchants with B2B workflows, complex catalogs, and multi-storefront needs, BigCommerce may be the smarter long-term platform.
The best platform is not the one with the longest feature list. It is the one that fits your products, customers, budget, payment setup, team skills, and growth plan.
FAQs about Shopify vs BigCommerce
Is Shopify better than BigCommerce?
Shopify is better for beginners, DTC brands, dropshipping, retail stores, native POS, apps, and fast setup. BigCommerce is better for B2B, complex catalogs, multi-storefront setups, and merchants who want no additional platform transaction fees.
Is BigCommerce cheaper than Shopify?
It depends on your payment setup, app costs, and revenue. BigCommerce charges no additional transaction fees, but its plans upgrade based on annual sales thresholds. Shopify may be cheaper to start, but third-party transaction fees and paid apps can increase the total cost.
Which is better for beginners?
Shopify is better for beginners because it is easier to set up, easier to manage, and has a larger app ecosystem.
Which is better for B2B ecommerce?
BigCommerce is usually better for B2B ecommerce because it has stronger native B2B positioning, multi-storefront support, and catalog flexibility. Shopify can also support B2B, especially on Shopify Plus or with apps.
Which has better SEO?
Both platforms can perform well for SEO. Shopify is easier for most merchants, while BigCommerce can offer more technical flexibility for complex stores.
Which has better checkout?
Shopify has a stronger checkout advantage. Shopify says its checkout outpaces competitors by up to 36% and by 15.2% on average in conversion rate.
Does Shopify charge transaction fees?
Yes. Shopify charges third-party transaction fees if you use an external payment provider instead of Shopify Payments. These fees are 2% on Basic, 1% on Grow, and 0.6% on Advanced.
Does BigCommerce charge transaction fees?
BigCommerce says it does not add transaction fees. Its pricing page also notes support for a wide range of payment providers.
Which is better for dropshipping?
Shopify is usually better for dropshipping because it has a larger app ecosystem and more third-party product sourcing, automation, review, and fulfillment apps.
Which is better for large catalogs?
BigCommerce is usually better for large or complex catalogs because it has stronger built-in catalog and B2B flexibility.
Can I migrate from BigCommerce to Shopify?
Yes. Shopify says merchants moving from another ecommerce platform can use the Store Importer app to import products, customers, and orders.
Can I migrate from Shopify to BigCommerce?
Yes. BigCommerce says merchants can use migration apps or contact its Data Migration Services team for migration support.
Conclusion
Shopify vs BigCommerce is not a simple “which platform is better?” question.
It is really a question of fit.
Shopify is better if you want speed, simplicity, apps, checkout, POS, and a smooth launch experience. BigCommerce is better if you need built-in flexibility, complex catalog control, B2B tools, multi-storefront support, and more freedom around payment gateways.
For most beginners and fast-growing DTC brands, Shopify is the easier and safer starting point. For merchants with complex operations, BigCommerce may be the better long-term choice.
Choose the platform that fits your store’s products, customers, payment setup, technical resources, and growth plan.