BigCommerce and Shopify are two leading website builders designed to empower businesses with robust e-commerce solutions. Both platforms aim to simplify online store creation and management, catering to users ranging from small startups to large enterprises. Businesses gravitate toward these tools for their user-friendly interfaces, comprehensive features, and scalability options, making it easier to set up, customize, and grow an online presence.
The primary comparison aspects between BigCommerce and Shopify include:
- Features: Examine the built-in functionalities like inventory management, payment gateways, and SEO tools.
- Pricing: Evaluate the cost structures, including monthly fees, transaction fees, and additional costs for apps and themes.
- Ease of Use: Consider how intuitive the platforms are for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Customization Options: Look at the flexibility in design and the ability to extend functionalities through integrations and apps.
- Support and Resources: Review the customer support options and available learning resources for users.
When choosing between BigCommerce and Shopify, these factors play a pivotal role in helping businesses make an informed decision that aligns with their specific needs and growth goals.
BigCommerce VS Shopify: Which tool is the most popular?
| Tool | Number of Reviews | Average Rating | Positive Reviews | Neutral Reviews | Negative Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BigCommerce | 39 | 3.56 | 29 | 1 | 9 |
| Shopify | 40 | 1.13 | 2 | 3 | 35 |
BigCommerce is the most popular tool based on the number of reviews and average user ratings, with 39 reviews and an average rating of 3.56. In contrast, Shopify is the least popular, with 40 reviews and a significantly lower average rating of 1.13.
BigCommerce and Shopify: Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature/Aspect | Ahrefs | SEMrush |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Features | – Site Explorer – Keyword Explorer – Backlink Checker – Content Explorer – Rank Tracker |
– Keyword Research – Site Audit – Position Tracking – Content Analyzer – Marketing Insights |
| Target Audience | – SEO professionals – Digital marketers – Agencies focusing on content marketing and backlink analysis |
– Digital marketers – SEO experts – Content marketers – Social media marketers and PPC specialists |
| Main Advantages | – Robust backlink analysis – Comprehensive keyword data – Intuitive user interface – Constantly updated index |
– All-in-one digital marketing tool – Extensive competitor analysis – Wide array of tools for SEO and PPC – Integrated social media management |
| Core Value Proposition | Focused on providing in-depth SEO insights, particularly strengths in backlink profiles and organic keyword rankings. Ideal for users prioritizing content strategy and link-building efforts. | Offers a holistic view of digital marketing, making it easier to manage all aspects of online presence through an extensive range of tools for SEO, PPC, and social media marketing. |
| Ideal Use Cases | – Conducting comprehensive link audits – Developing effective content strategies – Tracking backlinks and organic rankings – Keyword planning for SEO campaigns |
– Managing and optimizing PPC campaigns – Conducting competitive analysis for market positioning – Comprehensive content analytics and SEO tracking – Social media metrics and management |
Most liked vs most disliked features of BigCommerce and Shopify
| Platform | Most Liked Features | Most Disliked Features |
|---|---|---|
| BigCommerce | – User-friendly, straightforward, and easy to set up for non-technical users. | – Minor limitations for managing configurable products; may need custom development. |
| – Highly praised technical support team that is helpful and responsive. | – Lack of functionalities like geo-targeting and better integration options with services like Square and QuickBooks. | |
| – Ability to customize online store with excellent API access and PageBuilder feature. | – Checkout process needs improvement for better sales conversion. | |
| – Suitable for both B2B and B2C businesses, capable of managing various types of products. | – Desire for better transparency and tracking within system notes for order management. | |
| – Offers functionalities such as inventory management and mobile eCommerce, enhancing user experience. | – Some advanced features present a learning curve despite the overall ease of use. | |
| Shopify | – User-friendly platform that is easy to navigate. | – Frustrations with customer support, including long wait times and unhelpful responses. |
| – Wide array of integrated features making it attractive for new store owners. | – Problems related to account access, payment holds, and unexpected charges. | |
| – Reports of scams involving stores on the Shopify platform and poor responsiveness from Shopify. |
Key Features of BigCommerce vs Shopify
Here’s a comparative overview of the key features of BigCommerce and Shopify as website builders, along with their benefits and unique aspects:
BigCommerce Features
-
Built-in SEO Tools
- Benefit: BigCommerce provides a range of SEO-friendly features, including customizable URLs, meta tags, and sitemaps. This helps users enhance their visibility on search engines, driving more organic traffic to their stores.
- Unique Aspect: BigCommerce’s advanced SEO features cater to larger e-commerce stores, allowing them to manage extensive product catalogs without compromising on search optimization.
-
No Transaction Fees
- Benefit: BigCommerce allows users to choose any payment gateway without imposing additional transaction fees. This feature saves merchants money, especially beneficial for high-volume sellers.
- Unique Aspect: Unlike many competitors, BigCommerce supports numerous payment solutions, which can be a deciding factor for businesses looking to maximize their profit margins.
-
Multi-Channel Selling
- Benefit: Users can sell across various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and eBay, directly from their BigCommerce store. This omnichannel approach expands customer reach.
- Unique Aspect: The integration with a variety of marketplaces is seamless, making it easier for businesses to diversify their selling strategies without needing multiple platforms.
-
Customizable APIs
- Benefit: BigCommerce offers highly customizable APIs that allow users to tailor their online stores to specific needs. It’s perfect for businesses that require unique solutions.
- Unique Aspect: This flexibility with APIs makes BigCommerce a strong contender for larger enterprises or businesses with complex requirements.
-
Responsive Themes
- Benefit: BigCommerce provides a selection of mobile-responsive themes so users can create visually appealing stores that function well on any device.
- Unique Aspect: The designs are often more geared towards powerful functionality while maintaining aesthetic integrity, making it suitable for serious brands.
Shopify Features
-
User-Friendly Interface
- Benefit: Shopify is known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, allowing beginners to build and manage their online stores quickly without needing coding skills.
- Unique Aspect: The simplicity of the interface makes Shopify highly accessible, enabling entrepreneurs to launch their stores in mere hours.
-
App Ecosystem
- Benefit: Shopify boasts a vast app marketplace, providing countless add-ons for features like inventory management, marketing, and customer service, which users can integrate into their stores.
- Unique Aspect: The extensive variety of apps allows users to customize their store functionality and choose only the tools that best fit their business model.
-
Shopify Payments
- Benefit: By using Shopify Payments, users can accept credit cards directly and manage transactions without additional fees from third-party processors.
- Unique Aspect: Integrated payment processing encourages a smooth checkout experience and simplifies accounting for users.
-
24/7 Customer Support
- Benefit: Shopify offers round-the-clock customer support through various channels, ensuring users have assistance whenever they face issues.
- Unique Aspect: The quality and consistency of Shopify’s customer service are often highlighted as a key differentiator, especially valuable for new entrepreneurs.
-
Flexible Shipping Options
- Benefit: Shopify provides multiple shipping options, including real-time carrier shipping and easy label printing, which streamlines the fulfillment process for users.
- Unique Aspect: The Shopify Shipping feature offers reduced shipping rates for users, making it beneficial for businesses that need to manage shipping costs effectively.
Conclusion
Both BigCommerce and Shopify are robust e-commerce platforms with distinct features catering to different business needs. BigCommerce excels in its advanced SEO capabilities and the absence of transaction fees, making it a great choice for larger businesses. Conversely, Shopify’s user-friendly interface and extensive app ecosystem are tailored for startups and smaller enterprises looking for flexibility and ease of use. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific requirements and goals of the user’s business.
BigCommerce vs Shopify Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Tier | BigCommerce (Monthly/Annual) | Shopify (Monthly/Annual) | Main Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Plan | $29/month or $299/year | $39/month or $348/year | BigCommerce allows unlimited products and file storage; Shopify has a lower monthly cost but limits features like reporting analytics. |
| Plus Plan | $79/month or $708/year | $105/month or $1,014/year | BigCommerce focuses on advanced customer segmentation; Shopify includes gift cards and more advanced reporting tools. |
| Pro Plan | $299/month or $2,988/year | $399/month or $3,588/year | BigCommerce offers more custom API support while Shopify provides advanced reports and lower transaction fees for third-party payments. |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing (typically over $1,000/month) | Custom pricing (typically starts at $2,000/month) | BigCommerce provides dedicated account management, while Shopify has a robust app ecosystem allowing extensive customization. |
| Free Trial | 15-day free trial available | 3-day free trial available | BigCommerce offers longer trial duration; both platforms give a no-commitment option to test features. |
| Additional Discounts | – Annual payment option provides savings. | – Shopify offers a 10% discount with annual payment. | Both platforms provide incentives for annual subscriptions. |
Summary of Offerings:
- BigCommerce: Known for robust built-in features with no transaction fees, making it suitable for larger businesses needing scalability and advanced tools.
- Shopify: Offers a user-friendly platform with extensive app store options, ideal for businesses that require customization and flexibility.
Conclusion:
Choosing between BigCommerce and Shopify will depend on the specific needs of a business, with BigCommerce being favorable for feature-rich sales operations and Shopify excelling in customizability and ease of use.
Support Options Comparison: BigCommerce vs Shopify
| Support Options | BigCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Available during business hours; offers extensive help. | Available 24/7; provides instant assistance. |
| Phone Support | Available for all plans with specific hours based on the plan. | Available 24/7 for all plans, with dedicated support teams. |
| Documentation | Comprehensive support center with FAQs, guides, and articles. | Extensive help center featuring guides, tutorials, and troubleshooting tips. |
| Webinars | Regularly scheduled webinars on various topics; accessible for a deeper understanding. | Offers webinars on e-commerce topics and features for users. |
| Tutorials | Offers video tutorials covering key features and functions. | Extensive library of video tutorials covering setup and advanced usage. |
Overall, both BigCommerce and Shopify provide robust support options to cater to user needs, with Shopify offering more extensive 24/7 support and a broader array of resources.
Unique Features of BigCommerce Vs Shopify
| Feature | BigCommerce | Shopify | Added Value and Decision Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Channel Selling | Supports selling across various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay, and more. | Integrates with platforms like Facebook and Instagram but lacks extensive options like Amazon. | Multi-channel selling increases visibility and customer reach, appealing to businesses looking for broader market access. |
| Native Selling Features | Built-in features for B2B, such as customer-specific pricing and bulk discounting. | Primarily focused on B2C, with limited B2B functionalities available through additional apps. | B2B capabilities cater to businesses dealing in wholesale, making BigCommerce a better choice for those markets. |
| Advanced SEO Tools | Provides advanced features like customizable URL structures and automated sitemaps for better search visibility. | Offers essential SEO features but lacks advanced configuration options out of the box. | Stronger SEO capabilities can increase organic traffic, making it easier for businesses to attract customers without paid ads. |
| Unlimited Product Options | Allows unlimited product variants, which is essential for businesses with extensive inventories. | Limits the number of product variants based on the plan, requiring upgrades for more extensive stores. | The ability to manage a wider array of products can reduce operational headaches for larger businesses. |
| No Transaction Fees | Does not impose transaction fees regardless of payment gateway used, which can save costs for high sales volumes. | Imposes transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments, which can deter some merchants. | Eliminating transaction fees can significantly boost profit margins, especially for high-volume sellers. |
| Customizable API | Offers a more open and customizable API for deeper integration and flexibility. | Has a robust API, but customization may be limited relative to BigCommerce. | An extensive API allows for more tailored integrations and extensions, suitable for tech-savvy businesses looking to optimize operations. |
| Advanced Reporting | Provides comprehensive reporting tools, including product performance, sales trends, and customer analytics. | Offers reporting, but advanced features often require external apps from third parties. | Detailed analytics empower businesses to make informed decisions by offering insights into critical operational aspects. |
| Staging Environments | Allows users to create staging environments for testing changes before going live. | No inherent staging environment, requiring other solutions for thorough testing. | Staging environments reduce risk by allowing businesses to implement and test changes without impacting the live site. |
| Free SSL Certificate | Offers free SSL certificate included with plans, enhancing security. | Also provides SSL certificates, but this feature is often perceived as less comprehensive. | Enhanced security fosters customer trust and can improve search engine rankings, making sites more appealing to buyers. |
The unique features of BigCommerce and Shopify set them apart in the market, particularly for businesses with specific needs or strategies. By understanding these differences, merchants can make more informed choices about which platform aligns best with their business goals.
Most frequently asked questions about BigCommerce vs Shopify
What are the core differences between Shopify and BigCommerce?
Shopify is often praised for its ease of use and a vast app ecosystem, making it a favorite among beginners. As one user noted, ‘Shopify’s intuitive interface made it easy for me to set up my store.’ In contrast, BigCommerce stands out for its built-in features that cater to larger businesses, with one reviewer stating, ‘BigCommerce gave me everything I needed without relying heavily on apps.’
Which platform offers better pricing?
Pricing comparisons often reveal that Shopify’s subscription costs can escalate with add-ons, leading one user to share, ‘I didn’t realize how much I’d spend on apps with Shopify.’ BigCommerce, however, provides more features at the base price, with another user commenting, ‘The lack of extra app costs makes BigCommerce a better value in the long run.’
How do Shopify and BigCommerce differ in terms of scalability?
BigCommerce is frequently highlighted as the more scalable option, ideal for growing businesses. A user remarked, ‘With BigCommerce, I could expand my product range without hitting limits.’ Meanwhile, Shopify, although scalable, requires more planning for high-volume stores, as one reviewer cautioned, ‘Once you scale on Shopify, things can get a bit tricky with transaction fees.’
Which platform offers better SEO capabilities?
When it comes to SEO, BigCommerce often receives nods for its comprehensive built-in features. A satisfied user mentioned, ‘BigCommerce’s SEO tools are top-notch and easy to use.’ On the flip side, Shopify also provides decent SEO options, but some users feel that ‘the app dependency can complicate SEO management on Shopify.’
Is it customizable enough to fit my brand?
Customization is a strong suit for both platforms. Shopify’s theme store is extensive, with one user stating, ‘I found the perfect theme on Shopify that fit my brand perfectly.’ BigCommerce similarly allows for customization but is often seen as slightly more flexible, with a reviewer saying, ‘I could adapt templates on BigCommerce more freely than on Shopify.’
What payment gateways are supported?
Shopify offers a wide range of payment options, including its own Shopify Payments, which some users appreciate for its integration. A user remarked, ‘Setting up payments with Shopify was straightforward and quick.’ BigCommerce also supports various gateways, but some users noted that ‘Shopify feels like it has more flexibility in payment processing overall.’
How does customer support compare?
Shopify has garnered praise for its 24/7 customer support, with one user noting, ‘Anytime I had a question, Shopify’s support team was readily available.’ BigCommerce support is also rated well, but some users have shared mixed feelings, saying, ‘While their support is excellent during business hours, I wished they had 24/7 chat like Shopify does.’
Are there significant transaction fees to consider?
Transaction fees can be a decisive factor. Shopify users must navigate fees if they choose a third-party payment gateway, with one reviewer indicating, ‘I was taken aback by the extra fees on Shopify for using Paypal.’ In contrast, BigCommerce does not impose transaction fees, which is a strong selling point for many, with another user stating, ‘BigCommerce’s approach to fees gives me peace of mind.’
Which platform has a better app ecosystem?
Shopify is often highlighted for its robust app marketplace, with a user saying, ‘I love the app options on Shopify that enhanced my store’s functionality.’ However, some BigCommerce users mention quality over quantity, stating, ‘While BigCommerce has fewer apps, the integrations they offer are all top-tier and meet my needs.’
Which platform is better for mobile responsiveness?
Both platforms provide responsive themes, but Shopify tends to be more mobile-optimized. A user shared, ‘My Shopify store looks great on mobile, which is crucial for my sales.’ Meanwhile, BigCommerce’s users often note, ‘BigCommerce does well too, but I felt Shopify had the edge in mobile design flexibility.’
