Comparing Wix and BigCommerce: A Look into Popular Website Builders
Wix and BigCommerce are widely recognized as leading tools in the realm of website builders, each serving distinct purposes tailored to different user needs. Wix is primarily designed for users looking to create visually appealing and customizable websites quickly, making it suitable for personal portfolios, blogs, and small business sites. On the other hand, BigCommerce targets e-commerce businesses, providing robust features for online store creation and management.
Users commonly consider these platforms due to their user-friendly interfaces, extensive templates, and comprehensive support.
Key Comparison Aspects:
- Features: Examining the tools’ versatility, design options, and integrations.
- Pricing: Analyzing the cost structures for different plans and overall value.
- Ease of Use: Evaluating the learning curve for beginners and the tools provided for site management.
- E-Commerce Capabilities: Looking into payment processing, inventory management, and sales support.
By exploring these aspects, users can make informed decisions based on their specific website-building needs.
Wix VS BigCommerce: Which tool is the most popular?
| Tool | Number of Reviews | Average Rating | Positive Reviews | Neutral Reviews | Negative Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | 186 | 2.86 | 86 | 6 | 94 |
| BigCommerce | 94 | 3.22 | 58 | 4 | 32 |
Wix is the most popular tool, with 186 reviews. However, it has a lower average rating of 2.86, indicating mixed user experiences with a notable number of negative reviews. BigCommerce, while less popular with 94 reviews, has a higher average rating of 3.22, suggesting that users generally have a more favorable opinion of it despite the lower review count.
Wix and BigCommerce: Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | Ahrefs | SEMrush |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Features | – Site Explorer | – Domain Overview |
| – Keyword Explorer | – Keyword Research | |
| – Content Explorer | – Site Audit | |
| – Rank Tracker | – Backlink Analytics | |
| – Site Audit | – Social Media Tools | |
| – Clustering Tool | – Advertising Research | |
| – Backlink Checker | – Organic Research | |
| Target Audience | – SEO professionals | – Marketers & Advertising Specialists |
| – Content marketers | – Small to large businesses | |
| – Agencies | – E-commerce sites | |
| – Bloggers | – Content creators | |
| Main Advantages | – Rich backlink database | – Comprehensive all-in-one tool |
| – Strong focus on SEO tools | – Extensive keyword database | |
| – User-friendly interface | – Great competitor analysis | |
| – Excellent for site audits | – Versatile reporting features | |
| – Strong tracking capabilities | – Advanced PPC research | |
| Core Value Proposition | Detailed SEO analysis and backlink profile tracking, ideal for optimizing website visibility. | A complete digital marketing suite that covers SEO, PPC, and social media analytics for comprehensive strategy development. |
| Ideal Use Cases | – Analyzing competitor backlinks | – Running multi-channel digital marketing campaigns |
| – Finding keyword opportunities | – Tracking pay-per-click strategies | |
| – Performing in-depth site audits | – Monitoring social media performance | |
| – Crafting content strategies based on SEO data | – Conducting market research and analysis |
Most liked vs most disliked features of Wix and BigCommerce
| Platform | Most Liked Features | Most Disliked Features |
|---|---|---|
| Wix | – Excellent customer service experiences with knowledgeable staff. – User-friendly interface and ease of use. – Effective issue resolution support. – Long-term user satisfaction indicates consistent support. – Guidance from customer support is readily available. |
– Allegations of fraud and manipulation related to false brokers. – Complications with withdrawal requests causing frustration. – Fundamental platform navigation issues. – Unclear policies lead to dissatisfaction and trust issues. – Challenges with refunds and navigating auto-renewal processes. |
| BigCommerce | – User-friendly and straightforward setup for non-technical users. – Highly praised technical support team. – Excellent customization options with API access and PageBuilder. – Supports both B2B and B2C businesses effectively. – Offers functionalities like inventory management and mobile eCommerce. |
– Minor limitations in managing configurable products may require custom development. – Lack of geo-targeting and limited integration options. – Checkout process improvement needed for better sales conversion. – Desire for better transparency and tracking in system notes. – Some advanced features present a learning curve despite overall ease of use. |
Key Features of Wix vs BigCommerce
Here’s a comparison of key features of Wix and BigCommerce as website builders, along with how each feature benefits users and any unique aspects of each platform.
Wix Key Features
-
Drag-and-Drop Editor:
- Benefit: Users can easily design their websites without any coding knowledge, enabling them to customize layouts, images, and text intuitively.
- Unique Aspect: The flexibility of the Wix editor allows for a high degree of creative freedom, appealing to those looking to create unique and personalized websites.
-
Templates and Design Options:
- Benefit: Wix offers hundreds of professionally designed templates across various categories, providing users with a solid foundation to start their website.
- Unique Aspect: Users can choose from template designs optimized for different industries, making it easier to find one that aligns with their brand.
-
Mobile Optimization:
- Benefit: Websites created on Wix are automatically optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience across devices.
- Unique Aspect: Wix allows users to customize the mobile version of their site separately from the desktop version for finer control.
-
App Market:
- Benefit: Users can enhance their website’s functionality through various apps, ranging from marketing tools to customer support features.
- Unique Aspect: The extensive app market allows users to tailor their website’s capabilities to their specific needs easily.
-
SEO Tools:
- Benefit: Built-in SEO tools help users improve their website’s visibility on search engines, assisting in organic traffic growth.
- Unique Aspect: Wix provides a dedicated SEO Wiz that guides users step-by-step in optimizing their site for search engines.
-
E-commerce Functionality:
- Benefit: Users can set up an online store with ease, manage products, and process payments directly through the platform.
- Unique Aspect: Wix provides various e-commerce templates and integrates with several payment gateways.
BigCommerce Key Features
-
Robust E-commerce Functionality:
- Benefit: BigCommerce is specifically designed for e-commerce, providing advanced features that cater to online retailers, such as multi-channel selling and built-in shipping options.
- Unique Aspect: It supports a higher number of product variants and has built-in tools for scaling businesses as they grow.
-
SEO Optimization:
- Benefit: BigCommerce includes SEO-friendly features such as customizable URLs, product schema markup, and the ability to optimize site speed.
- Unique Aspect: BigCommerce allows for more granular control over SEO settings compared to many traditional website builders.
-
No Transaction Fees:
- Benefit: Users can keep more of their profits as BigCommerce does not charge transaction fees, regardless of the payment method used.
- Unique Aspect: This is particularly advantageous for merchants looking to maximize profit margins.
-
Multi-Channel Selling:
- Benefit: Users can sell across multiple platforms, including Amazon, eBay, and social media, from a single BigCommerce store.
- Unique Aspect: This feature enables sellers to reach wider audiences and manage their sales from one streamlined dashboard.
-
Abandoned Cart Recovery:
- Benefit: Automated emails can be sent to customers who have abandoned their carts, increasing the likelihood of sale conversion.
- Unique Aspect: This built-in feature can help improve sales without requiring third-party tools.
-
Advanced Reporting & Analytics:
- Benefit: Users receive in-depth insights into their sales, customer behavior, and inventory, helping them make data-driven decisions.
- Unique Aspect: The analytical tools are more developed for e-commerce insights compared to standard website builders.
Conclusion
In summary, Wix excels in its user-friendly design capabilities and flexibility, making it ideal for users focused on aesthetics and customization without needing coding skills. BigCommerce, on the other hand, stands out for its comprehensive e-commerce features and its focus on advanced selling tools, making it a strong choice for users primarily interested in operating online stores. Each platform has its strengths tailored to different segments of the market, with Wix focusing more on versatility for various website types, and BigCommerce specializing in robust e-commerce solutions.
Wix vs BigCommerce Pricing Comparison
| Platform | Pricing Tier | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Key Offerings | Discounts & Trials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | Free | $0 | N/A | Basic website creation tools; Wix ads displayed | Free forever |
| Connect Domain | $5 | $60 ($5/month) | Connect your own domain; 1GB bandwidth | N/A | |
| Combo | $14 | $168 ($14/month) | Ad-free; 3GB bandwidth; 2GB storage | N/A | |
| Unlimited | $18 | $216 ($18/month) | Ad-free; unlimited bandwidth; 10GB storage | N/A | |
| Pro | $23 | $276 ($23/month) | Ad-free; unlimited bandwidth; 20GB storage; professional features | N/A | |
| VIP | $39 | $468 ($39/month) | Ad-free; unlimited bandwidth; 30GB storage; priority support | N/A | |
| Business Basic | $23 | $276 ($23/month) | Accept online payments; unlimited bandwidth; 20GB storage | N/A | |
| Business Unlimited | $27 | $324 ($27/month) | Accept online payments; unlimited bandwidth; 35GB storage | N/A | |
| Business VIP | $49 | $588 ($49/month) | Accept online payments; unlimited bandwidth; 50GB storage; priority support | N/A |
| Platform | Pricing Tier | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Key Offerings | Discounts & Trials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BigCommerce | Standard | $39.95 | $399.00 ($33.25/month) | Online selling on multiple platforms; no transaction fees; 600 SKU limit | 15-day free trial |
| Plus | $109.95 | $1,199.00 ($99.92/month) | All Standard features; customer groups & segmentation; abandoned cart saver | 15-day free trial | |
| Pro | $299.95 | $3,199.00 ($266.58/month) | All Plus features; Google Shopping and other integrations; 15 staff accounts | 15-day free trial | |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing | All Pro features; dedicated account manager; advanced security | Contact for details |
Key Differences:
- Base Offerings: Wix offers a wider variety of tiers focused on both simple website creation and eCommerce, whereas BigCommerce focuses specifically on eCommerce functionalities.
- Free Option: Wix provides a free tier, while BigCommerce does not.
- Transaction Fees: BigCommerce does not impose transaction fees regardless of the plan while Wix’s business plans do not cover advanced eCommerce features in lower tiers.
- Scale: BigCommerce is more suitable for larger-scale eCommerce operations with its higher-tier plans designed for extensive online sales capabilities.
General Discounts:
- Both platforms offer regular pricing for annual subscriptions, often resulting in savings compared to monthly payments.
- Wix does not provide significant trial durations beyond its free tier, while BigCommerce offers a 15-day free trial across all tiers.
This structured comparison allows potential users to assess the differences in pricing plans of Wix and BigCommerce, aiding in informed decision-making based on their website and eCommerce needs.
Support Options Comparison: Wix vs BigCommerce
| Feature | Wix | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Available 24/5, offering instant assistance for issues and inquiries. | Available during business hours, providing direct support for customers. |
| Phone Support | No dedicated phone support; support primarily through chat and email. | Available 24/7, offering assistance across various issues via phone. |
| Documentation | Extensive knowledge base covering FAQs, how-tos, and tutorials. | Comprehensive resources including documentation on all features, guides, and FAQs. |
| Webinars/Tutorials | Offers webinars and video tutorials to help users learn the platform. | Provides training videos, webinars, and other resources designed for knowledge enhancement and product education. |
Unique Features of Wix Vs BigCommerce
| Feature | Wix | BigCommerce | Added Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-Drop Builder | Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for full design control through customizable templates. | No drag-and-drop, but offers a structured layout editor with pre-designed elements. | Empowers users without coding skills to create websites visually, leading to higher user satisfaction and engagement. | Allows for complete creative freedom, appealing to businesses focusing on design. |
| Velo by Wix | Integrated development platform enabling custom code and APIs for advanced functionality. | Limited customization with a focus on built-in features. | Facilitates advanced users to build complex applications and integrations, enhancing functionality beyond standard templates. | Attracts developers and tech-savvy users wanting unique solutions. |
| App Market | Extensive app marketplace for third-party integrations, enhancing site functionality. | Comprehensive set of built-in tools but fewer external integrations. | Offers a wide array of additional features and tools tailored to specific business needs, allowing for greater scalability. | Provides flexibility to expand business capabilities easily. |
| SEO Wiz | Guides users through optimization steps, creating a tailored SEO plan. | Strong SEO tools, but less guidance for beginners. | Simplifies SEO optimization for users new to digital marketing, improving visibility and potentially increasing traffic. | Enhances importance for businesses relying on organic search visibility. |
| Wix ADI | Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) creates a personalized website based on user preferences. | No equivalent; all designs are user-driven. | Speeds up the website creation process, making it accessible for users without design skills or experience. | Reduces entry barriers for new entrepreneurs and small businesses. |
| Multilingual Support | Easy setup for multilingual sites, including translation and localization tools. | Supports multiple currencies but limited language options. | Expands market reach by allowing websites to cater to diverse audiences, enhancing engagement and sales potential. | Essential for businesses aiming for international markets. |
| Wix Video | Integration of video content and hosting directly through the platform. | Focuses on eCommerce functionalities with less emphasis on media. | Enhances storytelling and branding capabilities through video, which can lead to higher user retention and conversions. | Key feature for businesses prioritizing visual content as a marketing tool. |
| Custom Domains & Hosting | Offers free domain registration for the first year; included hosting in all plans. | Requires separate hosting setups and domain purchasing. | Simplifies the website setup process by providing all-in-one solutions, appealing to small businesses. | Important for budget-conscious users seeking straightforward options. |
| Integrated E-commerce | Basic e-commerce functionality available in all plans, with templates specifically designed for online stores. | Powerful built-in e-commerce tools and advanced features for large catalogs. | Suitable for businesses starting small but wanting to scale, providing a smoother transition into e-commerce. | Relevant for entrepreneurs diversifying into online sales. |
This comparison highlights the unique features of Wix and BigCommerce, showcasing how they cater to different types of users and businesses. The distinctive offerings of each platform contribute to their overall value propositions, allowing users to make informed decisions based on their specific needs, whether it’s enhanced design flexibility with Wix or robust e-commerce capabilities with BigCommerce.
Most frequently asked questions about Wix vs BigCommerce
What are the main differences between BigCommerce and Wix?
BigCommerce is primarily tailored for e-commerce businesses with robust features like multi-channel selling and advanced inventory management, while Wix is a versatile website builder that supports a wide range of websites. A user mentioned, ‘BigCommerce offers more e-commerce specific tools compared to Wix, which feels more like a general site builder.’
Which platform is more user-friendly?
Wix is often cited as having a more intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it easier for beginners to create websites. A reviewer explained, ‘Wix’s simplicity is a huge plus for someone new to website building. You can literally drag elements around with ease.’ In contrast, BigCommerce’s learning curve is steeper due to its specialized features.
How do the pricing structures of BigCommerce and Wix compare?
BigCommerce tends to be pricier, with plans starting at around $39/month, reflecting its advanced e-commerce capabilities. Wix offers a more affordable range of plans, starting around $14/month for basic services. A user stated, ‘Wix was a great value for my first online store, but BigCommerce has features that justify its higher pricing.’
Which platform is better for e-commerce functionality?
BigCommerce excels in e-commerce with features like built-in SEO tools, payment gateways, and product management tools, while Wix offers basic e-commerce functionality. One reviewer noted, ‘If you’re serious about selling online, BigCommerce provides everything you need to succeed.’
Are the templates and design options more robust in BigCommerce or Wix?
Wix is known for its extensive collection of templates and flexibility in design, allowing users to customize their sites. A user remarked, ‘Wix templates are stunning and easily customizable! You have the freedom to create something unique.’ BigCommerce, while offering fewer templates, focuses more on layouts conducive to e-commerce.
How do SEO capabilities compare between BigCommerce and Wix?
Both platforms offer SEO tools, but BigCommerce has a more comprehensive set aimed at enhancing online stores. A user noted, ‘BigCommerce’s built-in SEO tools are robust, making it easier to optimize for search.’ Conversely, Wix’s SEO features are often considered adequate for general sites, but not specialized.
What is the level of customer support like for each platform?
BigCommerce users often praise their 24/7 support and extensive resources, with one user stating, ‘Their support team is always there when I need help.’ Wix offers support, but responses can sometimes be slower, leading users to express concerns about accessibility.
Are there any limitations on transactions or sales volume with each platform?
BigCommerce provides unlimited sales and bandwidth across its plans, which is ideal for growing businesses. A reviewer indicated, ‘I love that there are no transaction fees.’ In contrast, Wix has limitations based on the chosen plan and may impose transaction fees.
Which platform is more suitable for small businesses?
Wix is often recommended for small businesses due to its low cost and easy-to-use tools. One user mentioned, ‘Wix was perfect for my small business because I could create and manage everything myself.’ However, BigCommerce is better suited for businesses planning to scale up their e-commerce operations.
How customizable is each platform for advanced users?
BigCommerce offers more technical flexibility for developers with access to APIs and custom features, making it beneficial for advanced users. A user put it succinctly, ‘If you know what you’re doing, BigCommerce gives significant leeway for customization.’ In contrast, Wix has some limitations with back-end customization.
