BigCommerce vs Shopify (2025) – Which eCommerce Platform Is Best for Your Business?
BigCommerce vs Shopify. Updated: August 22, 2025 · US data and examples
My quick verdict. Shopify is the easiest way to launch and grow with a vast application ecosystem and industry‑leading checkout. BigCommerce is better for complex catalogs, multi-brand stores, and B2B. It offers strong built-in features and avoids extra transaction fees with third-party gateways. Choose Shopify if you want speed, simplicity, and app flexibility. Choose BigCommerce if you need more native tools, fewer add-ons, and predictable costs as you scale. Irrespective of who emerges as the winner, you can promote your products on them with VidAU AI video generator.
BigCommerce vs Shopify: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Shopify | BigCommerce | Takeaway |
|---|
| Best for | Speed to market, broad app ecosystem, multi‑channel | Complex catalogs, multi‑brand, B2B, lower fee friction | Match to store complexity |
| Entry pricing | Similar to BC at entry tier | Similar to Shopify at entry tier | Price isn’t the differentiator at the low end |
| Extra transaction fee | None if you use Shopify Payments. 0.5–2% if you use other gateways (varies by plan) | No fee | Gateway choice impacts Shopify TCO if you don’t/can’t use Shopify Payments |
| Checkout conversion | Industry‑leading checkout; widely cited advantage vs competitors | Less native checkout customizations compared toFewer Shopify Plus | Shopify often converts higher; measure your own funnel |
| Apps vs built‑ins | Very large app marketplace; solve almost anything via apps | Small marketplace. but loads of built‑in e-commerce features. | Shopify = breadth; BigCommerce = native depth |
| B2B / Wholesale | B2B features available on higher tier(s) | Native B2B toolset available via platform + edition | BigCommerce is B2B‑friendly out of the box |
| Multi‑storefront | Supported (capabilities vary by tier) | Supported (strong multi‑storefront controls) | Both do it; BC emphasizes native controls |
| Headless | Hydrogen/Oxygen + Storefront APIs | Multiple headless options + Storefront APIs | Both are headless‑ready |
| SEO & URLs | Opinionated URL structure; strong apps for SEO | Fine‑grained URL/slug control; robust SEO settings | Slight edge to BC for URL flexibility |
| POS | Native POS (Lite included; Pro add‑on) | POS via integrations | Shopify wins native POS |
| Learning curve | Easiest for beginners | Moderate; payoff for complex ops | Match to your team’s skills |
Learn More
First, Shopify is best for speed, apps, and checkout. This suits beginners who want to launch fast with broad flexibility. Now, BigCommerce fits complex stores, like large catalogues, multi-brand setups, and B2B. It offers strong built-in features and avoids extra gateway fees. Start with similar entry pricing. Ultimately, the decision depends on your needs: pick Shopify for ease and flexibility, or BigCommerce for native depth, fewer add-ons, and predictable costs as your business grows. Pick VidAU AI for creating product video ads.
BigCommerce vs Shopify: Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Shopify if you…
- Want the fastest setup with minimal configuration.
- Prefer solving edge cases via apps and community templates.
- Plan to use Shopify Payments (no extra platform fee).
- Need native POS and easy multi‑channel (Facebook/Instagram/Amazon).
Choose BigCommerce if you…
- Have large/complex catalogs or multiple brands.
- Need B2B features (company accounts, quotes, price lists) without heavy app reliance.
- Want no extra platform fees on third‑party gateways.
- Prefer built‑in tools and a lighter app footprint for predictable costs.
BigCommerce vs Shopify Payment Modes
| Line Item | Shopify (A1 – Using Shopify Payments) | BigCommerce (A1) | Shopify (A2 – Third-Party Gateway) | BigCommerce (A2) |
|---|
| (annual) Platform plan | 468 USD | $ 468 | $468 | $468 |
| Estimated paid apps (annual) | $900 | $540 | $900 | $540 |
| Processing Payment | 8,500 USD | $8K5 | $8,500 | $8,500 |
| Extra platform fee (3rd-party GW) | $0 | $0 | $5,000 | $0 |
| Estimated Year-1 TCO | $9,868 | $9,508 | $14,868 | $9,508 |
BigCommerce vs Shopify Comparison – Key Differences You Need to Know
This BigCommerce vs Shopify comparison will assist you in making an informed choice. If you are attempting to decide between two of the most well-known eCommerce platforms available today. Both platforms are renowned for their extensive feature sets. They differ in how they meet the demands of businesses.
Features/ Flexibility Of BigCommerce vs Shopify Comparison
Dashboard Experience
- Shopify: Clean, user-friendly, and designed for non-tech users. Easily manage orders, products, and apps from a simple interface.
- BigCommerce: Feature-rich dashboard takes more time to learn. It offers more built-in tools without relying on third-party apps.
- BigCommerce vs Shopify Comparison: Shopify wins in simplicity, and BigCommerce offers advanced control
Learning Curve
- Shopify: Great for beginners. Allows you to launch a store in a day with no coding required.
- Shopify vs BigCommerce: Has a more advanced setup process. It is ideal for teams with technical experience who need full control.
- Bigcommerce vs Shopify: Shopify is best for fast starts; BigCommerce suits tech-savvy users needing scalability.
Store Setup Time
- Shopify: Fast setup thanks to ready-to-use templates and intuitive onboarding.
- BigCommerce: Takes longer to set up. The initial configuration offers long-term flexibility and deeper customization.
- BigCommerce vs Shopify Comparison: Shopify is quicker to launch. BigCommerce favors those investing in long-term customization
Payment Options and Fees
Transaction Fees
- Shopify: Charges extra fees (0.5% to 2%) if you don’t use Shopify Payments.
- BigCommerce: No transaction fees, irrespective of the payment provider. It is ideal for budget-focused businesses.
- Bigcommerce vs Shopify: BigCommerce leads with zero fees; Shopify may cost more if you use third-party processors.
Integrated Payment Gateways
- Shopify: Supports major gateways like PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, etc. Shopify Payments works seamlessly. It is not available everywhere.
- BigCommerce: Supports 65+ native gateways, offering wider global flexibility.
- BigCommerce vs Shopify Comparison: Both platforms integrate popular gateways. However, BigCommerce edges out with global readiness.
International Selling Options
- BigCommerce: Built-in support for multi-currency and multi-language. Ideal for international businesses.
- Shopify supports international selling. However, sometimes it often requires apps or Shopify Markets for full access to localization tools.
- Bigcommerce vs Shopify: BigCommerce is more equipped for going global right out of the box.
BigCommerce SEO – How It Stacks Up in Search
One of the top eCommerce platforms is BigCommerce, and a lot of online retailers prefer it because of its SEO features. Knowing BigCommerce SEO is essential if you are a marketer or content producer trying to establish a solid organic presence for your business.
Built-In SEO Tools That Work for You
- Customizable URLs and Metadata: You can tailor page titles, meta descriptions, and URL slugs, essential for targeting long-tail keywords.
- Automatic sitemaps and robots.txt control: These features ensure your store is crawlable and indexed efficiently by search engines
- SSL certificates and HTTPS: Every store comes with secure hosting, which is a ranking factor for Google.
BigCommerce vs Shopify: Mobile Optimization and Page Speed
SEO today is largely driven by mobile-first indexing. Fortunately, BigCommerce themes are fully responsive and optimized for mobile. Coupled with solid server response times, your site also benefits from strong Core Web Vitals. For example, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) measures how fast your main content loads. Meanwhile, Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) tracks how stable the page looks as it loads.
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Headless Commerce and Technical SEO Flexibility
BigCommerce’s headless commerce features provide more freedom for seasoned marketers. You can use frameworks like Next.js or Gatsby to keep your front-end and back-end distinct. This feature gives you better control over performance, structured data, and technical SEO. As a result, it is ideal for content producers. With it, they can push dynamic content higher in search engine results pages.
BigCommerce vs Shopify: SEO Limitations to Be Aware Of
- Blog functionality is more limited compared to WordPress or Shopify’s blog engines.
- Some advanced SEO plugins and integrations are less developed.
Still, with the right third-party tools and strategies, these hurdles can be managed.
Shopify vs BigCommerce – Which Platform Wins for You?
There has been a series of hot debates on Shopify vs BigCommerce. This is rampant among entrepreneurs, marketers, and content creators. Content creators who are searching for scalable and user-friendly solutions. In addition, these professionals are on the lookout for the correct e-commerce platform choice. Both platforms offer online selling tools. The best platform for your company depends on your budget. It also depends on your specific needs.
BigCommerce vs Shopify: The Go-To for Simplicity and Speed
Some standout features include:
- Drag-and-drop store builder
- Seamless integration with social media (including TikTok and Instagram)
- Hundreds of mobile-optimized themes
- Powerful Shopify App Store for extended functionality
BigCommerce – Built for Scalability and Control
It offers advanced SEO settings, no transaction fees, and built-in features like:
- Multi-channel selling (Amazon, eBay, Facebook)
- More built-in tools, reducing reliance on third-party apps
- Flexible product management for large catalogs
- Stronger B2B features for enterprise-level operations
BigCommerce vs Shopify
| Feature | Shopify | BigCommerce |
| Starting Price | $39/month | $39/month |
| Transaction Fees | Yes (unless using Shopify Pay) | None |
| App Marketplace | Extensive | Moderate |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | More technical |
| Built-in Features | Moderate | Extensive |
BigCommerce vs Shopify- Businesses & Benefits of AI Tools
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BigCommerce Support – What Kind of Help Can You Expect?
Merchants will find BigCommerce support to be helpful at every stage of their eCommerce journey. From the start, setting up your store is only the first step. Later, you will need to optimize it for conversions. In both cases, prompt and efficient BigCommerce support can be crucial. As a result, it often makes the difference in running a successful online store.
24/7 Technical Support
To begin with, BigCommerce offers round-the-clock technical support. You can reach them by phone, email, or live chat. As a result, help is always available, no matter your time zone. In addition, you can expect a quick response from an experienced team. They are ready to assist whether you face a checkout issue or a payment gateway error.
Help Center and Documentation
The BigCommerce support center is a goldmine of self-service resources. For support, merchants can access guides, how-to articles, and video tutorials. Through these resources, they get clear, step-by-step instructions. As a result, they can handle tasks ranging from theme customization to tax setup with ease. It’s perfect for those who prefer DIY solutions or need answers outside of business hours.
Community Forums and Developer Resources
For advanced users, BigCommerce offers developer documentation and community forums. In these spaces, developers and store owners can work together. They can share solutions, learn from one another. Stay updated on platform upgrades and best practices.
Enterprise Support and Account Management
With an enterprise plan, you receive priority support and a dedicated account manager. In addition, these experts guide you on international expansion and performance tuning. As a result, you get strategic advice that is tailored to your specific business goals.
How VidAU Can Help BigCommerce vs Shopify Merchants
BigCommerce vs Shopify support ensures your store runs smoothly, and VidAU empowers your marketing efforts. You can use VidAU’s tools to turn your product URLs or descriptions into video ads. You can showcase your BigCommerce inventory on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Conclusion
When choosing between BigCommerce vs Shopify, the right platform depends on your business size, budget, and goals. Shopify excels with its intuitive design and vast app ecosystem, making it perfect for fast-growing brands. Meanwhile, BigCommerce stands out for built-in features and scalability, ideal for large operations. You could be launching a new e-commerce business, scaling online sales, or exploring better tools for your digital storefront, both platforms offer powerful solutions. A proper bigcommerce vs shopify comparison can set your priorities right and choose the one that helps you build, grow, and manage your business with ease.
