Reviewed 2026-10-14
BigCommerce vs Shopify
Two hosted storefronts with different centres of gravity: catalogue depth against ecosystem size.
Our take
Shopify
BigCommerce tends to suit catalogues that are large or sold in several ways at once, because more of that is included rather than added. Shopify wins on the ecosystem around it: more themes, more apps, more people who already know it. If you expect to hire help later, that familiarity is worth weighing.
Side by side
Rows marked in colour show which option we think is ahead on that point.
| Criteria | BigCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem | Smaller app and theme market | The largest in hosted commerce |
| Sales channels | Multiple storefronts and price lists included | Available, with more of it app-based |
| Catalogue limits | Generous on the entry tiers | Tiered, with limits that scale by plan |
| Hiring help | Fewer specialists available | Easy to find developers and agencies |
| Transaction fees on external gateways | None on any plan | Depends on the plan |
Sources
These are the vendor pages we used when writing this comparison. Prices and plan limits change; confirm them before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Answers restate what this comparison records and link to the vendor pages it cites.
What is the difference between BigCommerce and Shopify?
Two hosted storefronts with different centres of gravity: catalogue depth against ecosystem size.
How do BigCommerce and Shopify compare on price?
Both are tiered, so the figure depends on your own volume. Our entries describe BigCommerce as: Paid plans only; tiers scale with online sales volume. And Shopify as: Monthly subscription; promotions vary. Compare the BigCommerce pricing page and the Shopify pricing page before you commit.
Which should I choose, BigCommerce or Shopify?
BigCommerce tends to suit catalogues that are large or sold in several ways at once, because more of that is included rather than added. Shopify wins on the ecosystem around it: more themes, more apps, more people who already know it. If you expect to hire help later, that familiarity is worth weighing.
Where did the figures in this comparison come from?
This comparison is based on the vendor pages we read: BigCommerce pricing and Shopify pricing. Prices and plan limits change, so check them before you commit.
How do BigCommerce and Shopify compare on "Ecosystem"?
BigCommerce: Smaller app and theme market. Shopify: The largest in hosted commerce.
How do BigCommerce and Shopify compare on "Sales channels"?
BigCommerce: Multiple storefronts and price lists included. Shopify: Available, with more of it app-based.