Quick answer
- Choose Shopify for ease of use, the biggest app/theme ecosystem, POS and Shop Pay.
- Choose BigCommerce for more built-in features, no transaction fees on any gateway, and complex B2B catalogs.
- Pricing: almost identical on the core plans.
Shopify vs BigCommerce at a glance
| Shopify | BigCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | $29/mo (Basic, yearly) | About $29/mo yearly |
| Mid plan | $79/mo yearly (Grow) | About $79/mo yearly (Plus) |
| Top standard plan | $299/mo yearly (Advanced) | About $299/mo yearly (Pro) |
| Transaction fees | None with Shopify Payments; 0.6–2% otherwise | None on any gateway |
| Sales limits per plan | No | Yes, forced upgrade above thresholds |
| Built-in features | Core + apps | More native features |
| App & theme ecosystem | Largest | Smaller |
| POS | Native Shopify POS | Third-party integrations |
| Ease of use | Easier | Steeper learning curve |
| Our score | 9.4 | 8.8 |
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Features: built-in vs apps
BigCommerce includes more out of the box, such as advanced product options, customer groups and some B2B tools, so you may need fewer apps. Shopify keeps its core simpler and relies on its app store and Shopify-made apps for extras. In practice, Shopify's approach means a cleaner admin and more choice; BigCommerce's means fewer monthly subscriptions.
Fees and pricing
Plan prices are nearly identical. BigCommerce's big advantage is no transaction fees with any payment processor, useful if you need a specific gateway. Shopify charges nothing extra if you use Shopify Payments, so most merchants pay the same. BigCommerce's sales thresholds can force an upgrade as you grow.
Ease of use
Shopify is easier for beginners: cleaner onboarding, simpler settings and a huge library of tutorials. BigCommerce rewards teams who are comfortable with more configuration.
B2B and large catalogs
BigCommerce has long been strong for B2B and catalogs with thousands of SKUs and complex options. Shopify has closed much of the gap, especially on Shopify Plus. See best B2B ecommerce platforms.
Omnichannel and POS
Shopify wins with native POS, Shop Pay, and deep social and marketplace integrations, all from one admin. BigCommerce supports multichannel selling well but relies on partners for POS.
Our verdict
For most stores, Shopify is the better choice: easier, with a stronger ecosystem and native POS. BigCommerce is a great pick for complex catalogs, B2B, and brands that must use their own payment processor.
Try Shopify free (opens in a new tab)Frequently asked questions
Does BigCommerce have transaction fees?
No. BigCommerce doesn't charge platform transaction fees on any plan or gateway; you only pay your payment processor.
Why does BigCommerce make you upgrade plans?
BigCommerce plans have annual online sales limits. When you exceed your plan's threshold, you're moved to a higher plan. Shopify doesn't force upgrades based on sales.
Which is easier to use?
Shopify. BigCommerce is powerful but has a steeper learning curve and more settings to configure.