Whether you’re just getting started in eCommerce, considering a platform migration, or hitting that next level of growth, Shopify and BigCommerce are two of the best platforms to consider. Shopify dominates the market with over 10% of global eCommerce market share and powers more than 4 million stores, making it one of the most widely used solutions. BigCommerce, while smaller, has carved out a strong presence among mid-market and enterprise businesses, especially those needing multi-storefront management and B2B functionality.

Choosing the right eCommerce platform isn’t just about picking the biggest name (cough Shopify cough)—it’s about finding the best fit for your business model, growth goals, and technical needs. At Electric Enjin, we’ve worked on a wide range of Shopify and BigCommerce storefronts, and depending on the requirements, the recommendation can vary greatly.

We’ve seen firsthand how both Shopify and BigCommerce power high-performing online stores, and we know the trade-offs. If you want a plug-and-play store with a massive app ecosystem, Shopify is your best bet. If you need more built-in flexibility, multi-storefront capabilities, or robust B2B features, BigCommerce could be the better fit. Additionally, both platforms offer headless commerce for advanced customization and improved page performance.

This guide will break down the key differences, similarities, pricing, and features of both platforms—so you can make the right call without the fluff. Let’s dive in.

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Pricing Comparison

Both platforms offer tiered pricing, but their structures differ.

Shopify Pricing

• Basic Shopify – $39/month (2% transaction fee if not using Shopify Payments)
• Shopify – $105/month (1% transaction fee if not using Shopify Payments)
• Advanced Shopify – $399/month (0.5% transaction fee if not using Shopify Payments)
• Shopify Plus – Starting at ~$2,000/month (enterprise-level features and customization)

BigCommerce Pricing

• Standard – $39/month (No transaction fees)
• Plus – $105/month (Customer segmentation & abandoned cart saver)
• Pro – $399/month (Advanced filtering & Google customer reviews integration)
• Enterprise – Custom pricing (Scalable solutions for high-volume businesses)

Key Takeaway: Shopify has transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments, while BigCommerce does not charge transaction fees regardless of payment provider.

Shopify vs BigCommerceCore Features Comparison

1. Ease of Use

• Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface, making it a great option for beginners.
• BigCommerce has a more complex dashboard but offers more built-in features, reducing reliance on third-party apps.

2. Multi-Storefront Management

• BigCommerce allows you to manage multiple storefronts from a single backend, making it ideal for businesses selling under different brands.
• Shopify requires separate accounts for each storefront unless using Shopify Plus.

3. Payment Processing

• Shopify encourages using Shopify Payments (which removes transaction fees). However, using third-party gateways incurs extra costs.
• BigCommerce does not have its own payment processor but supports over 65 payment gateways without transaction fees.

4. SEO & URL Structure

• BigCommerce provides greater flexibility for SEO, including customizable URLs.
• Shopify has a strong SEO foundation but limits URL structure, particularly for product and blog pages.

5. Customization & Headless Commerce

• BigCommerce is more open in its approach, offering headless commerce capabilities even at lower-tier plans.
• Shopify’s Liquid templating system is robust but more restrictive unless using Shopify Plus.

6. B2B Features

• BigCommerce comes with native B2B features (custom pricing, bulk ordering, quote management) out of the box.
• Shopify requires third-party apps or Shopify Plus to achieve similar B2B functionality.

When to Choose BigCommerce Over Shopify

• You need to manage multiple storefronts from one backend.
• Your business is high-volume or enterprise-level, and you want scalability.
• You require fully customizable checkout experiences without paying enterprise prices.
• You want B2B capabilities built-in instead of relying on third-party apps.
• You need more product variants (up to 600 compared to Shopify’s 100 limit).
• You prefer an open SaaS approach with more flexibility in API integrations.

When to Choose Shopify Over BigCommerce

• You’re a small-to-medium-sized business looking for an easy-to-use solution.
• You rely on third-party apps for functionality and like Shopify’s app ecosystem.
• You don’t need multi-storefront management or complex B2B features.
• You want a seamless Shopify Payments integration to avoid transaction fees.
• You prefer a simpler, guided experience with a strong support community.

Final Thoughts: Pick the Right Tool, Not Just the Trend

If you’re looking for ease of use, an app-rich ecosystem, and quick setup, Shopify’s your go-to. If you need robust scalability, multi-storefront capabilities, and built-in B2B features, BigCommerce might be the better bet.

If you’re looking to take the Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic route—running multiple brands under one unified backend—BigCommerce is the better choice. For companies managing multiple brands, its multi-storefront feature is a game changer, allowing you to streamline operations without juggling separate accounts.

Still not sure? We get it, choosing the right platform is a big deal. That’s where we come in. At Electric Enjin, we don’t just build eCommerce sites; we craft high-performing digital experiences that make your competitors sweat. If you want a website that actually converts (and doesn’t become a dumpster fire of tech debt), let’s talk.