Shopify vs BigCommerce (2026): Which E-Commerce Platform Is Better?
By ToolVS Research Team · Updated April 8, 2026 · Based on 40+ hours of testing
Quick verdict: Choose Shopify if you want the largest app ecosystem, easiest setup, and best multi-channel selling with the strongest brand in e-commerce. Choose BigCommerce if you need more built-in features without paying for apps, zero transaction fees on any gateway, or strong B2B and multi-channel capabilities. Shopify wins 7-5 with a better ecosystem, while BigCommerce offers more out-of-the-box value.
Our Verdict
Shopify
- 8,000+ apps in App Store
- Easiest to set up and manage
- Best POS and multi-channel selling
- Transaction fees on external gateways
- Many features require paid apps
- Revenue-based plan upgrades forced
🔍 Deep dive: Shopify full analysis
Features Overview
Shopify powers over 4.8 million stores and dominates the e-commerce platform market. Its strength lies in the massive ecosystem — 8,000+ apps, thousands of themes, and the largest developer community. Shopify POS is the industry leader for in-store selling, and multi-channel integration (Instagram, TikTok, Amazon) is seamless.
Pricing Breakdown (April 2026)
| Plan | Price | Transaction Fee (non-Shopify Payments) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $39/mo | 2.0% |
| Shopify | $105/mo | 1.0% |
| Advanced | $399/mo | 0.5% |
| Plus | From $2,000/mo | Custom |
Who Should Choose Shopify?
- New merchants wanting the easiest launch experience
- Multi-channel sellers (online + physical store + social media)
- Dropshippers needing Oberlo/DSers integration
- Businesses that want the largest selection of apps and themes
BigCommerce
- No transaction fees on any plan
- More built-in features (less app dependency)
- Strong B2B and wholesale features
- Smaller app marketplace
- Fewer themes (200 vs thousands)
- Steeper learning curve
🔍 Deep dive: BigCommerce full analysis
Features Overview
BigCommerce is an enterprise-grade e-commerce platform that includes more features out-of-the-box than any competitor. It offers unlimited staff accounts, built-in B2B features, real-time shipping quotes, and multi-storefront capabilities. No transaction fees make it especially attractive for high-volume stores.
Pricing Breakdown (April 2026)
| Plan | Price | Annual Revenue Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $39/mo | Up to $50K/year |
| Plus | $105/mo | Up to $180K/year |
| Pro | $399/mo | Up to $400K/year |
| Enterprise | Custom | Unlimited |
Who Should Choose BigCommerce?
- B2B businesses needing wholesale pricing and customer groups
- High-volume stores wanting to avoid transaction fees
- Multi-storefront businesses managing several brands
- Merchants who prefer more built-in features over app dependency
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Shopify | BigCommerce | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ⭐ 4.6/5 — simplest setup | ⭐ 4.0/5 — more complex | ✔ Shopify |
| Transaction Fees | 0.5-2% on external gateways | $0 — no transaction fees ever | ✔ BC |
| Built-in Features | Basic — needs apps for more | Extensive — ratings, facets, B2B included | ✔ BC |
| App Ecosystem | 8,000+ apps | 1,500+ apps | ✔ Shopify |
| B2B Features | Requires Shopify Plus ($2K+/mo) | Built-in on all plans | ✔ BC |
| POS (In-Store) | Shopify POS — industry leading | Third-party POS integrations | ✔ Shopify |
| Themes | Thousands of themes available | ~200 themes | ✔ Shopify |
| SEO | Good built-in SEO | Better URL structure, more SEO control | ✔ BC |
| Mobile App | Full store management | Limited mobile management | ✔ Shopify |
| Multi-Channel | Instagram, TikTok, Amazon, eBay | Amazon, eBay, social channels | ✔ Shopify |
| Staff Accounts | 2-15 depending on plan | Unlimited on all plans | ✔ BC |
| Dropshipping | Oberlo, DSers, Spocket + more | Limited dropshipping apps | ✔ Shopify |
● Shopify wins 7 · ● BigCommerce wins 5 · Based on 25,000+ user reviews
Who Should Choose What?
→ Choose Shopify if:
You want the easiest setup, largest app ecosystem, or need physical retail (POS). Best for new merchants, dropshippers, and multi-channel sellers who value simplicity and ecosystem breadth.
→ Choose BigCommerce if:
You sell B2B, want zero transaction fees, or need advanced built-in features without paying for apps. Best for established businesses, wholesale operations, and stores with high revenue that want to save on fees.
→ Consider neither if:
You want full code control (try WooCommerce), need a marketplace platform (try Sharetribe), or sell digital products only (try Gumroad or Lemonsqueezy).
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Methodology
We evaluated Shopify and BigCommerce across 12 criteria: ease of use, transaction fees, built-in features, app ecosystem, B2B capabilities, POS, themes, SEO, mobile app, multi-channel selling, staff accounts, and dropshipping. Our team spent 40+ hours testing both platforms with real stores, comparing plan value, and analyzing 25,000+ user reviews from G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius. Pricing data is automatically tracked and verified weekly.
Ready to choose?
Both platforms offer free trials. Test them with your actual products.
Last updated: . Pricing and features are verified weekly via automated tracking.