If you’re trying to decide between BigCommerce and Shopify for your online store, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with hundreds of merchants over the years, and this is one of the most common crossroads they face. Both platforms are popular, powerful, and capable of supporting a growing e-commerce business.
But they’re not the same — and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches down the road.
This post isn’t about declaring a winner. It’s about helping you figure out which platform is the better fit for your business. I’ll walk you through the key differences and the kind of questions you should be asking yourself during this decision.
And if you’re still unsure after reading? I offer a free platform evaluation that gives you tailored, honest advice based on your business goals. No pressure, no hard sell — just guidance.
BigCommerce vs. Shopify: Two Different Philosophies
Here’s the biggest difference that most comparison articles don’t explain: these two platforms have totally different approaches to how they operate.
Shopify is a closed ecosystem. Over the years, they’ve acquired a bunch of third-party apps, rebranded them, and built a system where you’re gently nudged (or sometimes pushed) toward using their “official” stack — things like ShopPay, Shopify Email, and Shopify Shipping. I often compare it to Apple: it’s sleek, cohesive, and works great if you want everything under one roof — but it’s also more locked-down.
BigCommerce, on the other hand, is an open platform. They’re app-agnostic — meaning they don’t care what tools you want to use, as long as they get the job done. You have more control over your tech stack, more flexibility when it comes to integrations, and more room to grow without getting boxed into a walled garden. It’s more like Android or Windows — a little more technical freedom, with a bit more learning curve in exchange.
So before you compare features, think about how much control you want over the tools running your store.
When Shopify Might Be the Better Fit
I’m not anti-Shopify. In fact, for some merchants, it’s absolutely the right choice. If you:
- Want to launch fast without hiring a developer
- Have a simple product catalog and straightforward needs
- Like the idea of everything in one place (hosting, payments, email, etc.)
- Don’t mind relying on a few extra apps for added features
…then Shopify might work well for you. The user interface is clean, the onboarding is smooth, and there’s a massive ecosystem of apps and service providers. It’s great for beginners or businesses that want a polished, pre-packaged experience.
When BigCommerce Might Be the Better Fit
Now if your business is more complex — or if you’re planning for serious growth — BigCommerce can give you more power under the hood. It’s a better fit if you:
- Need advanced product filtering, custom pricing rules, or wholesale features
- Want more built-in functionality without relying on third-party apps
- Plan to integrate with ERP, POS, or fulfillment systems
- Are selling across multiple storefronts or marketplaces
- Need strong B2B capabilities
One thing I love about BigCommerce is that it’s built for scale. Many of the things that are considered “premium” features on other platforms (like faceted search or custom checkout experiences) are native in BigCommerce. And because it’s open-SaaS, it plays nicely with custom development, headless setups, and large catalogs.
Hidden Costs: What You Might Not Know
Here’s where a lot of merchants get tripped up. Shopify’s base plans look affordable, but once you start adding apps to match what BigCommerce includes by default, the cost adds up quickly.
Also — and this is important — Shopify charges additional transaction fees if you don’t use their in-house payment processor, ShopPay. So if you’re using Authorize.net, PayPal, or another gateway, you’ll be paying extra per sale unless you’re on their highest-tier plans.
BigCommerce doesn’t do this. You can use whichever gateway makes sense for your business, and you won’t get dinged for it.
So if you’re comparing costs, don’t just look at the monthly plan — think about what it’ll really cost you over time.
Questions to Ask Yourself
When clients come to me for help choosing a platform, I usually walk them through these questions:
- Do I want an all-in-one experience, or more control over my tools?
- Am I okay relying on third-party apps, or do I want more features built in?
- How much do I expect my business to grow in the next year or two?
- Will I be selling to consumers, businesses, or both?
- Do I need advanced features like multi-currency, custom pricing, or ERP integration?
There’s no “right” answer — just the right answer for your business.
So… Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re leaning toward Shopify or BigCommerce, you’re probably on the right track either way — but the devil’s in the details. A great-looking store that’s built on the wrong foundation can lead to limitations (and costly replatforming) down the road.
That’s why I offer a free platform evaluation. You tell me what you’re trying to do with your store, and I’ll give you real, unbiased feedback on which platform makes the most sense — and why. No strings, no upsell — just clarity.
Click here to request your free evaluation
Let’s get your business on the right track from day one.