Choosing the right eCommerce platform is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting an online store. Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce are three of the most popular options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
But which one is the best fit for your business? Here we compare Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce based on key factors like pricing, ease of use, features, customization, and scalability.
Contents
Overview of Each Platform
Shopify
Best for: Beginners, businesses looking for an all-in-one eCommerce solution.
Shopify is a fully hosted eCommerce platform that makes it easy to set up an online store without technical expertise. It handles hosting, security, and updates, allowing you to focus on running your business.
WooCommerce
Best for: Business owners who prefer flexibility and control.
WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that turns your website into an eCommerce store. It offers high levels of customization but requires more hands-on management.
BigCommerce
Best for: Growing businesses that need scalability and built-in features.
BigCommerce is a hosted platform like Shopify but offers more built-in tools, reducing the need for third-party apps. It’s ideal for businesses looking for an enterprise-level solution.
Pricing Comparison
Each platform has different pricing structures. Here’s a breakdown:
| Platform | Pricing | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Starts at $39/month | Transaction fees (unless using Shopify Payments), paid apps, premium themes |
| WooCommerce | Free (requires hosting, domain, and plugins) | Hosting ($5-$30/month), security, premium plugins |
| BigCommerce | Starts at $39/month | No transaction fees, but higher plans required for large sales volume |
Verdict: WooCommerce is the cheapest option upfront, but Shopify and BigCommerce offer more convenience for those willing to pay a monthly fee.
Ease of Use
For beginners, ease of setup and daily management are crucial.
- Shopify: Easiest to use with a user-friendly dashboard and simple setup.
- WooCommerce: Requires installing WordPress and setting up hosting, which has a learning curve.
- BigCommerce: User-friendly but more complex than Shopify due to extensive built-in features.
Verdict: Shopify wins for beginners, while WooCommerce is better suited for those comfortable with WordPress.
Features and Customization
Shopify
- Includes essential eCommerce features (cart, checkout, inventory, analytics).
- App Store allows adding advanced features, but many apps require a paid subscription.
- Limited code customization compared to WooCommerce.
WooCommerce
- Highly customizable with thousands of plugins and themes.
- Full control over website code for advanced modifications.
- Requires managing updates and security.
BigCommerce
- More built-in features than Shopify, reducing dependency on apps.
- Multi-channel selling (Amazon, eBay, Instagram) is included.
- Less customization flexibility compared to WooCommerce.
Verdict: WooCommerce offers the most customization, while BigCommerce has more built-in features.
Scalability
If you plan to grow your business, consider scalability:
- Shopify: Good for small to large businesses, but higher transaction fees and paid apps can increase costs.
- WooCommerce: Scales well but requires investing in high-quality hosting and development.
- BigCommerce: Best for high-growth stores due to built-in scalability features.
Verdict: BigCommerce is ideal for scaling, while WooCommerce allows customization for specific growth needs.
Payment Processing
Each platform supports various payment gateways:
- Shopify: Offers Shopify Payments (0% transaction fees) but charges fees for third-party gateways.
- WooCommerce: Supports multiple gateways without extra transaction fees.
- BigCommerce: No additional fees for third-party payment processors.
Verdict: WooCommerce and BigCommerce provide more flexibility with payment processing.
Support and Security
Reliable customer support and security features are essential.
- Shopify: 24/7 customer support and automatic security updates.
- WooCommerce: No dedicated support—relies on forums and hosting provider.
- BigCommerce: 24/7 support with built-in security features.
Verdict: Shopify and BigCommerce offer better support, while WooCommerce requires managing security yourself.
Final Verdict: Which Platform Is Best for You?
Your choice depends on your business needs:
- Choose Shopify if: You want an all-in-one solution with easy setup, great support, and minimal technical maintenance.
- Choose WooCommerce if: You prefer customization, have experience with WordPress, and want full control over your store.
- Choose BigCommerce if: You need a scalable solution with built-in features and no transaction fees.
All three platforms have their strengths, so the best choice depends on your budget, technical skills, and growth goals. If you’re just starting and want simplicity, Shopify is the way to go. If you want flexibility and lower costs, WooCommerce is a strong contender. For businesses looking to scale with advanced features, BigCommerce is an excellent option.
