Shopify vs BigCommerce: which should you build on?
Two hosted platforms, similar monthly cost, very different ecosystems. For most stores we'd pick Shopify; here's where BigCommerce still makes sense.
The short answer.
Shopify is the better choice for most stores in 2026: a larger app ecosystem, Shopify POS, a faster and more trusted checkout, and a bigger pool of developers and themes. BigCommerce makes sense for stores with complex catalogs that want more built in without apps, B2B features on mid-tier plans, and no transaction fees for third-party payment gateways. Both cost $29–$400 a month at the mid tiers; migration between them is clean because the data models are similar.
Ask us which fits- Pick Shopify if
- You want apps, POS, and the checkout
- Pick BigCommerce if
- Complex catalog, third-party gateway
- Monthly
- $39–$399 vs $29–$299
- Checkout
- Shopify's converts better
- B2B
- Plus vs built-in on mid tiers
- Our default
- Shopify
| Shopify | BigCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $39–$399 (Plus ~$2,300) | $29–$299 (Enterprise quoted) |
| Transaction fees | 0% with Shopify Payments; 0.5–2% otherwise | None |
| Checkout | Hosted, Shop Pay, express wallets | Customizable; fewer wallets, lower conversion data |
| Apps / ecosystem | Thousands; largest in commerce | Smaller; more built in |
| Themes and developers | Largest pool | Smaller pool, fewer agencies |
| Point of sale | Shopify POS | Partners only |
| B2B | Native on Plus; apps otherwise | Built in on Plus/Enterprise tiers |
| Product options / variants | 100 variants, 3 options (expanding) | 600 variants, more options natively |
| Migration | Clean either way | Clean either way |
Our verdict
If you're choosing fresh, choose Shopify: the ecosystem, POS, and checkout compound over time. If you're on BigCommerce and it's working, there's no urgency to move — but when the app you need doesn't exist, or you want POS or Shop Pay, the migration is one of the cleanest we do.
Shopify vs BigCommerce questions.
Our honest take.
Is BigCommerce cheaper?
Slightly at the mid tiers, and it has no transaction fees for third-party gateways. Over a year the difference is small compared to what the ecosystem saves you.
Which handles big catalogs better?
BigCommerce natively supports more variants and options. Shopify handles large catalogs well with the right theme and metafields, and Shopify's limits keep expanding.
Can you migrate BigCommerce to Shopify?
Yes — products, options, customers, orders, and categories map directly, with a full redirect map.
Which do you recommend?
Shopify for nearly every store. BigCommerce if you have a specific catalog or gateway reason.
Two free ways to start.
Either one costs nothing and comes with no sales call.
Free quote — within 24 hours
Tell us what you need and get a fixed price back within one business day. Shopify, WordPress, Webflow, or custom.
Get a free quoteFree site audit — within 2 days
Send us your current site. We'll email back what's slowing it down, why it isn't ranking, and the three fixes that matter most.
Request a free audit