BigCommerce vs Shopify 2026: Ecommerce Giants Compared
Updated May 27, 2026 · 13 min read · CMZ Reviews Team
BigCommerce and Shopify are the two leading SaaS ecommerce platforms. Both offer fully hosted, secure storefronts with built-in payment processing and extensive feature sets.
We used both platforms to build and run identical stores for 3 months, comparing every aspect of the experience.
Key Differences
| Feature | BigCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $39/mo | $39/mo |
| Transaction Fees | None | 0.5%+ (non-SP) |
| App Store | 600+ apps | 8,000+ apps |
| Built-in Features | Extensive | Moderate (apps fill gaps) |
| Multi-Currency | Yes (native) | Yes (native) |
| Best For | Growing businesses, B2B | All sizes, app ecosystem |
How We Test E-Commerce Platforms
🔬 Our Testing Methodology
We build real test stores on each platform with 50+ products, configure payment gateways, and process test transactions. We evaluate store setup, checkout flow, payment options, and scaling capabilities over 60+ days.
- Setup: We measure time to launch a fully functional store with products, payments, and shipping
- Checkout: We test checkout flow, cart abandonment features, and payment success rates
- Payments: We evaluate supported gateways, transaction fees, and payout speed
- Scaling: We test performance under simulated traffic spikes and catalog growth
- Apps/Plugins: We assess the quality and variety of available extensions
Last updated: May 2026. We re-test all platforms quarterly.
⭐ The Verdict
Shopify wins for most merchants thanks to its massive app ecosystem and ease of use. BigCommerce is a strong alternative for merchants who want more built-in features and no transaction fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BigCommerce or Shopify?
BigCommerce can be cheaper due to no transaction fees. But Shopify's larger app ecosystem may provide better value.
Does BigCommerce charge transaction fees?
No, BigCommerce does not charge transaction fees regardless of the payment gateway used.
Which has better SEO?
Both have good SEO features. BigCommerce has slight advantages with better URL structure and built-in rich snippets.
Can I run a B2B store on BigCommerce?
Yes, BigCommerce has excellent B2B features built in. Shopify B2B capabilities require third-party apps.
Ready to get started?
Power your ecommerce store on Bluehost — plans from $2.95/mo.
🌐 Explore More from Our Network
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