Shopify vs BigCommerce in 2026

Last reviewed October 2026. Shopify and BigCommerce are both hosted ecommerce platforms with similar entry pricing, and either can run a serious store. Shopify wins on ease of use, the size of its app and agency ecosystem, and the pool of themes and talent you can hire. BigCommerce wins on built in features such as B2B tools and product options, which means fewer paid apps for some merchants. For most small and growing stores Shopify is the safer pick. For merchants with complex catalogs or heavy B2B needs, BigCommerce deserves a close look.

The details matter, and some of them change from year to year. This guide compares the two on cost, features, apps, themes, ease of use, and growth, and points out which facts to check on the current pricing pages before you decide.

The Quick Comparison

Cost

Entry pricing is very similar. Both platforms charge a monthly fee that rises with the plan, with plans starting at roughly $29 to $39 a month and climbing into the hundreds for advanced tiers. The real cost depends on payment processing, the apps or extensions you add, and the design and development work you need.

• Shopify charges a monthly fee by plan with no revenue cap. You pay the same plan price whether sales are small or large
• BigCommerce ties each plan to an annual sales threshold, and a growing store is moved to a higher plan as sales rise. Check the current limits
• Both platforms let you avoid extra transaction fees by using their own payment option or approved providers, so compare the current fee rules for the gateway you plan to use

Add up apps, themes, and development to compare real cost. Shopify often needs more paid apps, while BigCommerce includes more features in the base plan.

Features and Built In Tools

BigCommerce ships with more advanced features in the base platform, including strong product options, built in B2B tools, and multi storefront support. Shopify keeps the core simpler and uses apps to add features, which gives you more choice but can raise cost and add moving parts.

• Shopify suits stores that want a clean core and the freedom to add exactly what they need
• BigCommerce suits stores with large or complex catalogs that want more handled out of the box
• Both support headless builds for teams that want a custom front end

Apps and Ecosystem

Shopify has a much larger app store, with many thousands of apps against a far smaller number on BigCommerce. That means more choice, more competition on price, and an easier time finding a tool for almost any need. The same holds for hiring. Shopify has far more agencies, developers, and freelancers, which makes it easier to find help and compare quotes.

Themes and Design

Both platforms offer free themes and paid premium themes. Shopify has a larger theme market and a more intuitive visual editor, which makes it easier for non technical owners to update the store. BigCommerce has fewer themes and a less friendly editor, though it works well with developer help.

Ease of Use

Shopify is generally easier for first time store owners, thanks to a simple setup and a polished admin. BigCommerce has a steeper learning curve, but it rewards teams that need its extra built in control.

B2B and Growth

Both platforms handle B2B, in different ways. BigCommerce has long offered strong B2B tools for wholesale and complex pricing. Shopify has added native B2B features that now cover many wholesale needs, especially on higher plans.

Which One Should You Choose

• Choose Shopify if you want the easiest setup, the largest app and agency ecosystem, and no revenue based plan limits
• Choose BigCommerce if you have a large or complex catalog, need strong built in B2B, and want more features without paying for many apps
• Choose Shopify if you plan to hire help, since there are far more agencies and developers to choose from
• Choose BigCommerce if built in capability matters more to you than ecosystem size

If you are on BigCommerce and want to move to Shopify, plan the migration carefully so products, customers, and search rankings carry over.

When to Bring in an Agency

You can launch on either platform yourself at a small scale. An agency helps when the decision or the build is bigger.

• You are choosing between the two for a store you expect to grow and want an expert opinion
• You are migrating from BigCommerce to Shopify and cannot afford to lose rankings or data
• You need a custom build, B2B setup, or complex integrations on either platform
• You want the build and migration handled so you can run the business

The Bottom Line

Shopify and BigCommerce are close on price and both are capable. Shopify is easier to start with and has the bigger ecosystem. BigCommerce packs more into the base platform and suits complex catalogs and B2B.

Pick the one that fits your catalog, your team, and your plans for growth, and confirm current pricing and limits before you commit. A platform that fits where the business is going saves you an expensive move later.