Shopify vs BigCommerce vs WooCommerce: Full Comparison of Popular Platforms

In the digital age, the eCommerce industry has seen an unprecedented rise, transforming the way we shop and conduct business online. According to Google Trends, Shopify is definitely the leader in Google Search, shown here in blue. Next goes WooCommerce (pink), and BigCommerce (purple).

But does that mean the other two have no value? We don’t think so and decided to write this comparison guide to show you the uniqueness of each platform.

The importance of choosing the right platform for your online business can’t be doubted, as it can significantly impact your store’s functionality, user experience, and overall success.

Let ProCoders help you make the right choice.

What is Shopify?

History and Market Position

Shopify, founded in 2006, has rapidly evolved into one of the leading eCommerce platforms globally. It is renowned for its ease of use and has empowered a wide range of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises.

Key Features and Benefits

• User-Friendly Interface: Shopify is praised for its intuitive design, making it easy for non-technical users to set up and manage their stores.
• Integrated Payment Solutions: The platform’s Payments simplifies the transaction process, though it also supports other payment gateways.
• App Store: An extensive range of apps and plugins are available for added functionality.

Pricing Structure and Transaction Fees

The platform offers several pricing tiers, including

• Basic ($32/month)
• Shopify ($92/month) 
• Advanced ($399/month)
• Enterprise (Starting at $2000/month)

While it has its own payment system, the service charges additional fees for using other payment gateways.

Pros and Cons of Using Shopify

• Pros: User-friendly, reliable customer support, and robust app store.
• Cons: Additional transaction fees and limited customization options in the basic plans.

What is BigCommerce?

History and Market Position

BigCommerce, founded in 2009, has become a significant player in the eCommerce platform market, known for its comprehensive set of built-in features and scalability.

Key Features and Benefits

• Scalability: Ideal for businesses planning to scale quickly.
• Built-in Features: Offers a wide array of out-of-the-box features, reducing the need for external apps.
• SEO Capabilities: Strong SEO tools to help improve search engine ranking. One might say the BigCommerce vs WooCommerce SEO feat is won by the first option.

Pricing Structure and Transaction Fees

BigCommerce provides various pricing plans, including:

• Standard ($39/month)
• Plus ($105/month)
• Pro ($399/month)
• Enterprise (pricing based on a customer’s unique case)

The platform does not charge additional transaction fees for using external payment gateways.

Pros and Cons of Using BigCommerce

• Pros: No transaction fees, excellent scalability, and strong SEO tools.
• Cons: Can be complex for beginners and limited free theme options.

What is WooCommerce?

History and Market Position

WooCommerce, launched in 2011, is a free WordPress plugin that turns a website into a fully-functional eCommerce store. It’s widely popular due to its flexibility and customization capabilities.

Key Features and Benefits

• Customization: Being an open-source platform, it offers extensive customization options.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with WordPress, making it ideal for those already using WordPress.
• Community Support: Benefits from a large community of developers and users.

Pricing Structure and Transaction Fees

WooCommerce is a free plugin, but costs may arise from hosting, themes, and additional plugins. There are no inherent transaction fees beyond what payment gateways may charge.

Pros and Cons of Using WooCommerce

• Pros: Highly customizable, integrates with WordPress, and no transaction fees.
• Cons: Requires more technical knowledge and can be resource-intensive.

Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce development services each offer unique benefits, catering to different business needs. Your choice will depend on factors like your technical expertise, business size, growth plans, and specific eCommerce needs.

WooCommerce vs Shopify vs BigCommerce: A Detailed Comparison

Make a list of the features that are a priority for you and write + or – near the platforms. In the end, you’re going to see which one is the best for you. And if you’re still in doubt by then, let ProCoders help you!

Ease of Use

Shopify is renowned for its ease of use, with a straightforward onboarding process and a user-friendly interface. BigCommerce, while robust, has a slightly steeper learning curve due to its extensive features. WooCommerce, being a WordPress plugin, requires more technical knowledge, especially for those unfamiliar with WordPress.

Design and Customization

All three platforms offer a range of themes and customization options. Shopify and BigCommerce provide a variety of professionally designed themes, with the former having a slight edge in ease of customization. WooCommerce excels in customization due to its open-source nature, allowing deep modifications but requiring technical skills. 

eCommerce Features and Tools

In terms of inventory management, payment options, and shipping settings, the Shopify vs WooCommerce vs BigCommerce scores are even. No 1 and No 3 offer extensive built-in features and apps for sales and marketing. No 2, with the right plugins, can match these features but may require more setup.

Scalability and Performance

Shopify and BigCommerce are cloud-based and handle scalability efficiently, suitable for growing businesses. WooCommerce, while scalable, depends on your hosting solution, which can be a limitation or an advantage based on the chosen hosting service. This may be one of the reasons why businesses opt for WooCommerce to Shopify migration.

Security and Compliance

All platforms prioritize security. Shopify and BigCommerce provide SSL certificates and ensure compliance with PCI DSS. WooCommerce relies on the user to implement security measures, though WordPress offers various security plugins.

Support and Community

Here, the BigCommerce vs Shopify vs WooCommerce battle is uneven due to the nature of the platforms. The first two offer reliable customer support along with extensive documentation. The WordPress plugin benefits from a vast community and numerous online resources, but direct support depends on the service providers involved in your setup.

Integration and Extensibility

Shopify and BigCommerce both have large app marketplaces for integrations. WooCommerce, being open-source, offers extensive API access and integration capabilities, especially for custom development.

Real-World Examples of WooCommerce vs BigCommerce vs Shopify

Shopify Case

Gymshark: This fitness apparel and accessories brand leveraged the platform’s scalable infrastructure to grow from a garage-based startup to a globally recognized brand. The seamless integration with various marketing tools and analytics in the e-commerce environment played a crucial role in their growth.

BigCommerce Case

Ben & Jerry’s: Known for its delicious ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s turned to BigCommerce for its online store. The platform’s flexibility in handling complex inventory and promotional strategies was a perfect fit for their diverse product range and marketing initiatives.

WooCommerce Case

Singer Sewing Company: Using WooCommerce’s flexibility wisely, Singer successfully integrated an e-commerce solution into their WordPress website, enhancing their online presence and sales capabilities. The platform’s adaptability was crucial in showcasing their vast range of sewing machines and accessories.

Conclusion

Choosing the right eCommerce platform depends on your business needs, technical expertise, and growth plans. Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce each offer unique strengths, and the best choice varies based on individual requirements and preferences.