Compare Shopify and BigCommerce to Find Your Best Fit

If you run a small business or want a simple ecommerce solution, Shopify is often your best fit. BigCommerce works well for larger businesses that need advanced ecommerce features. Your decision should focus on business needs, online growth plans, and support options. Many ecommerce stores rely on strong customer support to handle online questions and boost sales. Omnichannel solutions play a key role in ecommerce today. These tools help you reach customers across online channels, reduce support fees, and increase conversion. Sobot and Sobot AI offer live chat and unified support for both Shopify and BigCommerce. Sobot helps ecommerce businesses lower support fees and improve customer engagement. When you compare shopify and bigcommerce, think about how you will manage support, fees, and customer support as your online business grows. Sobot AI can help you handle support across many online channels while keeping fees low.

Quick Verdict: BigCommerce vs Shopify

When you compare shopify and bigcommerce, you see that each platform fits different business needs. Some stores want a simple setup. Others need advanced features for growth. The table below shows which types of businesses benefit most from each platform:

Best for Simplicity

If you want a platform that is easy to use, Shopify stands out. You can set up your store quickly. The dashboard is clean and organized. You do not need much technical skill to get started. Shopify gives you a drag-and-drop theme editor. You can change your store’s look without coding. Many users say Shopify is the best choice for beginners.

Tip: Shopify’s app store helps you add new features with just a few clicks. You do not need to hire a developer for most tasks.

When you compare shopify and bigcommerce for ease of use, Shopify wins for simplicity. You can manage products, track orders, and connect to social media channels like Facebook and Instagram. This makes Shopify a strong choice for small businesses or anyone new to ecommerce.

• Shopify is recognized for its beginner-friendly design.
• The setup process is fast and simple.
• The dashboard guides you step by step.
• You can customize your store with a few clicks.
• Shopify’s app ecosystem makes adding features easy.

Sobot Live Chat also integrates smoothly with Shopify. You can add live chat to your store in minutes. This helps you answer customer questions fast and boost sales. Sobot’s omnichannel support lets you connect with customers on their favorite platforms, like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

Best for Advanced Features

Bigcommerce vs shopify becomes more interesting when you need advanced features. Bigcommerce offers more built-in tools for growing businesses. You get advanced product management, native integrations with Amazon and eBay, and no extra transaction fees. Bigcommerce supports custom app development and has robust APIs for complex needs.

Note: Bigcommerce gives you more out-of-the-box features, so you do not need to rely on third-party apps as much.

Bigcommerce is a strong choice for mid-market and enterprise businesses. You can manage large catalogs, use advanced SEO tools, and customize the checkout experience. The platform supports integration with open source software and offers enterprise-grade security.

• Bigcommerce provides advanced product options.
• You can connect to multiple sales channels natively.
• The platform supports custom workflows and integrations.
• No transaction fees help you save on costs as you grow.
• Built-in features reduce the need for extra apps.

Some users find Bigcommerce’s dashboard less intuitive at first. You may need some technical knowledge to use all the features. However, if you want a platform that grows with your business, Bigcommerce is a top pick.

Sobot Live Chat also works well with Bigcommerce. You can unify customer messages from your website, social media, and apps. Sobot’s AI-powered tools help your team respond faster and improve customer satisfaction. This is important for larger stores that handle many customer requests each day.

When you compare shopify and bigcommerce, think about your business size and future plans. Shopify is best for simplicity and quick setup. Bigcommerce is best for advanced features and scaling up.

Platform Overviews

Shopify Overview

Shopify stands out as a leading ecommerce platform for building your online store. You can use Shopify to create a website, manage products, and sell across many channels. Shopify supports both small businesses and large brands like Gymshark and Mattel. The platform offers a fast and customizable checkout system called Shopify Checkout, which converts 15% higher on average than other platforms. You can manage your store from anywhere using the Shopify Admin or the mobile app.

Shopify gives you access to over 13,000 apps in its app store. These apps help you add features to your ecommerce website without coding. Shopify Magic, an AI-powered tool, helps you write product descriptions and optimize your store. You can sell online, in person, or on social media. Shopify Markets and Shopify Shipping make it easy to sell and ship products worldwide.

Tip: Shopify releases over 150 new features every year, so your ecommerce platform stays up to date.

Shopify supports both direct-to-consumer and B2B sales. You can offer custom pricing and payment terms for wholesale customers. The platform also provides financial support through Shopify Capital, offering loans up to $2 million. Shopify’s high-performance infrastructure ensures your website loads quickly, even during big sales.

If you want to boost customer engagement, you can integrate Sobot Live Chat with your Shopify store. This lets you answer questions in real time and improve your online support.

BigCommerce Overview

BigCommerce is a powerful ecommerce platform designed for growing businesses. You can use BigCommerce to build a flexible online store and manage large product catalogs. The platform supports advanced product options and native integrations with Amazon, Walmart, and eBay. BigCommerce gives you more built-in features, so you do not need as many third-party apps.

You can customize your website with the intuitive Page Builder. BigCommerce supports custom app development and offers robust APIs for complex needs. The platform does not charge transaction fees, which helps you save money as your online business grows. BigCommerce also provides enterprise-grade security and high-speed cloud hosting.

BigCommerce makes it easy to sell across multiple channels. You can connect your ecommerce website to social media, marketplaces, and even physical stores. The platform supports both B2C and B2B sales, giving you flexible pricing and payment options. Many mid-market and enterprise businesses choose BigCommerce for its scalability and advanced features.

Note: BigCommerce works well with Sobot Live Chat, helping you unify customer messages from your website, social media, and apps. This improves your ecommerce support and helps you respond faster to online shoppers.

BigCommerce vs Shopify often comes down to your business needs. Shopify is great for simplicity, while BigCommerce offers more advanced tools for scaling your ecommerce platform.

Compare Shopify and BigCommerce: Ease of Use

Setup and Navigation

When you compare shopify and bigcommerce, you notice differences in how you set up your store. Shopify guides you through each step with a clear dashboard. You can add products, choose a theme, and launch your store in less than an hour. Many users say Shopify’s setup feels smooth and fast. You do not need coding skills for most tasks. The drag-and-drop editor lets you change your site’s look easily.

Bigcommerce also offers a user-friendly setup, but it gives you more options from the start. You can manage large product catalogs and connect to multiple sales channels right away. The dashboard in bigcommerce has more features, which can feel overwhelming at first. However, you get powerful tools for store management, including advanced inventory and order management. If you want to handle complex product options or multiple storefronts, bigcommerce gives you that flexibility.

Tip: Both platforms let you add Sobot Live Chat with just a few clicks. This helps you answer customer questions quickly and improve the user experience.

Learning Curve

Shopify stands out for its easy learning curve. You can start selling fast, even if you have never built a website before. The help center and community forums offer step-by-step guides. Most users feel comfortable with shopify after a short time. You can focus on sales and customer support instead of technical details.

Bigcommerce takes a bit more time to master. You get more built-in features, so you may need to explore the dashboard to find everything. If you run a larger business or need advanced management tools, bigcommerce rewards you with more control. You can customize workflows and automate tasks. Many users appreciate the detailed analytics and reporting options.

Note: Sobot’s integration with both platforms makes customer support management easier, no matter which one you choose.

When you compare shopify and bigcommerce, think about your comfort with technology and your business goals. Shopify is best for quick setup and simple management. Bigcommerce is ideal if you want advanced features and do not mind a steeper learning curve.

Design and Customization

Themes and Flexibility

When you build your online store, the look and feel matter a lot. Shopify and BigCommerce both offer a wide range of themes and design options. Shopify gives you over 100 themes, with 11 free choices and many paid ones. You can preview each theme before you pick it for your website. BigCommerce also provides a strong library of themes and design options, including free and premium selections. Both platforms let you change colors, fonts, and layouts without coding.

You can use drag-and-drop editors on both platforms. This makes it easy to adjust your website’s layout and add new features. Shopify’s theme editor is simple and user-friendly. BigCommerce offers more advanced functionality for those who want deeper control. If you want to add custom code, both platforms support HTML and CSS changes. This gives you more flexibility to match your brand.

Tip: Sobot Live Chat offers customizable widgets that blend with your store’s design. You can keep your branding consistent while adding powerful customer support features.

Branding Options

Branding helps your store stand out. Shopify and BigCommerce both give you tools to add your logo, set your brand colors, and use custom fonts. You can upload high-quality images to make your website look professional. Both platforms support mobile-friendly designs, so your website looks great on any device.

You can use built-in functionality to add banners, slideshows, and product galleries. These features help you highlight your best products and promotions. BigCommerce offers more advanced functionality for editing your storefront, which is helpful for larger brands. Shopify makes it easy for beginners to update branding elements quickly.

Sobot’s live chat solution lets you customize chat windows to match your brand. You can change colors, add your logo, and adjust the chat style. This keeps your customer support in line with your overall branding and improves the user experience.

Fact: According to Shopify’s Theme Store, stores with strong branding and clear design see higher conversion rates.

Features and Integrations

Built-in Tools

Shopify and BigCommerce both give you strong built-in ecommerce tools. Shopify offers an all-in-one CMS with AI features, SEO tools, and advanced customization. You can manage your products, track inventory, and sell across many channels. Shopify’s API access lets you connect with other ecommerce tools and services. BigCommerce provides a drag-and-drop website builder, mobile-ready design, and clean URLs for better SEO. You can use automatic redirects and multichannel selling with social media and marketplaces. BigCommerce also supports large catalogs and scalable infrastructure. These built-in features help you save time and manage your store more easily. You can focus on growing your business instead of handling technical details.

Tip: Both platforms help you optimize your online presence and manage sales and inventory with less effort.

App Marketplaces

You can expand your store’s functionality with app marketplaces. Shopify has over 13,000 apps in its marketplace. You can find ecommerce tools for marketing, shipping, analytics, and customer support. Many apps add new features with just a few clicks. BigCommerce also offers a wide range of ecommerce tools in its app store. You can add payment gateways, marketing automation, and advanced reporting. Both platforms let you choose the features you need. This flexibility helps you build a store that fits your business goals. You can always add more functionality as your store grows.

Note: Many apps in both marketplaces offer free trials, so you can test features before you buy.

Sobot Live Chat Integration

Sobot Live Chat works smoothly with both Shopify and BigCommerce. You can use Sobot to unify customer interactions from your website, social media, and apps. This omnichannel solution helps you boost conversion rates by 38%. Sobot gives you a single workspace for all messages, making customer support faster and more efficient. You can customize the chat widget to match your brand and use AI tools to help agents respond quickly. Sobot’s analytics let you track over 150 indicators, so you can improve your customer experience and make data-driven decisions. Many ecommerce businesses trust Sobot to enhance their support and drive growth.

Fact: Sobot supports channels like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and more, so you never miss a customer message.

Marketing and SEO

Marketing Tools

You want your ecommerce store to reach more customers and grow sales. Shopify and BigCommerce both give you strong marketing features to help you do this. Shopify offers built-in email marketing, discount codes, and abandoned cart recovery. You can send emails to shoppers who leave items in their carts. This helps you win back lost sales. BigCommerce also gives you tools for email campaigns, coupons, and gift cards. You can connect your store to Facebook, Instagram, and Google Shopping. These features help you reach shoppers on many channels.

Sobot Live Chat adds even more value to your marketing. You can use Sobot to engage visitors in real time and answer questions fast. This can increase your conversion rate by up to 38%. Sobot also lets you send targeted messages based on customer behavior. This makes your marketing more personal and effective. Many ecommerce brands use these tools to boost customer loyalty and drive repeat sales.

Tip: According to Shopify’s data, stores that use automated marketing features see higher sales and better customer retention.

SEO Capabilities

You need strong seo to help your ecommerce store show up in search results. Shopify and BigCommerce both offer tools to improve your search engine optimization. Shopify lets you edit meta titles, descriptions, and URLs for every product. You can also add alt text to images. BigCommerce gives you control over page titles, meta tags, and custom URLs. Both platforms create sitemaps automatically. This helps search engines find your pages.

BigCommerce stands out with more advanced seo features. You get clean URLs, automatic redirects, and faster page loading. These features help your store rank higher on Google. Shopify also supports structured data, which can improve how your products appear in search results. Sobot’s analytics can help you track which channels bring the most traffic. You can use this data to improve your seo strategy and grow your ecommerce business.

Note: Good search engine optimization brings more visitors to your store and helps you compete in the busy ecommerce market.

Payments and Checkout

Payment Gateways

When you compare Shopify and BigCommerce, you see clear differences in payment gateway options and fees. Shopify supports many payment gateways. You can use Shopify Payments, which accepts major credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. BigCommerce offers 65 pre-integrated payment gateways, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay.

Here is a quick look at the payment gateway support and fees:

Shopify charges extra fees if you use a third-party gateway instead of Shopify Payments. These fees get lower as you move to higher plans. BigCommerce does not charge extra fees for using external gateways. You only pay the fees set by the payment provider. This can help you save money as your store grows.

Tip: If you want to keep costs low, compare Shopify and BigCommerce payment fees before you choose a platform.

Checkout Experience

The checkout process can make or break your sales. Shopify gives you a fast and secure checkout. You can customize the checkout page to match your brand. Shopify Checkout supports express options like Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. This helps your customers pay quickly and easily.

BigCommerce also offers a smooth checkout experience. You can use a one-page checkout, which reduces steps for your customers. BigCommerce lets you customize the checkout with built-in tools or apps. You can add features like guest checkout, digital wallets, and custom fields.

Both platforms focus on security and speed. When you compare Shopify and BigCommerce, think about your customers’ needs. A simple and fast checkout can boost your conversion rates. Sobot Live Chat can help here, too. If a customer has a question during checkout, Sobot lets you answer in real time. This support can reduce cart abandonment and increase sales.

Fact: A smooth checkout and real-time support can help you win more sales and keep customers coming back. Learn more about checkout best practices.

Pricing and Value

Plan Comparison

You want to understand how Shopify and BigCommerce compare in terms of pricing structures. Both platforms offer several plans, but the value you get for your money can differ. Here is a table that shows the main pricing tiers, monthly fees, and included features:

You see that Shopify and BigCommerce have similar monthly pricing, but Shopify often requires extra paid apps for features that BigCommerce includes. Shopify also charges transaction fees unless you use their own payment gateway. BigCommerce does not charge these fees, which can save you money as your store grows. Over time, BigCommerce can offer better value, especially if you want fewer third-party apps and more built-in tools.

Tip: If you want to maximize value, look at what features you get without extra app costs or fees.

Hidden Costs

When you choose an ecommerce platform, you need to watch out for hidden costs. These can affect your total pricing and profit. Here is a table that highlights some important cost aspects:

Shopify’s pricing can look simple at first, but extra fees and app costs add up quickly. You may pay for plugins to get features like abandoned cart recovery or advanced product filtering. BigCommerce includes more features in its base pricing, so you avoid many extra costs. However, BigCommerce uses a revenue-based pricing model. If your sales grow fast, you may need to upgrade your plan, which can increase your costs.

Sobot Live Chat helps you control support costs by unifying customer messages and reducing the need for extra support tools. You can try Sobot for free and see how it fits your budget. Learn more about Sobot’s pricing and features at Sobot Live Chat.

Note: Always review the full pricing details and possible fees before you choose a platform. This helps you avoid surprises and plan your business budget.

Security and Reliability

Data Protection

You want your customers to trust your store with their personal and payment information. Shopify and BigCommerce both use strong security measures to protect your data. They use advanced SSL certificates to encrypt sensitive information, like credit card numbers and contact details. Both platforms meet Level 1 PCI DSS compliance, which is the highest standard for payment card security. This means your store gets regular audits to keep security up to date.

Here is a quick look at the main security features you get:

You also get fraud analysis tools that use machine learning to spot suspicious activity. Both platforms offer customizable access controls, so you can set permissions for your team. Sobot supports secure integrations with Shopify and BigCommerce, helping you keep customer conversations private and safe.

Tip: Always use two-factor authentication and strong passwords to add another layer of protection.

Uptime

Your store needs to stay online so customers can shop anytime. Shopify and BigCommerce both promise high uptime rates, often reaching 99.99%. This means your store will almost always be available, even during busy sales events. High uptime helps you avoid lost sales and keeps your brand reputation strong.

Both platforms use cloud hosting with automatic data backups. If something goes wrong, they have disaster recovery plans to restore your store quickly. Fast and reliable hosting also improves your store’s performance, making pages load faster for your customers. Sobot’s contact center solutions match this level of reliability, with system stability reaching 99.99%. You can trust that your customer support will stay online when you need it most.

Fact: A reliable store with strong performance builds trust and encourages repeat business. Learn more about uptime standards.

Customer Support Solutions

Support Channels

You need strong support channels to run a successful online store. Both shopify and bigcommerce offer several ways to help your customers. You can use email, phone, and live chat to answer questions. Many stores also use social media for support. Fast responses build trust and keep shoppers happy.

Shopify gives you built-in tools for support. You can add live chat or connect with customers through Facebook Messenger. Bigcommerce also lets you set up live chat and email support. Both platforms help you track support tickets and manage requests. You can use help centers and FAQs to answer common questions.

Sobot makes support even better. You can connect all your channels in one place. Sobot lets you talk to customers on your website, WhatsApp, Instagram, and more. This omnichannel approach means you never miss a message. You can respond faster and solve problems quickly.

Tip: Stores with fast support see higher customer satisfaction and more repeat sales. Learn more about the impact of live chat.

Sobot for Customer Service

Sobot gives you powerful tools for customer service on shopify and bigcommerce. You can use Sobot Live Chat to answer questions in real time. The platform uses AI to help your team reply faster and more accurately. You can see all customer messages in one workspace, which makes support simple.

Sobot helps you boost conversion rates by up to 38%. You can use built-in analytics to track over 150 indicators. This data helps you improve your support and make smart decisions. Sobot also lets you customize the chat widget to match your brand.

A real-world example is Michael Kors. The company used Sobot to unify its support channels. Michael Kors saw an 83% drop in response time and a 95% customer satisfaction rate. The brand also increased conversion rates by 20%. You can read more about this success story here.

Fact: Sobot supports over 10,000 brands and handles millions of messages every day. You can try Sobot for free and see how it works with shopify and bigcommerce.

Decision Guide: Choosing Your Platform

Checklist

You want to choose the right platform for your successful online store. Use this checklist to guide your decision. Each point helps you match your business objectives with the right tools.

• What is the size of your business?
• Do you need simple store management or advanced features?
• Will you sell on multiple channels or just your website?
• How important is built-in seo for your growth?
• Do you want to avoid extra transaction fees?
• Does your team need easy product management or custom workflows?
• Will you use live chat or omnichannel support for customer service?
• Do you plan to scale your business in the future?
• What are your main business needs today and tomorrow?

Tip: Write down your answers. This makes it easier to compare Shopify and BigCommerce side by side.

A table can help you visualize your priorities:

Next Steps

Now you have your checklist. Take these steps to move forward:

1. Sign up for a free trial on both platforms.
2. Test the dashboard and management tools.
3. Set up a sample website and add products.
4. Try Sobot Live Chat for unified customer support.
5. Review analytics and seo features.
6. Compare costs, including hidden fees.
7. Ask your team for feedback on daily management.

Fact: According to Shopify and BigCommerce, both offer free trials so you can test before you commit.

Sobot helps you unify customer messages and improve support across channels. You can boost conversion rates and keep your business running smoothly. Visit Sobot Live Chat to see how it fits your business.

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You can see clear differences between shopify and bigcommerce. The table below shows how shopify and bigcommerce compare in key areas, based on expert reviews:

shopify gives you more marketing tools and a bigger app marketplace. bigcommerce offers better SEO and no extra transaction fees. Both shopify and bigcommerce support omnichannel engagement. Sobot Live Chat works with shopify and bigcommerce, helping you answer questions fast and boost sales. Try free trials for shopify and bigcommerce to see which fits your needs best.

FAQ

How do I compare Shopify and BigCommerce for ease of use?

You can compare Shopify and BigCommerce by testing their dashboards. Shopify offers a simple setup. BigCommerce gives you more built-in features. Many users say Shopify is easier for beginners. BigCommerce works well for advanced needs.

Can I use Sobot Live Chat on both Shopify and BigCommerce?

Yes, you can use Sobot Live Chat on both platforms. Sobot helps you unify customer messages from your website, WhatsApp, and social media. This boosts your support speed and conversion rates. Learn more at Sobot Live Chat.

What are the main costs when you compare Shopify and BigCommerce?

When you compare Shopify and BigCommerce, look at monthly fees, transaction fees, and app costs. Shopify charges extra fees if you do not use Shopify Payments. BigCommerce does not charge extra transaction fees. Both offer free trials.

How does Sobot improve customer support for Shopify and BigCommerce stores?

Sobot gives you omnichannel support, AI-powered tools, and analytics. You can answer questions faster and track over 150 service indicators. Michael Kors used Sobot and saw an 83% drop in response time. Read the story here.

Why should I compare Shopify and BigCommerce before choosing?

You should compare Shopify and BigCommerce to match your business needs. Shopify fits simple stores. BigCommerce offers more advanced features. Comparing both helps you avoid hidden costs and pick the best platform for your growth.

Tip: Always compare Shopify and BigCommerce features, support, and pricing before you decide.

See Also

Best Live Chat Platforms Compared For Shopify Users

Explore Twelve Live Chat Solutions To Boost Shopify

Using Live Chat On Shopify Within Retail Sector

Boost Shopify Revenue Through Effective Live Chat

Leading Ecommerce Live Chat Tools To Use In 2024