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Shopify vs. BigCommerce: which fits your store?

Compare sales channels, storefront structure, and plan terms against the needs of your store.

Reviewed

At a glance

Quick fit by platform

  • Shopify

    Consider it if running an online store with additional supported online sales channels from Shopify admin suits your selling model. [1], [2]

    Read platform details

  • BigCommerce

    Consider it if its multi-storefront options and GMV-based plan structure fit your storefront count and sales forecast. [4]

    Read platform details

Shopify

When Shopify may fit

  • Shopify says an online store can operate at the same time as one or more other online sales channels, with products and orders managed from its admin. [1], [2]
  • Shopify plan options have different monthly fees, transaction fees, and store features, so compare the plan details for your business requirements. [1]
  • Shopify notes that the point when a higher plan may save money depends on location and whether Shopify Payments is used. [3]

BigCommerce

When BigCommerce may fit

  • BigCommerce describes multi-storefront as managing multiple unique storefronts from one dashboard; additional storefront availability and pricing vary by plan. [4]
  • Its current self-service plans list trailing-twelve-month GMV thresholds, and the pricing page says some thresholds trigger an automatic plan upgrade. [4]
  • BigCommerce charges plan-dependent fees on orders processed through open payment providers; its page says no such fee applies to embedded-provider orders. [4]

The fit

Who this may suit

Owners comparing hosted ecommerce platforms for a new or growing online store. Use this comparison to identify the features and costs to verify against your own sales plan.

  • You can describe your sales channels, payment setup, expected sales volume, and storefront needs.
  • You are ready to compare current plan terms against your own region and operating model.

The mismatch

When another option may fit better

  • You need a universal winner without weighing your store’s channels, sales forecast, and workflows.
  • You are comparing headline subscription prices without checking fees, plan limits, or included features.

Pros

  • Fit context

    For stores selling through an online storefront and additional supported channels.

    Shopify lets a store use its online storefront alongside one or more other supported online sales channels. [1], [2]

  • Fit context

    For brands or regions that need distinct storefronts managed from one dashboard.

    BigCommerce describes multi-storefront as a way to manage distinct stores for brands, customer segments, or regions from one dashboard. [4]

Cons

  • Fit context

    When comparing plan costs across locations or payment setups.

    Shopify plan features and fees vary, and its guidance says the value of upgrading depends on location and whether Shopify Payments is used. [1], [3]

  • Fit context

    For stores forecasting sales near a GMV threshold or comparing payment providers.

    BigCommerce self-service tiers use trailing-twelve-month GMV thresholds, while open payment provider fees vary by plan and do not apply to embedded-provider orders. [4]

Sources

  1. [1]Shopify overview: features, ways to sell, and pricing plans — Shopify Help CenterChecked September 26, 2026
  2. [2]Sales channels — Shopify Help CenterChecked September 26, 2026
  3. [3]Choosing the right plan — Shopify Help CenterChecked September 26, 2026
  4. [4]Pricing and plan information — BigCommerceChecked September 26, 2026

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