BigCommerce vs Shopify
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Open SaaS ecommerce for growing brands.
The verdict
Both BigCommerce and Shopify are credible ecommerce platforms tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose BigCommerce if you want a longer free trial (15 days). Open SaaS ecommerce for growing brands.
Choose Shopify if you'd rather have a lower starting price (from $29/mo) and broader platform coverage. The leading platform to start and run a store.
BigCommerce vs Shopify: side by side
| Dimension | BigCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $39/mo | From $29/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 15 daysWinner | 3 days |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Mid Market, B2b | Ecommerce, Smb, Dtc Brands |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Ios, Android, ApiWinner |
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
BigCommerce key facts
- Vendor
- BigCommerce
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $39/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (15 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Mid Market, B2b
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2009
- Headquarters
- Austin, TX, USA
Shopify key facts
- Vendor
- Shopify Inc.
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $29/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (3 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android, Api
- Best for
- Ecommerce, Smb, Dtc Brands
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2006
- Headquarters
- Ottawa, Canada
Frequently asked questions
Is BigCommerce better than Shopify?
Neither is universally better — Shopify edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is BigCommerce or Shopify cheaper?
Shopify is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $29/mo. BigCommerce starts at from $39/mo; Shopify starts at from $29/mo.
Can BigCommerce replace Shopify?
Yes for most teams — both are ecommerce platforms tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.