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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

  • Shopify lets a store use its online storefront alongside one or more other supported online sales channels. [1], [2]
  • BigCommerce describes multi-storefront as a way to manage distinct stores for brands, customer segments, or regions from one dashboard. [4]

Cons

  • 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]
  • 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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