BigCommerce vs Magento: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between BigCommerce and Magento comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: BigCommerce is our overall pick for e-commerce platforms workflows. Pick Magento if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
BigCommerce
Enterprise e-commerce platform
Best for you if:
- • BigCommerce is an e-commerce platform for building online stores
- • It provides hosting, payment processing, and tools for selling across channels
Magento
Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Magento is an open-source e-commerce platform for online stores
- • It provides flexible product management, checkout, and extensions
| At a Glance |  BigCommerce |  Magento |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $39/moStandard | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | E-commerce Platforms |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
Choose BigCommerce or Magento?
Choose BigCommerce if
Enterprise e-commerce platform
- No transaction fees
- Built-in features
- B2B capabilities
- Budget matters ($39/mo vs Free)
Choose Magento if
Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe
- Highly customizable
- Good for large catalogs
- B2B features
| Feature | BigCommerce | Magento |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 906 reviews | ★4.1/5 1,400 reviews |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsSEO Tools | E-commerce PlatformsMarketplace Builders |
In-Depth Analysis
BigCommerce
Enterprise e-commerce platform
Strengths
- +No transaction fees
- +Built-in features
- +B2B capabilities
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Fewer themes
Key features
Magento
Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe
Strengths
- +Highly customizable
- +Good for large catalogs
- +B2B features
- +Open source option
- +Enterprise proven
Weaknesses
- -Complex and expensive
- -Requires development
- -Resource intensive
- -Adobe ownership costs
- -Steep learning curve
Key features
Pricing: BigCommerce vs Magento
| Plan | BigCommerce | Magento |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $39 Standard | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $105 Plus | $22000 year Commerce |
| Tier 3 | $399 Pro | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on BigCommerce pricing and Magento pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Magento has a free tier. BigCommerce is paid only.
Go with: Magento
Want the highest-rated option?
BigCommerce: 4.3/5 (906 reviews). Magento: 4.1/5 (1,400 reviews).
Go with: BigCommerce
Value user reviews?
BigCommerce: 906 reviews (4.3/5). Magento: 1,400 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: Magento
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
BigCommerce is paid. Magento is freemium. Magento lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are e-commerce platforms tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
BigCommerce is rated higher: 4.3/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
BigCommerce
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 4.1/5
- Our pick for this comparison
Magento
- Has a free tier
- Larger review base (1,400 reviews)
The Bottom Line
BigCommerce is our pick. Magento has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigCommerce or Magento better?
BigCommerce is rated in our evaluation. BigCommerce is paid and Magento is freemium.
What are BigCommerce and Magento used for?
BigCommerce: Enterprise e-commerce platform. Magento: Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe.
What does BigCommerce cost vs Magento?
BigCommerce is a paid tool. Magento is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.