BigCommerce vs OpenCart: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between BigCommerce and OpenCart 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 OpenCart if you need a fully free option.
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
OpenCart
Open-source e-commerce platform
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • OpenCart is an open-source e-commerce platform for online stores
- • It provides a modular system with extensions and themes for customization
| At a Glance |  BigCommerce |  OpenCart |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $39/moStandard | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | E-commerce Platforms |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose BigCommerce or OpenCart?
Choose BigCommerce if
Enterprise e-commerce platform
- No transaction fees
- Built-in features
- B2B capabilities
Choose OpenCart if
Open-source e-commerce platform
- Open source e-commerce
- Free to use
- Extensions available
- You want a fully free tool (BigCommerce requires payment)
| Feature | BigCommerce | OpenCart |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 906 reviews | ★4.1/5 259 reviews |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsSEO Tools | E-commerce PlatformsWebsite 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
OpenCart
Open-source e-commerce platform
Strengths
- +Open source e-commerce
- +Free to use
- +Extensions available
- +Self-hostable
- +Good for small stores
Weaknesses
- -Outdated architecture
- -Security concerns
- -Less features than competitors
- -Community shrinking
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Pricing: BigCommerce vs OpenCart
| Plan | BigCommerce | OpenCart |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $39 Standard | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $105 Plus | N/A |
| 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 OpenCart pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenCart is free. BigCommerce is paid.
Go with: OpenCart
Want the highest-rated option?
BigCommerce: 4.3/5 (906 reviews). OpenCart: 4.1/5 (259 reviews).
Go with: BigCommerce
Value user reviews?
BigCommerce: 906 reviews (4.3/5). OpenCart: 259 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: BigCommerce
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
BigCommerce is paid. OpenCart is free. Go with OpenCart if free matters most.
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
- Larger review base (906 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenCart
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
BigCommerce is our pick. That said, OpenCart is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigCommerce or OpenCart better?
BigCommerce is rated in our evaluation. BigCommerce is paid and OpenCart is free.
What are BigCommerce and OpenCart used for?
BigCommerce: Enterprise e-commerce platform. OpenCart: Open-source e-commerce platform.
What does BigCommerce cost vs OpenCart?
BigCommerce is a paid tool. OpenCart is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.