BigCommerce vs Shopify Plus: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between BigCommerce and Shopify Plus 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: Shopify Plus is our overall pick for e-commerce platforms workflows. Pick BigCommerce if you need its specific feature set.
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
Shopify Plus
Scalable commerce platform for high-growth and enterprise businesses.
Best for you if:
- • Enterprise-grade commerce platform for high-volume and global businesses.
- • Offers extensive customization, integrations, and headless commerce options.
| At a Glance |  BigCommerce |  Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $39/moStandard | $2300/moStandard |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | E-commerce Platforms |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose BigCommerce or Shopify Plus?
Choose BigCommerce if
Enterprise e-commerce platform
- No transaction fees
- Built-in features
- B2B capabilities
- Budget matters ($39/mo vs $2300/mo)
Choose Shopify Plus if
Scalable commerce platform for high-growth and enterprise businesses.
- Enterprise Shopify features
- Customizable checkout
- Launchpad for campaigns
| Feature | BigCommerce | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 906 reviews | ★4.5/5 953 reviews |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsSEO Tools | E-commerce PlatformsHeadless Commerce |
In-Depth Analysis
BigCommerce
Enterprise e-commerce platform
Strengths
- +No transaction fees
- +Built-in features
- +B2B capabilities
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Fewer themes
Key features
Shopify Plus
Scalable commerce platform for high-growth and enterprise businesses.
Strengths
- +Enterprise Shopify features
- +Customizable checkout
- +Launchpad for campaigns
- +Dedicated support
- +Higher API limits
Weaknesses
- -Very expensive ($2000+/month)
- -Overkill for smaller stores
- -Still some customization limits
- -Contract required
- -Complex for simple needs
Key features
Pricing: BigCommerce vs Shopify Plus
| Plan | BigCommerce | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $39 Standard | $2300 Standard |
| Tier 2 | $105 Plus | $2500 Short Term |
| 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 Shopify Plus pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Shopify Plus
Want the highest-rated option?
BigCommerce: 4.3/5 (906 reviews). Shopify Plus: 4.5/5 (953 reviews).
Go with: Shopify Plus
Value user reviews?
BigCommerce: 906 reviews (4.3/5). Shopify Plus: 953 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Shopify Plus
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are e-commerce platforms tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Shopify Plus is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Shopify Plus
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (953 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
BigCommerce
- Choose if you want enterprise e-commerce platform
The Bottom Line
Shopify Plus is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigCommerce or Shopify Plus better?
Shopify Plus is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are BigCommerce and Shopify Plus used for?
BigCommerce: Enterprise e-commerce platform. Shopify Plus: Scalable commerce platform for high-growth and enterprise businesses..
What does BigCommerce cost vs Shopify Plus?
BigCommerce is a paid tool. Shopify Plus is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.