BigCommerce vs Swell: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between BigCommerce and Swell 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 Swell if you need headless commerce.
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:
- • You need e-commerce platforms features specifically
- • BigCommerce is an e-commerce platform for building online stores
- • It provides hosting, payment processing, and tools for selling across channels
Swell
Headless e-commerce for developers
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need headless commerce features specifically
- • Swell is a headless e-commerce platform for custom storefronts
- • It provides flexible APIs for building unique shopping experiences
| At a Glance |  BigCommerce |  Swell |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $39/moStandard | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | Headless Commerce |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose BigCommerce or Swell?
Choose BigCommerce if
Enterprise e-commerce platform
- No transaction fees
- Built-in features
- B2B capabilities
- Your work is e-commerce platforms-shaped, not headless commerce-shaped
Choose Swell if
Headless e-commerce for developers
- Headless e-commerce platform
- API-first architecture
- Developer-friendly customization
- Budget matters (Free vs $39/mo)
- Your work is headless commerce-shaped, not e-commerce platforms-shaped
| Feature | BigCommerce | Swell |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 906 reviews | ★4.6/5 364 reviews |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsSEO Tools | Headless CommerceAPI Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
BigCommerce
Enterprise e-commerce platform
Strengths
- +No transaction fees
- +Built-in features
- +B2B capabilities
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Fewer themes
Key features
Swell
Headless e-commerce for developers
Strengths
- +Headless e-commerce platform
- +API-first architecture
- +Developer-friendly customization
- +Modern commerce features
- +Flexible frontend options
Weaknesses
- -Developer expertise required
- -Pricing based on usage
- -Smaller ecosystem than Shopify
- -Implementation complexity
- -Limited out-of-box themes
Key features
Pricing: BigCommerce vs Swell
| Plan | BigCommerce | Swell |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $39 Standard | $29 month Starter |
| Tier 2 | $105 Plus | $79 month Basic |
| Tier 3 | $399 Pro | $299 month Standard |
| Tier 4 | Enterprise | $2250 month Unlimited |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on BigCommerce pricing and Swell pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Swell has a free tier. BigCommerce is paid only.
Go with: Swell
Want the highest-rated option?
BigCommerce: 4.3/5 (906 reviews). Swell: 4.6/5 (364 reviews).
Go with: Swell
Value user reviews?
BigCommerce: 906 reviews (4.3/5). Swell: 364 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: BigCommerce
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
BigCommerce is paid. Swell is freemium. Swell lets you start free.
What's your use case?
BigCommerce is a e-commerce platforms tool. Swell is in headless commerce. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Swell is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
BigCommerce
- Larger review base (906 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Swell
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
- Better fit for headless commerce
The Bottom Line
BigCommerce is our pick. Swell has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigCommerce or Swell better?
BigCommerce is rated in our evaluation. BigCommerce is paid and Swell is freemium.
What are BigCommerce and Swell used for?
BigCommerce: Enterprise e-commerce platform. Swell: Headless e-commerce for developers.
What does BigCommerce cost vs Swell?
BigCommerce is a paid tool. Swell is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.