Commerce Layer vs BigCommerce: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Commerce Layer and BigCommerce 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Commerce Layer
Headless commerce API for global brands
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Commerce Layer is a headless commerce API for building custom shopping experiences
- • It provides inventory, checkout, and order management APIs that work with any frontend
BigCommerce
Enterprise e-commerce platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need seo tools features specifically
- • BigCommerce is an e-commerce platform for building online stores
- • It provides hosting, payment processing, and tools for selling across channels
| At a Glance |  Commerce Layer |  BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | API Tools | SEO Tools |
Rating | 82/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Commerce Layer | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsE-commerce Platforms | SEO ToolsMarketing Automation |
How Commerce Layer and BigCommerce Compare
Commerce Layer
Headless commerce API for global brands
Free tier available · 82/100 score
BigCommerce
Enterprise e-commerce platform
Paid · 85/100 score
Commerce Layer is a api tools tool. BigCommerce is in seo tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Commerce Layer has a free tier. BigCommerce is paid only.
Go with: Commerce Layer
Want the highest-rated option?
Commerce Layer: 82/100. BigCommerce: 85/100.
Go with: BigCommerce
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: BigCommerce
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Commerce Layer is freemium. BigCommerce is paid. Commerce Layer lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Commerce Layer is a api tools tool. BigCommerce is in seo tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
BigCommerce scores higher: 85/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
BigCommerce
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 82
- Our pick for this comparison
Commerce Layer
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
BigCommerce (85/100) is our pick. Commerce Layer has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Commerce Layer or BigCommerce better?
BigCommerce scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Commerce Layer is freemium and BigCommerce is paid.
What are Commerce Layer and BigCommerce used for?
Commerce Layer: Headless commerce API for global brands. BigCommerce: Enterprise e-commerce platform.
What does Commerce Layer cost vs BigCommerce?
Commerce Layer is freemium (free tier + paid plans). BigCommerce is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.