OpenCart vs BigCommerce: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between OpenCart 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.
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:
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
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
| At a Glance |  OpenCart |  BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $39/moStandard |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | E-commerce Platforms |
Rating | - | - |
Choose OpenCart or BigCommerce?
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)
Choose BigCommerce if
Enterprise e-commerce platform
- No transaction fees
- Built-in features
- B2B capabilities
| Feature | OpenCart | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.1/5 259 reviews | ★4.3/5 906 reviews |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsWebsite Builders | E-commerce PlatformsSEO Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
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- -Outdated architecture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
BigCommerce
Enterprise e-commerce platform
Strengths
- +No transaction fees
- +Built-in features
- +B2B capabilities
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Fewer themes
Key features
Pricing: OpenCart vs BigCommerce
| Plan | OpenCart | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $39 Standard |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $105 Plus |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $399 Pro |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on OpenCart pricing and BigCommerce pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenCart is free. BigCommerce is paid.
Go with: OpenCart
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenCart
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: BigCommerce
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OpenCart is free. BigCommerce is paid. 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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 OpenCart or BigCommerce better?
BigCommerce is rated in our evaluation. OpenCart is free and BigCommerce is paid.
What are OpenCart and BigCommerce used for?
OpenCart: Open-source e-commerce platform. BigCommerce: Enterprise e-commerce platform.
What does OpenCart cost vs BigCommerce?
OpenCart is completely free. BigCommerce is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.