Shopify and BigCommerce are closer than most comparisons admit: both are hosted platforms that run the servers, security and core updates for you. The choice comes down to ecosystem, built-in features, B2B setup and how much you need to customise checkout.
What is the difference between Shopify and BigCommerce?
The main difference between Shopify and BigCommerce is where features come from. BigCommerce builds more functionality into the core platform, so a store needs fewer add-ons. Shopify keeps the core leaner and relies on a larger app and developer ecosystem to fill specific needs.
Neither platform requires you to host anything, and both support headless builds if you want a custom front end.
How do Shopify and BigCommerce compare side by side?
Shopify and BigCommerce compare as follows on the factors that usually decide the choice:
| Shopify | BigCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Fully hosted | Fully hosted |
| Built-in features | Leaner core, extended with apps | More included natively |
| App and developer ecosystem | Larger | Smaller |
| Themes | Online Store 2.0 themes with sections | Stencil themes |
| B2B | Native B2B on supported plans | B2B Edition |
| Checkout customisation | Checkout extensions and Shopify Functions on supported plans | Configurable checkout |
| Headless | Hydrogen and the Storefront API | APIs for custom front ends |
Sources: Shopify B2B, Shopify checkout, BigCommerce B2B Edition, BigCommerce Stencil.
When is BigCommerce the better choice?
BigCommerce is the better choice when you want more functionality available natively and would rather not assemble a stack of apps. It also suits merchants whose B2B requirements — quotes, invoices, buyer self-service — match what BigCommerce B2B Edition provides, which BigCommerce describes as its all-in-one solution for B2B functionality.
When is Shopify the better choice?
Shopify is the better choice when you need flexibility from a large ecosystem: niche integrations, marketplace connectors, specialised merchandising or local payment methods are more likely to exist as a maintained Shopify app. Shopify also suits merchants who want deep checkout customisation through checkout extensions and Shopify Functions, or a custom React storefront on Hydrogen.
How should you compare Shopify and BigCommerce costs?
Compare Shopify and BigCommerce costs using each platform’s current pricing page plus the apps you would actually need. A fair comparison adds the subscription, payment processing, transaction fees where they apply, and the apps required to match your feature list. A platform with a lower subscription can cost more once the missing features are added, and the reverse is also true.
Can you migrate from BigCommerce to Shopify?
Yes, a store can migrate from BigCommerce to Shopify with its products, customers, order history and SEO intact. The critical step is a 301 redirect for every old URL; Google recommends permanent redirects for site moves and keeping them for at least a year (Google Search Central). Shopify supports bulk URL redirects natively (Shopify UrlRedirect).
How does Mooshfy help merchants choose between Shopify and BigCommerce?
Mooshfy helps merchants choose by writing down every requirement — catalogue, B2B rules, checkout, integrations, markets — and checking each one against both platforms before recommending either. Where a requirement only works on one platform, that usually decides it. Where both handle everything, Shopify’s ecosystem is often the tie-breaker, but the requirement list comes first.
Frequently asked questions
Is BigCommerce better than Shopify for B2B?
Both platforms can run B2B. Shopify offers native B2B features such as company accounts and price lists on supported plans, and BigCommerce offers B2B Edition for quotes, invoices and buyer self-service. The better fit depends on your pricing rules, approval workflows and ERP integration.
Can I move from BigCommerce to Shopify without losing SEO?
Yes, if every old URL gets a 301 redirect to its Shopify equivalent and titles, descriptions and content are carried across. Google recommends keeping redirects for at least a year after a site move.
Which platform has more apps, Shopify or BigCommerce?
Shopify has the larger app ecosystem and developer community. BigCommerce compensates by building more features into the core platform, so fewer apps are needed for common requirements.
Does BigCommerce or Shopify have a better checkout?
Both have reliable hosted checkouts. Shopify’s checkout can be customised with checkout extensions and Shopify Functions on supported plans, and includes Shop Pay. Test each checkout with the payment methods your customers actually use.