BigCommerce has earned its reputation as one of the top eCommerce platforms on the market, and for good reason. It provides a robust set of tools for selling products online, including features like inventory management, SEO optimization, payment integrations, and marketing tools that make it easy for businesses to manage their online stores and grow their brands. Whether you're a new business owner or scaling up an established operation, BigCommerce offers plenty of functionality to support various business models.
However, as your business grows and your needs evolve, BigCommerce might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Maybe you're looking for a more affordable solution that won't cut into your margins, or perhaps you need a platform with better flexibility when it comes to design or functionality. Others might want a solution that’s better suited to their specific business model, whether that’s selling digital products, running a dropshipping business, or selling something unique, like handmade goods. The truth is, that not every eCommerce platform is one-size-fits-all, even the ones as capable as BigCommerce.
What Are the Best Alternatives to BigCommerce?
Choosing the right platform for your online store is crucial. It’s important to carefully weigh your options. In this post, I’m going to explore some top alternatives to BigCommerce, including Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, and Magento. I’ll walk you through each one, highlighting the features, pros, and cons, so you can find the perfect fit for your business.
Shopify: A Popular BigCommerce Alternative
Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms out there—and for good reason. It’s often seen as the top alternative to BigCommerce. I’ve found it to be a solid choice for businesses of all sizes, thanks to its ease of use. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, Shopify offers a wide range of themes, apps, and integrations that make it easy to set up and manage your store. The platform is super user-friendly, so you don’t need to be a tech expert to get started.
Pros of Shopify:
Ease of Use: One of the things I love about Shopify is its intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Setting up and managing your store is super simple, even if you don’t have a technical background. You don’t need to be a web developer to get everything running smoothly.
Extensive App Marketplace: Shopify gives you access to a huge app marketplace—over 4,000 apps, to be exact. So, if you ever need to add extra features, whether it's for inventory management, email marketing, SEO, or something else, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. It makes customization and scaling your store a breeze.
24/7 Customer Support: Shopify’s customer service is top-notch. If you ever run into any issues, they’ve got you covered with live chat, email support, and even an extensive knowledge base. You’ll never feel alone trying to figure things out—they’re always there to help.
Cons of Shopify:
Monthly Fees: Shopify’s monthly fees start at $39 for the Basic plan, but the costs can quickly add up as you start adding apps and extra features. It’s important to keep in mind that while it can be a great value, you might find yourself paying more as your store grows and you add additional tools.
Transaction Fees: One thing to note is that unless you’re using Shopify Payments (Shopify’s built-in payment gateway), you’ll face transaction fees starting at 2%. This can add up if you’re processing a lot of orders, so it’s something to consider when calculating the overall cost of using Shopify.
WooCommerce: The WordPress Solution
If you're already using WordPress, then WooCommerce could be a fantastic alternative to BigCommerce. It's super flexible and customizable, so you can make your online store your own. The best part? It integrates seamlessly with WordPress, so you can transform your existing site into a fully functional online store without any hassle. It’s perfect for those who want a bit more control over their design and features.
Pros of WooCommerce:
Customizability: One of the best things about WooCommerce is the almost limitless customizability it offers. If you’re someone who’s comfortable with code, or you have a developer on hand, you can really tailor your store to suit your exact needs. Whether you want a unique design, advanced features, or just better control over functionality, WooCommerce lets you do it all.
Cost-Effective: The great thing about WooCommerce is that the plugin itself is free. However, keep in mind that you’ll still need to pay for things like hosting, themes, and possibly some additional plugins. While it’s not completely free, it’s still generally a cost-effective option, especially if you're willing to invest in only what you need.
Scalability: As your business grows, WooCommerce makes it easy to scale up. You can seamlessly expand your store to handle more products and increase traffic. So, whether you're growing your product catalog or adding new features to support more customers, WooCommerce has the flexibility to grow with you.
Cons of WooCommerce:
Steeper Learning Curve: One thing I’ve noticed with WooCommerce is that it does have a bit of a learning curve—especially if you’re not already familiar with WordPress. If you’re new to the platform, you might need some time to get used to it, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes much easier to navigate.
Maintenance: Another consideration is that WooCommerce requires you to manage things like hosting, backups, updates, and security on your own. While it gives you a lot of control, it can also add a little extra administrative work compared to platforms that handle all of this for you. So, if you're not super into the technical side of things, this could feel like a lot of responsibility.
Wix eCommerce: A User-Friendly Option
Wix is best known for its drag-and-drop website builder, and honestly, it's pretty awesome for beginners. But what many people don't realize is that Wix also offers a user-friendly eCommerce platform that’s perfect for small businesses and entrepreneurs. If you're looking for something simple and intuitive, Wix is a great alternative to BigCommerce, especially if you want to set up your store without all the technical hassle. It's all about ease and simplicity, which makes it a solid choice for those who just want to get started quickly.
Pros of Wix:
Simple Drag-and-Drop Interface: Setting up your online store with Wix is super easy. The drag-and-drop interface makes it perfect for beginners who don’t have any coding experience. You can create a professional-looking store with just a few clicks!
Affordable Pricing: If you’re on a budget, Wix offers several affordable eCommerce plans, starting at just $23/month. This makes it a great option for those who want a simple, cost-effective solution without breaking the bank.
Wide Range of Templates: One thing I like about Wix is its selection of high-quality templates. They offer a wide range of templates, specifically designed for online stores, so you can pick one that fits your style and business needs without starting from scratch.
Cons of Wix:
Limited Scalability: One thing to keep in mind with Wix is that it's not the best option for large enterprises or businesses that are rapidly growing. As your business expands, Wix can start feeling a little restrictive when it comes to scaling up, so it might not be the right choice if you plan to scale big in the future.
Fewer Integrations: While Wix does offer some integrations, it has fewer third-party integrations compared to other platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. So, if you're someone who relies heavily on a lot of different tools, this could be a bit limiting.
However, if you're running a small business or startup and don’t have much technical experience, Wix is an excellent BigCommerce alternative to quickly get your store off the ground. It’s simple, intuitive, and affordable, making it perfect for those who are just starting.
Squarespace: Beautiful, Simple Online Stores
Squarespace is famous for its gorgeous designs, and what’s even better is that they've expanded their offerings with Squarespace Commerce to support eCommerce. If you're someone who values aesthetics and wants your online store to look as beautiful as it is functional, Squarespace is a fantastic option. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs who want to create a visually compelling store with minimal effort. You don’t need to be a designer to build something that looks amazing.
Pros of Squarespace:
Design-First Platform: One of the things I love about Squarespace is its beautiful, professionally designed templates. If you're looking to make your online store look polished and high-end, it doesn’t get much easier than this. Squarespace takes care of the design part for you, so you can focus on your products.
Ease of Use: The platform’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor is perfect for non-developers. Whether you’re building a store for the first time or just want an easier way to manage it, you can get started with minimal effort. It's super user-friendly, so you don’t need any coding skills to make everything look great.
Affordable Plans: What’s also great is that Squarespace offers affordable pricing, with plans starting at $23/month for eCommerce. You get a lot of value for that price, especially if you care about design and ease of use.
Cons of Squarespace:
Limited Payment Gateway Integrations: One thing to keep in mind with Squarespace is that it supports fewer payment processors than platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce. So, if you rely on a specific payment gateway or need a wider variety of options, this could be a bit of a limitation.
Less Flexible for Large Stores: Squarespace works wonders for smaller inventories, but if you’re planning on running a store with hundreds or thousands of products, it might not be the best fit. It’s not the most flexible option for large-scale stores, so it’s something to think about if you're scaling up quickly.
Magento: Advanced eCommerce for Developers
For enterprises or businesses with more complex needs, Magento is a highly powerful open-source alternative to BigCommerce. What I love about Magento is its flexibility—you can customize it to do exactly what you need. But here's the thing: it’s designed for those with a bit more technical know-how. If you're comfortable with coding or have a development team in place, Magento can offer you all the customization and control you could ask for.
Pros of Magento:
Customization and Flexibility: One of the best things about Magento is the amount of control you get over your website. From the layout and features to its overall functionality, you can tweak and tailor just about everything to fit your exact needs.
Scalability: If you’re planning to scale big, Magento is built to handle it. Whether you’re working with large inventories, high traffic, or complex product catalogs, this platform won’t break a sweat. It’s a solid choice for growing businesses looking to level up.
Extensive Extensions: Magento also offers a huge library of extensions to add functionality where you need it most. You can integrate tools for payments, shipping, marketing, and analytics—making it easy to customize your store as your business grows.
Cons of Magento:
Technical Knowledge Required: One thing to keep in mind with Magento is that it’s not exactly beginner-friendly. You’ll need a solid level of technical expertise to set it up, host it, and keep it running smoothly. If you’re not a developer, this could feel like a pretty big hurdle.
Higher Costs: Even though the open-source version of Magento is free, the other costs can start to add up quickly—things like hosting, development, and ongoing maintenance. It’s not the cheapest option out there, especially if you need to hire help.
How Do These Alternatives Compare to BigCommerce?
When it comes to finding the right alternative to BigCommerce, it all boils down to comparing the things that matter most—like pricing, features, ease of use, and overall performance. These are the factors that can make or break your experience with any eCommerce platform.
Pricing Comparison: Which Platform Is the Most Cost-Effective?
Pricing is often one of the first things I look at when choosing an eCommerce platform. It’s a big deal—especially when you factor in what you’re getting for the price. Depending on the features you need and the size of your store, the cost can vary a lot, so it’s important to figure out which platform gives you the best bang for your buck.
BigCommerce Pricing: BigCommerce offers a variety of pricing plans starting at $39.99/month, but it's geared more toward medium and large businesses.
Shopify Pricing: Shopify starts at $39/month, but you’ll face transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments, which is often a deterrent for some users.
WooCommerce: WooCommerce itself is free, but you’ll need to budget for hosting (costing anywhere from $3-$30/month for shared hosting) and any paid extensions you might use.
Wix and Squarespace: Both Wix and Squarespace offer highly affordable plans, starting at $23/month for eCommerce sites, but scalability may be a limitation.
Magento Pricing: Magento itself is open-source and free, but it requires hosting (which can cost anywhere from $10 to $1,000/month) and potentially developer assistance, making it a more expensive option in the long run.
Ease of Use: User-Friendly Platforms vs. More Complex Options
When it comes to ease of use, not all platforms are created equal. Some are incredibly beginner-friendly, while others might have you scratching your head if you’re not a tech pro. Here’s what I’ve found:
Shopify: Shopify is hands down one of the most user-friendly platforms out there. You can get your store up and running with its easy drag-and-drop interface and step-by-step onboarding guides. If you’re new to eCommerce, Shopify is a solid option to start with. That said, as your store grows, you might hit some walls with advanced customization—at that point, you’ll probably need a developer to help take things further.
Wix: If you’re looking for simplicity, Wix delivers. It’s super beginner-friendly with its straightforward drag-and-drop builder, so anyone—tech-savvy or not—can create a functional online store quickly. But there’s a catch. While Wix is great for small businesses, it does limit customizability, and you might feel restricted if you try to scale your store to something bigger.
WooCommerce: Now, WooCommerce is a different story. It runs on WordPress, so if you’re already comfortable with that platform, it’ll feel pretty natural. If you’re not, there’s a learning curve. To get the most out of WooCommerce, you’ll need a bit of technical knowledge (or be ready to learn), especially when it comes to plugins, hosting, and customizations.
Magento: Magento is in its league. It’s a powerhouse when it comes to customization, but let’s be real—it’s not for everyone. Magento requires serious technical expertise to set up, maintain, and manage. It’s typically best for businesses with a development team or the resources to hire pros who can handle its complexity. If that sounds like you, Magento could be an incredible solution.
Features and Customization: Finding the Right Fit for Your Store
Every eCommerce platform out there brings something different to the table when it comes to features, so it’s really about finding the one that fits your store’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking for advanced customization, built-in marketing tools, or something super easy to manage, it’s all about figuring out what will help your business thrive.
Best eCommerce Platform Features:
When it comes to features, each eCommerce platform has its strengths, so it’s about figuring out what fits your needs best. Here’s a quick breakdown:
BigCommerce: This one’s a solid all-around solution. You get advanced SEO features, multi-channel selling, a large app marketplace, and even an integrated blogging platform. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a platform with powerful built-in tools.
Shopify: Shopify’s strength lies in its app store and built-in payment processing. It’s also very mobile-friendly, which is super important these days. The downside? If you want to push customization further, you’ll likely need to shell out for paid add-ons or bring in a developer to help.
WooCommerce: If customization is what you’re after, WooCommerce is where it’s at. It gives you endless possibilities to tailor your store however you like, which makes it perfect if you need unique, bespoke features that go beyond standard templates.
Wix and Squarespace: These platforms keep it simple. Both offer easy-to-customize templates and drag-and-drop editors that anyone can use, plus some built-in marketing tools. That said, they do fall short when it comes to third-party integrations, so you’re somewhat limited compared to other platforms.
Magento: If you’re running a large business with a huge inventory or complex needs, Magento is hard to beat. Its scalability and flexibility give you unparalleled control over your eCommerce site’s backend—if you’ve got the technical chops (or team) to manage it.
Performance and Scalability: Which Platform Grows with Your Business?
As your online store grows, choosing the right eCommerce platform is crucial—it needs to scale up effortlessly as you start handling more traffic, more products, and growing customer demands. Here’s how the major platforms stack up when it comes to scalability:
BigCommerce: If you’re planning to expand, BigCommerce has you covered. It’s built for businesses with growing inventories and sales and handles scaling like a pro. Plus, one thing I appreciate? There are no transaction fees no matter how much you sell—something that’s not always the case with other platforms.
Shopify: Shopify works great for businesses of all sizes and it scales pretty well. However, as your store grows, costs can sneak up on you. Between transaction fees (if you’re not using Shopify Payments) and paid apps, scaling your Shopify store can get pricey.
WooCommerce: WooCommerce can scale quite well—if you’re using the right hosting solution and infrastructure. The catch is that you’ll need to invest in the technical side: robust hosting, plugins, and server setups that can handle higher demand. It works well for scaling stores, but the costs can add up as you grow.
Wix and Squarespace: These platforms are fantastic for smaller shops, especially if you’re just starting. But as your inventory and traffic grow, you might hit a ceiling. They’re not designed for massive scalability like BigCommerce, Shopify, or WooCommerce, so you may eventually need to move to a more robust platform.
Magento: If you’re running a large or rapidly growing store, Magento is a powerhouse. It can handle thousands of products and heavy traffic without breaking a sweat. That said, this level of scalability comes at a price. Magento’s complexity means you’ll likely need developers, a solid hosting setup, and a bigger budget—but for enterprise-level stores, it’s worth it.
Customer Support and Community: Access to Help When You Need It
When it comes to running an online store, customer support can make all the difference—trust me, you don’t want to be left hanging when an issue pops up. Depending on which platform you use, the level of support you get will vary. Here’s what you can expect from some of the top BigCommerce alternatives:
BigCommerce: BigCommerce does a fantastic job with customer support. You get 24/7 access to help via live chat, email, and phone, so you’re not left scrambling when something goes wrong. They also have a super helpful, well-organized knowledge base if you like to troubleshoot on your own.
Shopify: Shopify is another platform that shines in this area. They offer round-the-clock support through live chat, email, and even phone calls—which is great if you prefer talking to a real person. Their resources are also top-notch if you need answers fast.
WooCommerce: With WooCommerce, the support situation is a bit different. Since it’s an open-source platform, most help comes from the huge community of developers and forums. If you want official support, though, you’ll need to pay for it—like premium plugins or support plans. This platform requires a bit more self-sufficiency (and sometimes patience!).
Wix and Squarespace: Both Wix and Squarespace provide solid support options—but they’re not quite as extensive as what you’d get with Shopify or BigCommerce. If you run into an issue, you can usually find a solution through their help center or support channels, but you might not get that 24/7 instant assistance.
Magento: Magento is similar to WooCommerce. Because it’s open-source, the platform relies heavily on its developer community for support. You’ll find tons of forums and resources out there, but you’ll need to do a bit of digging. If you’re using Magento’s enterprise version, you can get official support—but it’s typically reserved for larger businesses and comes at a higher cost.
Conclusion
When exploring alternatives to BigCommerce, it’s important to take a good, hard look at your options. Don’t get me wrong—BigCommerce is a solid choice, especially for mid-sized businesses looking for scalability and strong features. But sometimes, a different platform might be a better fit for your specific needs.
The alternatives I’ve covered—Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, and Magento—each offer something unique.
Shopify is great if you want an easy-to-use platform with lots of apps and tools to grow your store.
WooCommerce is perfect for those comfortable with WordPress who need deep customization.
Wix and Squarespace shine when it comes to simplicity and beautiful designs—ideal for smaller businesses or creative entrepreneurs.
Magento brings unparalleled power and flexibility but works best for large, enterprise-level stores with technical resources.
FAQ
What are the best alternatives to BigCommerce for small businesses?
Wix and Squarespace are perfect for small businesses because they’re both super easy to use and affordable. If you’re just starting, these platforms offer everything you need without the hassle, allowing you to create a professional-looking store with minimal effort.
Is Shopify a good alternative to BigCommerce?
Yes, Shopify is a solid choice. It’s super easy to use and grows with your business, but just keep an eye on those transaction fees—they can add up if you’re not using Shopify Payments.
Can WooCommerce replace BigCommerce for my store?
WooCommerce is a flexible option, but it does require some technical knowledge and familiarity with WordPress. If you're comfortable with the platform or have a bit of experience, it's a great choice for building a custom store.
What is the best affordable alternative to BigCommerce?
Wix and Squarespace are affordable and super easy to use, making them great choices for small businesses or startups. They offer everything you need to get your online store up and running without breaking the bank.
Kommentarer