BigCommerce, Shopify, Shopify Plus, and WooCommerce are four of the most widely used e-commerce platforms, each catering to different business needs. 

Shopify is known for its ease of use and extensive app ecosystem, making it a great choice for small to mid-sized businesses. Shopify Plus is its enterprise-tier offering, designed for high-growth brands needing advanced automation, custom checkout options, and scalability.

BigCommerce provides powerful built-in features and flexibility without heavy reliance on third-party apps, making it ideal for businesses with complex needs. 

WooCommerce, as a WordPress plugin, offers the highest level of customisation but requires more technical expertise to set up and maintain.

In this guide, we’ll compare these platforms across the key factors that matter most—cost, ease of use, customisation, payment processing, SEO, scalability, and more—so you can make the best choice for your business.

BigCommerce vs Shopify vs WooCommerce: Comparison

1. Subscription Costs

BigCommerce structures its pricing into four tiers, while Shopify offers an identical structure for its standard plans. 

Shopify Plus, however, is a premium enterprise-tier solution starting at $2,300/month, designed for high-growth businesses.

WooCommerce is a free, open-source platform but requires additional costs for hosting and extensions.

Platform	Entry-Level Plan	Mid-Tier Plan	High-Tier Plan	Enterprise Plan
Shopify	Basic: $39/month	Shopify: $105/month	Advanced: $399/month	Shopify Plus: $2,300+/month
BigCommerce	Standard: $39/month	Plus: $105/month	Pro: $399/month	Enterprise: Custom pricing
WooCommerce	Free (but requires hosting)	Varies based on plugins	Varies based on plugins	No official enterprise tier

Key takeaways:

• BigCommerce and Shopify (standard plans) follow a similar tiered structure, but Shopify Plus is a separate enterprise offering with premium features.
• WooCommerce is free, but hosting, domains, and plugins add to the total cost.
• Shopify Plus and BigCommerce Enterprise cater to high-volume sellers needing advanced scalability and support.

2. Payment Gateways and Transaction Fees

While all three platforms support multiple gateways, their fee structures and restrictions differ significantly. Small differences can accumulate dramatically as sales grow. 

Feature	BigCommerce	Shopify (Standard)	Shopify Plus	WooCommerce
Supported Gateways	65+ payment gateways	100+ via Shopify App Store	Same as Shopify, but with better API integrations	PayPal, Stripe, Square by default + extensions
Favoured Payment Solution	PayPal powered by Braintree	Shopify Payments	Shopify Payments with additional automation features	WooPayments (Stripe-powered)
Platform Transaction Fees	None	2% (Basic), 1% (Shopify), 0.6% (Advanced) unless using Shopify Payments	Waived if using Shopify Payments; 0.20% if not	None

Key takeaways:

• Shopify (standard) charges transaction fees if you don’t use Shopify Payments. Shopify Plus merchants can get custom rates.
• BigCommerce never charges platform transaction fees, regardless of the payment gateway.
• WooCommerce offers flexibility, but payment processing depends on the chosen gateway.

3. Ease of Use

Shopify is the easiest platform to use, offering a clean interface, intuitive navigation, and built-in tools that reduce the need for extra apps. Shopify Plus retains the same ease of use but adds advanced automation, bulk product management, and custom checkout scripting, making it ideal for high-volume sellers.

BigCommerce provides more built-in functionality than Shopify, reducing reliance on third-party apps. However, it has a steeper learning curve, requiring more technical expertise. WooCommerce offers unmatched flexibility but relies heavily on plugins, requiring manual setup, hosting management, and ongoing maintenance.

For multi-storefront management, BigCommerce allows multiple stores under one account, while Shopify requires separate stores per region. WooCommerce can support multiple stores but requires additional plugins.

In terms of scalability, Shopify and BigCommerce are designed for growing businesses, while Shopify Plus is built for enterprises needing automation, advanced customisation, and priority support. WooCommerce scales with the right hosting setup but requires hands-on management.

Platform	Best For	Ease of Use	Customisation	Scalability
Shopify	Small & mid-sized businesses	Very easy, intuitive setup	No-code customisation, plus Liquid for advanced changes	Scales well with apps & built-in features
Shopify Plus	High-volume & enterprise sellers	Same as Shopify, plus automation & bulk management	Advanced checkout scripting & backend automation	Built for enterprises with automation & dedicated support
BigCommerce	Large catalogues & B2B	More complex but feature-rich	Strong built-in tools, some coding may be needed	Designed for high-growth businesses
WooCommerce	Businesses needing full control	Requires WordPress & technical knowledge	Fully customisable but plugin-dependent	Scalable but relies on hosting & manual optimisation

Key takeaways:

• Shopify is the most user-friendly option, ideal for those looking for an intuitive, all-in-one solution with minimal setup.
• Shopify Plus retains Shopify’s ease of use but adds automation, bulk management, and advanced customisation for high-volume sellers.
• BigCommerce offers more built-in tools than Shopify, reducing reliance on third-party apps, but has a steeper learning curve and requires more technical expertise.
• WooCommerce provides the highest level of flexibility, but it requires WordPress knowledge, manual setup, and ongoing maintenance, making it best for those comfortable with customisation and hosting management.

4. Customisation and Design Options

Each platform offers a diverse range of design options, but the level of flexibility varies.

Feature	BigCommerce	Shopify	Shopify Plus	WooCommerce
Themes	Free + 100+ premium ($150-$300)	Free + 100+ premium (up to $350)	Same as Shopify, with deeper customisation	Works with any WordPress theme
Customisation	Drag-and-drop editor, Stencil framework	Intuitive editor, Liquid coding	Same as Shopify, plus Scripts & Functions	Full code access, page builders like Elementor & Divi
Mobile Optimisation	Fully responsive, AMP support	Fully responsive	Same as Shopify, with checkout enhancements	Varies by theme and plugins
Best For	Balanced ease and developer control	Quick, stylish customisation	High-volume sellers needing advanced customisation	Maximum flexibility with WordPress expertise

Key takeaways:

• Shopify, Shopify Plus, and BigCommerce offer user-friendly customisation. Shopify excels in simplicity, Shopify Plus adds advanced checkout and backend customisation, and BigCommerce provides deeper built-in control with fewer third-party dependencies.
• WooCommerce provides unmatched design flexibility as an open-source plugin operating through WordPress, but it requires WordPress knowledge and potentially extra plugins for advanced customisation.
• BigCommerce balances ease of use and developer flexibility, offering visual editing for beginners alongside advanced tools for more complex stores.

5. SEO and Marketing Tools

All three platforms offer strong SEO tools and marketing features, but features and their implementation differ.

5.1 SEO & Blogging

• BigCommerce provides strong built-in SEO tools, including customisable URLs, schema markup, and automatic sitemaps, with minimal reliance on third-party apps.
• Shopify (Regular & Plus) offers decent SEO features, but advanced metadata control and automation are only available in Shopify Plus via API customisation. Shopify’s blogging tool is functional but lacks deep SEO customisation.
• WooCommerce, as a WordPress plugin, gives the most control over SEO with access to powerful tools like Yoast, RankMath, and SEOPress. It’s the best option for content-driven stores focused on organic search.

5.2 Email Marketing & Customer Retention

• BigCommerce has built-in email marketing tools and integrates with Mailchimp, Klaviyo, and Omnisend for more advanced campaigns.
• Shopify (Regular & Plus) supports Shopify Email, but most merchants rely on third-party apps like Klaviyo and Omnisend. Shopify Plus adds enterprise-level automation with Shopify Flow for personalised campaigns.
• WooCommerce requires plugins like MailPoet or AutomateWoo for email automation and customer retention.

5.3 Abandoned Cart Recovery & Promotions

• BigCommerce and Shopify (Regular & Plus) include built-in abandoned cart recovery tools to automate follow-ups and increase conversion rates. Shopify Plus enhances this further with Shopify Scripts and Flow for deeper checkout customisation.
• WooCommerce does not include this feature by default but can enable cart recovery via plugins like CartFlows or AutomateWoo.
• BigCommerce has built-in discounting and loyalty program support, while Shopify requires apps for advanced promotions. Shopify Plus allows more control over discounting logic via Shopify Scripts.

5.4 Marketing Automation & Social Media Integration

• BigCommerce includes customer segmentation, personalised recommendations, and automated marketing tools out of the box.
• Shopify (Regular & Plus) has one of the most extensive marketing app ecosystems, but advanced automation tools like Flow and Launchpad are exclusive to Shopify Plus.
• WooCommerce requires third-party plugins like ActiveCampaign or AutomateWoo for automation, making setup more complex.
• All three platforms integrate with Google, Facebook, and Instagram Ads, but Shopify Plus offers deeper API flexibility for large-scale campaigns.

Key takeaways:

• WooCommerce provides the most SEO flexibility through WordPress, making it the best choice for content-driven marketing.
• BigCommerce offers strong built-in SEO and marketing tools, reducing the need for third-party apps.
• Shopify has the most extensive marketing app ecosystem, while Shopify Plus enhances automation and personalisation with Shopify Scripts, Flow, and Launchpad for large-scale marketing campaigns.

6. Scalability and Performance

Whether you choose BigCommerce or Shopify, you’ll benefit from enterprise-grade scalability. 

Both can handle high traffic and large transaction volumes plus support for unlimited products on all plans. Higher tiers provide increased API limits, and enterprise plans offer additional resources for large-scale sellers.

In contrast, WooCommerce’s scalability depends entirely on hosting. Unlike BigCommerce and Shopify, which optimise performance automatically, WooCommerce requires manual server management and performance tuning. 

With the right hosting, caching, and optimisation, WooCommerce can scale effectively – but it demands more technical expertise to match the other two.

Key takeaways:

• BigCommerce and Shopify offer enterprise-grade scalability out of the box, handling high traffic, large transaction volumes, and unlimited products with minimal effort.
• WooCommerce can scale but requires hands-on management, with performance depending entirely on hosting, caching, and database optimization.

7. Customer Support and Community

• BigCommerce offers live chat, email, and phone support on all plans, with priority service for Enterprise usersand access to a certified partner network for specialised help.
• Shopify provides 24/7 assistance, a detailed help centre, and a large community forum where users can connect with experts.
• Shopify Plus users receive dedicated account management, access to Shopify Plus Academy, and priority support through the Shopify Plus Merchant Success Program, which includes strategic guidance for scaling businesses.
• WooCommerce’s customer support is mostly community-driven, with official assistance limited to WooCommerce-owned plugins and extensions.

Tip: Considering Magento Commerce instead of WooCommerce and BigCommerce?  Here’s how Magento Commerce vs Shopify compare at scale—from features to flexibility and cost of ownership.

BigCommerce vs Shopify vs WooCommerce: Pros and Cons of Each Platform

Now that we’ve compared the platforms across multiple factors, here’s a summary of their key strengths and weaknesses to help you determine the best option for your circumstances:

Platform	Pros	Cons
BigCommerce	✅ No transaction fees on any payment gateway.  ✅ Comprehensive built-in features (less reliance on apps).  ✅ Multi-currency & international selling capabilities.  ✅ Robust B2B functionality (on higher-tier plans).  ✅ Automatic scaling & strong performance.  ✅ 24/7 support on all plans.	🚫 Annual sales limits require plan upgrades as you grow.  🚫 Steeper learning curve than Shopify.  🚫 Smaller app marketplace than Shopify.  🚫 Fewer theme options than competitors.  🚫 Admin interface can be complicated for beginners.
Shopify	✅ Extremely user-friendly with minimal learning curve.  ✅ Extensive app marketplace (6,000+ integrations).  ✅ Strong multi-channel selling (Amazon, eBay, social media).  ✅ Excellent mobile commerce support.  ✅ Large ecosystem of experts & developers.  ✅ Reliable performance, even when traffic spikes.	🚫 Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments.  🚫 Many essential features require additional apps.  🚫 Limited customisation without technical knowledge.  🚫 Monthly costs increase significantly with multiple paid apps.  🚫 Less control over store environment.
Shopify Plus	✅ Same ease of use as Shopify, with added enterprise automation tools.  ✅ Shopify Scripts and Shopify Flow for advanced checkout & automation.  ✅ Dedicated account management & priority support.  ✅ Advanced API access for integrations & custom workflows.  ✅ Shopify Plus-exclusive tools like Launchpad for campaign automation.  ✅ No transaction fees if using Shopify Payments.	🚫 High starting cost ($2,300+/month).  🚫 Customisation beyond built-in tools often requires development work.  🚫 Requires Shopify Payments to avoid transaction fees.  🚫 Checkout customisation is limited compared to open-source platforms.
WooCommerce	✅ Maximum flexibility & customisation.  ✅ One-time costs for many extensions (instead of subscriptions).  ✅ No platform-imposed transaction fees.  ✅ Full data ownership & control.  ✅ Integrates with the entire WordPress ecosystem.  ✅ Superior content marketing & SEO capabilities.	🚫 Requires more technical knowledge to set up & maintain.  🚫 Merchants responsible for security, updates & optimisation.  🚫 Hosting quality affects performance.  🚫 May require developer assistance for advanced customisations.  🚫 Support depends on community & third-party providers.

Want to see Shopify Plus in action? We’ve reviewed some of the best Shopify Plus stores here.

Which Platform is Best for You? 

To help you determine which platform fits your needs, the table below outlines the best platform for different business types based on key features and industry-specific requirements.

Business Type / Requirement	Best Platform	Why?
Best for startups, small & mid-sized businesses	Shopify	User-friendly interface, quick setup, no coding required. Includes built-in hosting, 24/7 support, and the extensive Shopify App Store for expanding features without development work.
Best for large enterprises	BigCommerce or Shopify Plus	BigCommerce is better for enterprises that need built-in B2B functionality, no transaction fees, and API-driven customisations. Shopify Plus is better for enterprises that rely on multi-channel selling, need a highly customisable checkout, or want a vast ecosystem of apps and expert support.
Best for multi-channel selling	Shopify or Shopify Plus	Shopify offers the best built-in support for selling across Amazon, eBay, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.  Shopify Plus enhances this with advanced automation tools for large-scale multi-channel selling. Shopify POS enables in-person sales with seamless inventory and order management.
Best for budget-conscious sellers	Shopify	The most cost-effective option for sellers who want a predictable monthly cost without worrying about hosting, security, or expensive plugins. Its built-in tools for payments, inventory management, and marketing help sellers avoid extra costs while keeping their store easy to manage.
Best for high SKU count & complex catalogues	BigCommerce	Supports unlimited products with advanced product filtering, faceted search, and native support for large, complex inventories. Ideal for fashion, automotive, and industrial sectors.
Best for international selling	BigCommerce or Shopify Plus	BigCommerce is better for businesses that need multiple storefronts, flexible payment gateways, and built-in tax handling.  Shopify Plus is better for businesses that prioritise multi-channel selling, seamless checkout customisation, and advanced localisation tools with Shopify Markets.
Best for subscription-based businesses	WooCommerce or Shopify Plus	WooCommerce allows flexible recurring payments, membership models, and automatic billing cycles with WooCommerce Subscriptions.  Shopify Plus, with its exclusive checkout customisation via Shopify Scripts, can also support subscription-based businesses but typically requires third-party apps like Recharge.

BigCommerce and Shopify are the top two choices for growing e-commerce brands. If you’re considering them too, hop to our detailed article with the Shopify vs BigCommerce comparison.

Migration and Setup Process

Setting up online stores or migrating from another platform is a complex, high-stakes process that can quickly become overwhelming without expert guidance. 

At what., we’ve successfully launched and migrated multiple eCommerce stores of various scales and requirements. We ensure stress-free transitions, minimise downtime, optimise site performance, and tailor configurations to fit each business’s needs.

BigCommerce Setup and Migration

Getting started with BigCommerce typically takes 1-3 weeks, depending on your store’s complexity. While the setup wizard provides some guidance, fully configuring your store requires:

• Selecting the right theme and customising it for your brand
• Setting up shipping, tax, and payment gateways without errors
• Importing product catalogs and ensuring SEO-friendly URLs
• Running rigorous testing before launch to avoid technical hiccups

For merchants switching to BigCommerce, the migration process involves data import tools, third-party apps, or API-based transfers – each requiring careful execution to prevent broken links, missing product details, or customer data loss.

Shopify Setup and Migration

Shopify’s setup is faster and easier than BigCommerce, often taking 1-2 weeks for standard implementations. However, there are still important nuances to consider:

• Choosing the right apps without unnecessary costs
• Ensuring payment and tax settings comply with your region
• Preserving SEO when migrating from another platform
• Avoiding broken product pages and checkout errors

To help, Shopify offers migration tools, but they aren’t foolproof. CSV imports often require manual corrections, and third-party migration apps may not handle URL redirects or complex product structures properly. While Shopify simplifies the process, merchants still need to verify that all data is transferred correctly.

Shopify Plus Setup and Migration

Shopify Plus follows the same general setup process as Shopify but adds enterprise-level complexities related to automation, custom integrations, and scalability. The setup timeline can extend beyond 1-2 weeks, depending on business needs. Key considerations include:

• Implementing Shopify Scripts for custom checkout experiences
• Setting up Shopify Flow and Launchpad for automation and scaling
• Managing API integrations for advanced business operations
• Handling multi-storefront configurations for international expansion
• Ensuring a seamless migration of customer data, orders, and workflows

Shopify Plus merchants receive dedicated migration support, but custom setups often require developer involvement. Businesses moving from highly customised platforms may need additional work to align Shopify Plus with their existing workflows.ration apps don’t always handle URL redirects or complex product structures properly. Shopify Plus merchants also receive dedicated migration support, but custom setups often require developer involvement.

WooCommerce Setup and Migration

WooCommerce offers maximum control but the most technical complexity. Unlike BigCommerce and Shopify, it isn’t a fully hosted solution, meaning setup involves:

• Purchasing and configuring hosting, domains, and SSL certificates
• Installing and optimising WordPress for speed and security
• Customizing themes with Elementor, Divi, or custom coding
• Setting up payment gateways and tax settings manually

Migrating an existing store to WooCommerce is particularly challenging due to plugin dependencies, URL structures, and database configurations. 

Tools like Cart2Cart or LitExtension can help, but transitioning without breaking your store requires expert intervention.

At what.digital, we offer professional eCommerce store setups and migrations, ensuring your business transitions without data loss, downtime, or unexpected costs. Get in touch to learn more. 

Platform Security and Compliance

Shopify, Shopify Plus, and BigCommerce handle security at the platform level, offering PCI compliance, automatic updates, built-in fraud protection, and GDPR compliance. This ensures businesses can focus on growth without managing infrastructure.

Shopify Plus enhances security further with enterprise-grade fraud prevention and advanced data privacy tools. BigCommerce provides similar protections but without Shopify’s deep ecosystem of compliance tools.

WooCommerce, being self-hosted, requires merchants to set up and manage security manually, including SSL certificates, fraud protection, and GDPR compliance. Hosting security depends on the provider, making WooCommerce the most hands-on option for security management.

latform	Security Management	Fraud Protection	Compliance & Updates
Shopify	Fully managed, automatic updates	Built-in fraud analysis	PCI DSS Level 1, GDPR tools
Shopify Plus	Same as Shopify, plus enterprise security tools	Advanced fraud prevention & risk analysis	Enhanced API security, data privacy management
BigCommerce	Fully managed, secure infrastructure	DDoS protection & fraud monitoring	PCI DSS Level 1, GDPR tools
WooCommerce	Merchant-managed, security depends on hosting	Requires security plugins	Requires manual updates & compliance setup

Key takeaways:

• Shopify, Shopify Plus, and BigCommerce handle security at the platform level, providing automatic updates, fraud protection, and compliance tools, making them low-maintenance options.
• Shopify Plus enhances security further with advanced fraud detection tools, API security enhancements, and enterprise-grade infrastructure for large-scale businesses.
• WooCommerce requires ongoing security management, including choosing a reliable hosting provider, installing security plugins, and manually configuring backups.
• For enterprises, Shopify Plus and BigCommerce offer the highest level of built-in security, reducing the risk of fraud and compliance issues while allowing businesses to scale securely.

BigCommerce vs Shopify vs WooCommerce: Summing Up

Choosing between BigCommerce, Shopify, and WooCommerce ultimately hinges on your specific eCommerce operations and sales model, technical resources, budget, and growth plans. 

Each platform brings distinct advantages that suit different types of merchants.

Choose BigCommerce if:

• You need robust built-in functionality without having to install lots of extensions
• You want to avoid transaction fees regardless of payment gateway
• Your business has complex needs, particularly for B2B or international selling
• You value comprehensive features but still want a managed platform
• You need a balance of usability and advanced features
• You’re not put-off by a steeper learning curve

BigCommerce offers a strong middle ground between ease of use and functionality, with more advanced features built into the core platform than Shopify, but less technical complexity than WooCommerce.

Choose Shopify if:

• Ease of use is your top priority
• You value a platform that’s quick to set up and learn
• You appreciate access to a vast app marketplace
• You want reliable, managed hosting with minimal technical involvement
• You’re a small or mid-sized business that wants to scale efficiently.

Shopify excels at simplicity without sacrificing capability, making it particularly well-suited for businesses that want to focus on products and marketing rather than platform management. 

Choose Shopify Plus if:

• You need enterprise-level scalability and automation tools
• You want to customise your checkout experience 
• You require advanced workflows, flash sales, and promotions.
• You’re expanding internationally
• You want priority support and dedicated account management
• You rely on multi-channel selling across Amazon, eBay, TikTok, and other platforms.

Shopify Plus offers the same ease of use as Shopify but is built for high-growth businesses that require more automation, flexibility, and support. It’s a top choice for brands that want efficient multi-channel expansion, advanced customisation, and a powerful backend without technical complexity.

Choose WooCommerce if:

• You already use WordPress or have WordPress expertise available
• You require maximum customisation flexibility
• You want to minimize recurring monthly costs
• Complete control over your platform is essential
• Content marketing plays a significant role in your strategy

WooCommerce is unmatched in flexibility but comes with greater technical responsibility. Unlike Shopify and BigCommerce, which handle security and hosting for you, WooCommerce requires ongoing maintenance, security management, and performance optimisation.

Finding the right fit for you

For most businesses, the ideal choice isn’t about finding the “best” platform but rather the one that aligns with your business strategy, operational needs, and growth ambitions. The right eCommerce solution should support your long-term vision while balancing features, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

At what., we go beyond platform selection—we help businesses define their digital commerce strategy, optimise their technology stack, and create a roadmap for scalable growth. Whether you’re evaluating Shopify, Shopify Plus, or BigCommerce, our strategic approach ensures that your eCommerce investment is aligned with your business objectives and built for sustained success. Reach out today for a complimentary consultation.