Is Shopify or BigCommerce better?

Shopify is better for most sellers who want ease of use, a huge app ecosystem, and a large support community. BigCommerce is better for stores that prefer more features built in without stacking apps and want to avoid platform transaction fees on any payment gateway, which can suit larger or more complex catalogues.

Which has lower fees?

BigCommerce charges no additional platform transaction fees regardless of which payment gateway you use, while Shopify adds transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments. Subscription tiers for both change over time, so verify current pricing, but BigCommerce can be cheaper for sellers committed to a specific processor.

Which platform needs fewer apps?

BigCommerce tends to include more functionality natively, such as advanced product options and B2B features, so you may rely on fewer third-party apps. Shopify often expects you to add apps for advanced needs, which increases flexibility but can raise ongoing costs.

Which is better before expanding to marketplaces?

Both are solid SaaS foundations, and the priority is being able to sync your catalogue to external channels. Marqetir integrates with Shopify to push products out to EU marketplaces like Allegro, Kaufland, and bol.com, with AI rewriting listings per channel, so a Shopify store can expand to marketplaces with minimal extra work.

Is BigCommerce harder to use than Shopify?

Slightly. Shopify's interface, themes, and large community make it very approachable for beginners. BigCommerce is capable and feature-rich but has a smaller community and a marginally steeper learning curve, which is a fair trade-off for its deeper built-in functionality.

ShopifyvsBigCommerce

Which marketplace is better for sellers?

Last updated: June 2026

Quick Verdict

Shopify is the better choice for most sellers thanks to its larger app ecosystem, polished experience, and huge community — ideal if you want momentum and ease. BigCommerce is the better choice for stores that want more built-in features without relying on apps and no platform transaction fees on any plan, which can suit larger or more complex catalogues. Both are capable SaaS platforms and solid foundations before expanding to marketplaces — and Marqetir integrates with Shopify to sync your catalogue to EU marketplaces.

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Scoring Breakdown

App Ecosystem

Shopify9/10

BigCommerce6/10

Shopify has one of the largest app stores in e-commerce, so almost any need has a ready add-on. BigCommerce has a smaller app marketplace but builds more functionality natively, reducing reliance on third-party apps.

Built-in Features

Shopify7/10

BigCommerce9/10

BigCommerce ships with more advanced features out of the box — such as deeper product options and B2B capabilities — where Shopify often expects you to add apps. This can lower add-on costs for complex stores.

Transaction Fees

Shopify6/10

BigCommerce9/10

BigCommerce charges no additional platform transaction fees regardless of payment gateway. Shopify adds transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments, which can matter for sellers tied to a specific processor. Verify current pricing for both.

Ease & Ecosystem

Shopify9/10

BigCommerce7/10

Shopify's polished interface, themes, and massive community make it easier to learn and find help. BigCommerce is capable but has a smaller community and a slightly steeper learning curve for newcomers.