BigCommerce vs WooCommerce
Last updated: 2026-08-18
Hosted e-commerce vs self-hosted — which is better for online stores? — pricing, features, and our verdict.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | popular BigCommerce | best WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $39/mo | $0 (plugin free, hosting costs apply) |
| Free trial | 15-day free trial | No trial — plugin is free to install |
| Best for | Scalable e-commerce without transaction fees | WordPress users who want full control |
| Free plan | ✗ | Yes — free plugin |
| Starting price | $39/mo (Standard), $105/mo (Plus), $399/mo (Pro) | $0 plugin + hosting ($5-$100+/mo) |
| Transaction fees | None | None (gateway fees only) |
| Products | Unlimited | — |
| Storage | Unlimited | — |
| Sales threshold | $50K/yr (Standard), $150K/yr (Plus) | — |
| Themes | Free + paid (Stencil framework) | — |
| API access | ✓ | — |
| Integrations | 1,000+ apps | — |
| Support | 24/7 chat + email + phone | Community + paid support |
| Storefront | — | WordPress themes |
| Payment processing | — | Stripe, PayPal, 100+ gateways |
| Inventory | — | Unlimited products |
| Extensions | — | 700+ official extensions |
| SSL | — | Must configure yourself |
| Customisation | — | Unlimited (open source) |
BigCommerce Pros & Cons
Pros
- No transaction fees (unlike Shopify which charges 0.5-2%)
- More built-in features — fewer paid apps needed
- Strong SEO features (URL structure, meta data, AMP)
- Headless commerce support for developers
- Unlimited products, storage, and bandwidth on all plans
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers — Standard $39, Plus $105, Pro $399
- Sales threshold limits (Standard: $50K/yr, Plus: $150K/yr, Pro: $400K/yr)
- Fewer apps than Shopify (1,000+ vs 8,000+)
- Fewer themes than Shopify
- Steeper learning curve than Shopify
WooCommerce Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free plugin — no monthly platform fee (hosting costs apply)
- Full source code access — complete customisation possible
- No transaction fees (use any payment gateway)
- Integrates with all WordPress plugins and themes
- Huge ecosystem of WooCommerce extensions
- You own all your data (no lock-in)
Cons
- Requires WordPress hosting, security, and maintenance
- Setup is more complex than Shopify (not beginner-friendly)
- No built-in payment processor (must integrate Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
- Performance depends on your hosting quality
- Security is your responsibility (updates, SSL, backups)
- Premium extensions add up in cost
Final Verdict
Both BigCommerce and WooCommerce are solid choices in the E-commerce space. The right pick depends on your budget, team size, and specific feature needs. We recommend trying both via their free plans or trials before committing.
Our pick: WooCommerce
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small businesses: BigCommerce or WooCommerce?
For small businesses, the better choice depends on your budget and specific needs. WooCommerce generally offers better value for money, while BigCommerce has more advanced features for growing teams.
Do BigCommerce and WooCommerce offer free trials?
Yes, both platforms offer ways to try before buying. 15-day free trial offers a trial, and No trial — plugin is free to install also offers a trial. We recommend trying both before committing.
Can I switch from BigCommerce to WooCommerce (or vice versa)?
Yes, most platforms offer data export tools. Contact lists, settings, and historical data can usually be migrated, though some manual setup will be required. Check each platform's migration documentation before switching.
Ready to try?
Start with a free trial and see which tool fits your workflow.