WooCommerce vs BigCommerce (2025): The Ultimate Comparison Guide
Wondering which eCommerce platform to choose? Compare WooCommerce vs BigCommerce to find out which one suits your business needs best.
Choosing the right ecommerce platform is a make-or-break decision for any online business. With the ever-evolving digital landscape, staying ahead means picking a platform that not only meets your current needs but also scales with your growth in 2025.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the features, pricing, scalability, and ease of use of both platforms in 2025. Whether you’re a small business owner, a growing enterprise, or a developer looking for flexibility, this guide will help you make the right decision. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and key differences to determine which platform is the best for your business in 2025.
Before we begin our WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce comparison, let’s cover some important things to consider when choosing your eCommerce platform:
- Ease of Use – The platform you choose should be easy to use and beginner-friendly so you can quickly handle issues at the time of need.
- Budget – If you want to start your store on a budget, then you should check the initial cost of starting a website. Also, don’t forget to look at the recurring yearly or monthly expenses.
- Payment Methods – You want to check if the platform supports the payment gateways you want to use. It is better to choose a platform that supports multiple gateways.
- Scalability – Make sure that the platform has the ability to scale up to meet your needs when your store grows
- Support – To solve any problem immediately, your platform should offer reliable support. It’s even better if they provide multiple customer support channels.
Table of Contents
Woocommerce vs BigCommerce Overview
WooCommerce is an open-source WordPress plugin that allows users to easily transform their WordPress website into an online store. It is a highly customizable platform, thanks to its vast range of plugins and themes. WooCommerce is best suited for businesses already using WordPress, offering flexibility, scalability, and full control over the store’s design and features. Since it’s self-hosted, you’ll need to manage hosting, security, and maintenance, but this gives you greater control and freedom
WooCommerce Features:
- Sell Physical & Digital Products – You can sell anything from clothes and gadgets to e-books and online courses.
- Customizable Store – It integrates with themes like Astra and offers many customization options.
- Multiple Payment Gateways – Supports PayPal, Stripe, credit cards, and other payment methods.
- Shipping & Tax Management – Configure shipping zones, tax rates, and delivery options.
- Extensions & Plugins – Add features like subscriptions, memberships, bookings, and dropshipping.
BigCommerce, on the other hand, is a cloud-based SaaS (Software as a Service) platform built specifically for e-commerce. It comes with built-in features like advanced product management, SEO tools, and multi-channel selling, making it ideal for businesses that want a comprehensive, all-in-one e-commerce solution
| Feature | Woocommerce | Bigcommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-source WordPress plugin | Hosted SaaS platform |
| Ease of Use | Requires technical knowledge | Beginner-friendly, drag-and-drop interface |
| Customization | Highly customizable with plugins/themes | Limited customization compared to Woocommerce |
| Pricing | Free plugin, but costs add up (hosting, plugins, etc.) | Monthly subscription plans starting at $29/month |
| Scalability | Scalable but depends on hosting and setup | Built for scalability, no product/sales limits |
| SEO Tools | Requires plugins (e.g., Yoast SEO) | Built-in SEO tools |
| Support | Community and third-party support | 24/7 customer support |
| Best For | WordPress users, developers, and businesses needing full control | Businesses wanting an all-in-one, scalable solutioni |
Based on eCommerce industry analysis, WooCommerce holds a dominant position, powering approximately 36% of all online stores. In comparison, BigCommerce occupies a smaller share, contributing to less than 1% of the market.
That Said, BigCommerce shouldn’t be overlooked. The internet offers a vast audience, and when you analyze search trends for both platforms using Google Trends, you’ll notice a consistent level of interest for BigCommerce alongside WooCommerce over time. This indicates that BigCommerce has a loyal user base despite its smaller market share.
source: Google Trends
Woocommerce vs BigCommerce: Pricing
When choosing an ecommerce platform, pricing is often one of the most critical factors. Both Woocommerce vs Bigcommerce have different pricing structures, and understanding these can help you avoid unexpected costs down the line. Let’s break it down:
Woocommerce Pricing
Woocommerce is a free, open-source plugin for WordPress, but the costs can add up quickly depending on your needs. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Hosting Costs:
- Since Woocommerce is self-hosted, you’ll need to pay for a hosting provider.
- Prices range from 5$ to 50$+ per month, depending on the hosting plan and traffic.
- Domain Name:
- A custom domain typically costs 10$ to 20$ per year.
- Themes and Plugins:
- While there are free themes and plugins, premium options can cost 50$ to 200$+ each.
- Essential plugins for SEO, security, and payment gateways may add to the cost.
- Security and Maintenance:
- SSL certificates, backups, and security plugins can cost 50$ to 200$+ annually.
- Developer Costs:
- If you’re not tech-savvy, hiring a developer for setup and customization can cost 500$ to 5,000$+.
Total Estimated Cost for Woocommerce:
- Small store: 100$ to 500$ annually
- Medium to large store: 500$to 5,000$+ annually
Bigcommerce Pricing
Bigcommerce is a hosted SaaS platform, meaning most features are included in the subscription fee.
source: bigcommerce
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price (Save 10%) | Sales Limit (Per Year) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $39/month | $35.10/month | Up to $50k | Essential eCommerce features |
| Plus | $105/month | $94.50/month | Up to $180k | Customer segmentation & abandoned cart saver |
| Pro | $399/month | $359.10/month | Up to $400k | Google customer reviews & advanced filtering |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing | Unlimited | Priority support & custom integrations |
Which is More Cost-Effective?
- Woocommerce is cheaper upfront but can become expensive as you add plugins, themes, and hosting. It’s ideal for businesses with technical expertise or those on a tight budget.
- Bigcommerce has a higher upfront cost but includes most features out of the box, making it more predictable and easier to manage. It’s better for businesses that want an all-in-one solution without hidden costs.
Woocommerce vs Bigcommerce: Templates and Design Features
Woocommerce Templates and Design Features
- Themes and Templates:
- Woocommerce is a WordPress plugin, which means it benefits from the massive library of WordPress themes.
- There are hundreds of free and premium Woocommerce specific themes available, with prices ranging from 0$ to 100$+.
- Popular marketplaces like ThemeForest and the official Woocommerce theme store offer a wide variety of options to suit different industries and styles.
- Customization Options:
- Woocommerce is highly customizable, thanks to its open-source nature.
- You can modify themes using CSS, PHP, and HTML or use popular page builders like Elementor, Divi, or WPBakery for drag-and-drop design.
- Advanced users can create fully custom designs tailored to their brand, making Woocommerce ideal for businesses with unique design requirements.
- Flexibility:
- Since Woocommerce is built on WordPress, it offers unmatched flexibility in design.
- However, this flexibility often requires technical knowledge or the help of a developer, which can add to the overall cost.
- Mobile Responsiveness:
- Most modern Woocommerce themes are mobile-responsive, but you may need to test and optimize for different devices to ensure a seamless experience.
- Third-Party Integrations:
- Woocommerce supports a wide range of plugins and extensions to enhance design and functionality, such as sliders, pop-ups, and advanced product displays.
BigCommerce: Templates and Design Features
- Themes and Templates:
- Bigcommerce offers a smaller but curated selection of free and premium themes.
- Free themes are limited but professionally designed, while premium themes 100$ to 300$+.
- Themes are optimized for ecommerce and come with built-in features like product filtering, quick view, and responsive layouts.
- Customization Options:
- Bigcommerce uses a drag-and-drop page builder called Bigcommerce Page Builder, making it easy for beginners to customize their store.
- You can modify themes using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but the level of customization is less flexible compared to Woocommerce.
- Ease of Use:
- Bigcommerce is designed for non-technical users, with intuitive tools for editing layouts, colors, and fonts.
- The platform also offers pre-built sections for headers, footers, and product pages, saving time on design.
- Mobile Responsiveness:
- All Bigcommerce themes are fully mobile-responsive, ensuring a seamless shopping experience across devices.
- Third-Party Integrations:
- Bigcommerce supports integrations with design tools like Shogun vs Zipify Pages for advanced customization.
Key Differences in Design and Templates
| Feature | Woocommerce | Bigcommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Theme Availability | Hundreds of free and premium themes | Smaller selection of free and premium themes |
| Customization | Highly customizable with coding or plugins | Limited customization, drag-and-drop builder |
| Ease of Use | Requires technical knowledge | Beginner-friendly, no coding required |
| Mobile Responsiveness | Most themes are responsive | All themes are fully responsive |
| Best For | Developers or businesses needing full control | Non-technical users or businesses wanting ease |
Woocommerce vs BigCommerce: Which Platform is Better for Design
- Choose Woocommerce if:
- You want complete control over your store’s design.
- You have technical expertise or a budget for a developer.
- You need a highly customized store tailored to your brand.
- Choose Bigcommerce if:
- You prefer a user-friendly, out-of-the-box solution.
- You want a professionally designed store without the need for coding.
- You value ease of use and quick setup.
Woocommerce vs Bigcommerce: Security
Woocommerce Security
- Self-Hosted Nature:
- Woocommerce is a self-hosted platform, meaning you are responsible for securing your website.
- This includes choosing a reliable hosting provider, setting up SSL certificates, and implementing security measures.
- SSL Certificates:
- SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is essential for encrypting data between your website and users.
- Most hosting providers offer free SSL certificates, but you need to ensure they are properly installed and configured.
- Security Plugins:
- Woocommerce relies on third-party plugins for advanced security features.
- Popular plugins like Wordfence, Sucuri, and iThemes Security can help with malware scanning, firewalls, and login protection.
- Updates and Maintenance:
- Regular updates to WordPress, Woocommerce, and plugins are crucial for security.
- Failure to update can leave your site vulnerable to attacks.
- Backups:
- Woocommerce does not provide automatic backups, so you’ll need to use plugins like UpdraftPlus or rely on your hosting provider for backups.
Bigcommerce Security
- Hosted Platform:
- Bigcommerce is a fully hosted SaaS platform, meaning they handle most of the security for you.
- This includes server security, SSL certificates, and regular updates.
- SSL Certificates:
- Bigcommerce provides free SSL certificates for all stores, ensuring secure data transmission.
- SSL is automatically enabled, so you don’t need to worry about installation or configuration.
- Built-In Security Features:
- Bigcommerce includes DDoS protection, web application firewalls (WAF), and fraud monitoring as part of its platform.
- These features help protect your store from common threats like brute force attacks and data breaches.
- Updates and Maintenance:
- Bigcommerce handles all software updates and security patches, ensuring your store is always up to date.
- This reduces the risk of vulnerabilities caused by outdated software.
- Backups:
- Bigcommerce provides automatic backups of your store data, so you can easily restore your site in case of an issue.
Key Differences in Security
| Feature | Woocommerce | Bigcommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Responsibility | Self-hosted (you manage security) | Fully hosted (Bigcommerce manages security) |
| SSL Certificates | Requires manual setup (often free with hosting) | Free SSL, automatically enabled |
| PCI Compliance | Requires additional measures | Fully PCI compliant |
| Security Features | Relies on third-party plugins | Built-in DDoS protection, firewalls, and fraud monitoring |
| Updates | Manual updates for WordPress, Woocommerce, and plugins | Automatic updates handled by Bigcommerce |
| Backups | Requires plugins or hosting provider | Automatic backups included |
Which Platform is More Secure?
- Choose Woocommerce if:
- You have the technical expertise (or budget for a developer) to manage security.
- You want full control over your security measures and prefer to customize them.
- You’re comfortable using third-party plugins for advanced security features.
- Choose Bigcommerce if:
- You want a hands-off approach to security, with most features handled by the platform.
- You prefer built-in security features and automatic updates
Woocommerce vs Bigcommerce: Which One Provides Better Assistance?
Woocommerce Support
- Community Support: Large forums and documentation for self-help.
- Paid Support: Available via Woocommerce Care plans or third-party experts.
- Response Time: Slow for free options; faster with paid plans.
Bigcommerce Support
- 24/7 Support: Phone, live chat, and email assistance.
- Dedicated Help: Account managers for higher-tier plans.
- Response Time: Immediate for live chat and phone.
Which is Better?
- Woocommerce: Best for tech-savvy users or those on a budget.
- Bigcommerce: Ideal for businesses needing quick, hands-on support.
WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: AI Integration Comparison
| Feature | Woocommerce | Bigcommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Built-In AI Features | Limited; relies on third-party plugins | Includes AI-driven product recommendations and search optimization |
| Third-Party AI Tools | Wide range of plugins and custom solutions | Supports AI apps from the Bigcommerce marketplace |
| Ease of Integration | Requires technical expertise | User-friendly, easy to set up |
| Cost | Additional costs for plugins and tools | Built-in features included; third-party tools may cost extra |
Which is Better for AI?
- Woocommerce: Best for custom AI solutions and tech-savvy users.
- Bigcommerce: Ideal for built-in AI features and easy setup.
Woocommerce vs Bigcommerce: Who is the winner?
Woocommerce Wins If:
- You Want Full Control:
- Woocommerce is open-source, offering unmatched customization and flexibility.
- You’re on a Budget:
- The plugin is free, making it ideal for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
- You’re Tech-Savvy:
- If you have technical expertise or access to developers, Woocommerce lets you build a fully tailored store.
- You Use WordPress:
- Woocommerce seamlessly integrates with WordPress, making it a natural choice for WordPress users.
Bigcommerce Wins If:
- You Want Ease of Use:
- Bigcommerce is user-friendly with a drag-and-drop interface, perfect for beginners.
- You Need Scalability:
- It’s built for high-growth businesses with no limits on products or sales volume.
- You Prefer All-in-One Solutions:
- Bigcommerce includes built-in features like SEO tools, payment gateways, and AI-driven recommendations.
- You Want Reliable Support:
- With 24/7 customer support and dedicated account managers, Bigcommerce ensures you’re never left stranded.
WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: FAQs
1. Which is better, WooCommerce or BigCommerce?
It depends on your needs. WooCommerce is ideal for users who want full control, flexibility, and lower upfront costs, while BigCommerce is great for those who need a fully hosted, hassle-free eCommerce solution with built-in features.
2. Is WooCommerce cheaper than BigCommerce?
WooCommerce itself is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting, security, themes, and plugins. BigCommerce has fixed pricing plans, starting at $39/month, which include hosting and security.
3. Can I migrate from WooCommerce to BigCommerce (or vice versa)?
Yes, you can migrate your store using tools like Cart2Cart or manual methods. However, it may require technical expertise or assistance from migration services.
4. Which platform is easier to use, WooCommerce or BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is easier for beginners because it’s a fully hosted platform with built-in features. WooCommerce, on the other hand, has a learning curve since it requires WordPress setup and plugin management.
5. Which platform is better for SEO?
Both platforms offer solid SEO capabilities, but WooCommerce (via WordPress) provides better flexibility with SEO plugins like Rank Math and Yoast SEO, giving it an edge.
6. Does WooCommerce or BigCommerce offer better customization?
WooCommerce offers unlimited customization since it’s open-source and works with WordPress themes and plugins. BigCommerce is more limited but has built-in features that reduce the need for custom development.
7. Which platform handles large stores better?
BigCommerce is better suited for large stores as it provides built-in scalability and security. WooCommerce requires a well-optimized hosting setup to handle high traffic efficiently.
8. Does WooCommerce or BigCommerce offer better customer support?
BigCommerce offers 24/7 customer support, while WooCommerce relies on WordPress forums, documentation, and third-party providers for support.
9. Can I use both WooCommerce and BigCommerce together?
Yes, you can use BigCommerce for WordPress, a plugin that allows you to integrate BigCommerce with a WordPress site while still using WooCommerce features.
10. Which is better for dropshipping, WooCommerce or BigCommerce?
WooCommerce has more dropshipping plugins like AliDropship and Spocket, making it a better choice for dropshipping businesses. BigCommerce also supports dropshipping, but with fewer integrations.
1. Which platform is more secure, WooCommerce security or BigCommerce security?
BigCommerce is generally more secure because it is a fully hosted solution with built-in security measures, including SSL certificates, PCI compliance, and automatic updates. WooCommerce, on the other hand, requires users to handle hosting security, SSL certificates, and regular updates to maintain a secure store.
