Bigcommerce vs. Magento 2: Which one is best for my online start-up Business?

Magento and BigCommerce development solutions. Make the right choice today.

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, selecting the right platform for your business is akin to choosing a trusted partner for a grand adventure. When your options narrow down to formidable contenders like BigCommerce and Magento, the decision becomes even more critical.

These two platforms hold a substantial share of the market and are favored choices among merchants seeking to establish a robust online presence. While both BigCommerce and Magento provide a solid foundation for e-commerce ventures and offer an array of features, there are nuances that set them apart.

With our expertise as a certified BigCommerce and Magento partner, we are well-versed in the intricacies of these platforms.

In this blog, we will embark on a journey to unravel the disparities between these two e-commerce giants, exploring aspects like ease of use, design flexibility, security, pricing, and more. So, let’s begin this journey to find the perfect fit for your online store.

Bigcommerce vs. Magento 2 – At a Glance

Now that we’ve set the stage for the Magento vs. BigCommerce showdown, let’s take a closer look at these two e-commerce giants in a nutshell. Understanding their core attributes will lay the foundation for a more detailed exploration.

Here are the key highlights you need to know about Magento and BigCommerce at a glance:

Magento:

• Open-Source Powerhouse: Magento is renowned for its open-source nature, providing a high level of customization and control.
• Versatile and Scalable: It caters to businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprise-level, with scalability at its core.
• Strong Developer Community: A vast community of developers continuously contributes to Magento’s growth and innovation.
• Robust SEO Capabilities: Magento is favored for its SEO-friendly features, making it easier to rank on search engines.
• Complex Setup: Due to its extensive features, it often requires more technical expertise for setup and maintenance.

BigCommerce:

• Simplicity and Accessibility: BigCommerce is known for its user-friendly approach, making it suitable for beginners.
• Hosted Solution: It’s a hosted platform, meaning you don’t need to worry about server management.
• Built-in Features: BigCommerce offers a rich set of built-in features, reducing the need for third-party extensions.
• Scalability: It can accommodate businesses of various sizes, although it’s particularly appealing too small to medium-sized enterprises.
• Strong Customer Support: BigCommerce excels in customer support, providing assistance when you need it most.

	BigCommerce Rating	Magento Rating
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 stars)	⭐⭐⭐ (3.5 stars)
Design Flexibility	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 stars)
Built-In Features	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
App and Plugin Ecosystem	⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.3 stars)	⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.7 stars)
Mobile Responsiveness	⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.6 stars)	⭐⭐⭐(3.8 stars)
Pricing and Cost	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)	⭐⭐⭐(3.6 stars)
Scalability	⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.4 stars)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⅖ (4.2 stars)
SEO Capabilities	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3 stars)	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4 stars)
Security	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7 stars)	⭐⭐⭐ (4.1 stars)
Customer Support	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 stars)	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3 stars)

 

Magento vs. BigCommerce – Pricing and Cost

In the world of e-commerce, every penny counts, especially for startups and small businesses. When deciding between Magento and BigCommerce, your choice should align with your budgetary constraints and growth expectations. Let’s delve into the pricing and cost considerations for these platforms with startups in mind.

Read Also BigCommerce vs. Salesforce Commerce

Magento:

Starting a business venture, especially on a tight budget, can be challenging. Magento offers a lifeline with Magento Open Source, a free open-source version. However, it’s essential to be aware that while the software itself is free, other expenses may arise:

• Development Costs: Customizing Magento to suit your unique needs often requires hiring developers, which can be a substantial upfront cost for startups.
• Hosting Expenses: Magento’s resource-intensive nature can lead to higher hosting costs, making it crucial to select an affordable yet reliable hosting solution.
• Extensions and Add-Ons: While Magento Open Source provides core e-commerce functionality, you might need to invest in additional extensions or modules to enhance your store’s capabilities.

Read Also BigCommerce vs. Competitor Platforms

BigCommerce:

For ecommerce stores seeking simplicity and affordability, BigCommerce offers a compelling option. Here’s how it caters to the needs of budding entrepreneurs:

• Transparent Pricing: BigCommerce’s pricing plans are transparent and designed to fit various budgets. This predictability can be a relief for startups trying to manage their finances effectively.
• No Development Costs: BigCommerce provides a user-friendly interface that doesn’t require extensive development work. This means you can save on developer fees.
• Built-In Features: BigCommerce includes a robust set of built-in features, reducing the need to invest in numerous third-party extensions, which can be a considerable cost savings for startups.
• Scalability: As your startup grows, BigCommerce offers the flexibility to scale up seamlessly without unexpected financial surprises.

	Magento for Startups	BigCommerce for Startups
Software Cost	Free (Magento Open Source)	Transparent pricing plans
Development Costs	Potentially high due to customization	Minimal development needed
Hosting Expenses	Can be high due to resource-intensive requirements	Hosting included in plans
Extensions and Add-Ons	Additional costs may apply for required extensions	Built-in features reduce additional expenses
Budget Predictability	Potentially higher upfront costs	Transparent and predictable monthly costs

Magento vs. BigCommerce – Ease of Use and Setup

Starting an online store can be both exciting and challenging, especially if you’re new to the world of e-commerce. Let’s dive into how Magento and BigCommerce cater to startups in terms of ease of use and setup.

Magento:

Magento’s open-source version, Magento Open Source, can be an enticing option for startups on a budget. Here’s how it fits the startup landscape:

• Feature-Rich: While Magento is known for its complexity, its open-source version provides access to a wide range of features without the initial software cost.
• Customization Potential: Startups with unique requirements can leverage Magento’s extensive customization capabilities, but be prepared for a learning curve.
• Development Resources: You may need to allocate resources to work with developers or agencies for a smoother setup process and ongoing support.

BigCommerce:

BigCommerce simplifies the eCommerce journey with its user-friendly approach:

• Budget-Friendly: BigCommerce’s transparent pricing plans are designed to accommodate startups, providing predictability and cost-effectiveness.
• No Technical Hurdles: As a startup, you can avoid the complexity of extensive development work, thanks to BigCommerce’s intuitive interface and built-in features.
• Scalability: BigCommerce grows with your startup, offering scalability as your business expands, ensuring your platform can keep up with your success.

	Magento for Startups	BigCommerce for Startups
User-Friendliness	Complexity may require a learning curve	Intuitive and beginner-friendly
Customization Potential	Extensive customization options but may need development expertise	Simplified customization with templates
Budget-Friendly	Open-source version offers no software cost but may require developer resources	Transparent pricing plans designed for startups
Time to Launch	Longer setup time due to customization and learning curve	Quick setup with user-friendly interface
Built-In Features	Limited built-in features; often relies on extensions	Rich set of built-in features reduces reliance on extensions

Magento vs. BigCommerce – Design and Customization

For entrepreneurs venturing into the world of e-commerce, the ability to design and customize their online stores is a pivotal factor in establishing a unique and appealing digital presence. Let’s explore how both Magento and BigCommerce cater to startups in terms of design flexibility and customization options.

Read Also Bigcommerce VS Shopify Coalition

Magento:

Magento, especially its open-source version, Magento Open Source, can be a tantalizing option for e-commerce stores with specific branding and customization aspirations:

• Limitless Customization: With Magento’s extensive features and open-source nature, startups have the freedom to craft a truly distinctive online store that aligns perfectly with their brand identity.
• Cost-Effective: Magento Open Source eliminates software costs, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious startups.
• Development Resources: While Magento offers extensive customization potential, it often requires working with developers or agencies to maximize its capabilities.

BigCommerce:

BigCommerce provides e-commerce stores with a simplified path to creating a compelling online presence:

• User-Friendly Templates: Startups can leverage BigCommerce’s user-friendly, template-based design approach to create visually appealing stores without the need for extensive technical skills.
• Budget Considerations: BigCommerce’s transparent pricing plans are designed to accommodate startups, offering predictability and cost-effectiveness.
• Built-In Features: With a rich set of built-in features, BigCommerce reduces the reliance on third-party extensions, simplifying the customization process.

	Magento for Startups	BigCommerce for Startups
Customization Potential	Highly customizable with extensive features and open-source freedom	User-friendly templates and a simplified design approach
Cost-Effectiveness	No software cost with Magento Open Source, but may require developer resources	Transparent pricing plans designed for startups
Development Requirements	Often requires working with developers or agencies for extensive customization	Minimal technical skills needed, reducing dependency on developers
Template-Based Design	Available themes and templates but often preferred for custom designs	Professionally designed templates for visually appealing stores
Built-In Features	The vast array of features, and customization required for specific needs	Rich set of built-in features reduces reliance on extensions

 

Magento vs. BigCommerce – Features and Functionality

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, the features and functionality of your chosen platform play a pivotal role in shaping your online store’s capabilities. Let’s delve into the essential features and functionalities offered by Magento and BigCommerce, providing you with insights to make an informed choice for your e-commerce journey.

Magento:

Magento is renowned for its robust features and extensive functionality, making it a preferred choice for businesses with intricate requirements:

• Open-Source Versatility: Magento’s open-source nature grants you unparalleled freedom to customize and tailor your online store to your precise specifications.
• Scalability: With Magento, your e-commerce site can grow alongside your business. It’s equipped to handle a wide range of products, making it ideal for both small startups and large enterprises.
• Catalog Management: Managing and organizing product catalogs is made efficient and straightforward with Magento’s comprehensive catalog management features.
• SEO Optimization: Magento offers a suite of SEO tools, empowering you to optimize your store’s visibility and rankings in search engines.
• Advanced Analytics: Gain valuable insights into your business’s performance with Magento’s advanced analytics and reporting capabilities.

BigCommerce:

BigCommerce takes a user-centric approach, offering a variety of features designed to simplify the e-commerce journey:

• All-in-One Platform: BigCommerce provides an all-in-one solution, eliminating the need for third-party integrations for essential e-commerce functions.
• Built-In Payment Solutions: It comes equipped with built-in payment solutions, streamlining the checkout process for your customers.
• Responsive Themes: BigCommerce offers responsive and customizable themes that ensure your store looks and functions seamlessly across various devices.
• Security: Security is a top priority, and BigCommerce includes features such as fraud protection and SSL certification to safeguard your store and customer data.
• Marketing Tools: BigCommerce provides marketing tools like abandoned cart recovery, helping you boost sales and customer retention.

Read Also Shift4shop vs. Bigcommerce

	Magento	BigCommerce
Customization Potential	Highly customizable with open-source freedom	Simplified customization with built-in features
Scalability	Ideal for businesses of all sizes with robust scaling capabilities	Scalable to accommodate various business sizes
Catalog Management	Comprehensive catalog management tools	Efficient catalog management features
SEO Optimization	Offers a suite of SEO tools for enhanced online visibility	SEO features and tools for improved search engine rankings
Analytics and Reporting	Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities	Analytics and reporting tools for valuable insights
All-in-One Solution	Offers comprehensive e-commerce functions with customization	All-in-one platform with built-in features
Payment Solutions	Supports a range of payment gateways and integrations	Built-in payment solutions for simplified transactions
Responsive Themes	Customizable, responsive themes for a seamless user experience	Responsive themes for various devices
Security	Emphasizes security with features like SSL certification	Security-focused with fraud protection
Marketing Tools	Advanced marketing tools including abandoned cart recovery	Marketing tools to enhance sales and customer engagement

 

Magento vs BigCommerce – Scalability and Growth Potential

Scalability is the lifeblood of any e-commerce venture. It determines whether your online store can adapt and expand seamlessly as your business grows. In this section, we’ll explore how both Magento and BigCommerce fare when it comes to scalability and their potential to support your business’s growth ambitions.

Magento:

When it comes to scalability, Magento stands as a heavyweight in the e-commerce arena. Whether you’re a budding startup aiming for rapid growth or an established enterprise planning to expand your online presence, Magento has the capabilities to support your ambitions.

• Extensive Scalability: Magento is renowned for its scalability. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, Magento can accommodate your needs and evolve alongside your business.
• Open-Source Flexibility: Magento’s open-source nature means you have the freedom to customize and tailor your e-commerce site as your business expands. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for businesses with unique requirements.
• Large Product Catalogs: If your business plans to offer an extensive range of products, Magento’s robust catalog management capabilities can handle the load efficiently.
• Scalability for International Growth: Magento supports multi-store capabilities, making it an excellent choice for businesses eyeing international markets.
• Performance Optimization: As your business scales, Magento’s performance optimization features ensure your online store remains fast and responsive, providing an excellent user experience.

BigCommerce:

BigCommerce takes a user-centric approach to scalability, making it accessible and manageable for businesses of all sizes. If you’re a startup looking for a scalable solution without the need for extensive technical expertise, BigCommerce provides a user-friendly platform.

• Scalability for Various Business Sizes: BigCommerce is designed to be scalable for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re starting small or already established, you can find a suitable plan.
• User-Friendly: BigCommerce offers a user-friendly platform that simplifies the scaling process. You don’t need extensive technical knowledge to expand your online store.
• Built-In Features: BigCommerce includes a wide array of built-in features, reducing the reliance on third-party integrations as your business grows.
• Security and Performance: As you scale your business, BigCommerce ensures the security and performance of your online store, delivering a seamless shopping experience.
• International Expansion: BigCommerce provides tools to expand your business globally, including multi-currency support and localization features.

	Magento	BigCommerce
Scalability	Highly scalable for businesses of all sizes	Scalable for businesses of various sizes
Customization Flexibility	Open-source flexibility for extensive customization	User-friendly, built-in features reducing the need for heavy customization
Catalog Management	Efficient catalog management for large product catalogs	Offers built-in features for catalog management
International Expansion	Ideal for international expansion with multi-store support	Provides tools for global expansion, including multi-currency and localization features
Performance Optimization	Performance optimization features ensure responsiveness	Ensures security and performance as your business grows

 

Magento vs BigCommerce – SEO and Marketing Capabilities

For eCommerce businesses, success hinges on more than just the quality of products or services; it also depends on the ability to reach and engage your target audience effectively. This is where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and robust marketing tools play a pivotal role. Let’s explore how Magento and BigCommerce stack up when it comes to SEO and marketing capabilities, crucial for your online store’s visibility and growth.

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Magento:

Magento equips businesses with the tools they need to conquer the digital landscape. With its SEO-friendly structure, customizable meta tags, and structured data markup, Magento ensures your online store is visible to search engines and potential customers.

• SEO-Friendly Structure: Magento offers a solid foundation for SEO with features like SEO-friendly URLs, customizable meta tags, and structured data markup, ensuring your store is easily discoverable by search engines.
• Robust Content Management: It provides a flexible content management system (CMS) to create compelling, SEO-optimized landing pages, blog posts, and product descriptions.
• Advanced SEO Extensions: Magento’s marketplace offers a wide array of SEO extensions and plugins to enhance your store’s search visibility, including SEO audits, sitemaps, and schema markup.
• Marketing Automation: It supports marketing automation tools to streamline your marketing efforts, from email campaigns to personalized product recommendations, helping you engage customers effectively.
• Analytics and Reporting: Magento offers in-depth analytics and reporting features, empowering you to track the performance of your marketing campaigns and make data-driven decisions.

BigCommerce:

For businesses seeking a seamless blend of user-friendliness and marketing prowess, BigCommerce stands as a compelling choice. Its SEO-friendly features, including customizable URLs and meta tags, bolster your store’s search engine rankings.

• SEO-Friendly Features: BigCommerce comes equipped with SEO-friendly features, such as customizable URLs, meta tags, and mobile optimization, ensuring your site ranks well in search results.
• Built-in Blogging: It includes a built-in blogging platform, allowing you to create and share content that not only informs but also boosts your site’s SEO.
• App Marketplace: BigCommerce’s app marketplace provides a range of marketing and SEO apps, including SEO audits, email marketing, and social media integrations, expanding your marketing toolkit.
• Email Marketing: BigCommerce offers built-in email marketing capabilities, simplifying customer outreach and retention efforts.
• Analytics and Insights: It provides robust analytics and insights, helping you track your store’s performance and make informed marketing decisions.

	Magento	BigCommerce
SEO-Friendly Structure	Yes (Customizable URLs, meta tags, structured data)	Yes (Customizable URLs, meta tags)
Content Management	Flexible CMS for SEO-optimized content creation	Built-in blogging platform
SEO Extensions and Plugins	Extensive marketplace with various SEO extensions	App marketplace with SEO tools
Marketing Automation	Supports marketing automation for customer engagement	Integrated email marketing
Analytics and Reporting	Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools	Robust analytics and insights

 

Magento Vs. BigCommerce – Shopping Cart

When it comes to e-commerce platforms, the shopping cart is the heart of the online shopping experience. Let’s delve into the specifics of Magento’s shopping cart and how it stacks up against BigCommerce.

Magento:

With its highly customizable shopping cart and extensive array of tools and features, Magento empowers businesses to create a unique and tailored online shopping experience.

• Customization: Magento allows for extensive customization of your shopping cart to align with your unique business requirements. You can create a tailored shopping experience, from personalized product recommendations to dynamic pricing rules.
• Scalability: As your business grows, so should your shopping cart. Magento’s scalability ensures that your cart can handle increasing product catalogs and customer loads without compromising performance.
• Multiple Payment Options: It supports a wide range of payment gateways, enabling you to offer your customers various payment options, from credit cards to digital wallets.
• Inventory Management: Efficient inventory management is essential for smooth operations. Magento’s shopping cart provides real-time inventory tracking and alerts, ensuring you never oversell or run out of stock.
• Cross-Selling and Up-Selling: Boost your revenue with cross-selling and up-selling features that encourage customers to explore related products or consider higher-value alternatives.

BigCommerce:

BigCommerce, a user-friendly e-commerce platform, offers a shopping cart designed for simplicity and effectiveness. Here are the noteworthy aspects of BigCommerce’s shopping cart:

• User-Friendly: BigCommerce’s shopping cart is known for its ease of use. It’s an excellent choice for those new to e-commerce and looking to set up shop quickly.
• Responsive Design: The cart is optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers on smartphones and tablets.
• Secure Checkout: Security is paramount in e-commerce. BigCommerce’s shopping cart is equipped with robust security measures to protect customer data and transactions.
• Payment Options: Similar to Magento, BigCommerce supports a variety of payment gateways, allowing you to offer flexible payment choices to your customers.
• Abandoned Cart Recovery: Reduce cart abandonment rates with built-in tools for recovering abandoned carts through automated email reminders.

	Magento	BigCommerce
Customization	Extensive customization options for tailored cart experiences	Limited customization but user-friendly
Scalability	Highly scalable, suitable for businesses of all sizes	Scalable for small to mid-sized businesses
Payment Options	Supports a wide range of payment gateways	Offers various payment gateways for flexibility
Inventory Management	Real-time inventory tracking and alerts	Efficient inventory management features
Cross-Selling and Up-Selling	Robust features for boosting revenue through product recommendations	Offers cross-selling and up-selling capabilities

 

Magento Vs. BigCommerce – Customer Service and Support

In the world of e-commerce, where businesses operate 24/7, having reliable customer support and access to valuable resources is crucial. Let’s explore how Magento and BigCommerce stack up in terms of customer support and resources.

Magento:

When it comes to customer support, Magento offers a variety of options for users:

• Community Forums: Magento hosts an active community of users, developers, and experts who frequently participate in forums to answer questions and share insights.
• Documentation: They provide extensive documentation with guides, tutorials, and FAQs, helping users troubleshoot common issues.
• Magento Support: For more comprehensive assistance, users can subscribe to Magento’s support services, which offer personalized help.

BigCommerce:

Well, BigCommerce is also known for its customer support and resources:

• 24/7 Customer Support: BigCommerce offers round-the-clock customer support via chat, email, and phone to assist users with any queries or issues.
• Educational Resources: They provide a knowledge base, video tutorials, and webinars, making it easier for users to learn and troubleshoot.
• Community: Similar to Magento, BigCommerce has an engaged community of users and experts who actively contribute to forums.

	Magento	BigCommerce
Customer Support Channels	– Community forums – Knowledge base – Premium support options	– 24/7 customer support – Knowledge base – Community forums
Developer Community	– Large and active community of developers	– Active developer community
Documentation	– Extensive documentation and resources	– Comprehensive knowledge base
Premium Support	– Offers premium support plans	– Provides premium support plans
Ecosystem and Integrations	– Vast ecosystem of extensions and integrations	– Expansive range of integrations and partnerships
Online Learning Resources	– Magento University for online courses	– BigCommerce University for online courses
Community Engagement	– Engaged user community and events	– Active community participation and events

 

Bigcommerce vs. Magento 2 – Pros and Cons

Well, before we conclude our comparison and see which platform is suited for which e-commerce business, let’s quickly overview the pros and cons of each platform and see which one excels in different features.

Shopify	BigCommerce
Pros
– User-friendly interface	– Highly customizable with support
– Quick setup	– Accommodates businesses of all sizes
– Great for beginners	– Robust features even in lower-tier
– Handles traffic spikes well	– Strong built-in SEO capabilities
– Transparent pricing plans	– Multiple payment options
– Predictable monthly costs	– Supports global payment preferences
– Built-in SEO features	– Offers both hosted and self-hosted
– Wide variety of payment gateways	– Comprehensive app store
– Streamlined checkout process	– High-quality themes with customization
– Fully hosted, managed hosting	– Professional, responsive templates
– Vast app ecosystem	– Mobile-responsive design
– Easy integration of third-party tools	– Strong developer community
Cons
– Limited customization in some areas	– Slight learning curve
– May lack advanced features for experts	– May require third-party apps for scaling
– Transaction fees for third-party payment gateways	– Can be costlier for advanced features
– May require apps for advanced SEO tasks	– May require additional SEO apps
– Limited control over server configurations	– Limited in-house payment processing
– Costs can add up with multiple apps	– Limited control over server configurations
– Limited support hours, chat and email only	– Limited number of free themes
– Design limitations may require coding	– Design limitations may require coding
–	– Limited phone support

 

Magento vs. BigCommerce – Making the Right Choice

Well, in this comprehensive comparison between Magento and BigCommerce, we’ve examined the strengths and features of each platform to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals. Let’s wrap up this discussion by offering some clear guidance on which platform suits which type of business best.

Choose Magento If:

• You’re running a large-scale enterprise with complex e-commerce needs, including multiple stores, languages, and currencies.
• Customization and control are paramount, and you have the development resources or budget to support it.
• You require advanced B2B features, such as tailored pricing, quoting, and account management.
• International expansion is a significant part of your strategy, as Magento excels in managing global operations.
• You value an open-source solution that can be tailored to your specific requirements.

Choose BigCommerce If:

• You’re a small to medium-sized business looking for an all-in-one e-commerce solution with user-friendly features.
• Simplicity and speed are essential, and you want to get your store up and running quickly.
• You prioritize built-in SEO tools, mobile optimization, and a straightforward approach to e-commerce.
• Budget is a concern, and you’re looking for a cost-effective solution with lower initial setup and maintenance costs.
• You want a platform that offers scalability for future growth without the complexities of self-hosting.

At Folio3, we understand that this decision is a critical one for your business. That’s why we’re here to offer our expertise in Magento and BigCommerce development. Whether you choose Magento or BigCommerce, we are committed to providing you with expert, reliable, and affordable Bigcommerce e-commerce development solutions. Reach out to us today to explore how our services can help your online business thrive.