Do you intend to create an online store? Cannot pick between self-hosted WooCommerce and cloud-powered BigCommerce? Don’t worry, you are not on your own.
The only way to truly determine which of these two eCommerce solutions is more suitable, is to compare them side by side – we will take a look at their features, price, convenience of use, cost, support, security, customization, and many other factors.
In this article, we’ll help you determine which ecommerce solution more appropriate for your business requirements. Self-hosted or cloud? Subscription or free in theory? Customization or integrations? Huge or small community? There are lots of questions you may have.
So, are you ready for the battle of WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce? Let’s get started.
WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce: General Information
BigCommerce was founded in 2009 as a hosted solution for building online stores. Since that, it evolved to become a serious rival in the eCommerce market.
BigCommerce charges a monthly subscription to keep your website running. The platform includes numerous built-in capabilities, data analytics, and other features. As a result, BigCommerce has been successfully powering numerous fast-growing organizations.
WooCommerce was created in 2011 by WooThemes developers. WooCommerce is a free, open-source plugin for WordPress. It may assist you in converting a current WordPress site into a fully working online shop. The platform can become an ideal alternative for organizations of all sizes, from small-scale stores to giant corporations.
The key distinction between these two platforms is that BigCommerce is a fully-hosted eCommerce site builder, while WooCommerce is not.
An eCommerce site builder is a piece of software that may help you create and operate your online store. BigCommerce also includes thousands of built-in eCommerce capabilities. The platform includes everything you need to create, launch, and develop your online company.
WooCommerce, on the other hand, is an open-source WordPress plugin that enables WordPress users to start selling online. Automattic, the same firm that founded WordPress, acquired WooCommerce a few years ago. So, if you have a WordPress site and want to develop an online store, WooCommerce is a perfect pick. WooCommerce, being a highly customizable platform, enables you to establish identity throughout your website and online shop.
WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce: Peculiarities
WooCommerce
WooCommerce, as an open-source plugin, does not offer as much functionality as BigCommerce. Anyway, it contains a wide range of distinctive features worth highlighting:
- Built-in Blogging Capability.
It has blogging potential that enables users to build a blog by adding a post from the WordPress Admin panel. This functionality simplifies and accelerates the overall editing and publishing process.
- Customization is not restricted.
In this case, your degree of coding competence determines what level of customization you will get. If you have sufficient coding skills, there will be almost no limits. Perhaps, only creativity and patience. You will enjoy changing practically every part of your online business because of the endless personalization choices.
- The WooCommerce-WordPress Connection.
WooCommerce, being a WordPress plugin, has all of the benefits that WordPress has to deliver.
- Shortcodes and Gutenberg Blocks.
Shortcodes are text chunks that you can put on web pages to add content. Assume you want to highlight the hottest item on your homepage. All you have to do is copy and insert a shortcode. WooCommerce has a plethora of shortcodes that make adding items and monitoring information a breeze.
Besides, with the Gutenberg editor, you now get dozens of pre-developed WooCommerce blocks, which will eventually replace shortcodes and display custom content.
- Numerous Extensions
WooCommerce has hundreds of third party plugins. So, if you wish to add features and functions to your site, it is always possible to pick from a wide range of WooCommerce extensions. In addition to this, due to the open-source nature of WordPress, developing a custom WooCommerce plugin is a much less stressful procedure.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce has a wide range of capabilities and advanced features, which include marketing tools. In terms of options, BigCommerce clearly exceeds WooCommerce. Let us go through the most significant items that BigCommerce has to provide:
- SSL Certificate.
SSL certificates are included with BigCommerce by default. This displays a little padlock icon next to your URL, suggesting that your website is safe for collecting and handling online purchases.
- Integrations.
It allows you to connect your business to a variety of sites and marketplaces. For instance, you can quickly connect your online store to platforms like Amazon and eBay. If you are a social media addict, the platform provides simple configurations with networks like Facebook and Instagram.
- Optimization of Conversions.
One of the most frustrating aspects of running an online company is recovering abandoned carts. Consider a consumer visiting your site, adding stuff to their cart, and leaving without checking out. Dealing with this problem can be quite difficult. BigCommerce’s extensive set of abandoned cart recovery features can minimize your stress.
- SEO Optimization.
Without a solid SEO plan, it is nearly hard to succeed in the industry of online selling. BigCommerce has sophisticated SEO capabilities. As an example, it eliminates the need to optimize product photos separately. All of your product photographs are immediately optimized, thanks to the Akamai Image Manager.
- Customization.
BigCommerce also makes it possible to edit CSS and HTML, which is great for coders.
WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce: Ease of Use
WooCommerce requires a bit more setup than BigCommerce, but once you are fully operational, it is quite easy to use. Its setup process is amazing and will lay the groundwork for your business in about 20 minutes.
Furthermore, WooCommerce makes it painless to add products. If you have worked with WordPress before, you will have no trouble adjusting to WooCommerce. Just select “Products” from the menu and click “Add New”. After this, enter the product description and add photos, select categories, and click “Publish”.
BigCommerce is much easier to get started with because it is a cloud-based shop builder. For this reason, you will not have installation restrictions, no extra platform installation, and no store setup. Just register, select your shop type and criteria and proceed through the setup procedure. Its setup process is not as user-friendly as WooCommerce’s, but you will have no trouble implementing it.
In terms of adding items, it makes use of a similar method as WooCommerce. Select the “Product” menu item in the main user dashboard and click the “Add” button. Then, write the product description and any item variations, add photographs, determine the price, and save.
Generally speaking, both WooCommerce and BigCommerce strive to be as easy to use and administer as feasible. The shop dashboards provide a plethora of possibilities. All of them make adding goods straightforward. You have control over the data you could possibly need.
WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce: Marketing Tools
Coupons are an excellent approach to provide discounts to clients and encourage sales. WooCommerce offers three forms of discounts. These are percentage discounts, fixed cart discounts, and fixed product discounts. On the “Coupon info” page, you can also apply limitations to the coupon. WooCommerce coupons are useful, but their functionality is restricted.
Moreover, WooCommerce enables you to collect email addresses from visitors with third party plugins. As a result, you can send them personalized emails based on orders. This is one of the most essential aspects of creating an effective email marketing campaign.
BigCommerce includes the following marketing options:
- Banners can be used for both promotional and non-promotional objectives. This will assist in capturing your viewer’s attention and emphasizing your core material.
- Coupon codes and discounts are incredibly beneficial if you are running a unique deal. In this case, you are free to distribute codes through email. It is quite beneficial in terms of inspiring purchasers.
- The platform includes sophisticated email marketing tools such as MailChimp, HubSpot, iContact, and Constant Contact. This capability allows you to create lists and deliver personalized advertising messages and newsletters.
- BigCommerce’s social media capabilities allow promoting your business on social media. Include “Buy Now” links on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter to convert social networking into online purchasing.
WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce: Pricing
You have the freedom to test BigCommerce for 15 days without paying any money before deciding on a plan.
There are four price options available: Standard, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise. All of these options provide limitless file storage, bandwidth, and goods. There are no transaction fees with any of these packages. All of these options include a web domain, web hosting, and an SSL security certificate.
WooCommerce, as a WordPress plugin, is free to install on your WordPress site. Anyway, there are some expenses involved; you will need to pay for your own website hosting at least.
WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce: Ready-Made Templates
For developing an online store, WordPress provides dozens of eCommerce themes. These themes are divided into two categories: free and premium.
The number of WooCommerce themes is greater than those for BigCommerce. Here are some premium WooCommerce themes that may interest you.
Woostroid2 – Multipurpose Elementor WooCommerce Theme
Buy Now | Demo | Download for Free in MonsterONE
WooStroid2 is an advisable theme for individuals who need to launch a large number of web projects at the same time. It is constantly ready to meet all of your needs and supply you with an enormous variety of site ideas. You can utilize the easy-to-use Elementor Page Builder to improve your productivity.
Main Features:
- fully-responsive design;
- 1000+ page templates;
- contact form;
- advanced search;
- customer reviews;
- newsletter subscription;
- compatible with WPML;
- Ajax filters.
Toolsjet – Hardware Store WooCommerce Theme
Buy Now | Demo | Download for Free in MonsterONE
This incredible WooCommerce theme can help you build an online home improvement store. To keep your potential customers satisfied, the package includes a whole range of valuable features. This is a product comparison, a wishlist, multi-language and multi-currency support, and a contact form.
Main Features:
- Revolution Slider;
- product zoom;
- unlimited number of banners;
- product quick view;
- portfolio layouts;
- product hover effect;
- grid and list options;
- portfolio custom type.
Molisa – Multipurpose Supermarket WooCommerce Theme
Buy Now | Demo | Download for Free in MonsterONE
A stylish and flexible supermarket theme that provides an out-of-the-box experience for both you and your core audience. You will be ready to sell the desired goods without any restrictions and take advantage of special options. As an example, the package provides Elementor Page Builder, a one-click demo installation, and a masonry blog system.
Main Features:
- fully-responsive design;
- mega-menu;
- animation effects;
- product quick view;
- carousel functionality;
- product grids;
- product hover;
- multi-language and multi-currency support.
Shopox – Multipurpose WooCommerce Theme
Buy Now | Demo | Download for Free in MonsterONE
It is an ideal complement for industries like apparel, furniture, jewelry, and electronics. Luckily, it is very straightforward to use and will not delay in progress the creation of a website, even for non-specialists. In addition to this, it includes numerous versatile customization possibilities for setting various modules.
Main Features:
- fully-responsive design;
- RTL support;
- advanced search;
- product quick view;
- comparison functionality;
- wishlist;
- advanced filters;
- product column variation.
Cobre – Home Decor & Furniture WooCommerce Theme
Buy Now | Demo | Download for Free in MonsterONE
Cobre is a visually appealing theme tailored for different topics of online stores. It is suitable for a wide range of products, including furniture, clothing, electronics, and accessories. A drag-and-drop builder bundled allows you to take full use of unique layouts to boost your creative ideas.
Main Features:
- six header layouts;
- unlimited fonts;
- Revolution Slider;
- multi-language support;
- masonry portfolio with filters;
- boxed and wide layout;
- mega-menu;
- background video.
BigCommerce provides 12 free templates that look fantastic right off the bat. You can also search for additional ready-made solutions (both free and premium) on a massive number of marketplaces. Get familiar with high-quality BigCommerce templates that may meet your requirements.
DigitalMart – Stencil BigCommerce Multipurpose Theme
Buy Now | Demo | Download for Free in MonsterONE
It is a multipurpose BigCommerce theme specifically designed for such niches as electronics, accessories, fashion, furniture, and others. After a one-click demo installation, you can work with a bunch of helpful options. These include three styles of the site, product slider, videos, and others.
Main Features:
- Ajax search;
- product quick view;
- fully-responsive design;
- newsletter subscription;
- product filtering;
- Google Maps;
- mega-menu;
- blog functionality.
Pazano – Shopping Mall BigCommerce Template
Buy Now | Demo | Download for Free in MonsterONE
Pazano is a marvelous template that allows managing an online store, even if you are not a tech-savvy person. It is possible to work with color options, fonts, enable banner products, modify and delete products, and complete more tasks. You will get a fully-responsive design that adapts to all the devices.
Main Features:
- Ajax search;
- social networking;
- stylish banners;
- product carousel;
- newsletter subscription;
- hover animation effects;
- blog;
- mega-menu.
Imart – Multipurpose Ecommerce Online Store Bigcommerce Theme
Buy Now | Demo | Download for Free in MonsterONE
A highly convenient and universal theme that does not compromise functionality for attractiveness. It provides all the necessary options for both an appealing look and smooth performance. You are free to modify the products, manage customers’ info, add social sharing, and complete more tasks.
Main Features:
- one-click demo installation;
- multi-language and multi-currency support;
- product hover;
- stylish banners;
- newsletter subscription;
- product grids;
- drag-and-drop functionality;
- fully-responsive design.
BikeRider – Multipurpose Extreme Sports Bigcommerce Theme
Buy Now | Demo | Download for Free in MonsterONE
If you want to approach building a sports-related site like a champion, this powerful theme is for you. Its environment allows customizing the site according to your needs without having special coding knowledge. You will get a wide range of advanced functions, including slideshow banners, a news carousel, and others.
Main Features:
- product quick view;
- social networking;
- grid and list product display;
- hover effect animation;
- fully-responsive design;
- different color options;
- testimonials;
- product slider.
Pintaso – Art Gallery Stencil BigCommerce Template
Buy Now | Demo | Download for Free in MonsterONE
It is an all-around template for those who have something to do with an art topic. It has a modern design and multiple built-in functionalities that will assist you in drawing more attention. For example, take advantage of eye-catching banners, social integration, and newsletter subscription.
Main Features:
- carousel;
- product hover;
- fully-responsive design;
- unlimited color variations;
- Google Fonts;
- grid and list product view;
- blog page;
- drag-and-drop functionality.
WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce: Security
You should continuously update WooCommerce to the latest versions to acquire security fixes and solve bugs. The platform also supports two-factor authentication. WordPress and hosting companies also provides security plugins to strengthen every aspect of your online store.
BigCommerce is often seen as more secure by the general public. As a fully hosted platform, BigCommerce includes security as an aspect of your monthly subscription. Concerning the SSL certificate, it not only provides SEO benefits but also ensures the greatest degree of website security. BigCommerce servers are PCI DSS 3.2 certified at level 1. As a result, you can safeguard payment card transactions and defend the site against credit card data breaches.
WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce: Support
There are several places where you may get help with your WooCommerce shop. For plugin-related concerns, you can always visit:
- the WooCommerce Support Forum on WordPress.org;
- or the official WooCommerce website.
WooCommerce support forum regularly delivers both pre-solved and fresh issues. The official website provides a help page with rich documentation, tutorials, and instructions.
BigCommerce has excellent customer service for a fully hosted platform. From your dashboard, you have immediate access to their numerous support options. These include phone help, email support, live chat assistance, community support, and others. If you have a problem with your site, select one of their support channels to receive immediate assistance. BigCommerce provides customer service around the clock.
WooCommerce vs. BigCommerce: Pros and Cons
| WooCommerce | BigCommerce | |
| Pros | You have complete control over the customizing. You will have the opportunity to use WordPress’s SEO features. WooCommerce is free to download, allowing you to launch an online business on a shoestring budget. You can add an endless number of item listings across several categories. You may also sell virtual, tangible, and digital things. The choice is entirely yours. Your shop may accept any payment method. | It has a massive number of built-in features. Some selling channels, such as Amazon, Instagram, and Facebook, are fluid and smooth. Its stores load quickly, so you do not need to worry about caching software. It is in charge of a slew of cybersecurity procedures. BigCommerce templates are beautiful. If you are familiar with CSS or HTML, BigCommerce makes it straightforward to edit the code. |
| Cons | To make use of the full scope of WooCommerce’s offerings, you must acquire some sophisticated technical expertise. You must handle your own website updates. WooCommerce does not provide complete customer assistance. | BigCommerce does not offer a mobile app. At first, its editing interface is a little difficult to use. BigCommerce’s app marketplace is smaller than that of WooCommerce. It does not provide a comparable range and assortment of extensions for you to add. |
Conclusion
Both variants provide a great method to get started in eCommerce. You will experience straightforward setup procedures and the ability to add functionality with extensions.
WooCommerce is best for folks who are already comfortable with WordPress. BigCommerce is great for individuals who do not want to discover new technologies or be concerned with hosting and security.
It’s also possible to modify the appearance of both systems with ready-made solutions (including free WooCommerce themes or premium ones with a MonsterONE subscription; to get a free theme, you need to share it on social media, plus you will not receive support).
Ah, don’t forget to take advantage of the promo code “Tutor Aspire7” to get 7% OFF on TemplateMonster. Thanks for reading!