WooCommerce vs BigCommerce in 2025: A Detailed Comparison

Key highlights 

• Understand the core differences in the WooCommerce vs BigCommerce debate to choose the right eCommerce platform for your business needs. 
• Learn how pricing, customization and scalability compare in WooCommerce vs BigCommerce to match your growth strategy. 
• Explore WooCommerce vs BigCommerce in terms of SEO, design flexibility and ease of use to find the best fit for your technical skills. 
• Know the pros and cons of WooCommerce vs BigCommerce to make an informed platform decision that aligns with your goals. 
• Discover how Bluehost WooCommerce hosting strengthens your WooCommerce vs BigCommerce choice with optimized setup and support.

Introduction 

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce—which platform powers your success in 2025? That’s the big question for anyone serious about building a thriving online store. With so many eCommerce platforms out there, WooCommerce and BigCommerce consistently stand out. 

WooCommerce transforms your existing website into a customizable eCommerce storefront, while BigCommerce delivers an all-in-one solution with built-in features that simplify selling. Both platforms support online growth, but your decision depends on your business needs, technical experience and long-term goals. 

In this guide, we’ll compare WooCommerce and BigCommerce across key factors like pricing, performance, SEO, design and more. 

Let’s dive in! 

Overview of WooCommerce and BigCommerce 

Before diving into the detailed comparison, it’s essential to understand what sets WooCommerce and BigCommerce apart.  

Both eCommerce platforms are top choices in any eCommerce comparison platform discussion, offering different paths to building and managing a successful online store 

What is WooCommerce? 

WooCommerce is a free, open-source platform designed as a WordPress plugin. It transforms any existing WordPress website into a fully functional eCommerce store, giving users total control over customization, design and functionality. 

According to Statista, WooCommerce holds 25%+ market share among eCommerce platforms in 2025—making it the most popular choice globally for scalable, low-cost store setups 

As the most popular content management system, the WooCommerce plugin supports thousands of extensions for SEO, inventory management and payment gateways. It’s a go-to choice for small businesses and growing brands that want to build a store tailored to their unique needs.  

Also read: WooCommerce Hooks: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Developers 

What is BigCommerce? 

BigCommerce is a fully hosted, all-in-one platform that simplifies launching and managing an online store. It comes with built-in features for product management, SEO, security and multichannel selling—no plugins or custom code required. 

Unlike WooCommerce, BigCommerce handles the technical details for you, including hosting, updates and compliance. With drag and drop design tools and live chat support, it’s ideal for business owners who want a robust yet low-maintenance eCommerce platform. 

Also read: How to Make an Online Store in 2025 – The Complete Guide   

BigCommerce vs WooCommerce: Key differences 

Choosing the best eCommerce platform depends on how each solution meets your specific needs.  

Below is a side-by-side comparison of BigCommerce vs WooCommerce across essential factors to consider. 

Feature	WooCommerce	BigCommerce
Ease of use	Requires WordPress setup and plugin configuration; more flexible but has a learning curve	Beginner-friendly with drag-and-drop tools and built-in features
Features and functionality	Highly customizable with plugins and extensions	Includes most features out of the box, ideal for quick setup
Design and themes	Access to a wide range of free and premium WooCommerce themes	Offers modern, responsive BigCommerce themes with less customization
Scalability and performance	Depends on the hosting provider; it offers full control	Scales automatically with managed performance
Security and compliance	You manage SSL certificates, backups and updates (with help from your host)	Built-in SSL, PCI compliance and automatic security updates
SEO-friendliness	Strong SEO capabilities with plugins like Yoast; full control over structure	Built-in SEO tools but with limited customization
Pricing	Free plugin, but costs vary by hosting, themes and plugins	Subscription-based pricing with clear monthly plans
Pros and cons	High flexibility, low cost, more setup required	Easy to use, fewer customization options
Support and community	Community-based support	24/7 live chat and phone support, plus a help center

Both BigCommerce and WooCommerce offer strong capabilities—but how easy are they to use? 

Let’s break down the user experience in this next part of our BigCommerce vs WooCommerce platform comparison. 

Also read: What is eCommerce? A Guide to Types, Benefits and Challenges 

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: Ease of use 

Ease of use can make or break your experience managing an eCommerce store, especially if you’re just starting out. In the BigCommerce vs WooCommerce comparison, both platforms offer distinct approaches to usability. 

WooCommerce ease of use 

WooCommerce gives you complete control, but that control comes with a learning curve. To unlock full functionality, you’ll need to set up your own web hosting. Once done, install the WooCommerce plugin on your existing WordPress website and configure various extensions.  

However, many users see this as a benefit. The platform offers unmatched WooCommerce flexibility, allowing you to build a truly custom online store tailored to your brand. 

BigCommerce ease of use 

BigCommerce, on the other hand, gives you an all-in-one platform. It includes built-in features like drag and drop editing, payment gateways and product listings—right out of the box. This makes it easier to get started without dealing with third-party plugins or setup steps. 

If you’re looking for a fully hosted platform that simplifies setup, BigCommerce is ideal. But if you’re comfortable with WordPress and want greater control, WooCommerce delivers a more personalized experience. 

Who wins? 

For total customization, WooCommerce has the edge. But in terms of pure simplicity and speed to launch, BigCommerce takes the win. Especially for users who want an easy-to-use, all-in-one solution with minimal setup. 

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: Features and functionality 

One of the most important factors in deciding between the eCommerce solutions is the range of features offered—both out of the box and through integrations. 

WooCommerce features and functionality 

WooCommerce is known for its vast ecosystem of plugins and extensions. While the core WooCommerce plugin is free, you can extend its capabilities with thousands of add-ons for everything. From payment gateways to inventory management and SEO optimization.  

This open-source platform gives you access to advanced features like subscription billing, custom checkout flows and CRM integrations. The availability of various WooCommerce extensions makes it easy to expand your store’s capabilities without custom development.  

Whether you sell physical products, digital downloads or services, WooCommerce lets you customize your store with nearly unlimited options. 

BigCommerce features and functionality 

BigCommerce, in contrast, focuses on providing all the features you need within a single platform. From day one, it includes built-in features such as product catalog management, shipping settings, multichannel selling, abandoned cart recovery and advanced analytics.  

BigCommerce users don’t need to rely heavily on third-party apps to get started, which simplifies management. It also supports multiple payment gateways and integrates smoothly with platforms like Amazon, eBay and Facebook. 

While WooCommerce thrives on flexibility, BigCommerce is ideal for those who want more features upfront without dealing with installations or compatibility checks. 

Who wins? 

It depends on your approach. If you want built-in features and minimal setup, BigCommerce offers a streamlined experience. But if you’re after maximum control with scalable, advanced features, WooCommerce is the more powerful and adaptable choice—especially for those already using a WordPress website. 

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: Design and themes 

A great-looking storefront can significantly impact customer experience and conversion rates. In this area, the BigCommerce vs WooCommerce battle comes down to customization options and theme variety. 

WooCommerce design and themes 

WooCommerce offers full design flexibility, thanks to its deep integration with WordPress. You can choose from hundreds of free themes and premium WooCommerce themes—many of which are built specifically for eCommerce websites.  

If you’re looking for WordPress themes, it’s easy to apply various compatible themes and customize every detail of your online store. Whether you’re using a free option or a premium WooCommerce theme, there’s a wide selection tailored for every industry and design preference. 

BigCommerce design and themes 

BigCommerce, meanwhile, provides a selection of professionally designed BigCommerce themes, all of which are responsive and optimized for mobile. While you can make some changes using its drag-and-drop editor, customization is more limited compared to WooCommerce. That said, BigCommerce themes are beginner-friendly and ready to launch without any coding required. 

If you’re a designer or working with a developer, WooCommerce offers more advanced design freedom. But if you’re looking for something that works out of the box with minimal effort, BigCommerce themes deliver a polished look quickly. 

Who wins? 

WooCommerce wins for customization options and flexibility, especially if you’re already comfortable using a WordPress site. However, BigCommerce is a strong choice if you need a clean, mobile-optimized design that’s easy to set up with minimal fuss. 

Read more: Best WordPress WooCommerce Themes in 2025 – Top Picks & Features  

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: Scalability and performance 

As your store grows, scalability becomes crucial. Both WooCommerce and BigCommerce offer solid performance. 

WooCommerce scalability and performance 

WooCommerce gives you full control over how your store scales. Since it’s self-hosted, performance depends on your hosting setup and how well you optimize your environment. 

You can implement caching, use a content delivery network (CDN) and configure server resources to meet increasing demand. This flexibility lets you fine-tune your store’s speed and performance as traffic and complexity grow. 

BigCommerce scalability and performance 

BigCommerce, in contrast, is a fully hosted platform that handles scaling for you. It automatically adjusts resources based on your store’s needs, including bandwidth, server load and security. There’s no need to manage upgrades or technical infrastructure—everything is taken care of in the background. This hands-off approach is ideal for users who want a reliable, low-maintenance solution. 

While BigCommerce offers consistent scalability out of the box, WooCommerce allows you to customize and optimize performance at every level—though it requires more technical involvement. 

Who wins? 

If you want seamless, automatic scalability without the need for backend involvement, BigCommerce is the winner. But if you’re after full performance control and optimization potential, WooCommerce—especially when paired with a high-performance hosting provider—offers greater long-term flexibility. 

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: Pricing 

Understanding the total cost of running an eCommerce store is essential when choosing between WooCommerce and BigCommerce.  

Each platform uses a different pricing model—one offers flexibility, while the other offers simplicity. 

WooCommerce pricing 

WooCommerce is a free, open-source plugin for WordPress, but launching and maintaining a WooCommerce store involves several additional costs. These can vary based on your specific needs and choices: 

• Web hosting: Depending on the provider and plan, hosting costs can range from $3.99/month for basic shared hosting to $25/month or more for managed WooCommerce hosting.  
• Domain name: Typically, domain registration costs between $10 and $15 per year.  
• SSL certificate: Many hosting providers include SSL certificates for free, but premium SSLs can cost between $50 and $100 annually.  
• Premium themes: While free themes are available, premium WooCommerce themes offer enhanced features and design options and cost $59 to $129 per year.  
• Plugins and extensions: Depending on the functionalities you require, premium plugins can cost between $50 and $300 annually.  
• Developer costs (optional): If you opt for custom development, hiring a WooCommerce developer can range from $10 to $100 per hour, depending on expertise and project complexity.

Overall, the annual cost for a WooCommerce store can range from $200 for a basic setup to $1,500 or more for a feature-rich store.  

Also read: WooCommerce Payments: What It Is and How To Use It 

BigCommerce pricing 

BigCommerce offers a subscription-based pricing model with tiered plans that include hosting, security and essential eCommerce features: 

• Standard plan: Priced at $39/month, or $29/month when billed annually. Ideal for businesses generating up to $50,000 in annual sales. 
• Plus plan: Costs $105/month, or $79/month annually. Designed for businesses with annual sales of up to $180,000 and includes features such as customer segmentation and abandoned cart recovery. 
• Pro plan: Available for $399/month, or $299/month with annual billing. Supports sales up to $400,000 per year. For every additional $200,000 in sales, an extra $150/month is charged. 
• Enterprise plan: Offers custom pricing tailored to high-volume businesses. Includes advanced features like priority support and custom integrations.

BigCommerce does not charge additional transaction fees, but standard payment processing fees (typically around 2.2% to 2.9% per transaction) still apply. 

Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change. For the most current details, please refer to the official websites of WooCommerce and BigCommerce. 

Who wins? 

If you’re looking for cost control and scalability, WooCommerce wins with its flexible pricing model. But if you prefer transparent, fixed monthly costs and minimal setup, BigCommerce delivers a more predictable and hassle-free experience. 

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: Security and compliance 

Security is a critical factor when running an online store, especially when handling sensitive customer data and processing payments.  In 2024, 84% of shoppers said they would abandon a purchase if a site was not secure (Baymard Institute). This underscores why features like free SSL and malware scans, available with Bluehost, are critical. 

Let’s see how BigCommerce vs WooCommerce manages and protects your website security. 

WooCommerce security and compliance 

WooCommerce gives you control over your store’s security setup. Since it’s a self-hosted, open-source platform, you’re responsible for managing updates, backups and SSL certificate installation.  

You’ll need to choose a secure hosting provider, install firewalls or malware protection plugins and stay on top of WordPress and plugin updates. While this adds to your workload, it also gives you the flexibility to implement custom security measures suited to your specific needs. 

BigCommerce security and compliance 

BigCommerce, as a fully hosted platform, takes care of all security aspects for you. It includes a free SSL certificate, PCI compliance and automatic updates—helping ensure your store meets industry standards right from the start.  

This hands-off approach is especially helpful for small businesses that don’t have dedicated IT teams or want to avoid technical maintenance. 

Both WooCommerce and BigCommerce can be secure when appropriately configured. WooCommerce depends more on user vigilance and hosting quality, while BigCommerce simplifies compliance with built-in protections.  

Who wins? 

BigCommerce wins for ease and peace of mind. Its built-in security and compliance features make it a reliable choice for users who want a worry-free setup. However, for those who want granular control over their store’s protection, WooCommerce offers the tools—but also requires more responsibility. 

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: SEO-friendliness 

Getting your online store noticed by search engines is key to driving traffic and sales, and it starts with having an SEO-friendly website. 

Both WooCommerce and BigCommerce offer SEO capabilities, but they differ in terms of control and flexibility. 

WooCommerce SEO-friendliness 

WooCommerce offers complete SEO optimization flexibility through its integration with WordPress. You can use powerful plugins like Yoast SEO to manage meta tags, optimize URLs, create sitemaps and improve content readability.  

If you’re running a WordPress site, this level of control allows you to fine-tune every SEO detail across your store, blog and product pages. WooCommerce also lets you structure your site in a way that aligns with your keyword strategy, essential for ranking higher on search engines. 

BigCommerce SEO-friendliness 

BigCommerce, in contrast, includes built-in SEO tools like customizable URLs, automatic sitemaps and optimized page titles. These features are helpful for beginners and cover most SEO basics.  

However, you may find limitations when trying to implement more advanced SEO strategies. As BigCommerce doesn’t support the same plugin ecosystem or site-level customizations as WooCommerce. 

Ultimately, your choice depends on how much control you want over your SEO efforts. WooCommerce gives you the tools and flexibility to go deeper, while BigCommerce simplifies the process for faster execution. 

Who wins? 

If you’re focused on long-term SEO growth and want full control, WooCommerce is the winner. Its integration with WordPress and access to SEO plugins make it one of the best options for optimizing your eCommerce website. BigCommerce, while reliable, is better suited for users who want built-in features without needing to manage SEO manually. 

Also read: WooCommerce SEO Guide: Boost Your Store’s Traffic & Sales  

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: Customer support and community 

Customer support can make a big difference, especially if you’re new to managing an online store or run into technical issues.  

WooCommerce customer support and community 

WooCommerce relies largely on community-driven support. As an open-source platform, it offers detailed documentation, forums, tutorials and help articles to guide WordPress users. While there’s no centralized support team for WooCommerce itself, many plugin developers and hosting providers offer their own channels for resolving issues.  

If you’re using a WooCommerce store, you can also request support through specific extension providers or WordPress communities. You can also get help through documentation, developer blogs and the official WooCommerce support forum, which offers peer-to-peer advice for common issues. 

BigCommerce customer support and community 

BigCommerce, on the other hand, provides a centralized, professional support system. All plans include 24/7 live chat, email and phone support. BigCommerce support is particularly helpful for store owners who want quick answers or aren’t as technically inclined. The platform also offers a rich knowledge base and active user community to help troubleshoot common questions. 

In the BigCommerce vs WooCommerce customer support landscape, the choice comes down to real-time help vs community-driven solutions. Whether you prefer digging into solutions yourself or getting help directly from a support team will influence which option is better for you.  

Who wins? 

BigCommerce wins for hands-on, real-time support. Its dedicated help channels are a clear advantage for those who want immediate assistance. WooCommerce’s community-based model is ideal for WordPress users who prefer flexibility and are confident navigating forums and guides. 

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: Pros and cons 

Now that we’ve compared features, pricing and performance, let’s break down the pros and cons of both BigCommerce and WooCommerce.  

This quick summary will help you evaluate which platform best aligns with your business goals. 

WooCommerce pros 

• Extensive flexibility for customization and design 
• Seamless integration with any WordPress site 
• Wide range of free and premium plugins and extensions 
• Full control over SEO and site structure 
• No ongoing platform fees; customizable cost structure 
• Open-source foundation enabling complete ownership and scalability

WooCommerce cons 

• Technical setup requirements and a learning curve for beginners 
• Dependence on quality hosting for optimal performance and security 
• Ongoing need for updates and backups 
• Limited direct support, with reliance on community forums

Also read: WooCommerce Reviews from Trusted Sources, Critics and Users 

BigCommerce pros 

• Fully hosted platform with no technical maintenance 
• Built-in features for multichannel selling and analytics 
• Transparent, predictable pricing with no extra transaction fees 
• All-in-one solution ideal for small businesses 
• Dedicated 24/7 support access

BigCommerce cons 

• Reduced design and functional flexibility compared to WooCommerce 
• Fewer plugin and theme customization options 
• Higher monthly costs as business scales 
• Advanced features limited to premium pricing plans

Who wins? 

If your priority is customization, scalability and full control, WooCommerce is the better option. For those looking for an easy-to-use, maintenance-free solution with solid support, BigCommerce is a strong contender. Your choice ultimately depends on your technical comfort level and how much flexibility you want in building your online store. 

Also read: AI in eCommerce: How AI is Transforming Online Shopping 

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: Choosing the best eCommerce platform 

When it comes to choosing between BigCommerce vs WooCommerce, it’s not about which tool is more powerful—it’s about which one aligns with your business goals, technical comfort and growth plans. 

WooCommerce is ideal for store owners who want complete control over every aspect of their online store. As a WordPress plugin, it offers unmatched flexibility, access to thousands of extensions and full website ownership.  

It’s a strong choice for users with an existing WordPress website or anyone who wants to build a deeply customized store over time. 

BigCommerce, on the other hand, is a fully hosted platform that’s ready to go from day one. With built-in features, drag and drop tools and no server management needed, it’s a great solution. Especially for users who want an all-in-one platform without the hassle of setup or maintenance. 

Both platforms have their strengths. WooCommerce stands out for its adaptability and deep customization options, while BigCommerce shines for ease of use and hands-off simplicity.  

But before you commit to WooCommerce, keep in mind the quality of your hosting provider. It plays a major role in your store’s speed, security and stability.  

A reliable host ensures your online store performs well—even during peak traffic—and helps protect your customer data. 

Bluehost WooCommerce hosting: Your ideal hosting partner  

Bluehost WooCommerce hosting makes launching and scaling your eCommerce store effortless—even if you’re new to WordPress. With AI-powered builders, built-in marketing and WooCommerce-optimized performance, it’s your full-stack foundation for online success.  

Here’s what makes our platform a standout solution: 

• Pre-installed WordPress and WooCommerce: Skip the manual setup. We take care of the technical side so you can start building your store immediately. 
• Free SSL certificates: Every plan includes SSL to protect customer transactions and boost your search engine rankings. 
• High-performance hosting: Our infrastructure is optimized specifically for WooCommerce stores, with built-in caching, CDN integration and scalable resources to handle traffic spikes. 
• AI-powered store builder: Our AI-powered store builder helps you create your store faster using innovative tools like WonderStart, WonderBlocks and WonderHelp. 
• Free domain for the first year: You get a free domain for the first year, allowing you to start with a professional domain name that aligns with your brand. 
• WooCommerce-specific support: Our support team includes WordPress and WooCommerce experts who are available 24/7 to assist with everything from store setup to plugin troubleshooting. 
• Security-first hosting: We help protect your site from online threats with automated daily backups, malware scanning and domain privacy options. 
• Built-in marketing tools: Including Creative Mail for WooCommerce, Yoast SEO, analytics dashboards and conversion-optimized templates to grow your traffic and sales.

Whether you’re selling handmade goods, digital downloads, Bluehost WooCommerce hosting gives you the flexibility and confidence to grow your business—all in one place. 

Final thoughts 

The right eCommerce platform isn’t just about features—it’s about choosing the one that gives your business room to thrive. 

If you’re someone who values customization, flexibility and control, WooCommerce gives you the tools to build exactly the store you envision. For a faster, plug-and-play experience with less hands-on setup, BigCommerce delivers a strong, all-in-one solution. 

BigCommerce vs WooCommerce – Whichever platform you choose, make sure it aligns with how you work and how you grow. 

Build your WooCommerce store on a foundation that’s made to grow. With optimized speed, built-in security and hassle-free setup, Bluehost gives you the confidence to launch—and the power to scale.  

Ready to start? Launch your store with Bluehost WooCommerce hosting. 

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