The 21st Century has marked the age of rapid technological developments and advances. More and more people from all over the world are joining the virtual world of the internet.
We do so many activities there. From sharing photos ordering food, and even purchasing medicines, the internet has become a haven and a window through which one can access the entire world without moving a muscle.
Hence, it is no surprise that all our marketplaces are coming online too.
With the huge successes of companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, eBay, etc., more and more companies are trying to bring their market presence online to compete better and keep up with the current trends.
But many people are under the assumption that building your marketplace online, getting logistics to deliver them, etc., are very complicated processes, and one needs the help of highly specialized expertise to get things done.
But this is not the case at all! Plenty of online platforms help take a person or a company their business to the next level. WooCommerce and BigCommerce are two such examples.
Key Takeaways
- WooCommerce is an open-source plugin for WordPress that allows users to create and manage online stores.
- BigCommerce is a cloud-based e-commerce platform offering various features for building and managing online stores.
- WooCommerce is more flexible and customizable but requires more technical knowledge, while BigCommerce is more user-friendly and offers more built-in features.
WooCommerce vs BigCommerce
The difference between WooCommerce and BigCommerce is that WooCommerce has a bit of a learning curve and requires a few technical skills, while BigCommerce does not require any technical skills and is easy to set up.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | WooCommerce | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | WooCommerce has a learning curve, and one needs to get familiar with the system. | BigCommerce is an easy-to-use platform which even novices can understand. |
| Cost | WooCommerce is a free and open-source platform. | BigCommerce is a subscription-based service. |
| Payment Gateways | WooCommerce supports a limited number of payment options by default. However, all major options can be added later. | BigCommerce supports a wide array of payment gateways by default. |
| Addons | Since WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin, one can access over 55,000 addons present in WordPress. | BigCommerce has a comparatively lesser number of third-party add-ons. |
| Scalability | Limited scalability. | Highly scalable. |
What is WooCommerce?
WooCommerce is an online platform that is used to create e-commerce websites. WooCommerce is WordPress-centric, as it is a plugin for the content management system.
WooCommerce aims to make it easier for people to shift to or start new online businesses and provide huge customizability options so that users can modify the site to their liking.
As of 2020, WooCommerce has gathered a more than 3.9 million user base. It was developed by the WordPress plugin developer WooThemes.
WooThemes is a market leader in the bootstrap business, with teams in more than 7 countries.
The ability of WooCommerce to handle high amounts of traffic and still provide a good response time has led it to be used by high-traffic websites such as the Small Press Expo.
It was seen in 2015 that about 30% of all e-commerce sites were running WooCommerce. Also, even though about three million websites are actively using it, it has been downloaded many times, at about 39 million.
It is interesting to note that the developers of WooCommerce have kept their program open source, due to which many extensions and add-ons are present for the base product.
Up until 2018, about 330 extensions and more than 1000 plugins were dedicated to WooCommerce.
Some of the most significant WooCommerce plugins are WooCommerce Bookings, which, as the name suggests, is used for booking time slots, and WooCommerce Memberships, which is used to sell parts of websites that have restricted access.
What is BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is also an online platform that makes it easy for businesses to create their e-commerce websites and operate through them.
BigCommerce is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with over 600 employees. It was created by two Australians, Eddie Machalaani and Mitchell Harper.
Although significantly less popular than its gigantic counterpart WooCommerce, BigCommerce has its advantages, which suit the needs of certain users who do not want to get into the technological complication WooCommerce brings.
About 3% of all the e-commerce sites currently are built using BigCommerce; despite that, there has been a significant rise in interest in BigCommerce over time.
BigCommerce provides a whole package of features needed when making an online marketplace.
BigCommerce provides everything from design, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Payment Gateway options, design options, etc., in its services.
This is why BigCommerce comes under the software category under a solution (SaaS) because it provides all the features in one platform.
The payment method used for the services purchased from BigCommerce is subscription-based.
The biggest selling point of BigCommerce would be its ease of use, which would appeal to users who do not have much technical familiarity.
Main Differences Between WooCommerce and BigCommerce
- WooCommerce is more detailed and technically complicated than BigCommerce.
- WooCommerce services are free; one must buy a subscription to use BigCommerce.
- WooCommerce, by default, has limited payment gateway options, while BigCommerce provides a wide array of options.
- WooCommerce has a humungous amount of add-ons, while the number of add-ons for BigCommerce is relatively less.
- WooCommerce has limited scalability, while BigCommerce is highly scalable.
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
Both WooCommerce and BigCommerce are impressive platforms that are changing the landscape of e-commerce. It’s great to see that these platforms are available to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs to create and manage their online stores with ease.
I agree, Whunt. It’s amazing to see how technology has evolved to make it so much easier for anyone to set up an online store and reach a global audience.
I think this growth in e-commerce platforms is an opportunity for many individuals and businesses to grow, especially during the pandemic.
BigCommerce seems to be a more user-friendly option for those who want to avoid dealing with technical complexities. The comparison table clearly outlines the differences – very informative!
Absolutely, Keith. Usability is a key consideration for many entrepreneurs and small business owners. BigCommerce’s easy setup can be a big advantage for them.
It’s intriguing to see how WooCommerce and BigCommerce have evolved to provide a range of features for e-commerce. Both platforms have their strengths, and the market can take advantage of the options available.
The continuous advancements in e-commerce platforms are reshaping how businesses operate. It’s an exciting time for entrepreneurs to explore these technological solutions.
Absolutely, Julie Murphy. The competition between these platforms is driving innovation and improvements, ultimately benefiting the users and businesses engaged in e-commerce.
The origins and growth trajectories of both WooCommerce and BigCommerce provide a fascinating backdrop to their current positions in the e-commerce market. It’s intriguing to see how these platforms have evolved over the years.
Indeed, Zsimpson. Understanding the history and journey of these platforms sheds light on their strengths and areas of specialization, offering valuable insights for prospective users.
The historical context provides context for evaluating the strengths and long-term viability of these platforms, especially for businesses seeking stable and scalable e-commerce solutions.
It’s interesting to see the comparison between WooCommerce and BigCommerce. This provides clarity for those who are looking to set up their own e-commerce site.
Yes, it’s helpful to understand the features, usability, and other aspects of both platforms. This kind of comparison is valuable for decision making.
The scalability factor for both WooCommerce and BigCommerce is crucial for long-term growth. It’s fascinating to see how these platforms cater to different needs based on scalability requirements.
Indeed, Tsaunders. Having a clear understanding of how a platform can accommodate growth is essential for strategic decision-making when it comes to setting up an online store.
This article provides insightful information about the prominent e-commerce platforms. The comparison and detailed explanations of WooCommerce and BigCommerce are valuable for anyone considering an online store.
The extensive user base of WooCommerce reflects the trust and popularity it has gained over the years. The open-source nature of the platform has contributed to its widespread adoption.
Definitely, Riley64. The open-source aspect has led to an ecosystem of plugins and extensions that enhance WooCommerce’s functionality, offering diverse solutions for various e-commerce needs.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The decision between WooCommerce and BigCommerce depends on individual business requirements, technical expertise, and long-term goals.
Absolutely, Justine Smith. The unique needs of each business should be carefully assessed to determine which platform aligns best with its objectives and operational capabilities.
I’ve worked with WooCommerce and found it to be a powerful tool for creating online stores. The customizability is excellent, but it does require a bit of technical knowledge to make the most of it.
That’s a valid point, Hannah. WooCommerce’s flexibility comes with a learning curve, but it’s worth it for those who want complete control over their online store’s design and functionality.
The technical skills required can be a barrier for some users, especially those who are not familiar with web development. It’s important to consider this aspect.