Comparison · Ecommerce platforms

BigCommerce vs WooCommerce: which is better in 2026?

WooCommerce ranks higher in our list of ecommerce platforms (#2 against #3, score 91.0 against 87.5).

How we rank Share

  • 87.5
    Editorial score
    91.0
  • 1
    Platforms
    2
  • No
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose BigCommerce if you want

Growing merchants with B2B or multiple storefronts.

Hosted platform with B2B features and headless options, aimed at growing and multi-storefront merchants. Plans rise with annual sales, and it does not offer self-hosting, unlike WooCommerce, PrestaShop and OpenCart.

Choose WooCommerce if you want

Owners who run WordPress and want open-source control.

Free open-source plugin with the most control over code and data, provided the owner handles hosting and upkeep. Its extension marketplace is broad, but costs rise with add-ons and a managed host, unlike the hosted platforms above.

The main differences

  • WooCommerce is open source; BigCommerce is not.
  • WooCommerce can be used for free; BigCommerce requires payment.

Side by side

BigCommerceWooCommerce
Score87.591.0
Rank in list#3 of 11#2 of 11
PriceSubscriptionPlans by annual sales volume, with a 15-day free trialFree and open sourceFree core plugin; hosting and paid extensions cost extra
Free to useNoYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWebWebWebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted
Made byNot statedAutomattic
HostingVendor-hostedOwner's WordPress host
Headless optionYesNo
ExtensionsOver 1,200 appsHundreds of extensions
Best forGrowing merchants with B2B or multiple storefrontsOwners who run WordPress and want open-source control
Strengths
  • Hosting, checkout and updates handled by the vendor
  • Over 1,200 apps in its marketplace
  • B2B commerce and multi-storefront features
  • Free open-source core on WordPress
  • Store data can be exported to other platforms
  • Hundreds of free and paid extensions
Limits
  • Plans step up with annual sales volume
  • Stores cannot be self-hosted
  • Owner handles hosting, updates and security
  • Costs grow with extensions and hosting
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about BigCommerce vs WooCommerce

Is WooCommerce better than BigCommerce?
WooCommerce ranks higher in our list of ecommerce platforms (#2 against #3, score 91.0 against 87.5). BigCommerce is best for: growing merchants with B2B or multiple storefronts. WooCommerce is best for: owners who run WordPress and want open-source control.
Which is cheaper, BigCommerce or WooCommerce?
BigCommerce: Plans by annual sales volume, with a 15-day free trial. WooCommerce: Free core plugin; hosting and paid extensions cost extra.
Do BigCommerce and WooCommerce run on the same platforms?
BigCommerce supports Web. WooCommerce supports Web, Self-hosted.