BigCommerce vs Magento: eCommerce Platform Comparison

Support

Reliable support can be a lifeline for businesses encountering technical issues or seeking guidance.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce distinguishes itself by offering 24/7 customer assistance to all users. Whether you’re new to online selling or a seasoned merchant facing a technical problem, BigCommerce’s support team is available anytime. Plus, the platform offers extensive resources and documentation, helping users learn to use the platform well and solve common problems on their own.

Magento

Magento provides several support options, which can vary depending on the edition and hosting chosen. Users of Magento Open Source typically turn to digital agencies and the active Magento community for assistance. Adobe Commerce users also typically engage digital agencies for help but also benefit from Adobe’s assistance. It’s important to note that there are two kinds of digital agencies that provide support for Magento and Adobe Commerce: Adobe partners and non-partners. In general, it’s a safer bet to solicit assistance from Adobe partners as these agencies undergo a vetting and certification process to become accredited Adobe partners.

Ideal eCommerce Size

Determining the ideal eCommerce platform size is crucial for businesses looking to maximize their online potential while staying within their operational capacity.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a great fit for small to medium-sized businesses, providing an easy-to-use platform with strong features and scalability. It offers a simple experience for beginners while also providing enough power to sustain growing businesses. Additionally, BigCommerce can meet some enterprise-level needs, especially for businesses with more straightforward requirements.

Magento

Magento suits medium to large enterprises well because of its scalability and wide customization options. With access to the source code and a vast ecosystem of extensions, Magento gives businesses the flexibility and control to customize their online stores extensively. Although Magento may have a learning curve and need more technical expertise, it offers unmatched depth and sophistication, making it the top choice for enterprises with complex eCommerce website needs.

Cost

Understanding the cost implications of adopting an eCommerce platform is essential for businesses to make informed decisions that align with their budget and long-term goals.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce offers a straightforward pricing structure with lower costs than Magento. Its subscription-based model lets businesses pick from different pricing tiers based on their needs and budget, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Subscription costs for BigCommerce can range from $350 to over $150,000 annually. BigCommerce covers hosting, upgrades and technical support in the subscription, so merchants don’t need to worry about additional infrastructure or maintenance costs. This affordability and simplicity make BigCommerce an excellent choice for businesses wanting to reduce the total cost of ownership for their eCommerce platform.

Keep in mind that using BigCommerce will still require some maintenance support from an agency, freelancer or internal developer. Mid-to larger businesses will require a lot more maintenance costs from things like, theme upgrades, API updates and keeping customizations up to date. Headless solutions especially require a lot of maintenance and make the total cost of ownership for BigCommerce similar to Magento.

Magento

Since there are different versions of Magento, pricing the costs can vary:

Magento Open Source: This version is free to download and use, with costs primarily associated with hosting, development, maintenance and support. Hosting fees can range from $20/month for a DIY server to over $2,000/month for a managed, enterprise-grade server. Additional expenses are required for development, maintenance and assistancesupport from digital agencies or in-house Magento developers.

Magento Commerce: Pricing ranges from $35,000 to over $200,000 annually, depending on the expected annual gross revenue of the business. This version offers advanced features and support from Adobe. Additional expenses are also required for development, maintenance and guidancesupport from digital agencies or in-house developers.

Magento Commerce Cloud: The pricing typically starts at $50,000 and can go up to $200,000 annually, also based on the annual gross revenue of the business. This version includes cloud web hosting, scalability benefits and support from Adobe. Additional expenses are also required for development, maintenance and helpsupport from digital agencies or in-house developers.

Depending on the edition chosen, Magento may require a more considerable investment, but it may offer superior long-term value and flexibility, especially for large enterprises. While this might mean higher development and maintenance costs, Magento provides a lot of control and scalability. Its extensive ecosystem of extensions and integrations allows businesses to tailor their eCommerce solution precisely, potentially yielding higher returns on investment over time.

BigCommerce vs. Magento: Which Platform Wins?

As we’ve delved into the differences between BigCommerce and Magento, it’s evident that both platforms offer distinct advantages for businesses venturing into or expanding their online presence. Here’s a quick recap:

BigCommerce delivers a user-friendly, hassle-free experience, prioritizing simplicity and accessibility. Perfect for small to mid-sized eCommerce ventures, it offers a robust SaaS platform with excellent performance and a wealth of features right out of the box. BigCommerce suits merchants aiming to sell across channels like social media and marketplaces while valuing top-notch customer caresupport and detailed documentation.

Magento targets medium- to enterprise-level businesses with its rich, flexible, and scalable platform. It’s the go-to solution for companies ready to tackle intricate user experiences and needing extensive customization options to power and expand their operations. Magento excels in handling large inventories, complex B2B setups, multi-warehouse logistics, and international selling requirements.

When comparing Magento vs. BigCommerce, merchants must evaluate their specific needs and priorities. To make an informed decision, consider factors such as business size, technical expertise, customization requirements, scalability needs, and long-term objectives.

You should use BigCommerce if…

• You’re a small to mid-sized eCommerce business looking for a low-hassle, top-notch SaaS eCommerce platform with good performance and lots of great features out of the box.
• You want to sell on various platforms, like social media and marketplaces.
• You value excellent customer support and documentation.