Wix vs. BigCommerce: A Detailed Comparison of Features (2024)
The Verdict: Wix is better if you are just getting started, and want to check the water.
Bigcommerce is a better option if you are looking to scale your online store in the future.
Pros
Plenty of templates
Incredible customization
Large app market
Improved SEO
Cons
Not the cheapest option
Slightly overwhelming at First
Pros
Easy to setup
Abandoned Cart Saver
Great customer support
Free trial available
Mobile adaptable even with thousand of items
Powerful SEO features
Cons
No Lite Version
premium themes a bit expensive
When it comes to building an e-commerce website, choosing the right platform is crucial for your business’s success.
Two of the most popular options available today are Wix and BigCommerce.
Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different types of businesses.
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed comparison of Wix vs BigCommerce, covering key features, pros, cons, and ratings to help you make an informed decision.
Comparison table of Wix vs. BigCommerce
Feature | Wix | BigCommerce |
---|---|---|
Ease of Use | 9/10 – Drag-and-drop interface, beginner-friendly | 7/10 – More complex, requires some technical knowledge |
Design Flexibility | 9/10 – 800+ templates, full customization | 8/10 – 150+ templates, customizable but less flexible |
E-commerce Features | 7/10 – Basic e-commerce features, suitable for small businesses | 9/10 – Advanced e-commerce features, ideal for larger businesses |
Payment Options | 8/10 – Supports multiple gateways, including PayPal, Stripe | 9/10 – Supports 100+ gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, Square |
SEO Capabilities | 8/10 – Built-in SEO tools, customizable meta tags, SEO-friendly URLs | 9/10 – Advanced SEO features, including custom URLs, meta tags, and redirects |
Mobile Responsiveness | 8/10 – Mobile-optimized templates, mobile editor available | 9/10 – Fully responsive templates, optimized for mobile and tablet views |
App Store/Extensions | 7/10 – 300+ apps available, some limitations in integration | 8/10 – 700+ apps available, highly scalable with third-party integrations |
Scalability | 6/10 – Best for small to medium-sized businesses | 9/10 – Highly scalable, suitable for large businesses and enterprises |
Customer Support | 8/10 – 24/7 support, help center, and community forums | 9/10 – 24/7 support, dedicated account management for higher plans |
Pricing | 8/10 – Affordable, tiered pricing starting at $14/month | 7/10 – Slightly more expensive, plans start at $29.95/month |
Security | 8/10 – SSL certificate included, automatic updates | 9/10 – Advanced security features, including PCI compliance and DDoS protection |
International Capabilities | 7/10 – Multilingual support, and currency conversion require apps | 8/10 – Built-in currency conversion, supports multiple languages out of the box |
Site Speed | 7/10 – Good speed but can vary with content and apps | 9/10 – Fast loading times, optimized for e-commerce |
Inventory Management | 7/10 – Basic inventory management features | 9/10 – Advanced inventory management, including stock alerts and bulk editing |
Shipping Options | 7/10 – Basic shipping features, requires apps for advanced options | 9/10 – Comprehensive shipping options, real-time carrier rates, label printing |
Analytics and Reporting | 7/10 – Basic analytics and reporting tools | 9/10 – Advanced analytics, customizable reports, Google Analytics integration |
Summary
- Wix is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly those focused on ease of use and design flexibility. It offers a robust platform for those who may not need the extensive features of BigCommerce.
- BigCommerce is better suited for larger businesses or those looking to scale. It provides more advanced e-commerce features, better scalability, and a broader range of integrations and customization options.
This table should help you compare Wix and BigCommerce based on their key features and how they might align with your business needs.
1. Ease of Use
Wix: 9/10
Wix is renowned for its user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The drag-and-drop builder allows you to design your website without any coding knowledge. Whether you’re starting a personal blog or a small online store, Wix makes the process simple and intuitive.
Pros:
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Intuitive design process
- Ideal for beginners
Cons:
- Limited advanced customization options
BigCommerce: 7/10
BigCommerce, while powerful, has a steeper learning curve compared to Wix. It offers more advanced features, which can be overwhelming for beginners but beneficial for those with some technical knowledge. Once you get the hang of it, BigCommerce provides extensive customization options and powerful tools to scale your business.
Pros:
- Extensive customization options
- Powerful e-commerce tools
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- Requires some technical knowledge
2. Design Flexibility
Wix: 9/10
Wix offers over 800 templates, allowing you to choose a design that perfectly matches your brand. The templates are fully customizable, giving you the freedom to create a unique look for your website. However, once you choose a template, you can’t switch to another one without rebuilding your site.
Pros:
- 800+ templates
- Full customization options
- Easy to use design tools
Cons:
- Cannot switch templates once chosen
BigCommerce: 8/10
BigCommerce provides over 150 templates, and while the number is smaller compared to Wix, the quality and customization options are still robust. The platform allows for significant customization, especially if you have coding skills or hire a developer.
Pros:
- High-quality templates
- Extensive customization with code
- Good for brand consistency
Cons:
- Fewer templates compared to Wix
3. E-commerce Features
Wix: 7/10
Wix offers basic e-commerce features, making it suitable for small businesses or those just starting out. It includes features like product pages, shopping carts, and basic inventory management. However, it lacks some of the more advanced features that larger e-commerce businesses might need.
Pros:
- Basic e-commerce tools
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Limited scalability for large businesses
- Basic inventory management
BigCommerce: 9/10
BigCommerce excels in e-commerce features, making it ideal for larger businesses or those looking to scale. It offers advanced features such as abandoned cart recovery, product filtering, and multi-channel selling. The platform is designed to support large inventories and high volumes of traffic, making it a top choice for serious e-commerce entrepreneurs.
Pros:
- Advanced e-commerce features
- Supports large inventories
- Ideal for scaling businesses
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for small businesses
4. Payment Options
Wix: 8/10
Wix supports multiple payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Square, making it easy for customers to complete their purchases. However, it offers fewer payment options compared to BigCommerce.
Pros:
- Multiple payment gateways supported
- Integration with major payment processors
Cons:
- Fewer options compared to BigCommerce
BigCommerce: 9/10
BigCommerce supports over 100 payment gateways, giving you more flexibility in how you accept payments. Whether you’re looking to integrate PayPal, Stripe, Square, or other international payment processors, BigCommerce has you covered.
Pros:
- Over 100 payment gateways
- Supports international payment methods
Cons:
- Higher transaction fees for some gateways
5. SEO Capabilities
Wix: 8/10
Wix offers built-in SEO tools that help you optimize your website for search engines. You can customize meta tags, URLs, and alt text, ensuring your site is SEO-friendly. However, some advanced SEO features may require third-party apps.
Pros:
- Built-in SEO tools
- Customizable meta tags and URLs
Cons:
- Some advanced features require apps
BigCommerce: 9/10
BigCommerce provides advanced SEO features out of the box, including custom URLs, meta tags, and 301 redirects. The platform is designed to help your store rank higher in search engine results, making it a strong choice for businesses focused on SEO.
Pros:
- Advanced SEO tools
- Customizable URLs and redirects
Cons:
- Requires some SEO knowledge
6. Mobile Responsiveness
Wix: 8/10
Wix templates are mobile-optimized, and the platform offers a mobile editor that lets you tweak your website specifically for mobile devices. This ensures a seamless experience for visitors on smartphones and tablets.
Pros:
- Mobile-optimized templates
- Mobile editor available
Cons:
- Limited control over mobile design compared to desktop
BigCommerce: 9/10
BigCommerce provides fully responsive templates that automatically adjust to different screen sizes, ensuring your site looks great on any device. This is especially important for e-commerce businesses, as a significant portion of traffic comes from mobile users.
Pros:
- Fully responsive templates
- Optimized for mobile and tablet views
Cons:
- Limited customization for mobile-specific designs
7. App Store/Extensions
Wix: 7/10
Wix offers over 300 apps in its App Market, allowing you to extend the functionality of your website. While the selection is decent, it doesn’t compare to the range of apps available for BigCommerce.
Pros:
- 300+ apps available
- Easy to install and integrate
Cons:
- Limited range compared to BigCommerce
BigCommerce: 8/10
BigCommerce provides access to over 700 apps, covering everything from marketing to accounting. The extensive range of integrations makes it easy to scale your business and add new features as needed.
Pros:
- 700+ apps available
- Highly scalable with third-party integrations
Cons:
- Some apps can be expensive
8. Scalability
Wix: 6/10
Wix is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses. While it offers solid features for beginners, it may struggle to meet the needs of a rapidly growing e-commerce business.
Pros:
- Ideal for small businesses
- Easy to manage
Cons:
- Limited scalability for larger businesses
BigCommerce: 9/10
BigCommerce is designed with scalability in mind, making it a top choice for businesses looking to grow. It can handle large inventories, high traffic volumes, and complex operations, making it ideal for large businesses and enterprises.
Pros:
- Highly scalable
- Suitable for large businesses
Cons:
- Higher costs associated with scaling
9. Customer Support
Wix: 8/10
Wix offers 24/7 customer support, a comprehensive help center, and active community forums. While the support is reliable, it may not be as personalized or in-depth as BigCommerce’s offering.
Pros:
- 24/7 support
- Extensive help center
Cons:
- Support can be generic
BigCommerce: 9/10
BigCommerce provides 24/7 support, along with dedicated account management for higher-tier plans. The platform also offers a comprehensive knowledge base and community forums.
Pros:
- 24/7 support
- Dedicated account management
Cons:
- Personalized support only at higher tiers
10. Pricing
Wix: 8/10
Wix offers tiered pricing starting at $17/month, making it an affordable option for small businesses. However, the cost can increase as you add more features or apps to your site.
Pros:
- Affordable starting price
- Transparent pricing structure
Cons:
- Costs can add up with apps and features
BigCommerce: 7/10
BigCommerce’s pricing starts at $39/month, which is higher than Wix but includes more advanced e-commerce features. While the platform offers more value for larger businesses, it might be too expensive for smaller ones.
Pros:
- Includes advanced features in the base price
- Good value for large businesses
Cons:
- Higher starting price
- Can be costly for small businesses
11. Security
Wix: 8/10
Wix includes an SSL certificate with all its plans, ensuring that your site is secure. The platform also performs automatic updates to keep your website protected from threats.
Pros:
- SSL certificate included
- Automatic updates
Cons:
- Limited control over security settings
BigCommerce: 9/10
BigCommerce offers advanced security features, including PCI compliance and DDoS protection. The platform is designed to handle large volumes of transactions securely, making it a reliable choice for e-commerce businesses.
Pros:
- Advanced security features
- PCI compliance
Cons:
- Security features may be overkill for small businesses
12. International Capabilities
**Wix:
7/10**
Wix supports multilingual sites and offers currency conversion through third-party apps. However, its international capabilities are somewhat limited compared to BigCommerce.
Pros:
- Multilingual support
- Currency conversion via apps
Cons:
- Limited out-of-the-box international features
BigCommerce: 8/10
BigCommerce provides built-in currency conversion and supports multiple languages, making it easier to sell internationally. The platform also offers tools for managing taxes and shipping across different countries.
Pros:
- Built-in currency conversion
- Supports multiple languages
Cons:
- Requires setup for international selling
13. Site Speed
Wix: 7/10
Wix generally offers good site speed, but it can vary depending on the content and apps you use. Heavy content or excessive use of apps can slow down your site.
Pros:
- Good site speed for basic sites
- Optimized for smaller businesses
Cons:
- Speed can vary with content and apps
BigCommerce: 9/10
BigCommerce is optimized for speed, ensuring fast loading times even with large inventories and high traffic. This is crucial for maintaining a high conversion rate in e-commerce.
Pros:
- Fast loading times
- Optimized for large stores
Cons:
- Higher demands on server resources
14. Inventory Management
Wix: 7/10
Wix provides basic inventory management features, suitable for small businesses with a limited product range. However, it lacks some of the advanced tools needed for larger inventories.
Pros:
- Easy to use for small inventories
- Basic management features
Cons:
- Limited advanced inventory tools
BigCommerce: 9/10
BigCommerce offers advanced inventory management, including stock alerts, bulk editing, and detailed product tracking. This makes it a strong choice for businesses with large and complex inventories.
Pros:
- Advanced inventory tools
- Ideal for large inventories
Cons:
- More complex to manage
15. Shipping Options
Wix: 7/10
Wix offers basic shipping features, including flat-rate and free shipping options. However, more advanced features like real-time carrier rates require third-party apps.
Pros:
- Basic shipping tools included
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Advanced features require apps
BigCommerce: 9/10
BigCommerce provides comprehensive shipping options, including real-time carrier rates, label printing, and multi-channel fulfillment. These features are particularly useful for businesses with complex shipping needs.
Pros:
- Advanced shipping tools
- Real-time carrier rates
Cons:
- More complex setup process
16. Analytics and Reporting
Wix: 7/10
Wix offers basic analytics and reporting tools, suitable for small businesses. You can track site traffic, sales, and basic customer behavior, but advanced reporting features are limited.
Pros:
- Basic analytics included
- Easy to understand
Cons:
- Limited advanced reporting
BigCommerce: 9/10
BigCommerce provides advanced analytics and reporting features, including customizable reports, sales tracking, and Google Analytics integration. These tools are essential for businesses looking to optimize their performance and make data-driven decisions.
Pros:
- Advanced analytics tools
- Customizable reports
Cons:
- Requires setup and understanding of analytics
Conclusion
Both Wix and BigCommerce offer strong platforms for building and managing an online store, but they cater to different types of businesses. Wix is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses or beginners looking for an easy-to-use platform with strong design flexibility. On the other hand, BigCommerce is better suited for larger businesses or those looking to scale, thanks to its advanced e-commerce features, scalability, and extensive integrations.
Read our full review on Wix Read our review of Wix vs. ShopifyBenjamin Shemesh is an ecommerce enthusiast and a digital marketing expert.
He loves surfing the ocean