When launching an online business, choosing the right e-commerce platform is crucial for your success. Among the numerous options available, three platforms consistently stand out: Shopify, BigCommerce, and Volusion. Each offers unique advantages and caters to different business needs.
This comprehensive comparison of Shopify vs BigCommerce vs Volusion will help you make an informed decision by examining key factors including pricing, features, ease of use, design options, SEO capabilities, and customer support.
Quick Platform Shopify vs BigCommerce vs Volusion Overview
Before diving deep into our Shopify vs BigCommerce vs Volusion comparison, let’s establish a foundation with brief overviews of each platform.
Market Position Summary
Shopify: The market leader with over 1.7 million active stores worldwide, known for its user-friendly interface and extensive app ecosystem.
BigCommerce: A robust platform serving over 60,000 stores, praised for its built-in features and scalability without transaction fees.
Volusion: An established player since 1999, serving over 40,000 merchants with a focus on all-in-one e-commerce solutions.
Shopify Overview
Founded in 2006, Shopify has become the dominant force in e-commerce platforms. As of 2025, Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, from small startups to enterprise-level corporations like Tesla and Gymshark.
Key Shopify Highlights:
- Market Share: Leading e-commerce platform globally
- Total Stores: Over 1.7 million active stores
- Transaction Volume: Billions in annual sales processed
- Global Presence: Available in 175+ countries
- Free Trial: 3-day free trial available
Shopify is renowned for its intuitive interface, extensive third-party integrations, and comprehensive feature set that covers everything from inventory management to payment processing and marketing tools.
BigCommerce Overview
Launched in 2009 in Austin, Texas, BigCommerce has positioned itself as a serious competitor to Shopify, particularly for growing businesses. The platform operates on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model and is known for its robust built-in features.
Key BigCommerce Highlights:
- Founded: 2009
- Active Stores: 60,000+ online stores
- Global Reach: Serves businesses in 120+ countries
- Notable Feature: No transaction fees on any plan
- Free Trial: 15-day free trial available
BigCommerce stands out for offering advanced features at lower price points and providing comprehensive built-in functionality without requiring extensive third-party apps.
Volusion Overview
Established in 1999 in Austin, Texas, Volusion is one of the oldest e-commerce platforms still operating today. Despite being around longer than its competitors, Volusion has undergone significant modernization to remain competitive in today’s market.
Key Volusion Highlights:
- Founded: 1999 (making it the oldest of the three)
- Active Stores: 40,000+ online businesses
- Orders Processed: Over 185 million orders to date
- Business Model: Cloud-based, all-in-one solution
- Free Trial: 14-day free trial available
Volusion focuses on providing small to medium-sized businesses with comprehensive e-commerce tools and has recently updated its platform with modern features and improved user experience.
Main Features Comparison
| Feature | Shopify | BigCommerce | Volusion |
| Products | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to 100-Unlimited (plan dependent) |
| Storage | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Staff Accounts | 2-15 (plan dependent) | 5-Unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Payment Methods | 100+ gateways | 65+ gateways | 30+ gateways |
| Transaction Fees | 0.5-2% (if not using Shopify Payments) | 0% | 0% |
| Mobile Responsive | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SSL Certificate | Free | Free | Free |
| 24/7 Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Abandoned Cart Recovery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-channel Selling | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Built-in Blog | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inventory Management | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SEO Tools | Built-in | Advanced built-in | Built-in |
Shopify Key Features:
- Comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system
- Advanced inventory management
- Multi-channel selling (Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay)
- Extensive third-party app ecosystem (8,000+ apps)
- Built-in payment processing (Shopify Payments)
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Mobile app for store management
BigCommerce Key Features:
- Built-in multi-channel selling
- Advanced SEO tools out-of-the-box
- Comprehensive product catalog management
- Built-in abandoned cart recovery
- Advanced shipping options
- No transaction fees
- Built-in customer segmentation
- Advanced reporting and analytics
Volusion Key Features:
- All-in-one e-commerce solution
- Built-in CRM functionality
- Newsletter marketing tools
- Social media integration
- Responsive website templates
- Built-in SEO tools
- Inventory management
- Order management system
Pricing Comparison
Understanding the true cost of each platform is crucial for making the right choice for your business.
Shopify Pricing
| Feature | Basic Shopify | Shopify | Advanced Shopify |
| Monthly Price | $25/month | $65/month | $399/month |
| Staff Accounts | 2 | 5 | 15 |
| Products | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| 24/7 Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fraud Analysis | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Manual Order Creation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Discount Codes | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Gift Cards | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Professional Reports | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Abandoned Cart Recovery | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Advanced Report Builder | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Third-party Shipping Rates | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Online Transaction Fees | 2.9% + 30¢ | 2.6% + 30¢ | 2.4% + 30¢ |
| In-person Transaction Fees | 2.7% | 2.5% | 2.4% |
| Third-party Processor Fees | 2.0% | 1.0% | 0.5% |
Additional Options:
- Shopify Starter: $5/month (limited functionality, no online store)
- Shopify Plus: Starting at $2,000+/month (enterprise solution)
BigCommerce Pricing
| Feature | Standard | Plus | Pro | Enterprise |
| Monthly Price | $39/month | $105/month | $399/month | Custom pricing |
| Products | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Storage | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Staff Accounts | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| 24/7 Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Abandoned Cart Recovery | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Customer Segmentation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Stored Credit Cards | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Google Customer Reviews | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom SSL | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dedicated Account Manager | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Custom Integrations | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Annual Sales Limit | Up to $50,000 | Up to $180,000 | Up to $400,000 | No limits |
| Transaction Fees | None | None | None | None |
Volusion Pricing
| Feature | Personal | Professional | Business | Prime |
| Monthly Price | $35/month | $79/month | $299/month | Custom pricing |
| Products | Up to 100 | Up to 1,000 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Storage | 1GB | 10GB | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| 24/7 Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| SSL Certificate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mobile Responsive | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| SEO Tools | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Enterprise Features | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Dedicated Support | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Annual Sales Limit | Up to $50,000 | Up to $100,000 | Up to $500,000 | No limits |
| Transaction Fees | None | None | None | None |
Pricing Analysis
Winner: Varies by business size
- Small businesses: Volusion and BigCommerce offer better value with no transaction fees
- Growing businesses: BigCommerce provides the best feature-to-price ratio
- Large businesses: Shopify Plus offers the most comprehensive enterprise solution
Themes and Design Options
The visual appeal and functionality of your online store significantly impact customer experience and conversion rates.
Shopify Themes and Design
- Free Themes: 12 free professional themes
- Paid Themes: 100+ premium themes ($140-$380)
- Customization: Liquid templating language for advanced customization
- Mobile Responsiveness: All themes are mobile-optimized
- Theme Store Features: Preview live stores using themes, customer reviews, detailed feature lists
Shopify Design Strengths:
- High-quality, professionally designed themes
- Extensive customization options through code editing
- Large third-party theme marketplace
- Easy theme switching without data loss
- Built-in theme editor with preview functionality
BigCommerce Themes and Design
- Free Themes: 12 free responsive themes
- Paid Themes: 160+ premium themes ($150-$400)
- Customization: Stencil framework for theme development
- Mobile Responsiveness: All themes are mobile-optimized
- Theme Marketplace: Extensive selection with various industries covered
BigCommerce Design Strengths:
- Largest selection of themes among the three platforms
- Advanced built-in customization tools
- Drag-and-drop page builder available
- No theme lock-in (easily switch themes)
- Industry-specific theme collections
Volusion Themes and Design
- Free Themes: 11 modern responsive themes
- Paid Themes: 20+ premium themes (all priced at $180)
- Customization: Drag-and-drop editor with limited code access
- Mobile Responsiveness: All themes are mobile-optimized
- Design Focus: Quality over quantity approach
Volusion Design Strengths:
- Modern, clean theme designs
- User-friendly drag-and-drop editor
- Consistent pricing for premium themes
- Recently updated theme collection
- Good mobile optimization
Design Comparison Winner: BigCommerce
BigCommerce offers the most extensive theme selection and advanced customization options, making it ideal for businesses requiring unique designs.
Apps and Integrations
The ability to extend your store’s functionality through apps and integrations is crucial for scaling your business.
Shopify Apps and Integrations
App Store Size: 8,000+ apps and integrations
Categories: Marketing, sales, inventory, shipping, customer service, analytics, and more
Pricing: Free to $500+ per month (varies by app)
Notable Integrations: QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Facebook, Google, Amazon, eBay
Popular Shopify Apps:
- Klaviyo (email marketing)
- Oberlo (dropshipping)
- Yotpo (reviews and ratings)
- ReCharge (subscriptions)
- Privy (email capture)
- Judge.me (product reviews)
- PageSpeed Monitor (site optimization)
BigCommerce Apps and Integrations
App Store Size: 1,000+ apps and integrations
Categories: Marketing, accounting, shipping, inventory, customer service
Pricing: Free to $300+ per month (varies by app)
Notable Integrations: Mailchimp, Xero, Zendesk, Google, Facebook, Amazon
Popular BigCommerce Apps:
- Mailchimp (email marketing) – native integration
- Yotpo (reviews and loyalty)
- Searchspring (site search)
- Klaviyo (email marketing)
- ShipperHQ (shipping)
- TaxJar (tax automation)
Volusion Apps and Integrations
App Store Size: 80+ apps and integrations
Categories: Marketing, payment, shipping, social media
Pricing: Mostly free with some paid options
Notable Integrations: PayPal, Google, Facebook, eBay, Amazon
Available Volusion Integrations:
- PayPal Express Checkout
- Google Merchant Center
- eBay marketplace
- Amazon selling
- Facebook shop integration
- Basic email marketing tools
Before choosing a sales channel, it’s important to understand how major ecosystems operate. Amazon’s business model differs significantly depending on whether you sell directly to Amazon or through its marketplace infrastructure.
Read more: Difference between Amazon and Amazon Marketplace
Apps Winner: Shopify
Shopify’s massive app ecosystem provides solutions for virtually any business need, though this can lead to increased monthly costs.
SEO Capabilities
Search engine optimization is vital for driving organic traffic to your online store.
Shopify SEO Features
Built-in SEO Tools:
- Customizable title tags and meta descriptions
- Automatic sitemap generation
- Clean URL structure
- 301 redirects management
- Alt text for images
- Schema markup support
- Mobile optimization
- SSL certificates included
Advanced SEO Features:
- Blogging platform included
- Content delivery network (CDN)
- AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) support through apps
- SEO-friendly theme structure
- Canonical tags to prevent duplicate content
BigCommerce SEO Features
Built-in SEO Tools:
- Advanced SEO settings panel
- Customizable URLs for products and categories
- Automatic sitemap generation
- Built-in microdata markup
- Open Graph tags for social media
- Customizable robots.txt file
- SSL certificates included
- Mobile-first design approach
Advanced SEO Features:
- Built-in blogging platform
- Advanced URL customization
- Rich snippets support
- Google AMP compatibility
- Advanced redirect management
- Built-in site search optimization
Volusion SEO Features
Built-in SEO Tools:
- Basic title tags and meta descriptions
- Automatic sitemap generation
- Clean URL structure
- SSL certificates included
- Mobile-responsive themes
- Basic redirect management
SEO Limitations:
- Limited advanced SEO controls
- Basic blogging functionality
- Limited schema markup options
- Fewer SEO customization options compared to competitors
SEO Winner: BigCommerce
BigCommerce offers the most comprehensive built-in SEO tools, reducing the need for third-party apps and providing better out-of-the-box optimization.
Ease of Use
The learning curve and day-to-day usability of your e-commerce platform can significantly impact your productivity.
Shopify Ease of Use
Setup Process: Quick and guided setup with step-by-step wizard
Dashboard: Clean, intuitive interface with logical navigation
Product Management: Simple product addition with bulk import options
Order Management: Streamlined order processing and fulfillment
Learning Curve: Beginner-friendly with extensive documentation
User Experience Highlights:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality in many areas
- Mobile app for store management on-the-go
- Comprehensive onboarding process
- Extensive help documentation and tutorials
- Active community forums
BigCommerce Ease of Use
Setup Process: Comprehensive setup wizard with helpful guidance
Dashboard: Feature-rich interface that may feel overwhelming initially
Product Management: Advanced product options with bulk editing
Order Management: Robust order processing tools
Learning Curve: Moderate learning curve due to extensive features
User Experience Highlights:
- Powerful built-in features reduce need for third-party apps
- Advanced users appreciate the comprehensive control panel
- Built-in tutorials and help sections
- Some features may be complex for beginners
- Regular platform updates and improvements
Volusion Ease of Use
Setup Process: Straightforward setup with basic configuration options
Dashboard: Simple interface with essential features easily accessible
Product Management: Basic product management tools
Order Management: Standard order processing functionality
Learning Curve: Easy for beginners but may feel limited for advanced users
User Experience Highlights:
- Simplified interface ideal for beginners
- Drag-and-drop website builder
- Basic functionality is intuitive
- Limited advanced customization options
- Adequate documentation and support materials
Ease of Use Winner: Shopify
Shopify strikes the perfect balance between functionality and simplicity, making it accessible to beginners while powerful enough for experienced users.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support is crucial when running an online business, especially during critical issues.
Shopify Customer Support
Support Channels:
- 24/7 phone support
- 24/7 live chat
- Email support
- Community forums
- Help center with extensive documentation
- Video tutorials
- Shopify Academy for education
Support Quality:
- Generally quick response times
- Knowledgeable support staff
- Comprehensive help documentation
- Active community with peer support
- Advanced support for Shopify Plus customers
BigCommerce Customer Support
Support Channels:
- 24/7 phone support
- 24/7 live chat
- Email support
- Help center and knowledge base
- Community forums
- BigCommerce University
- Video tutorials and webinars
Support Quality:
- Responsive customer service team
- Detailed help documentation
- Educational resources through BigCommerce University
- Priority support for higher-tier plans
- Regular webinars and training sessions
Volusion Customer Support
Support Channels:
- Phone support (business hours with some 24/7 availability)
- Live chat support
- Email support
- Help center and knowledge base
- Video tutorials
- Success team for business plan customers
Support Quality:
- Adequate response times
- Basic to intermediate technical support
- Limited availability compared to competitors
- Some resources may be outdated
- Personal success manager for enterprise customers
Customer Support Winner: Tie between Shopify and BigCommerce
Both platforms offer comprehensive 24/7 support with multiple channels and extensive educational resources.
Pros and Cons
Shopify: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels
- Largest ecosystem of apps and integrations
- Excellent mobile app for store management
- Strong SEO capabilities
- Comprehensive POS system for omnichannel selling
- Regular platform updates and new features
- Strong community and third-party developer support
- Reliable hosting and security
Cons:
- Transaction fees when not using Shopify Payments
- Can become expensive with multiple paid apps
- Some advanced features require apps or custom development
- Limited built-in features compared to BigCommerce
- Theme customization requires coding knowledge for advanced changes
BigCommerce: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No transaction fees on any plan
- Comprehensive built-in features reduce need for apps
- Superior built-in SEO tools
- Robust API for custom integrations
- Advanced multi-channel selling capabilities
- Better value for growing businesses
- Strong B2B features
- Excellent page load speeds
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve due to feature complexity
- Annual sales limits that force plan upgrades
- Fewer themes compared to Shopify
- Smaller app ecosystem
- Limited customization options without coding
- Some advanced features require technical knowledge
Volusion: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
- No transaction fees
- All-in-one solution with basic features included
- Reasonable pricing for small businesses
- Drag-and-drop website builder
- Good customer service for basic needs
- Established platform with long track record
Cons:
- Limited app ecosystem and integrations
- Fewer advanced features compared to competitors
- Limited scalability for growing businesses
- Outdated interface compared to modern platforms
- Restricted customization options
- Annual sales limits on all plans
- Smaller community and developer ecosystem
Final Verdict: Which Platform Should You Choose?
The best e-commerce platform for your business depends on your specific needs, budget, technical expertise, and growth plans.
Choose Shopify If:
- You want the most user-friendly platform with extensive app options
- You need a comprehensive ecosystem with strong third-party support
- You plan to sell across multiple channels (social media, marketplaces)
- You want access to the largest community and resources
- You’re comfortable paying for additional functionality through apps
- You need a robust POS system for offline sales
Best for: Beginners to advanced users, businesses of all sizes, those prioritizing ease of use and ecosystem
Choose BigCommerce If
- You want comprehensive built-in features without additional app costs
- You need advanced SEO tools out-of-the-box
- You want to avoid transaction fees entirely
- You’re comfortable with a more complex interface for powerful features
- You need strong B2B functionality
- You want better value as your business grows
Best for: Growing businesses, B2B companies, users who prefer built-in functionality over apps
Choose Volusion If
- You’re a small business looking for basic e-commerce functionality
- You want a simple, straightforward platform
- You have a limited budget and don’t need advanced features
- You prefer an all-in-one solution without complexity
- You don’t plan to scale significantly in the near term
Best for: Small businesses, beginners with basic needs, budget-conscious merchants
Our Recommendation
For most businesses, Shopify offers the best balance of ease of use, features, and growth potential. Its extensive ecosystem and user-friendly interface make it suitable for businesses at any stage.
BigCommerce is ideal for businesses that want powerful built-in features and plan to scale significantly, especially if they want to avoid transaction fees and app dependencies.
Volusion works well for small businesses with basic needs who want a simple, affordable solution.
Getting Started
All three platforms offer free trials:
- Shopify: 3-day free trial
- BigCommerce: 15-day free trial
- Volusion: 14-day free trial
We recommend trying at least two platforms to see which interface and feature set work best for your specific business needs.
Remember, the best e-commerce platform is one that not only meets your current needs but can also grow with your business over time. Consider your long-term goals, technical requirements, and budget when making your final decision.
Final Thought
Ready to start your e-commerce journey? Take advantage of the free trials offered by each platform to experience their interfaces and features firsthand. The right choice will become clear once you’ve had hands-on experience with the platforms.
