Wix eCommerce vs BigCommerce: Comprehensive Comparison for 2024
Choosing the right eCommerce platform is crucial for businesses aiming to build a robust online presence and effectively sell products. Wix eCommerce and BigCommerce are two prominent options in the market, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities. This article provides an in-depth comparison of these platforms, evaluating their key features, ease of use, pricing plans, customization options, design templates, SEO-friendliness, payment gateways, management tools, customer support, security features, and the pros and cons of each.
Introduction to Wix eCommerce and BigCommerce
Wix eCommerce is an all-in-one platform that enables businesses to create and manage their online stores with ease. It offers a user-friendly website builder, customizable templates, and essential tools for selling products online. In contrast, BigCommerce is a fully customizable eCommerce platform designed for businesses that require advanced tools for online sales, marketing, and extensive customization.
Both platforms provide secure payment processing and shipping integrations to streamline the sales process. The choice between Wix eCommerce and BigCommerce ultimately depends on the specific needs and goals of each business.
Feature Comparison
Key Features of Wix eCommerce
- Intuitive website editor with drag-and-drop functionality
- Over 500 customizable templates
- Product galleries and multimedia support
- Secure checkout with SSL encryption
- Inventory management system
- Integrations with multiple payment gateways including PayPal, Stripe, and Square
- Diverse shipping options and real-time shipping rates
- Marketing tools such as email campaigns, social media integrations, and SEO optimization
- Mobile app for on-the-go store management
Wix eCommerce is ideal for small businesses and startups looking for an easy-to-use platform with essential features to launch their online store quickly.
Key Features of BigCommerce
- Advanced built-in blogging capabilities
- SEO-friendly tools and features
- Unlimited product options and variants
- Customer product reviews and ratings
- Integrations with numerous third-party apps including email marketing, social media, and accounting software
- Multiple payment options including PayPal, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, and Google Pay
- Responsive design ensuring compatibility across all devices
- 24/7 customer support with access to eCommerce experts
- Robust security features including PCI compliance and HTTPS encryption
BigCommerce is well-suited for medium to large businesses that require extensive customization and advanced eCommerce functionalities.
Ease of Use and Customization Options
Wix eCommerce is renowned for its user-friendly interface, featuring an intuitive drag-and-drop editor that allows users to design their websites without any coding knowledge. This simplicity makes it an excellent choice for beginners and small business owners who need to set up their stores quickly.
BigCommerce, while offering more advanced customization options, has a steeper learning curve. It requires some technical knowledge to fully utilize its capabilities, such as customizing themes with custom code and leveraging its extensive API for integrations. However, for businesses that need a highly tailored online store, BigCommerce provides the flexibility and tools necessary to create a unique user experience.
Pricing Plans and Value for Money
Wix eCommerce offers several pricing tiers starting at $23 per month for the Business Basic plan, which includes essential eCommerce features. Their higher-tier plans provide additional functionalities such as advanced analytics and increased storage.
BigCommerce starts at $29.95 per month for the Standard plan, with subsequent tiers offering more advanced features like custom SSL certificates and abandoned cart recovery. Although BigCommerce's starting price is slightly higher, it includes more comprehensive features in its basic plan, potentially offering better value for growing businesses.
It's essential to evaluate the specific needs of your business when selecting a platform. Small businesses may find Wix's lower-priced plans sufficient, while larger enterprises might benefit from the advanced features provided by BigCommerce.
Design Templates and SEO-Friendliness
Wix eCommerce offers over 500 modern and visually appealing templates that are highly customizable. These templates are designed to be user-friendly, allowing businesses without design expertise to create professional-looking websites easily.
BigCommerce provides a wide range of templates, including premium designs available for purchase. While some templates may require more technical knowledge to customize fully, they offer greater flexibility and advanced features suitable for businesses aiming for a unique online presence.
Regarding SEO, both platforms offer robust tools to enhance search engine visibility. Wix eCommerce includes basic SEO features such as meta tags, customizable URLs, and mobile optimization. However, BigCommerce excels with more advanced SEO tools, including optimized product pages, faster page load times, and built-in integrations with platforms like Google Shopping, which can significantly improve search engine rankings and traffic.
Payment Gateway Options and Management Tools
Wix eCommerce supports multiple payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Square, providing flexibility for customers during checkout. This variety ensures that businesses can cater to a broad audience with different payment preferences.
BigCommerce offers an even wider range of payment options, including Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and Apple Pay, in addition to the standard gateways available on Wix. This extensive selection can enhance the customer experience and potentially increase conversion rates.
In terms of management tools, both platforms offer inventory management, order tracking, and shipping options. However, BigCommerce provides more advanced tools, such as real-time order tracking across multiple sales channels and detailed analytics and reporting features. These capabilities are crucial for businesses that require comprehensive insights into their operations and sales performance.
Customer Support and Security Features
Both Wix and BigCommerce offer customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. However, BigCommerce stands out with its extensive support resources, including a comprehensive knowledge base, community forums, and a dedicated support ticket system, ensuring that users can find assistance whenever needed.
When it comes to security, both platforms prioritize the protection of customer data. Wix eCommerce provides SSL encryption and basic fraud prevention tools to secure transactions. BigCommerce offers more advanced security features, such as PCI compliance and HTTPS encryption, which provide an additional layer of security for both businesses and customers, safeguarding sensitive information more effectively.
Pros and Cons of Using Wix eCommerce vs BigCommerce
Wix eCommerce
Pros:
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Extensive range of customizable templates
- Affordable pricing plans suitable for small businesses
- Comprehensive marketing tools and integrations
- Mobile app for managing the store on-the-go
Cons:
- Limited advanced features and customization options
- Transaction fees on certain pricing plans
- Less scalability for rapidly growing businesses
BigCommerce
Pros:
- Advanced SEO tools and capabilities
- Diverse range of payment gateway options
- Comprehensive business management and analytics tools
- Highly customizable with extensive API integrations
- No transaction fees on any pricing plan
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to Wix
- Higher starting price point
- Design customization may require technical knowledge
Conclusion: Which Platform is Right for Your Business?
Both Wix eCommerce and BigCommerce offer robust solutions for building and managing an online store, but they cater to different types of businesses. Wix eCommerce is ideal for small businesses or those just starting out, thanks to its affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive set of essential features. On the other hand, BigCommerce is better suited for medium to large businesses that require advanced customization, extensive SEO tools, and a broader range of payment options.
When choosing between the two, consider your business's current needs, budget, and long-term growth plans. Evaluate the features that are most important to your operations and select the platform that aligns best with your strategic objectives. By making an informed decision, you can ensure that your online store is well-equipped to thrive in the competitive eCommerce landscape.
