Magento (Adobe Commerce) vs BigCommerce

May 8, 2023
by Anthony Robinson
Magento (Adobe Commerce) vs BigCommerce

Magento (Adobe Commerce) vs BigCommerce

In the world of eCommerce, choosing the right platform is crucial for the success of your business. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which platform to go for. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular eCommerce platforms - Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce - and help you make an informed decision on which one to choose.

Introduction to Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce

Magento is an open-source eCommerce platform that was acquired by Adobe and rebranded as Adobe Commerce, offering a scalable and customizable solution for businesses of all sizes. BigCommerce, on the other hand, is a cloud-based platform that provides an all-in-one solution for online store owners, making it simple and easy to use.

One of the key advantages of Magento (Adobe Commerce) is its flexibility and ability to handle complex eCommerce requirements. It offers a wide range of features and functionalities, including advanced product management, multi-store support, and powerful SEO capabilities. Additionally, Magento (Adobe Commerce) has a large community of developers and users who contribute to its ongoing development and improvement.

BigCommerce, on the other hand, is known for its ease of use and user-friendly interface. It offers a range of built-in features, including payment and shipping integrations, marketing tools, and analytics. BigCommerce also provides a variety of customizable templates and themes, making it easy for store owners to create a professional-looking online store without any coding knowledge.

Overview of eCommerce Platforms

Both Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce offer robust features and functionalities for setting up and running an online store successfully. While Magento is best suited for large enterprises, BigCommerce caters to small and mid-sized businesses.

In addition to Magento and BigCommerce, there are several other popular eCommerce platforms available in the market, such as:

Each platform has its own unique set of features and benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your business needs and budget. Shopify is known for its ease of use and user-friendly interface, while WooCommerce is a popular choice for businesses that already have a WordPress website. Volusion offers a range of customizable templates and a user-friendly dashboard for managing your online store.

Comparing the Pricing Plans of Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce

Magento (Adobe Commerce) offers three pricing plans:

  • Starter
  • Growth
  • Scale

The pricing for each plan varies based on the features and functionalities included. In contrast, BigCommerce offers four pricing plans:

  • Standard
  • Plus
  • Pro
  • Enterprise

It is important to note that while Magento (Adobe Commerce) may have fewer pricing plans, they offer more flexibility in terms of customization and scalability. This means that businesses can tailor their plan to fit their specific needs and only pay for the features they require. On the other hand, BigCommerce's pricing plans may be more straightforward, but they may not offer the same level of customization options.

Technical Details of Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce

Magento (Adobe Commerce) is a self-hosted platform, which means you have more control over your website's technical aspects. In contrast, BigCommerce is a fully-hosted platform, which takes care of your website's technical needs, including server updates and maintenance.

One advantage of Magento (Adobe Commerce) is that it offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to tailor your website to your specific needs. However, this also means that you need to have some technical knowledge to make the most of these options. On the other hand, BigCommerce has a more user-friendly interface, making it easier for non-technical users to manage their online store.

Another difference between the two platforms is their pricing structure. Magento (Adobe Commerce) is an open-source platform, which means that the basic version is free to use. However, you will need to pay for hosting, extensions, and other add-ons. BigCommerce, on the other hand, has a monthly subscription fee, which includes hosting and access to all features and add-ons.

Features and Functionality Comparison between Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce

Both Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce offer robust features and functionalities for setting up and running an online store successfully. In terms of features, Magento (Adobe Commerce) offers more flexibility and customization options, whereas BigCommerce provides a more straightforward and user-friendly experience.

Key features of Magento (Adobe Commerce) include:

  • Advanced product management
  • Multi-store support
  • Powerful SEO capabilities
  • Custom extensions and integrations

BigCommerce offers a range of built-in integrations with popular third-party tools, such as payment gateways and shipping providers, making it easier for merchants to set up their store without needing extensive technical knowledge.

Another important factor to consider is the scalability of the platform. Magento (Adobe Commerce) is a more suitable option for larger businesses with complex requirements, as it can handle a high volume of products and transactions. BigCommerce, on the other hand, is better suited for small to medium-sized businesses that require a simpler and more streamlined approach to ecommerce.

Ease of Use and Customization Options

Magento (Adobe Commerce) offers a steep learning curve and requires technical expertise to set up and use its customization options fully. In contrast, BigCommerce offers a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier for users to set up and run their online store without technical assistance.

However, Magento (Adobe Commerce) provides a wide range of customization options, allowing users to create a unique and personalized online store. This includes the ability to:

  • Customize the design and layout
  • Enhance functionality through custom modules
  • Integrate with third-party applications and extensions

On the other hand, BigCommerce offers a more streamlined approach to customization, with pre-built templates and themes that can be easily customized to fit the user's brand and style. While this may limit the level of customization available, it also makes it easier for users to get started quickly and focus on other aspects of their business.

Integrations with Third-Party Apps and Services

Both Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce offer integrations with third-party apps and services, including payment gateways, marketing tools, and shipping carriers. However, Magento (Adobe Commerce) offers more integrations and customization options, making it more suitable for businesses that require more complex integrations.

One of the key advantages of using third-party integrations is that it allows businesses to streamline their operations and automate certain tasks. For example, integrating with a shipping carrier can automate the process of generating shipping labels and tracking packages, saving time and reducing errors.

Another benefit of using third-party integrations is that it can help businesses to expand their reach and attract new customers. For example, integrating with a popular payment gateway can make it easier for customers to make purchases, while integrating with a marketing tool can help businesses to reach new audiences and promote their products more effectively.

Security Features Offered by Both Platforms

Both Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce offer reliable security features, including SSL certificates, PCI compliance, and fraud protection. Magento (Adobe Commerce) offers more security features and allows users to control their website's security settings, making it more suitable for businesses that require higher security levels.

Additional security features offered by Magento (Adobe Commerce) include:

  • Two-factor authentication
  • Role-based access control
  • Advanced encryption standards

These features help businesses protect sensitive information and ensure secure transactions, providing peace of mind for both the business and its customers.

SEO Capabilities of Magento (Adobe Commerce) vs BigCommerce

Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce offer robust SEO capabilities, including keyword research, meta descriptions, and URL structure. However, Magento (Adobe Commerce) offers more control over SEO settings, allowing users to optimize their website according to their preferences.

Additionally, Magento (Adobe Commerce) provides advanced SEO features such as:

  • Canonical tags
  • Hreflang tags
  • Schema markup

These features help improve website ranking and visibility in search engine results pages. BigCommerce, on the other hand, offers limited options for advanced SEO settings.

Mobile Responsiveness and Performance Comparison

Both Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce offer mobile-responsive designs, ensuring that your website looks and performs well across all devices. However, Magento (Adobe Commerce) offers more customization options, allowing users to optimize their website's performance based on their preferences.

Additionally, Magento (Adobe Commerce) has a built-in caching system that can significantly improve website speed and performance. This feature is not available in BigCommerce, which may result in slower loading times for larger websites or those with high traffic.

Furthermore, Magento (Adobe Commerce) allows for the integration of third-party extensions and plugins, which can further enhance website performance and functionality. BigCommerce also offers some integrations, but the options are more limited compared to Magento (Adobe Commerce).

Customer Support Offered by Magento (Adobe Commerce) vs BigCommerce

Both Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce offer reliable customer support, including email, phone, and chat support. However, Magento (Adobe Commerce) offers more self-service options, including extensive documentation and forums, making it easier for users to find the answers to their questions without contacting customer support.

Another advantage of Magento (Adobe Commerce) customer support is that they offer personalized support for enterprise-level clients. This means that businesses with complex needs can receive tailored solutions and dedicated support from a team of experts.

On the other hand, BigCommerce offers 24/7 live chat support, which can be very helpful for businesses that need immediate assistance. They also have a dedicated support team for their enterprise-level clients, but the level of personalization may not be as extensive as Magento (Adobe Commerce).

Case Studies and Success Stories of Businesses Using Magento (Adobe Commerce) vs BigCommerce

Both Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce have numerous case studies and success stories of businesses using their platforms successfully. However, Magento's case studies mainly focus on large enterprises, while BigCommerce's case studies are primarily focused on small and mid-sized businesses.

Pros and Cons of Using Each Platform

Magento (Adobe Commerce)

  • Pros:
    • High flexibility and customization options
    • Scalable for large enterprises
    • Advanced SEO capabilities
    • Extensive security features
    • Large community of developers
  • Cons:
    • Steep learning curve
    • Requires technical expertise
    • Higher total cost of ownership due to additional expenses

BigCommerce

  • Pros:
    • User-friendly interface
    • All-in-one hosted solution
    • Built-in features and integrations
    • 24/7 live chat support
    • Faster setup and deployment
  • Cons:
    • Limited customization compared to Magento
    • Higher monthly subscription fees for advanced features
    • Less control over technical aspects

Which Platform is Best Suited for Your Business? Conclusion

Choosing the right eCommerce platform depends on your business's size, goals, and requirements. If you are a large enterprise that requires complex integrations and high security, Magento (Adobe Commerce) is the better platform for you. However, if you are a small or mid-sized business that requires a simple and user-friendly eCommerce solution, BigCommerce is the better platform for you.

In conclusion, both Magento (Adobe Commerce) and BigCommerce are reliable eCommerce platforms, offering robust features and functionalities for running an online store successfully. It's important to evaluate your business's needs and requirements before choosing a platform. We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision on which platform to choose.

About the Author

Anthony Robinson is the CEO of ShipScience, a pioneering company dedicated to helping e-commerce leaders optimize their shipping decisions, reduce costs, and automate tedious processes. With a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Stanford University, Anthony brings over a decade of expertise in logistics, business development, and operational efficiency to the table.

Since founding ShipScience in 2018, Anthony has empowered numerous e-commerce businesses to navigate the complexities of parcel shipping through data-driven insights and innovative solutions. His leadership extends beyond ShipScience, having established Refund Geeks and served on advisory boards at Ciye and RESA Power, showcasing his commitment to driving corporate growth and enhancing operational strategies.

Anthony is passionate about leveraging technology to streamline supply chains and improve customer experiences in the last mile. When he’s not strategizing shipping solutions, he enjoys connecting with industry leaders and staying ahead of the latest trends in e-commerce and logistics.

Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and insights on optimizing shipping for e-commerce businesses.

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