BigCommerce vs commercetools: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the key differences between BigCommerce and commercetools, two popular e-commerce platforms.

1. Scalability: BigCommerce is a highly scalable platform that can handle both small and large online stores. It provides robust infrastructure and can easily handle high traffic and large catalogs. On the other hand, commercetools is designed for enterprise-level businesses with complex requirements. It offers a microservices architecture that allows for high scalability and flexibility.

2. Customization: BigCommerce provides a range of pre-built themes and templates that can be easily customized using their visual editor. Additionally, it offers a robust set of APIs and developer tools for further customization. Commercetools, on the other hand, has a flexible API-first approach that allows for extensive customization. It provides a wide range of APIs and SDKs to build custom front-end experiences and integrations.

3. Multichannel Commerce: BigCommerce offers built-in integrations with major marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, allowing merchants to sell through multiple channels. It also provides support for social selling on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Commercetools, on the other hand, is designed to support omnichannel commerce with its flexible API architecture. It enables merchants to seamlessly integrate their online stores with various sales channels and touchpoints.

4. Price and Pricing Models: BigCommerce offers a subscription-based pricing model with different plans based on the size of the business. The pricing includes hosting, security, and essential features. Commercetools, on the other hand, follows an enterprise pricing model with bespoke pricing based on the specific requirements of the business. The pricing includes core platform access, support, and additional services.

5. Built-in Features: BigCommerce offers a range of built-in features like integrated payment gateways, a wide range of third-party app integrations, marketing tools, and analytics. It also provides built-in SEO features to improve website visibility. Commercetools, on the other hand, focuses more on providing a flexible platform and integrations with best-in-class third-party tools. It does not have as many built-in features but offers extensive customization options.

6. Legacy Platform vs. Modern Approach: BigCommerce is a well-established platform with a large user base and a large customer support ecosystem. It has been around for several years and has a proven track record. Commercetools, on the other hand, is a more modern platform that takes an API-first approach. It is designed to be more flexible and adaptable to changing business requirements.

In summary, BigCommerce is a highly scalable platform with pre-built themes and built-in features, offering an all-in-one solution for e-commerce businesses. Commercetools, on the other hand, is a more flexible and customizable platform designed for enterprise-level businesses with complex requirements. It focuses on providing a modern, API-first approach and integrations with best-in-class third-party tools.