bigcommerce vs opencart: Which Is Better? [Comparison]
BigCommerce is a cloud-based eCommerce platform designed to help businesses create and manage online stores. Its primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive solution for selling products online without the need for extensive technical knowledge.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | bigcommerce | opencart |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Cloud-based | Self-hosted |
| Pricing | Subscription model | Free, with paid extensions |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly interface | Requires technical knowledge |
| Customization | Limited by templates | Highly customizable |
| Payment Options | Multiple built-in options | Varies by extensions |
| Support | 24/7 customer support | Community support only |
| Scalability | Suitable for large businesses | Depends on server capacity |
What is bigcommerce?
BigCommerce is a cloud-based eCommerce platform designed to help businesses create and manage online stores. Its primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive solution for selling products online without the need for extensive technical knowledge.
What is opencart?
OpenCart is an open-source eCommerce platform that allows users to build and manage online stores. Its primary purpose is to offer a customizable solution for businesses that prefer self-hosting and have technical expertise.
Key Differences
- Hosting: BigCommerce is a cloud-based solution, while OpenCart requires self-hosting on a server.
- Pricing: BigCommerce operates on a subscription model, whereas OpenCart is free to use with optional paid extensions.
- Ease of Use: BigCommerce is designed for ease of use, while OpenCart may require more technical knowledge to set up and manage.
- Customization: OpenCart offers greater customization options compared to the template limitations of BigCommerce.
- Support: BigCommerce provides 24/7 customer support, while OpenCart relies on community support.
- Scalability: BigCommerce is built to support larger businesses, while OpenCart's scalability depends on the server's capacity.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose BigCommerce if you need a user-friendly platform with built-in support and do not want to manage hosting.
- Choose BigCommerce if you require a solution that can easily scale as your business grows.
- Choose OpenCart if you have technical expertise and prefer a self-hosted solution with extensive customization options.
- Choose OpenCart if you are looking for a cost-effective solution and are comfortable managing your own server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigCommerce suitable for small businesses?
Yes, BigCommerce can be used by small businesses, but it is often favored by medium to large businesses due to its scalability.
Can I customize my OpenCart store?
Yes, OpenCart allows for extensive customization through themes and extensions, but it may require technical knowledge.
What payment options are available with BigCommerce?
BigCommerce offers multiple built-in payment options, including PayPal, Stripe, and others, depending on the plan.
Is OpenCart free to use?
Yes, OpenCart is free to download and use, but additional costs may arise from hosting and paid extensions.
Conclusion
BigCommerce and OpenCart serve different needs in the eCommerce space. BigCommerce is suited for those looking for a straightforward, hosted solution, while OpenCart appeals to users who prefer a customizable, self-hosted option. Your choice will depend on your specific requirements and technical capabilities.