opencart vs bigcommerce: Which Is Better? [Comparison]
OpenCart is an open-source e-commerce platform that allows users to create and manage online stores. Its primary purpose is to provide a flexible and customizable solution for small to medium-sized businesses.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | opencart | bigcommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Self-hosted | Cloud-based |
| Cost | Free (with optional paid extensions) | Subscription-based |
| Customization | Highly customizable | Limited customization |
| User Interface | Basic and straightforward | Modern and user-friendly |
| Payment Gateways | Supports multiple gateways | Extensive built-in options |
| Scalability | Suitable for small to medium businesses | Designed for scalability |
| Support | Community support only | 24/7 customer support |
What is opencart?
OpenCart is an open-source e-commerce platform that allows users to create and manage online stores. Its primary purpose is to provide a flexible and customizable solution for small to medium-sized businesses.
What is bigcommerce?
BigCommerce is a cloud-based e-commerce platform designed to help businesses build and manage online stores. Its primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive solution with built-in features for scalability and ease of use.
Key Differences
- OpenCart is self-hosted, requiring users to manage their own hosting, while BigCommerce is a cloud-based service.
- OpenCart is free to use, but users may incur costs for hosting and extensions; BigCommerce operates on a subscription model.
- OpenCart offers high customization options, while BigCommerce has more limitations in this area.
- BigCommerce provides a more modern user interface compared to OpenCart's basic design.
- OpenCart supports various payment gateways, but BigCommerce includes many built-in options.
- BigCommerce is designed for scalability, making it suitable for larger businesses, whereas OpenCart is better for smaller enterprises.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose OpenCart if you prefer a self-hosted solution and want extensive customization options. It may also be suitable if you have technical expertise to manage hosting and maintenance.
- Choose BigCommerce if you need a user-friendly platform with built-in features for scalability. It is also a good option if you prefer 24/7 customer support and do not want to manage hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenCart free to use?
Yes, OpenCart is free to download and use, but users may need to pay for hosting and additional extensions.
Does BigCommerce require technical skills?
No, BigCommerce is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for users with limited technical skills.
Can I customize my store on BigCommerce?
While BigCommerce allows some customization, it is more limited compared to OpenCart's extensive customization options.
What kind of support does OpenCart offer?
OpenCart primarily offers community support, which includes forums and documentation, rather than dedicated customer service.
Conclusion
OpenCart and BigCommerce serve different needs in the e-commerce landscape. OpenCart is suitable for those seeking a customizable, self-hosted solution, while BigCommerce offers a comprehensive, cloud-based platform with built-in features for ease of use and scalability.