Whether you're a seasoned online store owner or an eCommerce newbie just planning to launch the retail business, we bet you're already struggling to decide between BigCommerce vs OpenCart. Worry no more! In this post, we'll go over the main pros and cons of both platforms, compare their key features, SEO capabilities, and more. Read on!
The pros and cons of BigCommerce and OpenCart
According to Google Trends, BigCommerce, a hosted eCommerce platform (learn more about hosted solutions vs open-source) with tens of thousands of live websites, and OpenCart, a self-hosted solution with hundreds of thousands of live websites, remain popular choices among online store owners:
Each platform has its positives and negatives, so let's discuss them further.
BigCommerce Advantages and Disadvantages
The pros include:
- All-in-one shopping cart with drag-and-drop page builder (see BigCommerce migration checklist)
- Has a 15-day free trial
- Super scalable and responsive
- Supports selling in multiple languages
- No transaction fees, even with third-party gateways
- Pricing plans depending on the size of your store
- Tools to store details of abandoned carts.
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The platform has the following drawbacks:
- Free themes all look the same
- High monthly fees
- Lack of dropshipping apps
- Limit on the number of annual sales (you have to upgrade your plan if you exceed the set limit).
OpenCart Advantages and Disadvantages
The strengths of the software are as follows:
- Free to download with no monthly fees
- Easy to handle user interface (explore OpenCart migration checklist)
- High customization options due to its open-source nature
- Excellent customer community and support
- Works with multiple languages and currencies
- Wide variety of themes and apps to choose from.
The cons are:
- Requires developer skills
- Some of the support features come at a cost
- Poor marketing options
- Can be a bit slow
Which solution has better SEO
BigCommerce platform offers great SEO features out of the box. It allows users to create short URLs. Also, all templates support AMP functionality and automatic image optimization. OpenCart, on the other hand, fails at SEO. The software allows users to customize meta tags for categories and products. However, this is not enough to achieve high search engine rankings.
Which software is easier to use
Both shopping carts are relatively easy to use but require at least minimal development skills. The store and product management is straightforward. The interfaces are clean. The shopping carts offer a variety of tools to help advanced users get up and running with the store in no time.
Deciding Between BigCommerce and OpenCart?
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What are the special features of OpenCart and BigCommerce?
Now, let's briefly outline the main characteristics of the two eCommerce platforms.
BigCommerce particularities
- Allows you to set up the e-shop, add and sell products through the website.
- Tool to save abandoned shopping carts.
- Customizable checkout option.
- Flexible and user-friendly Dashboard.
- Ability to sell both physical and digital products.
- International shipping and tax rates.
- Pre-built integrations with most social media networks.
OpenCart particularities
- Ability to sell an unlimited number of products.
- Management of multiple stores from one admin.
- Guest checkout option to reduce the number of abandoned shopping carts.
- Tools to backup and restore stores.
- Numerous payment gateways.
- Shipping calculator.
Concluding remarks
We hope that our brief overview of the two platforms will help you decide which one is best for your business. Both BigCommerce and OpenCart are perfect for any type of business (from small to large). They have everything you need to create a nice-looking webshop and enjoy its benefits in no time. But please remember that you need to have at least some programming experience for these solutions. Our migration customization service can help.
Have you decided to move your business to BigCommerce or OpenCart? Don't forget to try our free demo migration option to see the service in action!
Monthly Update – January 2026
As we step into January 2026, the eCommerce landscape continues its rapid evolution, with an increasing emphasis on hyper-personalization and streamlined omnichannel experiences. Merchants using platforms like BigCommerce and OpenCart are now prioritizing advanced analytics and AI-driven insights to tailor shopping journeys. The focus has shifted from mere product display to creating deeply engaging, customized interactions that anticipate customer needs. This includes leveraging AI for predictive analytics in inventory management, dynamic pricing, and even proactive customer support through intelligent chatbots. Furthermore, the push for sustainable practices and transparent supply chains is becoming a non-negotiable expectation for consumers, influencing platform choices and operational strategies. Ensuring your chosen platform can support robust third-party integrations for these emerging trends is crucial for long-term success. Adaptability and the ability to integrate cutting-edge tools will be key differentiators for online businesses in the coming year, enabling them to meet complex consumer demands and maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic market.
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