Choosing the right platform for your e-commerce store is one of the most important decisions you will make. Your tech stack is the foundation of your business. It affects how you run your store, how customers shop, and how easily you can grow. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start.
In 2025, three major players still dominate the e-commerce platform space: Shopify, WooCommerce and BigCommerce. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. What works for one store might not suit another. The right choice depends on your goals, technical skills and business model.
Now, let’s break down the differences between Shopify, WooCommerce and BigCommerce to help you decide which one wins for your business in 2025.
Shopify is one of the easiest platforms to use. It is a hosted solution, which means Shopify handles the technical stuff like hosting, security and software updates. You can launch a store quickly, even if you have no coding experience.
Its app store is massive. Whether you want to add upsells, email marketing, reviews or shipping tools, there’s probably an app for it. Shopify also offers excellent support with 24/7 live chat and helpful guides.
For 2025, Shopify continues to lead with fast loading speeds, built-in AI tools, and improved international selling features. It is especially strong if you are dropshipping or selling physical products to a global audience.
Shopify’s monthly fees can add up. You also have to pay transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments. Plus, while the platform is simple, it can be limited in customisation compared to WooCommerce.
WooCommerce is ideal for store owners who already use WordPress or want full control over their site. It’s a free plugin, which means you can build on top of it however you like. You control your hosting, plugins and design.
This flexibility makes WooCommerce great for businesses that need custom features, sell digital goods or have advanced SEO strategies. It also has a wide community of developers and support resources.
In 2025, WooCommerce has stepped up with more AI integration, better mobile optimisation and improved speed on newer hosting setups.
Because it’s self-hosted, you are responsible for site maintenance, security and performance. You may also need a developer to help with technical tasks. While it’s free to install, extra plugins and hosting can make WooCommerce just as expensive as other platforms.
BigCommerce is a strong contender for medium to large businesses, especially those looking to scale. It has powerful features out of the box, including multi-channel selling, tax tools and custom pricing options for B2B sellers.
BigCommerce allows more flexibility in terms of design and backend access than Shopify, without the technical demands of WooCommerce. It also integrates well with Amazon, eBay and social media platforms.
In 2025, BigCommerce has added more AI-driven tools, stronger B2B options and better reporting features to help sellers make data-driven decisions.
The platform can be overwhelming for beginners. While it offers many features, the interface is not as user-friendly as Shopify’s. Pricing plans are also based on your sales volume, so costs can rise as you grow.
| Feature | Shopify | WooCommerce | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very easy | Moderate to hard | Moderate |
| Customisation | Medium | Very high | High |
| SEO Tools | Good | Excellent | Good |
| App Ecosystem | Large | Large (WordPress-based) | Moderate |
| Pricing | Monthly fees + apps | Free core + plugins/hosting | Tiered plans based on revenue |
| Best For | Beginners, fast launch | Custom stores, bloggers | B2B, growing brands |
No matter which platform you choose, your success often depends on the tools you use alongside it. Email marketing, inventory tracking, shipping management and pricing automation can all help you run more efficiently.
For sellers who use Amazon, one tool that should not be overlooked is an Amazon repricer. These tools automatically adjust your product pricing based on competitor actions, demand and stock levels. Instead of changing prices manually, the repricer keeps your listings competitive around the clock. It’s a small part of your tech stack but can lead to higher profits and more Buy Box wins.
There is no one-size-fits-all winner. Instead, the best platform depends on your specific needs.
Choose Shopify if you want a simple, reliable platform that works out of the box and has a massive app store.
Choose WooCommerce if you value flexibility, already use WordPress or need full control of your site.
Choose BigCommerce if you run a growing store, sell across multiple channels or need strong B2B features.
Think about where your business is now and where you want it to go. Your tech stack should support your goals and grow with you.
In the fast-moving world of e-commerce, your platform matters. But what matters more is how you use it. By combining the right platform with smart tools like an Amazon repricer, email marketing and AI insights, you can build a store that saves you time and boosts profits.
Take the time to test features, compare options and choose the tech stack that fits your vision. In 2025, success comes to those who plan smart and act fast.