Headless Shopify vs BigCommerce: What to Know
If you’re considering a headless commerce approach, selecting the right backend platform is crucial. Shopify Plus and BigCommerce stand out as top contenders, each offering unique strengths. Below is a comparison to help you evaluate which platform fits your business needs best.
Criteria |
Shopify Plus |
BigCommerce |
Headless Support & Ecosystem |
Hydrogen and Oxygen: native React-based tools with edge delivery |
Robust GraphQL and REST APIs with cloud-native backend compatible with any frontend |
Flexibility & Customization |
Strong built-in marketing tools; checkout customization limited unless using Shopify Functions |
Greater backend flexibility, ideal for B2B workflows and large catalogs |
Developer Experience |
Supports modern frameworks like Next.js, Nuxt, Remix; strong ecosystem and documentation |
Supports same modern frameworks; known for handling complex builds efficiently |
APIs & Performance |
Stable APIs with strong ecosystem support; excellent for streamlined setups |
Stable APIs with CDN-backed performance; preferred for larger, complex catalogs |
Which Backend Fits Your Needs?
Both platforms deliver solid headless capabilities and developer-friendly environments. Your choice depends on your business scale, customization needs, and technical resources.
Ready to explore a headless build? Contact Arctic Leaf to discuss the best backend strategy for your e-commerce goals.