BigCommerce Hosting Plans and Pricing
If you’re diving into BigCommerce, you’re probably wondering about the costs and what exactly is included. BigCommerce offers several tiers—Standard, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise—each tailored to different business sizes and needs. The basic Standard plan starts at a lower monthly fee, but as you grow, you’ll want to check out Plus or Pro for more features. The Enterprise option is custom-priced, designed for large-scale businesses.
Is Hosting Included in BigCommerce?
Here’s the good news—yes, hosting is baked into the BigCommerce subscription. You don’t need to worry about separate hosting providers or technical setup. It’s all handled behind the scenes, making it super straightforward for store owners to focus on their business instead of tech headaches. That said, some additional costs might pop up, like domain registration or premium themes, but the core hosting is part of the plan.
BigCommerce Standard vs. Plus vs. Pro Plans
So, what’s the difference? It’s mainly about features and capacity:
- Standard: Perfect for small shops just starting out. Limited GMV (gross merchandise volume) and basic features.
- Plus: Adds customer segmentation, persistent cart, and abandoned cart saver—great for growing stores.
- Pro: Includes product filtering, custom pricing, and other advanced tools—ideal for scaling brands.
Choosing the right plan depends on your current size and future goals. Remember, you can always upgrade later.
BigCommerce Pricing: Monthly vs. Annual Billing
Many store owners don’t realize that paying annually often saves you money—sometimes up to 10-15%. If you’re committed for the long haul, opting for annual billing can be a smart move. It’s a way to lock in the price and avoid monthly fluctuations. But if you’re just testing the waters, monthly plans give you more flexibility.
And keep in mind, the more you pay upfront, the more budget-friendly your hosting becomes per month.
Hidden Costs Beyond BigCommerce Subscription
While the monthly fee covers hosting, there are other costs you might encounter:
- Domain registration—if you don’t already own a domain.
- Themes and apps—many are free, but premium options cost extra.
- SSL certificates—usually included, but double-check.
- Transaction fees—these are a big one, especially for lower-tier plans.
Being aware of these can prevent surprises down the line.
BigCommerce vs. Shopify: Hosting & Pricing Comparison
If you’re debating between BigCommerce and Shopify, remember that both are all-in-one ecommerce solutions. Shopify also includes hosting, but their pricing and transaction fee structures differ. BigCommerce tends to be more transparent with fees at higher tiers, while Shopify offers a broader app ecosystem. Ultimately, your choice depends on your store’s specific needs and budget.
Which BigCommerce Plan is Right for Your Business?
Think about your current sales volume and future growth. Small startups might get away with Standard or Plus, while larger or rapidly expanding stores should consider Pro or Enterprise. The key is to match the plan’s limits (like GMV caps) with your growth trajectory.
BigCommerce Enterprise Hosting Solutions
For very large businesses, BigCommerce offers custom enterprise solutions, tailored to high-volume stores. These plans include dedicated support, advanced security, and scalability options. Pricing is customized, so you’ll need to contact them directly.
Transaction Fees and Payment Processing on BigCommerce
Unlike some platforms, BigCommerce doesn’t charge extra transaction fees if you use their recommended payment gateway. However, if you opt for third-party gateways, a fee may apply. Payment processing rates are competitive, but always compare these costs based on your expected sales volume.
Additional Hosting Fees and Add-ons for BigCommerce
While the core hosting is included, you might pay for:
- Premium themes or custom design services
- Third-party apps for marketing, logistics, or analytics
- SSL certificates beyond the basic
Budget accordingly, especially if you plan to scale or customize heavily.
Summary and Decision Tips
In the end, BigCommerce offers a solid, all-in-one hosting solution built right into their plans. Your choice of plan should align with your store’s current size and growth plans. Don’t forget to consider additional costs like themes and apps. To make the most of your investment, compare their plans carefully and consider annual billing for savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is hosting included in BigCommerce pricing?
Yes, hosting is included in all BigCommerce plans. You don’t need a separate hosting service, making setup simple and hassle-free.
How much does BigCommerce hosting cost per month?
It depends on the plan. Basic plans start around $29.95/month with discounts for annual billing. Higher tiers like Pro or Enterprise can cost more.
What is the difference between BigCommerce plans?
The main differences are features, GMV limits, and scalability options. Higher plans offer more tools for large or expanding stores.
Does BigCommerce charge transaction fees?
If you use BigCommerce’s default payment gateway, no. But third-party gateways might incur additional fees.
Can you get BigCommerce hosting cheaper with annual billing?
Absolutely. Paying annually usually provides a discount, saving you money over month-to-month payments.
What are hidden fees with BigCommerce hosting?
Watch out for costs like premium themes, third-party apps, and additional costs for custom domains or SSL certificates.
Is BigCommerce hosting better than Shopify?
Both are solid options. BigCommerce offers more transparent pricing at higher tiers, while Shopify has a larger app ecosystem. Your choice depends on your needs.
Do you need separate hosting for BigCommerce?
Nope. Hosting is included in all BigCommerce plans, so you don’t need to find another provider.
