Big Cartel vs Shopify
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Simple stores for artists and makers.
The verdict
Both Big Cartel and Shopify are credible ecommerce platforms tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Big Cartel if you want a lower starting price (free – $15/mo) and a free plan to start on. Simple stores for artists and makers.
Choose Shopify if you'd rather have a longer free trial (3 days) and broader platform coverage. The leading platform to start and run a store.
Big Cartel vs Shopify: side by side
| Dimension | Big Cartel | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $15/moWinner | From $29/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | — | 3 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Artists, Makers | Ecommerce, Smb, Dtc Brands |
| Platforms | Web, Ios | Web, Ios, Android, ApiWinner |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
Big Cartel key facts
- Vendor
- Big Cartel
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $15/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios
- Best for
- Artists, Makers
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2005
- Headquarters
- Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Shopify key facts
- Vendor
- Shopify Inc.
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $29/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (3 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android, Api
- Best for
- Ecommerce, Smb, Dtc Brands
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2006
- Headquarters
- Ottawa, Canada
Frequently asked questions
Is Big Cartel better than Shopify?
Neither is universally better — Big Cartel edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Big Cartel or Shopify cheaper?
Big Cartel is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $15/mo. Big Cartel starts at free – $15/mo; Shopify starts at from $29/mo.
Can Big Cartel replace Shopify?
Yes for most teams — both are ecommerce platforms tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.