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BigCommerce vs Swell

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

BigCommerce logo

BigCommerce

E-commerce

Try BigCommerce
VS
Swell logo

Swell

E-commerce

Try Swell

A
About BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a SaaS e-commerce platform that enables businesses to build and run online stores without needing to manage their own hosting or infrastructure. It offers a wide range of built-in features including product management, payment processing, shipping tools, and SEO capabilities, reducing the need for third-party apps compared to some competitors. The platform serves everyone from small startups to enterprise-level brands, with a headless commerce option for businesses wanting to use custom front-end frameworks. Its strength lies in having many native features out of the box, though its template selection and design flexibility can feel more limited than platforms like Shopify.

B
About Swell

Swell is a headless e-commerce platform designed for businesses that need flexibility beyond what traditional e-commerce solutions offer. It provides a robust API-first backend that allows developers to build highly customized storefronts using any frontend framework. Swell handles complex product models, subscriptions, and multi-currency support out of the box, making it suitable for brands with non-standard e-commerce needs. It sits between fully custom-built solutions and rigid platforms like Shopify, targeting mid-market brands and developers who want control without building everything from scratch.

Pricing Comparison

Tool
BigCommerce
Swell
Price
Free — From $29.95/mo
Custom pricing
Category
E-commerce
E-commerce
Rating
4.2 (43)
3.9 (15)
Free Plan
No
Yes
Integrations
8+ apps
8+ apps
Founded
2009
2019

Feature Comparison

Feature
BigCommerce
Swell
Multi-channel selling capabilities
Customizable checkout experience
Built-in SEO tools
Abandoned cart recovery
Mobile-responsive templates
Advanced analytics and reporting
Payment gateway integrations
Customizable storefront templates
Integrated loyalty rewards program
Subscription management tools
Real-time customer analytics dashboard

Choose BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a powerful e-commerce platform designed for fast-growing businesses.

Try BigCommerce Free

Read full review

Choose Swell

Swell is an e-commerce platform designed for modern brands to enhance customer engagement.

Try Swell Free

Read full review

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Score Comparison

Ease of Use
7.0
7.0
Features
9.0
8.0
Pricing
7.0
6.0
Support
8.0
7.0
Integrations
8.0
8.0
Overall
7.8
7.2
BigCommerceSwell

Our Verdict

BigCommerceWinner

You're a fast-growing business needing extensive features and scalability without upfront costs.

More affordable
More features
Better support
Swell

You're a modern brand looking to enhance customer engagement with a custom pricing model.

BigCommerce vs Swell: The Bottom Line

Both BigCommerce and Swell are strong e-commerce tools, but they serve different needs. BigCommerce has a higher user rating (4.2 vs 3.9). On pricing, Swell is more affordable starting at $0/mo.

Still unsure? Check the full reviews for BigCommerce and Swell, explore BigCommerce alternatives, or use our AI search to describe exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BigCommerce or Swell better?

It depends on your needs. BigCommerce (4.2★) is from $29/mo, while Swell (3.9★) is free to start. BigCommerce has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from BigCommerce to Swell?

Yes. Most SaaS tools offer data export features. Check if Swell has a migration guide or import tool specifically for BigCommerce users. Many offer onboarding assistance for switchers.

Which is cheaper, BigCommerce or Swell?

Swell starts at $0/mo, which is cheaper than BigCommerce at $29/mo. Swell also offers a free plan.

What are the main differences between BigCommerce and Swell?

BigCommerce focuses on multi-channel selling capabilities and customizable checkout experience, while Swell emphasizes customizable storefront templates and integrated loyalty rewards program. Both are in the E-commerce category but serve slightly different use cases.