Shopify vs Big Cartel
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of The 11 Best E-Commerce Platforms for Small Business. Last verified June 4, 2026.
The short answer
Shopify ranks higher on Top 11 (#1 vs #9) for Small business owners choosing an e-commerce platform (Shopify vs WooCommerce vs BigCommerce). The best all-around choice for ease of use, app selection, and support, making it ideal for most small businesses.
At a glance
| Shopify | Big Cartel | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #1 / The 11 Best E-Commerce Platforms for Small Business | #9 / The 11 Best E-Commerce Platforms for Small Business |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 93 | 76 |
| Best for | Best all-in-one platform | Best for artists & makers |
| Pricing | $$ ($29 to $299/mo) | $ ($0 to $19.99/mo) |
| HQ | Ottawa, Canada | Salt Lake City, USA |
| Founded | 2006 | 2005 |
Shopify
The best all-around choice for ease of use, app selection, and support, making it ideal for most small businesses.
www.shopify.comSee full entry in The 11 Best E-Commerce Platforms for Small Business
Big Cartel
A simple, affordable, and stylish platform designed specifically for artists and creators with small inventories.
www.bigcartel.comSee full entry in The 11 Best E-Commerce Platforms for Small Business
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.