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Software · head to head

Big Cartel vs OpenCart

Big Cartel logo

Big Cartel

Software

Straightforward pricing, no surprises

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OpenCart logo

OpenCart

Software

Open-source ecommerce platform for business

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only OpenCart has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Big Cartel custom domain support is not included on the free Gold plan; it is listed as a Platinum-tier feature; OpenCart openCart is GPLv3 licensed and free to self-host, but there is no official vendor-hosted SaaS; most payment gateway and shipping integrations beyond the basics require paid extensions from OpenCart's own third-party marketplace.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Big Cartel and OpenCart actually diverge.

Attributes where Big Cartel and OpenCart differ
AttributeBig CartelOpenCart
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
Free tierNoYes
FoundedUnknown2009

Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Big Cartel

Nothing recorded that OpenCart does not also cover.

Only in OpenCart

  • Product management
  • Multi-store support
  • Payment gateways
  • Shipping integration
  • Customer management
  • Coupon system
  • SEO optimization
  • Reporting tools

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Big Cartel

  • Custom domain support is not included on the free Gold plan; it is listed as a Platinum-tier feature
  • Abandoned cart recovery, product drop scheduling and Zapier integration are restricted to the top Diamond tier at $30/month
  • Platinum's paid billing starts automatically after a 7-day free trial rather than requiring an active opt-in to convert

OpenCart

  • OpenCart is GPLv3 licensed and free to self-host, but there is no official vendor-hosted SaaS; most payment gateway and shipping integrations beyond the basics require paid extensions from OpenCart's own third-party marketplace.

Pricing, plan by plan

Big Cartel

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Big Cartel review.

OpenCart

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Core ecommerce features
    • Free support
    • Extensions available

Which should you pick?

Choose Big Cartel if

Nothing in the data separates Big Cartel from OpenCart on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Big Cartel review

Choose OpenCart if

  • You need product management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want multi-store support.
OpenCart review

Questions people ask

Is Big Cartel or OpenCart better?
Neither clearly leads. Big Cartel starts at On request and OpenCart at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Big Cartel or OpenCart?
OpenCart has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Big Cartel and Free for OpenCart.
Does Big Cartel or OpenCart run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use OpenCart for free?
Yes. OpenCart has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Big Cartel starts at On request.
What can Big Cartel do that OpenCart cannot?
OpenCart covers Product management, Multi-store support, Payment gateways, Shipping integration.
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