Shopify vs Big Cartel
Big Cartel is a simple, low-cost option for artists and makers with a small number of products. Shopify costs a little more but removes product limits and adds apps, marketing tools and sales channels, which matters once you start to grow.
By Abdullah Ashraf, Shopify expert · Last updated: October 2026
Side-by-side comparison
| Shopify | Big Cartel | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Growing stores | Artists and makers starting out |
| Product limits | Unlimited products | Limited by plan |
| Free plan | Free trial only | Free plan with a few products |
| Apps | Very large app store | Few integrations |
| Marketing tools | Email, discounts, channels | Basic |
Costs in the UK
Big Cartel has a free plan for a small number of products and low-cost paid plans. Shopify starts at £25 a month (or £19 yearly) but includes far more features.
Prices change. Check each provider's current UK pricing page before deciding.
Which should you choose?
Choose Shopify if…
- You're outgrowing product limits
- You want reviews, email and upsell apps
- You want to sell on more channels
Choose Big Cartel if…
- You sell a handful of products
- You want the lowest cost
- You need only the basics
Frequently asked questions
Can I move from Big Cartel to Shopify?
Is Shopify worth the extra cost?
Usually once you have regular sales or more products.
Which is easier?
Big Cartel is simpler; Shopify is still very easy.
Keep exploring
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