Shopify vs Competitors: Checkout UX Comparison

Shopify‘s checkout outperforms major rivals:

• Converts up to 36% better than Salesforce, 12% better than BigCommerce, 5% better than Magento
• Loads in ~1 second, faster than most competitors
• Offers customization options for businesses
• Mobile-friendly design
• Supports multiple payment methods

Key differences:

Feature	Shopify	BigCommerce	WooCommerce	Magento
Ease of Use	High	Moderate	Low	Low
Customization	Limited (non-Plus)	High	Very High	High
Mobile Experience	Great	Good	Varies	Good
Built-in Features	Many	Many	Few	Many
Security	PCI compliant	PCI DSS certified	Plugin-dependent	Strong, needs updates

Shopify’s checkout is fast, user-friendly, and converts well. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Consider your specific needs when choosing.

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How We Compared Platforms

We dove into the details to show you how Shopify’s checkout compares to its rivals. Here’s our approach:

What We Looked At

We zeroed in on these checkout features:

• Ease of use
• Mobile-friendliness
• Payment options
• Security measures
• Customization abilities
• Guest checkout availability
• Cart abandonment rates

Our Comparison Process

1. User Testing

We built test stores on each platform and ran the checkout process multiple times. We noted what worked smoothly and what didn’t.

2. Data Analysis

We examined cart abandonment rates and conversion data from real stores using these platforms.

3. Feature Comparison

We made a detailed checklist of checkout features and compared each platform side-by-side.

4. Customer Feedback

We read user reviews and talked to store owners about their experiences.

Here’s what we found:

Feature	Shopify	BigCommerce	WooCommerce	Magento
Guest Checkout	Yes	Yes	Plugin needed	Yes
Mobile-Friendly	Yes	Yes	Theme dependent	Yes
Payment Options	100+	65+	Varies	150+
Customization	Limited	Moderate	High	High

Our aim? To give you the facts you need to pick the best checkout for your online store. No fluff, just hard data and real user experiences.

Shopify‘s Checkout

Shopify’s checkout is where the magic happens. It’s the final step that turns browsers into buyers. Let’s dive in.

How It Works

Shopify’s checkout is simple:

1. Cart Review
2. Shipping Info
3. Delivery Method
4. Payment

It’s designed to be quick and painless. And for even faster checkout? There’s Shop Pay.

Shop Pay makes checkout 1.7 times more likely to end in a sale.

Look and Feel

Store owners can tweak the checkout page a bit:

• Add their logo
• Change colors and fonts
• Adjust text and buttons

But here’s the catch: big changes are only for Shopify Plus users.

What Users Think

People generally like Shopify’s checkout. But the numbers show there’s room for improvement:

Metric	Desktop	Mobile
Average completion	45.2%	44%
Top 20% of stores	58.7%	–
Top 10% of stores	–	63.9%

Some stores have boosted their success:

• Allbirds cut down form fields
• Gymshark asks for accounts after purchase, not before

The takeaway? Shopify’s checkout works, but smart tweaks can make it even better.

Competitor A’s Checkout

BigCommerce’s checkout process is built for both B2B and B2C. Here’s how it compares to Shopify:

Checkout Steps

BigCommerce keeps it simple:

1. Cart review
2. Customer info
3. Shipping method
4. Payment

Their "Optimized One-Page Checkout" aims to cut down on abandoned carts.

What Users Say

BigCommerce users are fans of its flexibility:

"We use BigCommerce for our distributors’ online ordering. Its B2B engine beats other e-commerce options hands down." – Verified User, 1 year experience

This shows BigCommerce’s strength in complex B2B sales.

BigCommerce vs. Shopify

Feature	BigCommerce	Shopify
Customization	High (code-level changes OK)	Limited (non-Plus users)
Transaction Fees	None	2% (without Shopify Payments)
Built-in Features	More	Fewer (app-reliant)
Checkout Fields	Add/edit allowed	Limited changes
Mobile-friendly	Yes	Yes
Security	PCI DSS 3.2 Level 1	PCI compliant

BigCommerce shines with zero fees and more checkout options. But Shopify’s ease of use might win some store owners over.

Both platforms offer:

• Guest checkout
• Mobile-friendly design
• SSL certificates

BigCommerce lets you:

• Add checkout steps
• Tweak form fields
• Add more payment options

This extra control can be a game-changer for niche businesses or those with specific needs.

Competitor B’s Checkout

WooCommerce’s checkout process is flexible and customizable. Let’s see how it compares to Shopify.

Competitor B Checkout Steps

WooCommerce’s default checkout includes:

1. Cart review
2. Billing and shipping details
3. Payment method selection
4. Order confirmation

Unlike Shopify, WooCommerce lets you customize these steps. You can add, remove, or reorder them to fit your needs.

User Feedback on Competitor B

WooCommerce users love its flexibility:

"WooCommerce’s customization options helped us tailor the checkout for our market. We’ve cut cart abandonment by 15%." – Sarah Chen, E-commerce Manager at GreenLeaf Organics

This shows how WooCommerce’s adaptability can boost conversions when used right.

Competitor B vs. Shopify

Feature	WooCommerce	Shopify
Customization	High	Limited (non-Plus)
Transaction Fees	Varies	2% (without Shopify Payments)
Built-in Features	Fewer	More
Checkout Fields	Fully customizable	Limited changes
Mobile-friendly	Theme-dependent	Yes
Security	Manual updates	PCI compliant

WooCommerce offers more customization but needs more tech skills. Shopify is easier to use out-of-the-box but less flexible.

Key differences:

• WooCommerce: unlimited product options. Shopify: 3 per product.
• Shopify: faster checkout. WooCommerce: speed depends on your setup.
• WooCommerce: more control over customer data.

Both platforms have:

• Guest checkout
• Multiple payment gateways
• Custom fields (WooCommerce offers more options)

WooCommerce’s open-source nature means you can change everything about the checkout. This is great for flexibility but requires more maintenance and security attention.

Competitor C’s Checkout

BigCommerce’s checkout process is flexible and aims to boost conversions. Here’s how it compares to Shopify:

Checkout Steps

BigCommerce’s process includes:

1. Cart review
2. Customer info
3. Shipping method
4. Payment

Their Optimized One-Page Checkout puts all this on a single page. Fewer clicks = fewer drop-offs.

User Experience

Users love BigCommerce’s customization options:

"BigCommerce’s one-page checkout cut our cart abandonment by 20% in two months." – Emily Rodriguez, TechGear

That’s a big win for sales.

BigCommerce vs. Shopify

Feature	BigCommerce	Shopify
Checkout Type	One-page (customizable)	Multi-step (limited customization)
Guest Checkout	Yes	Yes
Custom Fields	Fully customizable	Limited options
Mobile Optimization	Yes	Yes
Payment Options	Multiple gateways	Multiple gateways
Security	PCI DSS certified	PCI compliant

BigCommerce offers more checkout customization than Shopify, especially for non-Plus users. But Shopify’s checkout is fast and easy out-of-the-box.

Key differences:

• BigCommerce lets you customize fields; Shopify has limits
• Shopify’s checkout is faster by default
• BigCommerce gives you more control overall

Both platforms have guest checkout, multiple payment options, and mobile-friendly design.

BigCommerce’s power comes with a learning curve. Shopify? It’s easier to set up.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s compare Shopify, Magento, and BigCommerce checkout processes.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Shopify	Magento	BigCommerce
Checkout Type	Multi-step	Customizable	One-page (customizable)
Guest Checkout	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mobile-friendly	Yes	Yes	Yes
Integrated Checkout	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multi-currency Support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Customization Options	Limited (non-Plus)	High	High
Payment Options	Multiple gateways	Wide range	Multiple gateways
Security	PCI compliant	Strong, needs updates	PCI DSS certified

Shopify’s checkout is streamlined but has limited customization for non-Plus users. Magento offers high flexibility but requires tech skills. BigCommerce balances these with a customizable one-page checkout.

Sales and Dropout Rates

The Baymard Institute found an average 70% cart abandonment rate across e-commerce platforms. Here’s how each platform tackles this:

Shopify focuses on speed and simplicity to reduce friction.

Magento’s extensive customization lets businesses tailor the checkout process.

BigCommerce aims to cut abandonment with its one-page checkout. Emily Rodriguez from TechGear said:

"BigCommerce’s one-page checkout cut our cart abandonment by 20% in two months."

Some context:

• Shopify: 500,000+ online stores
• Magento: 250,000+ registered merchants
• BigCommerce: 55,000+ online stores

Each platform’s strengths:

1. Shopify

• Point-of-sale app
• 6,000+ integrations
• Shopify Payments for major payment methods

2. Magento

• Highly customizable checkout
• Strong for large enterprises
• Extensive SEO capabilities

3. BigCommerce

• One-page checkout option
• No transaction fees
• Strong inventory management

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What Users Say

Let’s dive into what customers and store owners think about Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce checkouts.

Shopify Checkout

Shopify’s checkout gets high marks for being fast and simple. Users love:

• Clean layout
• Mobile-friendly design
• Built-in security

But some wish for more customization options, especially if they don’t have a Plus account.

"Shopify’s easy-to-use editor allows you to set up your store fast", says Website Builder Expert.

WooCommerce Checkout

WooCommerce users like the flexibility but say it’s harder to learn. They appreciate:

• Tons of customization options
• WordPress integration
• No extra fees

The downside? Without careful setup, checkouts can get messy and confuse customers.

BigCommerce Checkout

BigCommerce hits a sweet spot between customization and ease of use. Their one-page checkout is a fan favorite.

"BigCommerce’s one-page checkout cut our cart abandonment by 20% in two months", shares Emily Rodriguez from TechGear.

Users highlight:

• Built-in features (no need for plugins)
• Strong inventory management
• Lots of payment options

How They Stack Up

Feature	Shopify	WooCommerce	BigCommerce
Easy Setup	Yes	So-so	Yes
Customization	Limited	High	High
Mobile Experience	Great	Varies	Good
Built-in Features	Many	Few	Many

What We Learned

1. Simple vs. Custom: Shopify users want it simple. WooCommerce fans love to tinker. BigCommerce tries to do both.

2. Mobile Matters: Users of all platforms say mobile-friendly checkouts are a must.

3. Hidden Costs: WooCommerce users often get surprised by extra costs. Shopify and BigCommerce users like knowing what they’re paying upfront.

4. Help When You Need It: Shopify’s 24/7 support is a hit. WooCommerce users sometimes struggle to find help.

5. Abandoned Carts: Everyone agrees – a smooth checkout process means fewer abandoned carts.

Checkout Customization

Shopify and its rivals offer different checkout customization options. Let’s see how they stack up.

Shopify

Customization depends on your plan:

• Regular Shopify: Basic tweaks (colors, fonts)
• Shopify Plus: Extensive tools (checkout extensibility, Branding API)

Plus merchants can use Checkout Blocks for code-free changes:

• Add upsells
• Create custom fields
• Insert content
• Modify delivery and payment

WooCommerce

Flexible but needs tech skills:

• Full design control
• Custom fields and steps
• WordPress plugin integration

BigCommerce

Middle ground:

• One-page checkout
• Built-in features
• Strong inventory management

Quick comparison:

Feature	Shopify	WooCommerce	BigCommerce
Basic Design	Yes	Yes	Yes
Custom Fields	Plus only	Yes	Yes
One-Page Checkout	Yes	With plugins	Yes
Code-Free Changes	Plus only	Limited	Yes
Full Code Access	No	Yes	Limited

Sales Impact

Customization can boost sales. Aviad Faruz, CEO of Faruzo, says:

"When we allowed free shipping [at checkout], we could see that people bought more often than before, which helped us increase our conversion rate by five percent."

Tips

1. Add a progress bar
2. Offer guest checkout
3. Include trust badges
4. Show related products
5. Display shipping costs upfront

A smooth checkout is key. PayPal found 46% of shoppers might bail if they can’t use a digital wallet.

Mobile Checkout

Mobile shopping is HUGE. In 2021, over half of e-commerce traffic came from mobile devices. But here’s the kicker: mobile conversion rates still lag behind desktop.

Let’s dive into how Shopify and its rivals handle mobile checkout:

Mobile Usability

Shopify and BigCommerce both offer mobile-friendly checkouts, but they’re not created equal:

Feature	Shopify	BigCommerce	WooCommerce
Responsive design	Yes	Yes	Theme-dependent
One-page checkout	No (default)	Yes	Plugin-dependent
Guest checkout	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mobile payment options	Yes	Yes	Plugin-dependent

Shopify’s default mobile checkout? Not great:

• Multi-page process (slow)
• Less customizable
• Can feel impersonal

BigCommerce? One-page checkout. Smoother. Less abandoned carts.

WooCommerce? It’s a wild card. Depends on your theme and plugins.

Speed: The Mobile Game-Changer

Mobile users are impatient. A one-second delay can tank your conversions.

Quick fixes:

• Compress images
• Cut unnecessary scripts
• Enable browser caching

Keep It Simple, Stupid

Small screens = every step matters. What works:

• Big, clear buttons
• Minimal form fields
• Auto-fill when possible
• Show progress

Easton Baseball saw a 659% jump in mobile revenue after adding:

• Floating "add to cart" button
• Cart-level upsells
• Guest checkout

Payment Options: More = Better

Offer variety:

• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• PayPal

Fun fact: 46% of customers might bail if they can’t use their favorite digital wallet.

Security: Don’t Skimp

Mobile shoppers are paranoid. Build trust:

• Show security badges
• Use HTTPS
• Offer guest checkout

The Hard Truth

Mobile traffic is high, but conversions? Not so much:

• Mobile conversion rate (2021): 2.2%
• Desktop conversion rate (2021): 3.7%

Want to be above average? Aim for 2.4%+. Hit 3.7%, and you’re in the top 10%.

Checkout Security

Security is crucial for online shoppers. Here’s how Shopify stacks up against competitors:

Security Features

Shopify’s security game is strong:

• PCI DSS Level 1 compliant
• 256-bit SSL encryption (all stores)
• Built-in Fraud Analysis tool

How does this compare?

Feature	Shopify	BigCommerce	WooCommerce
PCI Compliance	Level 1	Level 1	Plugin-dependent
SSL	256-bit (all)	256-bit (all)	Manual setup
Fraud Detection	Built-in	Built-in	Plugin-dependent
3D Secure	Yes	Yes	Plugin-dependent

BigCommerce matches Shopify. WooCommerce? It’s a mixed bag – security depends on your setup.

Key differences:

1. Fraud prevention

Shopify’s system uses machine learning to spot potential fraud without blocking real sales.

2. Plugin vulnerabilities

WooCommerce users, watch out. A 2023 WPScan report found 93% of WordPress vulnerabilities came from plugins. Shopify’s closed system reduces this risk.

3. User experience

Shopify and BigCommerce offer one-click checkout options that don’t sacrifice security.

Real-world impact:

The average data breach costs $4.45 million (2023 figures). Good security protects your customers AND your business.

Pro tip: Don’t ignore visual security cues. A Baymard Institute study found 25% of users abandoned checkouts due to security concerns. Quick fixes:

• Use trust badges (Norton’s SSL seal rated highest)
• Highlight secure fields visually
• Add reassuring text near payment fields

A secure checkout is pointless if customers don’t trust it enough to use it.

Adding Extra Features

Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce all offer ways to boost your checkout experience. Let’s see how they stack up.

Shopify’s Arsenal

Shopify Plus merchants get access to:

• Checkout UI extensions
• Web pixel extensions
• Shopify Functions

These tools let you add custom fields, track customer behavior, and create unique discounts. All without breaking a sweat.

WooCommerce’s Toolkit

WooCommerce users can tap into:

• One Page Checkout
• Multistep Checkout Wizard
• Stripe integration

These add-ons streamline the payment process and make checkout a breeze.

BigCommerce’s Offerings

BigCommerce brings to the table:

• Built-in SEO tools
• POS integration
• Multichannel selling

Now, let’s compare these platforms:

Platform	Add-ons	Customization	Integration
Shopify	6,000+	High	Easy
WooCommerce	50,000+	Very High	Moderate
BigCommerce	1,000+	Moderate	Easy

Here’s a real-world example of what’s possible:

"Optimizing our subscription checkout boosted completion by +17.9%. Now, ~8-12% of our monthly revenue comes from subscriptions." – Oliver Brocato, Tabs Chocolate founder

The key takeaways?

1. WooCommerce offers the most flexibility, but requires more tech skills.
2. Shopify and BigCommerce are easier to set up.
3. Each platform has its strengths. For instance, Shopify’s Shop Pay converts 91% better than typical checkouts.

Want to level up your checkout? Try these:

• Use date-pickers for time-sensitive products
• Add post-purchase upsell pages
• Display trust badges to reduce cart abandonment

Checkout Speed

Shopify’s checkout is FAST. Here’s how it stacks up against the competition:

Platform	Desktop Load Time	Mobile Load Time
Shopify	2.01 seconds	2.42 seconds
BigCommerce	5.88 seconds	6.19 seconds
Magento	2-4 seconds	Not specified
WooCommerce	1-3 seconds	Not specified

Why does this matter? Because speed kills… your conversion rate:

• 1 second delay = 7% drop in conversions
• 2 second delay = 85% abandonment rate

Shopify’s speed advantage pays off:

"Shopify Checkout converts up to 36% better than Salesforce Commerce Cloud, 12% better than BigCommerce, and 5% better than Magento."

During the 2022 winter sales, Shopify Checkout:

• Processed $7.5 billion in sales
• Peaked at $3.5 million per minute
• Handled 40,000+ simultaneous checkouts

But it’s not all roses. Some users report slower speeds:

• Default checkout pages: 4.4 to 4.6 seconds load time
• Slower than Shopify’s overall site speed

Want to speed up your Shopify checkout? Try these:

1. Use a CDN
2. Leverage browser caching
3. Minimize JavaScript and third-party apps
4. Compress images
5. Use critical CSS

Checkout Costs

Let’s break down Shopify’s pricing and compare it to competitors.

Shopify’s Pricing

Shopify offers these plans:

Plan	Monthly	Annual	Transaction Fees
Starter	$5	$5	5%
Basic	$39	$29	2%
Shopify	$105	$79	1%
Advanced	$399	$299	0.6%
Plus	$2,300+	$2,300+	0.15–0.30%

These fees apply when using third-party payment processors. Use Shopify Payments to avoid them:

• Basic: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
• Shopify: 2.7% + 30¢ per transaction
• Advanced: 2.5% + 30¢ per transaction

Competitor Pricing

How does Shopify stack up?

Platform	Monthly Price	Transaction Fees
BigCommerce	$39 – $399	None
WooCommerce	$0 + hosting	Varies
Magento	$0 – Custom	Varies
Squarespace	$16 – $49	3% (waived on higher plans)

BigCommerce doesn’t charge extra fees, regardless of the payment processor. This can save money for high-volume businesses.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Shopify’s TCO beats competitors:

• Platform costs: 23% lower
• Operational costs: 19% lower
• Implementation costs: 33% lower

For example, BigCommerce setup costs 88% more than Shopify. WooCommerce, Adobe, and Salesforce are 49%, 42%, and 16% pricier, respectively.

Payment Processing

Choosing the right processor can cut costs:

Gateway	Pricing
Shopify Payments	2.9% to 2.4% + 30¢
Stripe	2.9% + 30¢
PayPal	3.49% + 49¢
Adyen	3% to 12% + 13¢

Using Shopify Payments avoids extra fees from third-party processors.

Save Money

1. Pay annually
2. Use Shopify Payments
3. Pick the right plan
4. Consider TCO, not just monthly fees

Wrap-up

Shopify’s checkout experience outshines its competitors in several ways:

• It converts up to 15% better than Salesforce, Magento, and BigCommerce.
• The checkout page loads in about one second, beating most rivals.
• It offers customization options to fit your business needs.
• It’s mobile-friendly, catering to the growing mobile shopping trend.
• It supports multiple payment methods, reducing cart abandonment.

Shopify’s checkout solution is a solid choice for small businesses aiming to boost online sales. It’s fast, customizable, and user-friendly. But remember, the best platform for you depends on your specific needs and budget.

Fun fact: A one-second delay in page load time can slash conversions by 7%. Shopify’s speedy checkout helps you avoid this pitfall.

While Shopify shines in many areas, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consider your unique business requirements when making your choice.

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• Shopify Checkout Issues: Fixes & Troubleshooting
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