BigCommerce vs Magento: 7 Key Differences for Malaysian eCommerce

Highlights

• eCommerce boom in Malaysia is driven by mobile usage, government initiatives like MyDIGITAL, and strong online growth.
• BigCommerce offers SaaS reliability with minimal maintenance and fast deployment. Magento delivers full customization and control for complex store needs.
• SmartOSC is an official partner of both platforms and provides end-to-end support, strategy, deployment, integrations, and growth in the Malaysian market.

Overview: BigCommerce vs Magento

As of Q4 2024, Magento powers roughly 8% of global eCommerce sites, about 131,000 stores, making it the third most-used platform worldwide. In contrast, BigCommerce supports just under 50,000 live stores globally, with steady growth of around 14% year-over-year in 2022

What Is BigCommerce?

BigCommerce is a fully hosted Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) eCommerce platform that provides merchants with an all-in-one solution for building and managing their online stores. Unlike open-source platforms, BigCommerce handles hosting, server maintenance, security updates, and performance optimization, allowing businesses to focus solely on growing their sales and customer experience.

Designed with simplicity and scalability in mind, BigCommerce is a preferred choice for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in Malaysia aiming to launch fast and grow efficiently. Its robust built-in features, including multi-currency support, advanced SEO tools, integrated payment gateways, and mobile-responsive templates, enable seamless expansion into global markets with minimal technical overhead. When comparing BigCommerce vs Magento, many businesses opt for BigCommerce for its user-friendly setup and lower maintenance needs, while others choose Magento for greater customization and complex enterprise capabilities.

Its intuitive admin interface, customizable storefront design, and robust API infrastructure also make it a strong choice for retailers looking to create a professional online presence with minimal IT overhead. BigCommerce is ideal for brands seeking speed-to-market, low operational complexity, and predictable monthly costs.

What Is Magento (Adobe Commerce)?

Magento, branded as Adobe Commerce for enterprise users, is an open-source and enterprise-level eCommerce platform known for its deep flexibility, scalability, and customization potential. Unlike SaaS platforms, Magento allows businesses to host their own infrastructure (on-premises or cloud) and build entirely unique store experiences using custom code and third-party integrations.

Magento is built for large-scale operations, including businesses with complex product catalogs, multi-site or multi-language setups, and B2B or B2C hybrid business models. Its modular architecture enables the development of tailor-made features, and it supports deep integrations with ERP, CRM, inventory, PIM, and other back-office systems.

Although Magento demands more development effort and ongoing maintenance, its unparalleled flexibility and extensibility make it the preferred choice for Malaysian enterprises seeking full control over their commerce infrastructure. For companies that require highly customized workflows, advanced customer segmentation, seamless global scalability, and support for high-volume transactions, Magento delivers a powerful and adaptable platform. In the debate of BigCommerce vs Magento, businesses that prioritize deep customization and enterprise-grade capabilities often lean toward Magento as the long-term strategic solution.

7 Key Differences for Malaysian eCommerce Brands

1. Hosting & Infrastructure

One of the most significant differences between BigCommerce and Magento lies in their hosting models. BigCommerce is a cloud-hosted SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solution, meaning your store runs on BigCommerce’s infrastructure with automatic updates, 99.9% uptime, SSL certification, and DDoS protection included. For Malaysian SMEs or startups with limited IT personnel, this hands-off approach reduces complexity and ensures consistent performance.

Magento, on the other hand, operates under a PaaS or self-hosted model. Magento Open Source requires you to set up your own hosting environment (e.g., Nexcess, AWS, or a local provider), while Adobe Commerce offers a managed cloud infrastructure. This model gives businesses complete control over their server stack, security layers, and performance tuning, but requires in-house DevOps teams or third-party managed services to maintain system health, patching, and uptime.

2. Customization & Flexibility

When comparing BigCommerce vs Magento in terms of customization, Magento is the clear frontrunner for businesses needing tailored solutions. With access to the platform’s core codebase, developers can build custom modules, themes, and extensions that meet specific business needs, whether that’s advanced product filtering, localized promotions, or B2B ordering workflows. This is especially useful for Malaysian companies operating multiple brands, regional storefronts, or unique customer journeys.

BigCommerce, while more limited on backend flexibility, still offers significant customization through open APIs, GraphQL, and frontend frameworks like Stencil. You can tweak design, integrate with headless CMS, and create personalized user flows. However, backend constraints mean complex business logic or unconventional product setups may be more difficult to implement compared to Magento.

3. Cost and Total Ownership

In terms of total cost of ownership (TCO), BigCommerce offers predictable, tiered pricing plans ranging from approximately USD $29 to $299+ per month, depending on business size and sales volume. This includes hosting, SSL, support, and platform updates, making budgeting simpler for Malaysian businesses that need cost transparency and scalability.

Magento’s licensing is different. Magento Open Source is free, but businesses must budget for web hosting, development, security patches, technical support, and potential third-party modules. Adobe Commerce (Magento’s enterprise offering) incurs licensing fees based on revenue tiers. This model is better suited for large enterprises in Malaysia that can afford upfront investments in return for full system control and scalability.

4. Developer & Community Support

Magento has a massive global developer community, bolstered by Adobe’s enterprise ecosystem. This means you’ll have access to thousands of certified Magento developers and agencies who specialize in building advanced, feature-rich stores. If your Malaysian brand is aiming to create a bespoke solution with integrations to complex systems like SAP or Salesforce, Magento’s community and third-party ecosystem are highly beneficial.

BigCommerce’s developer ecosystem, while smaller than some competitors, is steadily expanding across Southeast Asia. With strong documentation, sandbox environments, and a network of trusted partners like SmartOSC, it offers reliable technical support for businesses seeking efficient deployment. For companies that value ease of use and collaboration with experienced agencies, without the need for heavy customization, BigCommerce is a practical choice. When weighing BigCommerce vs Magento, those prioritizing simplicity and faster time-to-market may find BigCommerce to be the more accessible platform.

5. Built-In Features & Functionality

BigCommerce includes many features out-of-the-box, such as multi-currency support, shipping integrations, SEO optimization tools, native payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe, eGHL), and real-time tax calculators. These features are extremely beneficial for Malaysian eCommerce brands selling across borders or targeting ASEAN customers.

Magento is more modular. While powerful, many of its features, such as advanced analytics, layered navigation, or loyalty programs, may require either development or additional paid extensions. This gives you more freedom to tailor functionality, but also increases the time and cost to market. For enterprises with specific functional requirements, Magento’s flexibility may be worth the tradeoff.

6. Performance & Scalability

Magento, when configured correctly, is capable of enterprise-grade performance. It can handle high-traffic events, multiple storefronts, and thousands of SKUs with ease. However, achieving and maintaining this performance requires careful infrastructure planning and dedicated performance tuning by experienced DevOps teams.

BigCommerce handles infrastructure demands seamlessly with its auto-scaling cloud setup, maintaining optimal performance even during high-traffic events like 11.11 sales, Ramadan promotions, or Merdeka campaigns. This hands-off scalability is particularly beneficial for Malaysian retailers anticipating traffic spikes but lacking the resources to manage servers manually. In the context of BigCommerce vs Magento, this managed scalability gives BigCommerce a notable edge for businesses seeking performance without the operational complexity of self-hosted platforms.

7. Integration Capabilities

Magento shines in deep system integration. With its robust API architecture and open-source nature, it integrates smoothly with enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), product information management (PIM) systems, and more. This is key for large Malaysian retailers or distributors needing a centralized business stack.

BigCommerce also supports a wide range of integrations via native apps, APIs, and third-party connectors. It connects easily with Malaysian-friendly marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee, shipping services (e.g., Ninja Van, EasyParcel), and payment providers. While not as deep as Magento’s integration capabilities, BigCommerce covers most operational needs for omnichannel or cross-border commerce.

Platform Picks for Malaysian Businesses

When choosing between BigCommerce vs Magento, Malaysian eCommerce brands should assess their internal capabilities, business goals, and operational complexity. Here’s a breakdown to help guide the decision:

When to Go with BigCommerce

• Fast time-to-market is critical:Ideal for businesses aiming to launch quickly without complex development cycles.
• Limited in-house IT or DevOps resources: Designed for teams that prefer managed hosting, automated updates, and minimal backend maintenance.
• Need powerful out-of-the-box features: Includes built-in SEO tools, multi-currency selling, payment gateways, and shipping integrations, ready without additional plugins.
• Targeting regional or global markets: Supports cross-border eCommerce with features tailored for Southeast Asia (e.g., Lazada, Shopee integration).
• Prefer predictable, subscription-based pricing: Monthly plans make budgeting easier for SMEs and D2C brands.
• Want a SaaS solution that scales automatically: Handles traffic spikes during campaigns without the need for manual scaling or technical intervention.

When to Choose Magento

• Require advanced customization and control: Ideal for businesses needing unique workflows, custom features, or non-standard product structures.
• Have development or DevOps support: Best for companies with internal tech teams or partnerships with agencies like SmartOSC.
• Need to manage multiple storefronts or brands: Supports complex architectures such as multi-site, multi-language, and multi-currency setups.
• Looking for deep system integrations: Excellent for integrating ERP, CRM, PIM, or legacy systems using flexible APIs and modular architecture.
• Operate in B2B or hybrid models: Magento provides out-of-the-box support for B2B features like custom pricing, quotes, and user roles.
• Focused on enterprise performance and scalability: When properly optimized, Magento delivers high performance for large product catalogs and global traffic.

How SmartOSC Supports Both Platforms

When it comes to implementing and scaling on either BigCommerce or Magento, SmartOSC stands out as a certified partner trusted by global and Malaysian eCommerce brands alike. With expertise in both SaaS (BigCommerce) and open-source (Magento/Adobe Commerce) ecosystems, SmartOSC helps businesses navigate platform complexity and unlock growth potential.

Their end-to-end services include:

• Strategic Platform Consultation: Tailored guidance to help you evaluate the best fit, BigCommerce vs Magento, based on business model, scalability needs, budget, and technical resources.
• Full-Cycle Design and Development: From user experience (UX) design to front-end development and backend configuration, SmartOSC delivers complete eCommerce builds that are visually compelling and conversion-optimized.
• Seamless Integration Ecosystem: Integration with essential tools such as payment gateways (iPay88, PayNet), logistics (J&T, Ninja Van), ERP/CRM systems, and marketing analytics platforms.
• Managed Services and Continuous Optimization: Post-launch support including performance tuning, A/B testing, feature expansion, and compliance with evolving Malaysian and international standards.

With over 800 successful eCommerce projects worldwide and deep regional experience across Southeast Asia, SmartOSC ensures your online store is not only technically robust but also locally relevant and future-ready.

FAQs: BigCommerce vs Magento in Malaysia

Which platform suits small Malaysian businesses best?

BigCommerce, with its lower setup demands and predictable costs, is ideal for SMEs and fast growing D2C brands.

Is Magento too expensive for mid-sized brands?

Not necessarily. Magento’s flexibility and feature set can deliver value, but businesses must budget for hosting and development costs.

Can BigCommerce handle B2B transactions?

Yes, it offers B2B features and integrations, though Magento offers deeper customization for complex B2B needs.

Do both platforms integrate with Malaysian systems and marketplaces?

Absolutely. Both support local payments, logistics APIs, and regional marketplaces, though Magento allows more bespoke integration approaches.

Conclusion

Choosing between BigCommerce vs Magento depends on your business scale, technical resources, customization needs, and long-term goals. BigCommerce is perfect for fast deployment and simplicity, while Magento excels in flexibility and enterprise-grade control. SmartOSC can guide Malaysian eCommerce brands through the entire journey, platform selection, implementation, integrations, and growth. Whether you choose SaaS or open-source, contact us to build an online store that drives revenue and scales with your ambitions.