B2B eCommerce Platforms: BigCommerce vs Shopify vs Adobe Commerce

In 2025, the line between retail and B2B eCommerce platforms has blurred, but one thing remains clear: B2B buyers expect the same digital ease as consumers, with the complexity of business logic built in.

For manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors navigating digital transformation, choosing the right B2B e-commerce platform is a mission-critical decision. This guide compares three industry leaders, Shopify B2B, BigCommerce B2B, and Adobe Commerce B2B (formerly Magento,) to help mid-market decision-makers evaluate fit based on functionality, flexibility, and long-term scalability.

Why Platform Choice Matters in B2B

B2B eCommerce platforms are no longer just about transactions. It’s about enabling digital self-service, accommodating negotiated pricing, integrating with ERP and CRM systems, and supporting long, multi-stakeholder buying cycles. Whether you’re digitizing quoting or building multi-storefront experiences for global buyers, your platform must do more than “just sell.”

Feature Comparison: Shopify B2B vs BigCommerce B2B vs Adobe Commerce B2B

Shopify B2B: Best for Fast, Scalable Setups

Shopify B2B is ideal for brands seeking to launch quickly and scale efficiently without incurring significant technical overhead. With its 2024 B2B upgrades on Shopify Plus, merchants can:

• Create B2B-only storefronts.
• Manage buyer roles, price lists, and payment terms.
• Sync with ERP via APIs or apps.

However, Shopify has some limitations in areas like quoting, complex workflows, and granular control over checkout. These gaps are often bridged through apps or custom development, which is manageable for mid-market brands with a capable partner.

Used by brands like Staples.

BigCommerce B2B: Most Flexible Mid-Market Solution

BigCommerce B2B eCommerce platform shines in flexibility without overwhelming complexity. It supports:

• Native customer groups and price lists.
• Seamless ERP and PIM integrations.
• Open APIs for headless builds.
• B2B Edition with prebuilt buyer experiences.

Unlike Shopify, BigCommerce doesn’t require plus-tier pricing to unlock B2B features, making it more cost-efficient for brands scaling beyond simple DTC/B2C models.

Used by Avery Dennison.

Adobe Commerce B2B: Built for Complexity and Control

Adobe Commerce is the platform of choice for companies with particular processes, massive catalogs, or advanced multi-site requirements. Its strengths include:

• Advanced quoting, requisition lists, and shared catalogs.
• Complete control over every customer-facing and backend experience.
• Headless capabilities via PWA Studio and GraphQL APIs.

Adobe Commerce is also the most resource-intensive of the three, requiring a dedicated development team and longer timelines. But for businesses with deep customization needs, it’s often the only platform that checks every box.

Used by HP and Canon.

Headless B2B eCommerce: A Growing Need

All three platforms support headless commerce, but the implementation differs:

• Shopify offers Hydrogen and Oxygen, optimized for React-based frontends.
• BigCommerce integrates easily with front-end frameworks like Next.js and Vue.
• Adobe Commerce offers full PWA Studio support and robust GraphQL APIs.

Headless is ideal for mid-market and enterprise B2B eCommerce platform sellers who need performance, flexibility, and CMS control, especially when selling across multiple regions, brands, or portals.

Pricing & Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Platform	License/Hosting	Development Cost	Maintenance	Typical TCO (Mid-Market)
Shopify Plus	$2,000+/mo	Low to Medium	Low	$$
BigCommerce Enterprise	Custom Quote	Medium	Low to Medium	$$
Adobe Commerce	License + Hosting	High	High	$$$

Shopify and BigCommerce offer more predictable monthly pricing and lower total cost of ownership. Adobe Commerce provides the most control, but at a higher operational cost.

Real-World Platform Fit

Business Type	Best Platform	Why
Fast-growing manufacturer or wholesaler	Shopify B2B	Fast setup, rich ecosystem
Multi-channel brand with complex pricing	BigCommerce B2B	Flexibility + built-in B2B tools
Global enterprise with custom workflows	Adobe Commerce	Total control, deep customization

Final Takeaway: Which B2B Platform Is Right for You?

Choosing the right B2B eCommerce platform depends on your business model, the complexity of your buyers, and your future growth plans.

• Choose Shopify B2B if you want speed, simplicity, and an app-driven ecosystem.
• Choose BigCommerce B2B if you need flexibility, open architecture, and strong mid-market support.
• Choose Adobe Commerce B2B if you manage complex buying processes, require total customization, or operate globally.

At Codup, we help manufacturers and distributors navigate these decisions by mapping technology choices to real operational needs. Whether you’re building a B2B portal, migrating platforms, or going headless, our team ensures your infrastructure supports how you sell.

Contributors

• 

  Calister Maloney

  writer

  Content Lead