Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Directus VS BigCommerce

Compare Directus VS BigCommerce and see what are their differences

Directus logo Directus

Free and Open-Source Headless CMS

BigCommerce logo BigCommerce

BigCommerce provides ecommerce software solutions and shopping cart software for online businesses. Try it free and start selling your products online today!
  • Directus Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-16
  • BigCommerce Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-21

Directus features and specs

  • Headless CMS
    Directus offers a headless CMS, which decouples the content management back-end from the front-end. This allows for greater flexibility in how content is displayed across different platforms and devices.
  • Open-source
    Being open-source, Directus allows developers to contribute to its development, inspect the code, and build custom features according to their needs. This fosters a large, active community and encourages rapid iteration and innovation.
  • Database Agnostic
    Directus can be used with any SQL database, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. This gives developers the flexibility to work within their preferred database environments.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The Directus app provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for non-developers. This makes it easier for content creators and managers to handle their content without needing to understand the technical aspects.
  • API-first
    Directus provides a powerful API out of the box, enabling easy integration with other services and applications. This ensures that developers can build seamless, robust, and scalable services.
  • Customizable
    Directus offers extensive customization options, including custom roles, permissions, and interfaces. This makes it adaptable to a wide range of use cases and specific requirements.

Possible disadvantages of Directus

  • Learning Curve
    While powerful, Directus can have a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with headless CMSs or API-first architectures. This might require additional training or time to become fully efficient in its use.
  • Resource Intensive
    Operating Directus can be resource-intensive, especially in larger, more complex implementations. This might necessitate more robust server hardware or cloud infrastructure, increasing operational costs.
  • Complex Setup
    Setting up Directus, particularly in production environments, can be complex and may require significant technical know-how. This can be a barrier for smaller teams or those without in-depth technical expertise.
  • Limited Built-in Features
    Directus, being a headless CMS, does not come with built-in themes or front-end templates, unlike traditional CMSs. This can necessitate additional development to create a presentable front-end.
  • Dependency Management
    Managing dependencies and keeping Directus up-to-date with the latest versions of its underlying components can be challenging and time-consuming for administrators.

BigCommerce features and specs

  • Scalability
    BigCommerce is built to handle large volumes of sales and high traffic, making it an excellent choice for growing businesses.
  • SEO Features
    BigCommerce offers a wide range of built-in SEO tools that help improve your store's visibility on search engines.
  • Integration Capabilities
    The platform supports a variety of third-party integrations, including popular tools like Google Shopping, eBay, and Amazon.
  • Customizable Templates
    BigCommerce provides a variety of responsive and customizable templates to create a unique online store.
  • No Transaction Fees
    BigCommerce does not charge any transaction fees on any of its plans, allowing you to maximize your profit margins.
  • Security Features
    The platform comes with built-in security features such as SSL certification and PCI compliance, ensuring a safe shopping experience.

Possible disadvantages of BigCommerce

  • Pricing
    BigCommerce’s pricing plans can be expensive, especially for new or small businesses.
  • Complexity
    The extensive features and customization options may be overwhelming for beginners or those with limited technical skills.
  • Support Limitations
    Some users report delays and mixed effectiveness in customer support, particularly for more technical issues.
  • Customizations Require Coding
    Advanced customizations often require knowledge of HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, which can necessitate hiring a developer.
  • Sales Thresholds
    BigCommerce imposes sales thresholds on each plan, requiring you to upgrade to a higher plan if you exceed the limit, which can increase costs.
  • Limited Free Themes
    The selection of free themes is somewhat limited, which may require an additional investment into premium themes for a more tailored look.

Analysis of Directus

Overall verdict

  • Directus is a highly regarded solution for those seeking a flexible and powerful headless CMS. Its open-source license and ease of integration make it a strong choice for projects that require custom content management solutions.

Why this product is good

  • Directus is known for its flexibility and ease of use. It offers a headless CMS solution that connects seamlessly with various types of databases, providing a robust platform for managing digital content. Its open-source nature allows for extensive customization, and its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to both developers and non-technical users. Additionally, Directus provides real-time APIs and support for a range of content types, which can significantly streamline content management processes.

Recommended for

  • Developers looking for a customizable and adaptable CMS
  • Organizations needing a headless CMS with real-time API capabilities
  • Teams seeking a user-friendly and straightforward interface for content management
  • Projects that require integration with a variety of databases

Analysis of BigCommerce

Overall verdict

  • BigCommerce is a strong option for an e-commerce platform, particularly for growing businesses that require scalability and a wide array of features. Its comprehensive toolset makes it a valuable choice for those looking to expand and optimize their online sales efforts.

Why this product is good

  • BigCommerce is a robust e-commerce platform known for its scalability and extensive features, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
  • It offers a variety of built-in tools for SEO, marketing, and analytics, helping businesses enhance their online visibility and sales performance.
  • The platform supports multi-channel selling, allowing users to expand their reach by selling on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and social media.
  • It provides a high level of customization with its flexible API, allowing developers to build custom solutions tailored to specific business needs.

Recommended for

  • Medium to large businesses looking for a scalable solution with extensive e-commerce features.
  • Businesses seeking to integrate multiple sales channels to maximize reach and sales.
  • Stores that want advanced SEO and marketing tools directly built into the platform.
  • Companies that need a customizable platform with API capabilities to tailor the system to their needs.

Directus videos

Using Directus

More videos:

  • Review - Directus Review
  • Review - Directus - What's a Headless CMS?

BigCommerce videos

BigCommerce Ecommerce Review

More videos:

  • Review - Shopify Vs Bigcommerce Unbiased Pros And Cons Review 2020
  • Review - BigCommerce Review, DETAILED Walkthrough, See Features & Options
  • Review - BigCommerce Review – Pros And Cons (What You Must Know Before You Join)
  • Review - 5 reasons you should choose BigCommerce over Shopify
  • Review - Bigcommerce Review - The Best Shopify Alternative?
  • Review - Shopify vs Bigcommerce: Which is Better? (2023)
  • Tutorial - BigCommerce Tutorial 2023 (Make an eCommerce Store The Easy Way)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Directus and BigCommerce)
CMS
100 100%
0% 0
eCommerce
0 0%
100% 100
Blogging
100 100%
0% 0
eCommerce Platform
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Directus and BigCommerce

Directus Reviews

21 Headless CMS Platforms That You Should Check Out
Directus is an open data platform where you can turn SQL databases into an API. Furthermore, you can customize your content with this platform entirely since it is an extensible headless CMS platform.
Source: popupsmart.com
Best Headless CMS in 2022
Directus is a great headless CMS if you have a current SQL database. It is written with vue.js, REST is used for the public API and it is powered by Node.js. Directus is open-source so you can use it free without any limitations. The product suite includes an admin app for editors, a content API for developers, and can be self-hosted for free.
Source: flatlogic.com
Best Node.js CMS platforms for 2022
Directus is an open-source headless CMS for managing custom SQL databases. Directus also has an intuitive admin app for non-technical users to manage content.
11 Headless CMS to Consider for Modern Application
Writing comments or a note at certain times is useful. Directus comment features prove to be very functional.
Source: geekflare.com
34 Headless CMS That Should Be On Your Radar
The idea is that developers can create custom databases based on specific project needs without learning a proprietary framework or being forced to build using specific technologies. When the database is ready, Directus’ API or SDKs can be connected, resulting in a customizable interface that business users can use to manage database content for their websites and...
Source: www.cmswire.com

BigCommerce Reviews

Top 5 Headless Ecommerce Platform For B2B Business (2024 Reviews)
Renowned for its enterprise-level functionality and extensive integrations, BigCommerce boasts an open API architecture. Its intuitive interface and real-time store sales metrics on the Home screen make it easy for merchants to manage their ecommerce store. The side menu facilitates smooth navigation through the backend of the headless commerce site, granting access to core...
Top 10 Shopify Alternatives for Ecommerce in 2024
BigCommerce stands out for its robust features that support scalability. If you're planning to grow your business, BigCommerce offers multi-channel selling and advanced SEO capabilities that can help you reach more customers without the need to switch platforms later. It's designed for businesses of all sizes that are serious about expansion.
Source: www.attrac.io
Shopify Self-Hosted Alternatives for Your E-Commerce Success
BigCommerce is an all-in-one e-commerce platform that simplifies the process of setting up and running an online store. Its user-friendly interface and customizable options allow businesses to create unique and visually appealing online storefronts.
Source: cyberpanel.net
Best eCommerce Platform for Auto Parts
Bigcommerce is similar to Shopify in almost every aspect, but it has a lower value in the market. Still, it is a popular choice for those looking for a reliable auto parts ecommerce platform. We can easily customize the auto parts ecommerce website with its drag-and-drop features and many themes. The data migration is costly, similar to Shopify, as it is a proprietary SaaS...
Source: www.ayatas.com
10 Best Website Builders for Companies in 2023
BigCommerce is an e-commerce website builder that helps individuals and businesses create an online store to sell their products and services. It provides a user-friendly interface, templates, and design options for users to customize their store. BigCommerce also offers hosting and maintenance services, as well as payment and shipping options, to make it easy for users to...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Directus seems to be a lot more popular than BigCommerce. While we know about 126 links to Directus, we've tracked only 4 mentions of BigCommerce. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Directus mentions (126)

View more

BigCommerce mentions (4)

  • Pre ordered the Premium edition of armored Core 6
    It's their payment processing, the inspect browser tool pulls up a bad connection with their payment system (bigcommerce.com). It's some amateur hour shenanigans. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Possible scam
    Looks nothing like bigcommerce.com IMHO. Crappy graphics, site looks like it was put together by a 5 year old child. Source: over 4 years ago
  • What's Your Preferred Platform?
    But there are many alternatives I saw some people selling nice on ecwid.com as well and bigcommerce.com have more specific B2B options. Source: over 5 years ago
  • MACHathon 2021: Building the BigCommerce Weather Alert Merchandising Tool
    BigCommerce: A powerful, open SaaS platform to house product data, images, price data and deliver it to Vercel’s Next.JS framework via the Catalog APIs. - Source: dev.to / over 5 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Directus and BigCommerce, you can also consider the following products

WordPress - WordPress is web software you can use to create a beautiful website or blog. We like to say that WordPress is both free and priceless at the same time.

Shopify - Shopify is a powerful ecommerce platform that includes everything you need to create an online store and sell online. Try it free for 14 days.

Ghost - Ghost is a fully open source, adaptable platform for building and running a modern online publication. We power blogs, magazines and journalists from Zappos to Sky News.

WooCommerce - A freely available eCommerce plugin that enables shop facilities on your WordPress website. Functionality enabling extensions & beautiful themes available.

Strapi - Manage any content. Anywhere. The leading open-source headless CMS. 100% JavaScript / TypeScript and fully customizable.

Magento - Magento is the eCommerce software and platform trusted by the world's leading brands. Grow your online business with Magento.