In 2025, the headless e-commerce platforms landscape is thriving, offering businesses a wealth of options to create tailored shopping experiences. The best 15 headless e-commerce platforms include industry leaders like Shopify Plus, renowned for its user-friendly interface and scalability, and BigCommerce, which excels in multi-channel selling without transaction fees. Magento (Adobe Commerce) stands out for its extensive customization capabilities, while Commercetools offers a flexible API-first approach that supports rapid innovation. Other notable platforms include Saleor, an open-source solution with GraphQL support, and Vue Storefront, which focuses on delivering fast, mobile-friendly experiences. Elastic Path caters to enterprise-level needs with its composable architecture, while Spryker provides a modular design for maximum flexibility. For B2B operations, OroCommerce delivers tailored solutions, and Nacelle supports multi-vendor marketplaces with ease.
Headless E-Commerce platforms decouple the frontend (user interface) from the backend (e-commerce engine), enabling businesses to create unique shopping experiences tailored to their audience. We will conduct a thorough analysis of each platform, highlighting the essential information you need to make an informed decision, along with the pros and cons of each option.
Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus is an enterprise-level version of Shopify, designed to provide flexibility and robust functionality for growing businesses. Known for its easy-to-use interface and scalability, Shopify Plus enables businesses to create custom storefronts and connect to numerous sales channels, including marketplaces, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
Features
- API-driven commerce for flexible integrations
- Ability to build custom storefronts using popular frameworks
- Support for multi-channel selling across various touchpoints (website, mobile, marketplaces, etc.)
- Integrated tools for marketing automation, customer support, and analytics
Pricing
Basic – $23 / for solo entrepreneurs
Shopify – $85.97 / for small teams
Advanced – $348.20 / as your business scales
Plus – $2020.11 / For more complex businesses
Pros
- Easy to use with a user-friendly interface
- Excellent API support and integrations with third-party apps
- Strong multi-channel selling capabilities
- Extensive documentation and customer support
Cons
- Higher cost, especially for smaller businesses
- Limited backend customization for highly specific business requirements
BigCommerce Enterprise
BigCommerce Enterprise is a highly scalable headless e-commerce platform that offers flexibility in design and function. With a focus on API-first solutions and robust integrations, BigCommerce is ideal for businesses looking to expand quickly without sacrificing performance or user experience.
Features
- Flexible API-first approach for integrating with third-party tools
- Headless CMS compatibility for tailored content delivery
- Seamless multi-channel selling capabilities, including eBay, Amazon, and social platforms
- Built-in SEO tools to optimize site performance
Pricing
BigCommerce has four pricing plans: Basic, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise. The switch between plans is automatic, but there are no hidden costs, fees, or bandwidth overages.
Enterprise – Starting at $1000+ / month if paid monthly
Basic (Sales up to $50k per year) – $29 / month if paid monthly
Plus (Sales up to $180k per year) – $79 / month if paid monthly
Pro (Sales up to $400k per year) – $299 / month if paid monthly
Pros
- Scalable and SEO-friendly
- Strong multi-channel capabilities, making it ideal for large businesses
- No transaction fees, which helps reduce overhead costs
Cons
- Requires a degree of development expertise to maximize potential
- Limited support for B2B-specific features
Magento (Adobe Commerce)
Magento, now Adobe Commerce, is one of the most customizable and powerful headless e-commerce platform on the market. Known for its extensive features and flexibility, it’s a top choice for large enterprises with complex needs. Looking for a robust and adaptable e-commerce solution that can scale with your ambitions? Explore how magento ecommerce development can unlock the full potential of the leading platform for complex online businesses.
Features
- API-driven architecture to separate frontend and backend
- Highly customizable with a range of extensions
- AI-powered product recommendations
- Support for multi-language, multi-currency, and multi-store setups
- Enterprise-grade security and performance
Pricing
| Magento Open Source | Magento Commerce | Magento Commerce Cloud | |
| Magento license | 0 | $22,000–125,000/year | $40,000–190,000/year |
| Hosting | $100–500/year | $500–6,500/year | 0 |
| Domain Name | $10–400/year | $10–400/year | $10–400/year |
| SSL Certificate | $50–300/year | $5–300/year | $50–300/year |
| Design | $0–5,000+ | $0–5,000+ | $0–5,000+ |
| Development | $1,800–10,000+ | $10,000+ | $10,000+ |
| Extentions | $60–600/extension | $60–600/extension | $60–600/extension |
| Payment Providers Fees | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction |
| Seo & Digital Promotion | $10,000–40,000/year | $10,000–40,000/year | $10,000–40,000/year |
| Total Magento Development Fees | $12,000–57,000+ | $43,000–189,000+ | $60,000–247,000+ |
Pros
- Great for large businesses and enterprises with complex requirements
- Highly customizable with extensive community and enterprise features
- Strong integration capabilities with third-party services and tools
Cons
- Requires a significant investment in development and maintenance
- High total cost of ownership, particularly for smaller businesses
Commercetools
Commercetools offers a modern, API-first approach to e-commerce, built on a microservices-based architecture that enables businesses to rapidly scale and innovate. It is especially suited for businesses that need highly customizable and agile e-commerce experiences. Gain a competitive edge in the e-commerce market! Explore the headless development services for future-ready online stores.
Features
- Microservices-based architecture for greater flexibility and scalability
- Full GraphQL API support for fast data retrieval
- Cloud-native, enabling rapid updates and deployment
- Advanced product management features
- Ability to integrate with a wide range of third-party applications and services
Pricing
| commercetools license (per month) | + implementation partner (one time) | |
| 5k orders/months | $ 2,500 | $ 30,000 |
| 10k orders/month | $ 4,000 | $ 40,000 |
| 50k orders/month | $ 11,500 | $ 60,000 |
Pros
- Extremely flexible and scalable, ideal for fast-growing businesses
- Rich API ecosystem for custom solutions
- Suitable for businesses with complex e-commerce requirements
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High cost, particularly for smaller companies or startups
Saleor
Saleor is an open-source, GraphQL-based e-commerce platform known for its flexibility and developer-friendly approach. With built-in support for modern Progressive Web Apps (PWA), it’s an excellent choice for companies looking to build innovative, mobile-first online stores.
Features
- Open-source with full customization capabilities
- Built-in GraphQL API for flexible data handling
- PWA support for fast and reliable mobile experiences
- Cloud-ready infrastructure to scale with demand
- Multi-channel support, allowing businesses to sell across multiple platforms
Pricing
$1,599/mo— Great starting point for SMBs and companies with high orders value
$3,999/mo— Best for businesses with high volume of transactions
Enterprise— Custom Pricing
Pros
- Developer-friendly with a focus on flexibility
- Cost-effective for startups, especially with the open-source version
- Supports modern web technologies like PWAs
Cons
- Requires development expertise to get the most out of the platform
- Enterprise features may be limited compared to other platforms
NopCommerce
NopCommerce is an open-source e-commerce platform based on ASP.NET Core, known for its customization capabilities and extensive out-of-the-box features. Its headless functionality is powered by a RESTful API, enabling integration with various frontend technologies, including third-party CMS platforms, mobile apps, IoT devices, or custom-built solutions.
Features
- Multi-Store Support: Manage multiple stores from a single administration panel.
- Mobile-Friendly: Responsive design ensures optimal viewing across devices.
- SEO Tools: Built-in features to enhance search engine visibility.
- Payment and Shipping: Supports various payment methods and shipping options.
- Extensible: Offers a wide range of plugins and integrations.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set suitable for both B2B and B2C e-commerce.
- Highly customizable and flexible.
- Strong community support.
Cons
- Requires technical expertise for setup and customization.
- Limited scalability for very large enterprises.
Pricing
- Platform License: Free and open-source.
- Hosting: Varies based on provider; typically ranges from $10 to $500 per month.
- Domain Name: Approximately $10 to $50 per year.
- SSL Certificate: Ranges from free (Let’s Encrypt) to $100 per year.
- Design and Development: Costs vary based on project scope and developer rates.
Nautical
Nautical is a multi-vendor e-commerce platform designed to simplify marketplace operations. It offers headless capabilities, allowing businesses to create custom storefronts and integrate with various services through APIs.
Features
- Multi-Vendor Support: Facilitates multiple sellers with individual dashboards.
- API-First Architecture: Ensures flexibility and easy integrations.
- Payment Orchestration: Manages complex payment flows between operators and vendors.
- Order Management: Streamlines order processing and fulfillment.
- Customizable UI: Offers design flexibility to match brand aesthetics.
- Analytics and Reporting: Provides insights into sales and vendor performance.
Pros
- Supports multi-vendor operations out of the box.
- Flexible headless architecture.
- Comprehensive vendor management tools.
Cons
- Relatively new in the market; limited community support.
- Pricing details are not publicly disclosed.
Pricing
- Platform License: Custom pricing; available upon request.
- Additional Costs: May include hosting, development, and transaction fees, depending on the chosen plan.
Nacelle
Nacelle is a headless platform focused on improving site performance and mobile conversion rates by enabling the development of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). It integrates seamlessly with existing e-commerce platforms to enhance frontend performance.
Features
- Headless Architecture: Allows businesses to decouple their frontend and backend systems, enabling the use of different technologies for the storefront while utilizing Nacelle’s backend.
- Scalability: Uses a microservices architecture that allows businesses to scale quickly and easily as their needs grow, ensuring the platform can handle high traffic and large amounts of data without issues.
- Integrated PIM: Offers an integrated product information management system, allowing businesses to manage their product data in one centralized location, making it easier to add new products, update existing ones, and maintain consistent product information across all channels.
- Personalization: Includes powerful personalization capabilities that allow businesses to create targeted and personalized experiences for their customers, helping increase customer engagement, loyalty, and drive more sales.
- Omnichannel Support: Supports omnichannel selling, allowing businesses to sell their products through multiple channels, including websites, social media platforms, and marketplaces, expanding a business’s reach and making it easier for customers to purchase products from various touchpoints.
Pros
- Significant improvements in site speed and mobile conversions.
- Excellent customer support.
- Modern development experience with support for cutting-edge tools.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users.
- Higher cost compared to some alternatives.
Pricing
- Platform License: $5,000 per month per user.
- Additional Costs: Development and integration expenses vary based on project requirements.
Snipcart
Snipcart is a developer-friendly, headless e-commerce solution that allows you to add a customizable shopping cart to any website with just a few lines of code. It provides a flexible and easy-to-use tool suitable for small to medium-sized businesses looking to add e-commerce functionality to their existing websites or create a new, custom online store.
Features
- HTML/JavaScript Integration: Easily add to any website with minimal setup.
- Customizable Cart: Tailor the shopping cart’s appearance and behavior.
- Inventory Management: Track stock levels and manage products.
- Discounts and Promotions: Create and manage promotional offers.
- Payment Gateway Integration: Supports various payment providers out of the box.
- Subscription Management: Handle recurring billing for subscription-based products.
Pros
- Easy integration with existing websites.
- Supports various CMS platforms and static site generators.
- Flexible and customizable.
Cons
- Transaction fees can add up for higher sales volumes.
- Limited scalability for large enterprises.
Pricing
- Platform License: $25 per month plus 2% transaction fees.
- Additional Costs: Payment gateway fees (e.g., Stripe or PayPal) apply per transaction.
Shogun
Shogun is a headless commerce platform that empowers brands to create unique storefronts with a focus on performance and customization. It offers a drag-and-drop page builder and integrates with various e-commerce platforms to enhance the frontend experience.
Features
- Drag-and-Drop Builder: Allows users to create custom pages without coding knowledge.
- Split-Testing: Enables testing different page versions for optimization.
- Detailed Analytics: Provides insights into page performance.
- Built-in Scheduler: Allows for postponed publishing of content.
- Full SEO Controls: Maximizes the website’s visibility.
- Theme Compatibility: Works with any built-in Shopify theme.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms.
- Enhanced site performance and customization options.
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small businesses.
- Some advanced features may require technical expertise.
Pricing
- Platform License: Starts at $39 per month for the Build plan; higher-tier plans available with additional features.
- Additional Costs: May include development and design expenses based on customization needs.
FoxyCart
FoxyCart is a flexible e-commerce platform that allows developers to add custom shopping cart functionality to any website. It supports headless implementations, enabling integration with various frontend technologies through its RESTful API.
Features
- Seamless Integration: Works with multiple CMSs and custom sites.
- Customizable Checkout: Tailor the checkout experience to match branding.
- Secure Payment Processing: Compliant with PCI DSS standards.
- Subscription Billing: Supports recurring payments and subscriptions.
- Multi-Currency Support: Accept payments in various currencies.
- Tax and Shipping Calculations: Automates tax and shipping cost computations.
Pros
- Highly customizable and developer-friendly.
- Supports multiple payment gateways and currencies.
- Secure and PCI compliant.
Cons
- Requires development skills for setup and customization.
- Limited built-in marketing features.
Pricing
- Free Trial: Yes available
- Standard: $20/month
- Advanced: $300/month
- Enterprise: Contact Vendor
OroCommerce
OroCommerce is a headless commerce platform tailored specifically for B2B businesses, offering extensive customization and integration capabilities. Developed by the creators of Magento, it supports various business models, including B2B, B2C, B2B2C, and B2B2B. The platform provides robust features such as inventory management, multiple website and warehouse management, and a built-in CRM for comprehensive customer relationship management. ORO INC.+1Chargebee+1Chargebee
Features
- B2B Focus: Designed specifically for business-to-business transactions.
- Custom Pricing: Supports personalized pricing and catalogs for different clients.
- Workflow Automation: Automates complex business processes.
- CRM Integration: Seamlessly integrates with OroCRM for customer management.
Pros
- Designed specifically for B2B e-commerce.
- Built-in CRM and extensive customization options.
- Open-source approach fosters a strong developer community.
Cons
- Pricing details are not publicly disclosed.
- Requires technical expertise for setup and customization.
Pricing
- Platform License: Custom pricing; available upon request.
- Additional Costs: May include hosting, development, and integration expenses, depending on business requirements.
Elastic Path
Elastic Path is an API-first headless commerce platform designed for complex and unique business models. It offers a composable commerce architecture, advanced catalog management, and robust APIs and microservices, making it suitable for businesses requiring extensive customization and scalability.
Features
- Composable Commerce: Allows businesses to customize their commerce experience with modular components.
- API-First Architecture: Ensures seamless integration with various platforms and services.
- Multi-Store Support: Enables managing multiple storefronts from a single back-end.
- Product Experience Manager: Centralized control over catalogs, pricing, and promotions.
- Dynamic Pricing Engine: Provides personalized pricing for different customer segments.
- Omnichannel Support: Allows selling across multiple channels, including web, mobile, and IoT.
- Security and Compliance: Includes PCI DSS compliance and enterprise-grade security features.
Pros
- Highly flexible for complex business models.
- Strong B2B commerce capabilities.
- Excellent documentation and support.
Cons
- Can be expensive for smaller businesses.
- Requires significant development resources.
Pricing
- Platform License: Free trial available; enterprise pricing is quote-based and varies depending on business needs.
- Additional Costs: Development, integration, and hosting expenses vary based on project complexity.
Fabric
Fabric is a headless commerce platform that offers a modular, API-first architecture, enabling businesses to create comprehensive customer journeys without extensive developer resources. It supports both B2B and B2C models and provides tools for merchandising, fulfillment, and more.
Features
- Modular Commerce: Enables customization by selecting only the necessary components.
- Headless and API-First Approach: Facilitates seamless integrations with front-end frameworks.
- Multi-Tenant Architecture: Supports multiple brands and storefronts on a single platform.
- Unified Order Management (OMS): Centralizes orders from various sales channels.
- Personalization & AI Recommendations: Uses AI to enhance the customer experience.
- B2B and B2C Support: Provides features for both business and consumer transactions.
- Robust Analytics & Reporting: Offers real-time insights into sales and customer behavior.
Pros
- Fast and flexible platform with a modular design.
- Suitable for both B2B and B2C businesses.
- Claims to reduce the need for extensive developer resources.
Cons
- Pricing details are not publicly disclosed; requires a demo to obtain pricing information.
- May require technical expertise for advanced customization.
Pricing
- Platform License: Custom pricing; available upon request after a demo.
- Additional Costs: May include development, integration, and hosting expenses, depending on business requirements.
Swell
Swell is a flexible headless commerce platform designed for customization and scalability, particularly well-suited for businesses with complex product offerings or subscription models. It offers a fully customizable data model, built-in subscription management, and supports both B2C and B2B business models.
Features
- No-Code Storefront Builder: Provides tools to create and customize storefronts without coding.
- API-First & GraphQL Support: Ensures efficient data fetching and integration.
- Custom Checkout Flows: Allows merchants to personalize the checkout experience.
- Multi-Currency & Multi-Language Support: Ideal for global businesses.
- Subscription Management: Built-in support for recurring billing models.
- Advanced Inventory Management: Tracks stock levels across multiple warehouses.
- Third-Party Integrations: Connects seamlessly with payment gateways, CRMs, and analytics tools.
Pros
- Highly flexible and customizable.
- Excellent for subscription-based businesses.
- Strong developer tools and documentation.
Cons
- Higher learning curve for non-technical users.
- Limited out-of-the-box features compared to some competitors.
Pricing
- Platform License: Plans start at $89 per month and can go up to $2,000 per month, depending on features and business size. Headless CMS and Content API
- Additional Costs: Development and integration expenses vary based on project requirements.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud
Salesforce Commerce Cloud is an enterprise-grade headless commerce solution that integrates seamlessly with Salesforce’s broader ecosystem of products. It offers AI-powered personalization, omnichannel order management, and a robust API layer, making it suitable for large-scale businesses seeking comprehensive e-commerce solutions.
Features
- AI-Powered Personalization: Uses Einstein AI for predictive analytics and recommendations.
- B2C & B2B Commerce Support: Caters to different e-commerce business models.
- Omnichannel Retailing: Provides seamless shopping across web, mobile, social, and in-store.
- Cloud Scalability: Ensures high availability and performance.
- Order Management System (OMS): Handles complex order processing and fulfillment.
- Mobile-Optimized Experience: Designed for mobile-first commerce.
- Seamless CRM & Marketing Cloud Integration: Connects with Salesforce’s ecosystem for customer insights and marketing automation.
Pros
- Powerful features for enterprise-level businesses.
- Strong analytics and reporting capabilities.
- Excellent for businesses already using Salesforce products.
Cons
- Can be complex and expensive to implement.
- May be overkill for smaller businesses.
Pricing
- Platform License: Pricing starts at $25 per month and scales with business needs; enterprise pricing is typically a percentage of gross merchandise value (GMV).
- Additional Costs: Implementation, customization, and integration expenses vary based on business requirements.
How to Choose the Right Headless E-Commerce Platforms
With the rise of digital transformation, headless e-commerce platforms are becoming a go-to solution for companies seeking agility and scalability. When selecting an headless e-commerce platforms for your business, it’s essential to consider several factors:
- Business Needs: Determine if your business operates in B2B, B2C, or requires a hybrid model. Some platforms specialize in one or the other, while others support both.
- Customization and Flexibility: Evaluate how much control you need over the design and user experience. Headless e-commerce platforms allow for extensive customization, but some may require more development resources than others.
- Budget: Assess your budget and determine if the pricing model aligns with your financial resources. Some headless e-commerce platforms are more affordable for startups, while others are better suited for large enterprises.
- Integration Capabilities: Consider whether the platform can easily integrate with your existing tools, such as ERP, CRM, and marketing software.
- Developer Support: A strong developer community and good documentation can make a big difference in the ease of implementation and long-term management of the platform. Ensuring you have access to skilled professionals who understand the nuances of e-commerce solutions can be crucial for a smooth and successful project.
