Medusa vs Saleor
Medusa is open-source headless commerce platform built with Node.js for developer-first e-commerce, while Saleor is Open-source, GraphQL-first headless commerce platform for high-volume stores. Medusa is built for developers wanting a headless, open-source shopify alternative, whereas Saleor targets teams wanting graphql-first headless e-commerce.
| Feature | Medusa | Saleor |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dashboard | — | ✓ |
| GraphQL | — | ✓ |
| Headless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-Channel | — | ✓ |
| Node.js | ✓ | — |
| Open Source | ✓ | — |
| Plugins | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Both Medusa and Saleor are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.
Feature gaps: Medusa offers Node.js, Open Source and Plugins that Saleor lacks. Saleor brings Dashboard, GraphQL and Multi-Channel that Medusa does not have. Both share Headless.
Team fit: Medusa is geared toward small teams teams, while Saleor is aimed at mid-size teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: Both Medusa and Saleor are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.
Where each tool shines: Medusa's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes headless as a core feature, purpose-built for e-commerce workflows. Saleor's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes graphql as a core feature, purpose-built for e-commerce workflows.
Watch out for: With Medusa, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Saleor, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.
choose Medusa if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a headless, open-source shopify alternative
- You specifically need Node.js and Open Source
- You care about includes headless as a core feature, purpose-built for e-commerce workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Medusa is designed for
choose Saleor if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting graphql-first headless e-commerce
- You specifically need Dashboard and GraphQL
- You care about includes graphql as a core feature, purpose-built for e-commerce workflows
- Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Saleor is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between Medusa and Saleor?
Medusa is open-source headless commerce platform built with Node.js for developer-first e-commerce, while Saleor is Open-source, GraphQL-first headless commerce platform for high-volume stores. Medusa is built for developers wanting a headless, open-source shopify alternative, whereas Saleor targets teams wanting graphql-first headless e-commerce.
Should I use Medusa or Saleor?
Medusa is built for developers wanting a headless, open-source shopify alternative. Saleor is built for teams wanting graphql-first headless e-commerce. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Medusa over Saleor?
Choose Medusa if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a headless, open-source shopify alternative; You specifically need Node.js and Open Source; You care about includes headless as a core feature, purpose-built for e-commerce workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Medusa is designed for.
When should I choose Saleor over Medusa?
Choose Saleor if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting graphql-first headless e-commerce; You specifically need Dashboard and GraphQL; You care about includes graphql as a core feature, purpose-built for e-commerce workflows; Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile Saleor is designed for.
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