Medusa.js vs Shopify
Is it time to switch? We break down the differences so you can stop bleeding money.
Choose Medusa.js.
If you want to own your data, save money, and avoid vendor lock-in, Medusa.js is open source and community-driven.
What Actually Matters
No fluff — just the differences that affect your decision
Medusa.js is open source (MIT). Shopify isn't. You can fork it, audit it, host it yourself — no permission needed. That matters.
Medusa.js lets you self-host with Docker — your data, your rules. Shopify? Cloud only. If privacy matters, that's a dealbreaker.
Medusa.js dominates with 36.7k GitHub stars vs 0. Bigger community = more plugins, more answers on Stack Overflow, faster bug fixes.
Medusa.js is built in TypeScript — you can read the source, contribute, or fork it. Shopify is closed-source, so you're trusting their engineering.
Try both — most offer free tiers. The right pick depends on your stack size, team, and tolerance for DevOps.
Medusa.js
The open-source alternative to Shopify. Building blocks for digital commerce.
Why Choose Medusa.js
- ✓Headless commerce with extreme flexibility for custom storefronts
- ✓Plugin architecture for payments, fulfillment, and CMS
- ✓Multi-region and multi-currency support built in
Drawbacks
- ×Requires developer knowledge
Shopify
Commerical platform that allows anyone to set up an online store.
Why Choose Shopify
- ✓Easiest way to start selling online
- ✓Beautiful themes and fast checkout
- ✓Apps for almost any e-commerce need
Drawbacks
- ×Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments
- ×Monthly costs add up with apps
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