Medusa.js vs traditional e-commerce (Shopify Plus, Magento, Salesforce Commerce Cloud)

I’ve seen a lot of complex systems over the years and wondered a lot about what if it had been built differently, or thinking beyond the traditional.

I thought why not do a comparison between what a traditional e-commerce stack might be versus Medusa.js? I am going to try and keep this simple.

When comparing a traditional e-commerce system stack with Medusa.js, we need to consider architecture, scalability, flexibility, and development complexity.

1. Architecture and Tech Stack

When evaluating an e-commerce platform, understanding its architecture and technology stack is crucial. Each platform has a unique approach to scalability, flexibility, and customisation, which directly impacts performance, development effort, and hosting options. Below is a comparison of the core technologies behind some of the leading e-commerce solutions.

Medusa.js (Headless, Modular, API-First)

• Node.js based uses PostgreSQL and Redis as core dependencies.
• Fully headless , with a built-in REST API .
• Modular architecture : Developers can extend functionalities with custom plugins or override core modules.
• Can be deployed anywhere that supports Node.js (AWS, DigitalOcean, Vercel, Heroku, etc.).
• Can also be deployed on Medusa Cloud , a newly available hosting platform tailored for Medusa.js.

Shopify Plus (SaaS, Hosted)

• Proprietary SaaS platform with a monolithic architecture.
• Liquid-based templating system with Storefront API (GraphQL) for headless implementations.
• Hosted entirely by Shopify, with limited backend control .

Magento (Self-Hosted or Adobe Commerce Cloud)

• PHP-based monolithic system , with an optional headless mode via Magento PWA Studio .
• Uses MySQL as a database.
• Can be self-hosted or cloud-hosted (AWS, DigitalOcean, etc.).
• High server demands compared to Node.js solutions.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud (Enterprise SaaS)

• Cloud-based SaaS/PaaS , running on Salesforce’s proprietary infrastructure .
• Uses Apex, Java, and proprietary scripting for customization.
• Available as a fully hosted service , offering some headless capabilities via SFCC APIs .

2. Headless & API Support

In modern e-commerce, headless architecture and API capabilities are essential for flexibility, scalability, and seamless integrations. A headless approach allows businesses to decouple the front-end from the back end, enabling custom storefronts, omnichannel experiences, and faster innovation.

Medusa.js

• Native REST API (GraphQL available via a plugin).
• Can integrate with any frontend ( Next.js, React, Vue, Svelte, mobile apps ).
• Supports custom APIs via middleware.

Shopify Plus

• Storefront API (GraphQL) for headless implementations.
• Rate-limited API access (impacts scalability for high-volume stores).

Magento

• Not built as an API-first system—API layers exist, but not as performant .
• Supports GraphQL and REST but with complex configuration .

Salesforce Commerce Cloud

• Headless via Commerce API (GraphQL and REST available).
• API customisation is limited to Salesforce’s framework.

3. Deployment & Scalability

Efficient deployment and scalability are critical for ensuring a seamless shopping experience, especially as businesses grow. Some platforms offer fully managed hosting with automatic scaling, while others provide greater control over infrastructure, allowing for custom optimisations. Let’s compare.

Medusa.js

• Can be hosted anywhere that supports Node.js (AWS, DigitalOcean, Vercel, Heroku, Fly.io, etc.).
• Scales horizontally with serverless functions or Kubernetes .
• No vendor lock-in: full control over the infrastructure .

Shopify Plus

• Auto-scalable due to Shopify’s SaaS infrastructure .
• Limited backend access restricts advanced optimisations.

Magento

• Requires high-resource servers due to P HP and MySQL overhead .
• Performance optimisation relies heavily on caching (Varnish, Redis).

Salesforce Commerce Cloud

• Scales automatically within Salesforce’s cloud environment.
• Enterprise-grade, expensive infrastructure.

4. Customisation and Flexibility

The ability to customise an e-commerce platform determines how well it can adapt to unique business needs. While some platforms offer full control over code and infrastructure, others rely on pre-defined tools and ecosystems, limiting flexibility. Let’s compare.

Medusa.js

• Open-source, fully customisable backend.
• Developers can extend services, override core logic , and add plugins .
• No vendor lock-in - full control over hosting and data.

Shopify Plus

• Limited backend control - customisation relies on Shopify Functions and Apps .
• No direct database access - must use Shopify’s API for everything.

Magento

• Highly customisable via Magento modules and extensions .
• Development complexity - requires deep Magento expertise .

Saleforce Commerce Cloud

• Customisation is possible but locked into Salesforce’s ecosystem .
• Requires Salesforce-certified developers for most modifications.

5. Cost and Licensing

Cost and licensing models vary significantly across e-commerce platforms, influencing long-term expenses and operational flexibility. While some solutions are open-source and free to use, others require subscription fees or revenue-based pricing. Let’s compare.

Medusa.js

• Free & Open Source - no licensing fees.
• Lower TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) but requires custom development .
• Hosting costs depend on the provider and traffic scale.

Shopify Plus

• Starts at $2,000/month , with additional fees for transactions, apps, and API usage .

Magento

• Magento Open Source is free , but Adobe Commerce Cloud costs $20K+ per year .
• High server and developer costs .

Salesforce Commerce Cloud

• Enterprise pricing—often $100K+/year , based on revenue.
• High implementation and maintenance costs .

My final thoughts:

• Choose Medusa.js if you need a highly flexible, open-source headless solution with full control over infrastructure and no vendor lock-in .
• Choose Shopify Plus if you want a managed SaaS platform with rapid deployment but are fine with API limits.
• Choose Magento if you need a legacy self-hosted system with extensive plugin support but can handle high maintenance costs .
• Choose Salesforce Commerce Cloud for enterprise-grade solutions with built-in AI and CRM integration , but expect high costs and complexity .

I hope the information provided gives both insight and value.

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