Shopify vs Saleor: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

Shopify is the better pick for merchants wanting a fully hosted store. Saleor is the better pick for headless commerce with a GraphQL API.

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At a Glance

Feature	Shopify	Saleor
Best For	Merchants wanting a fully hosted store	Headless commerce with a GraphQL API
Pricing	Paid plans; free trial available	Free open source; paid managed cloud
Free to Start	No	Yes
License	Proprietary	Open source
Deployment	Managed cloud	Self-hosted or managed cloud
Link	Visit Shopify	Visit Saleor

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Detailed Breakdown

Shopify

Hosted commerce platform

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Huge app ecosystem
• Reliable checkout

Cons:

• Extra transaction fees without Shopify Payments
• App subscriptions add up

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Saleor

Open-source GraphQL-first commerce platform

Pros:

• GraphQL API
• Python and Django backend
• Multi-channel support

Cons:

• Smaller community
• Requires development resources

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Key Differences

• Positioning: Shopify — hosted commerce platform. Saleor — open-source GraphQL-first commerce platform.
• Licensing differs: Shopify is proprietary while Saleor is open source.
• Deployment: Shopify — managed cloud. Saleor — self-hosted or managed cloud.
• Saleor can be started for free, while Shopify requires a paid plan. Shopify pricing: paid plans; free trial available.
• Signature strength: Shopify — easy setup. Saleor — GraphQL API.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shopify better than Saleor?

It depends on your requirements. Shopify is a strong fit for merchants wanting a fully hosted store, while Saleor suits headless commerce with a GraphQL API.

Is Shopify free to use?

Shopify does not have a permanent free plan. Pricing model: Paid plans; free trial available.

Is Saleor free to use?

Yes, you can start with Saleor for free. Pricing model: Free open source; paid managed cloud.

Can I self-host Shopify or Saleor?

Shopify is offered as a managed service: managed cloud. Saleor can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted or managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of Shopify and Saleor?

Shopify: extra transaction fees without Shopify Payments; app subscriptions add up. Saleor: smaller community; requires development resources.