Medusa vs Shopify
Compare Medusa and Shopify on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
Medusa
Headless JS commerce — MIT OSS free; Cloud Develop $29, Launch $99 highlighted, Scale $299, Enterprise custom. No GMV tax.
Best for
- • JS teams building headless storefronts
- • SMBs to mid-market brands that will self-host or buy Cloud Launch
- • Buyers comparing Saleor’s higher Cloud floors
Starting from $0.00/user/mo
Free plan available
VS
Our verdict
There is no universal winner between Medusa and Shopify. Choose Medusa when JS teams building headless storefronts. Choose Shopify when Merchants wanting a hosted store without managing infrastructure. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.
Choose Medusa if: JS teams building headless storefronts
Choose Shopify if: Merchants wanting a hosted store without managing infrastructure
Shopify
Hosted SaaS ecommerce platform with themes, checkout, channels, and POS — Basic from $39/mo ($29 annual), Grow $105 ($79 annual), Advanced $399 ($299 annual), Plus from $2,300/mo.
Best for
- • Merchants wanting a hosted store without managing infrastructure
- • Brands scaling across online + retail channels
- • Teams that value app ecosystem over building custom stacks
Starting from $39.00/user/mo
No free plan
Medusa vs Shopify pricing
Medusa researched starting price from $0/mo; a free plan is researched. Shopify researched starting price from $39/mo. Affiliate economics excluded.
Medusa
From $0.00/user/mo
Shopify
From $39.00/user/mo
Medusa
Starting from $0.00/user/mo
No free trial evidenced
- Open Source (self-host)$0.00/user/mo
- Free MIT license — you own hosting and the storefront.
- Cloud Develop$29.00/mo
- From $29/mo — early Cloud / development band.
- Cloud LaunchPopular$99.00/mo
- From $99/mo — typical production Cloud entry (highlighted).
- Cloud Scale$299.00/mo
- From $299/mo — higher Cloud capacity band.
- Cloud EnterpriseCustom
- Custom Enterprise Cloud — confirm live with Medusa.
Shopify
Starting from $39.00/user/mo
Free trial available
- Basic$29.00/mo
- $29/mo billed annually ($39 monthly). Entry full online store.
- GrowPopular$79.00/mo
- $79/mo billed annually ($105 monthly). Professional reports and staff accounts.
- Advanced$299.00/mo
- $299/mo billed annually ($399 monthly). Advanced reporting and lowest standard processing.
- PlusCustom
- From $2,300/mo — enterprise checkout, automation, and B2B features.
Estimate your team cost
Monthly estimate from verified per-seat list pricing. Confirm on the vendor site before purchasing.
Medusa
$0.00/mo
Shopify
$585.00/mo
+$585.00/mo — Shopify costs more
Verified monthly unit prices · Aug 18, 2026
Prices in USD
Shown per user / month from verified list pricing.
Plans can change
Confirm live vendor rates before purchasing.
Add-ons may apply
Calling, SMS, or usage fees can add cost.
Independence
Affiliate status never changes pricing outcomes.
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