Without a doubt, headless ecommerce platforms have revolutionized the way marketers do business today.
Gone are the days of using traditional ecommerce business models. More business owners have discovered the flexibility headless ecommerce platforms offer and are making the best out of them.
This is because headless commerce presents business owners with endless benefits. This business model allows you to scale your ecommerce business without compromising on quality.
So, are you considering leveraging headless ecommerce technology in 2024? If you are itching to join the headless ecommerce train, this article is for you.
We’ve compiled a list of 13 best headless ecommerce platforms to get you started. When it comes to flexibility, developer-friendliness, and scalability, the platforms on this list stand out.
Before we begin, let’s briefly discuss exactly what headless ecommerce platforms are and how they transform your business operations.
We compiled a comprehensive list of 13 best headless ecommerce platforms capable of catering to the needs of small and large business enterprises.
Here are the factors we used as a measuring yardstick for this list.
Headless ecommerce platforms are a type of architecture in which the front-end layer of an online store is decoupled from the back end. This allows ecommerce business owners to have more flexibility and creative freedom.
Although the front-end presentation of the platform remains separated from the back-end functionality, they are connected via application programming interfaces (APIs).
APIs serve as a communication channel between the digital touchpoints that customers interact with and the back-end ecommerce features like inventory optimization, checkouts, and payments. This is illustrated in the image below.
Image via Storyblok
Unlike traditional platforms, headless ecommerce platforms allow you to create multiple front-end experiences without disrupting their functionality.
With this level of freedom, business owners can provide more personalized services to their customers across several touchpoints. This is more difficult to accomplish with traditional ecommerce platforms.
Headless ecommerce platforms provide marketers with multiple benefits, which include:
All these benefits account for why most marketers are eager to implement the headless architecture in their ecommerce business models. Are you still wondering if you should make the switch from traditional ecommerce to headless ecommerce?
Let’s examine these two business models closely.
If you’re just starting your ecommerce business and are looking for quick ways to sell your product in the early stages, traditional ecommerce platforms are good options. They follow a traditional architecture with tightly integrated front-end and back-end architecture.
Alternatively, headless ecommerce platforms become a good option when you’re looking to scale your business and reach a wider customer base. Let's look at some core differences between these two business models.
The back end and front end of headless ecommerce platforms are managed by independent entities. They are designed using a separate technology stack where the back end transmits data and functionality to the front end using APIs.
On the other hand, traditional ecommerce platforms operate as one entity with integrated functionalities. In this model, the back end controls the functionalities of the platform, as they are tightly linked. This is illustrated in the image below.
Image via Instant
Customers have a better shopping experience when they can seamlessly navigate your platform, irrespective of whether they’re using the web, mobile application, or other digital channels.
Due to the tightly integrated system of traditional ecommerce platforms, they are more suited for single-channel operations. So, with this model, your customers may get inconsistent experiences across multiple channels.
In contrast, the back-end APIs of headless ecommerce are designed to collaborate with multiple front-end applications. This allows you to create separate front ends tailored for various digital channels, ensuring a seamless and consistent user experience across various devices.
The image below illustrates the different marketing channels that can be accessed with headless ecommerce platforms.
Image via WebDesk Solution
The coupled nature of monolithic platforms makes it difficult to make changes to the back end without affecting the front-end functionalities. Any changes made may slow down the system and reduce its performance.
Monolithic ecommerce platforms also have slower page load times, leading to a frustrating and unsatisfactory user experience.
With headless ecommerce platforms, the back end and front end can be separately optimized without affecting performance. They use single-page application (SPA) technology to facilitate faster loading times and enhance user experience.
Traditional platforms provide limited flexibility and customization options, as most of them come with pre-designed templates. Modifying the design or adding more features may require extensive adjustments to the back end, which can disrupt the entire system.
Headless ecommerce platforms give you more control over the user experience and allow you to customize the front end seamlessly. This makes it easy to make design changes and updates without affecting performance.
Now that you understand what sets headless ecommerce platforms apart from monolithic ones, you’re probably eager to jump in. But before you do, remember that the implementation of headless ecommerce requires some level of planning and strategizing.
With headless ecommerce, there’s no one-size-fits-all model. So, to reap the full benefits headless ecommerce platforms have to offer, you must select a platform that meets your unique business needs.
Now, how do you know what to look out for in a headless ecommerce platform? Let’s explore that in the next section.
A good headless ecommerce platform should meet the demand for scalability, flexibility, and personalized user experiences.
The image below summarizes the features to look out for in headless ecommerce platforms.
Image via OrangeMantra
Before you fully commit to headless ecommerce platforms, consider these factors and use them as a guide in making your decision. Let’s discuss some of these factors in detail.
One of the key features that make headless ecommerce platforms a popular option among marketers is their cohesive and integrated systems. But besides the integration between the front end and back end, it should also easily integrate with other business tools.
A good headless ecommerce platform should be able to connect to different marketing tools and third-party software without disrupting its basic framework.
For instance, the platform you choose should easily integrate with third-party analytics tools and CMS software.
These integration capabilities enable you to gain sales insights, track customer behavior, and monitor other valuable sales and marketing data.
Subsequently, you can use this information to make data-driven decisions and optimize your business for growth.
Headless ecommerce platforms are more complicated than traditional platforms, so they require more technical knowledge to navigate.
When choosing a platform, pick one that provides enough learning resources to help you use the platform and all its features.
A good platform should have easy-to-understand tutorial videos to walk you through the onboarding process. If you have any questions or difficulties navigating the platform, there should be easily accessible resources to guide you.
Sometimes, even when the tutorial videos are easy to understand and the learning curve is short, you may still encounter technical difficulties.
Choose a company that goes beyond informative tutorial videos and ensures a robust customer support team is in place to assist users effectively. It should provide customer support via phone calls, texts, emails, or self-service options.
This way, if you ever experience any downtime in your online store, you have access to a team that will resolve the technical issues quickly. This can help you save time and money and improve customer retention.
After completing their shopping, the last thing your customers want to deal with is a cumbersome payment system.
Therefore, opt for headless ecommerce platforms that seamlessly integrate with payment gateways like Stripe, Apple Pay, Square, and others, ensuring smooth and secure transactions.
The payment gateways should also be equipped with fraud detection, currency conversion, and other features that facilitate seamless transactions.
To simplify the process for your customers, select a platform that offers diverse payment channels, including credit cards, debit cards, transfers, and mobile wallets.
This provides your customers with a wide range of options, enhancing their overall shopping experience.
If your customers have a good experience navigating your online store, they’re more likely to return. As such, choose headless ecommerce platforms that make the user journey fun, interactive, and easy to navigate.
Ensure that the platform you select allows your goods or services to be neatly displayed in a clearly defined structure. Doing this makes it easier for customers to navigate the store and find what they’re searching for.
Additionally, the design should include product descriptions, reviews, images, videos, and other resources that provide information about what your online store offers. This enhances the look and feel of your store and further improves user experience.
Now that you know what to look for in headless ecommerce platforms, why don’t you try them out and see what works for your business model?
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 13 best headless ecommerce platforms to guide your decision.
We’ve also included their key features, pros, cons, and other bits of information to give you a general overview of how the platforms work. Let’s get started.
Image via Shopify Plus
Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms business owners around the world have relied on for years. It started as a traditional ecommerce platform and eventually introduced its headless commerce functionality under the name Shopify Plus.
Shopify Plus gives business owners complete creative control over their stores' front end, while it manages the back-end functionality.
This platform was designed for small and medium-sized businesses and enterprises, so whether you have a startup or an established enterprise, you can grow it with Shopify Plus.
It is equipped with different features that allow you to customize your storefront with or without code.
For beginners, the platform offers built-in ecommerce solutions, while seasoned developers can further customize it to align with their business requirements.
So, what makes Shopify Plus one of the best headless ecommerce platforms out there? Take a look at its key features.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Image via Shopify Plus
Tool Level
Usability
Image via BigCommerce
BigCommerce is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms. It offers an extensive range of business solutions for small businesses and large enterprises.
As a SaaS platform, it provides small businesses with everything they need to start a basic ecommerce site and scale when necessary.
One of the biggest advantages of using this platform for headless ecommerce is its API-driven system, which supports a wide range of third-party integrations. These integrations can be used for platforms like eBay, Amazon, Stripe, Drupal, and more.
A notable advantage that sets BigCommerce apart from certain competing headless ecommerce platforms is its absence of API call throttling. So, regardless of your website traffic volume, your customers' API calls will receive timely responses.
Let’s consider some key features of this ecommerce platform.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
BigCommerce offers a 15-day free trial with four paid plans that offer various add-on benefits based on the tier.
Image via BigCommerce
Tool Level
Usability
Pro Tip: Leverage BigCommerce’s two-week trial to test-run its functionalities before you buy a paid plan.
Image via Commercetools
Comercetools is an all-in-one business solution. It combines an API-first approach with microservices features and cloud-native architecture to provide efficient headless ecommerce infrastructure for businesses around the world.
It is a SaaS platform that allows business owners to build and customize unique digital storefronts across several consumer touchpoints.
So, whether you’re looking to provide services via websites, VR applications, voice assistants, or social networks, Commercetools has got you covered.
With a capacity that spans over 300 API endpoints, Commercetools provides top-notch headless services for B2B and B2C companies. With this platform, you won't need further customization using SQL because its APIs are capable enough.
Here are its key features, pros, cons, and pricing.
Key Features
Pros
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Image via OroCommerce
OroCommerce is one of the leading headless ecommerce platforms that provides innovative business solutions for businesses across various sectors.
Although it caters mostly to B2B companies, its offerings can be customized to cater to B2C, B2C2C, and B2B2B business models. So, it’s suitable for medium to large businesses interested in both conventional and headless ecommerce architecture.
OroCommerce offers an extensive range of open-source ecommerce features. It can be used as a cloud-based software solution or with an on-premise set-up. This gives you the flexibility to decide how and where you want to run your storefront.
This platform also gives users the freedom to customize their front-end functionalities, while using cutting-edge APIs to provide a well-connected system. Here are its key features.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
OroCommerce offers a free community version and a paid Enterprise plan.
Image via OroCommerce
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Elastic Path
Elastic Path is one of the leading headless ecommerce platforms that help marketers deploy a range of business solutions across several consumer touchpoints. It is an open-source software solution that provides microservices with robust API features.
This platform stands out among other headless ecommerce platforms because it helps streamline headless commerce operations across a wide range of industries. It caters to the needs of businesses in industries like healthcare, automotive, retail, and more.
Elastic Path provides APIs for seamless integration with a range of customization options. It offers integration with tools like PayPal, OpenAI, Avalara, Braintree, Card Connect, and GrapheneHC.
Whether you want to customize your digital storefront or manage subscription-based services, its API-based system is up to the task.
Take a look at the key features that make Elastic Path stand out among various headless ecommerce platforms.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Elastic Path offers a 14-day free trial and three paid plans with custom pricing based on your business requirements.
Image via Elastic Path
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Spryker
Spryker is a Berlin-based headless ecommerce platform that provides innovative ecommerce solutions for B2B and B2C companies alike.
With a robust selection of about 900 API modules, Spryker makes it easy for businesses to separate the front end of their commerce applications from the back end.
It provides reliable cloud-based services to help you customize and create unique storefronts without technical limitations. Besides customization options, it also streamlines business operations with features like inventory management, product catalogs, discount management, and more.
This headless ecommerce platform prioritizes seamless integration with third-party applications like RatePay, Nitrobox, PayPal, Adyen, and Paysafe. Let’s explore its key features below.
Key Features
Pros
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Pricing
Tool Level
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Image via Salesforce
Powered by leading CRM software provider Salesforce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud is one of the best headless ecommerce platforms you can try in 2024.
The platform’s user-friendly features are suitable for creating and customizing unique storefronts based on your business needs. Its cloud-based capabilities allow you to launch your new site within a short time.
One of the key features that give this platform an edge over other headless ecommerce platforms is its innovative AI-powered commerce capabilities.
You can leverage its generative AI to carry out predictive analysis and recommend personalized content to your customers. This enhances customer satisfaction, keeping you one step ahead of the competition at all times.
What other functionalities make Salesforce Commerce Cloud stand out among the top headless ecommerce platforms? Take a look at its key features.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Salesforce Commerce Cloud customizes pricing plans according to the volume of your business transactions. It has four paid plans, which include:
Image via Salesforce
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Swell
Swell is an API-first ecommerce platform that provides flexible and scalable headless ecommerce solutions to B2B and B2C companies.
Its decoupled architecture allows business owners to customize and update their front-end architecture without compromising the back-end functionalities. Even on its free plan, it offers full API access to enable you to scale your business.
Swell’s customization features deliver unique user experiences across various digital channels like web, mobile, and VR/AR technology touchpoints. Even if you’re not a seasoned developer, you’ll find Swell’s interface easy to use as it doesn’t require coding.
If you’re looking for more advanced features, Swell also offers unlimited scalability and advanced integration options with its high-tier plans. Take a look at its key features.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Swell offers a free forever plan with limited access to functionalities, and it also offers tiered paid plans.
Image via Swell
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Nacelle
Nacelle is a headless ecommerce platform that fits into your existing tech stack, rather than replacing it. So, if you’re looking for a platform to provide headless ecommerce functionalities without migrating, Nacelle is a good option.
Although Nacelle is a relatively new platform, its easy-to-use interface will give you a competitive edge in your headless commerce journey.
This headless ecommerce platform optimizes a wide range of commerce tools to help you streamline and optimize the performance of your storefront.
It gathers data from your existing business tools and re-indexes it in real-time, bringing all your business solutions to a single streamlined platform. Below are its key features.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Nacelle offers a 30-day free trial and customized pricing plans.
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Commerce Layer
Just as its tagline says, Commerce Layer simplifies headless ecommerce for business owners and marketers. It combines composable ecommerce technology with omnichannel capabilities that enable businesses to scale easily.
This is one of the headless ecommerce platforms that applies a developer-first approach to ensure the back-end interface and functionalities are easy to use. It offers API-based functionalities and a range of about 38 third-party integrations.
Commerce Layer provides the ecommerce features you need to run your storefront, including inventory, catalog, and order management. Take a look at its key features, pros, and cons.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Commerce Layer offers paid plans and a free plan with limited access to benefits.
Image via Commerce Layer
Tool Level
Usability
Image via LogiCommerce
LogiCommerce is one of the oldest ecommerce platforms that provide both traditional and headless commerce features for businesses in several locations around the world.
It’s one of the headless ecommerce platforms that give you complete control over your domain, with access to multiple storefronts. This enables you to expand your reach and gain access to a wider customer base.
If you’re looking for a headless ecommerce platform with cloud-based deployment and up to 99% uptime, LogiCommerce is your go-to platform.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
LogiCommerce offers paid plans with the option for custom pricing
Image via LogiCommerce
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Fabric inc
Fabric is an innovative headless ecommerce platform that operates based on a cloud-first modular structure. It enables users to decouple the UI from the database and allow storefront customization without back-end limitations.
Check out its key features to learn why it’s on our list of the top headless ecommerce platforms.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Infosys Equinox
Infosys Equinox is a headless ecommerce platform that provides a full suite of microservices-based features. Its business solutions are tailored to adequately meet the needs of B2C, B2B, and B2X businesses.
This headless ecommerce platform claims to be 30% faster than other platforms with MACH architecture and boasts a 99.99% uptime. So if you’re looking for a stable platform that deploys its services quickly, this is a good pick.
Infosys Equinox provides customization features for merchandising, inventory, catalog, and other storefront functionalities. Its headless feature gives you full creative control to design your storefront the way you want. Here are its key features.
Key Features
Pros
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Tool Level
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Q1. What is a headless ecommerce platform?
A. A headless ecommerce platform uses a decoupled ecommerce model where the front-end presentation layer is separated from the back end. These two functionalities are only connected via application programming interfaces (APIs).
Headless architecture allows marketers to customize unique storefronts based on their business needs, which is not usually possible via traditional ecommerce platforms.
Q2. What is the #1 ecommerce platform?
A. Due to unique business needs, there are no one-size-fits-all ecommerce tools or perfect ecommerce platforms. However, some of the leading ecommerce platforms include:
Q3. Is Shopify headless?
A. Shopify is a headless ecommerce platform that developers can use to integrate third-party applications via its GraphQL storefront API.
Shopify’s headless ecommerce plan, Shopify Plus, gives you full access to unlimited storefront customizations and third-party integrations with CRM, ERP, and PIM tools.
Q4. How much does Shopify cost?
A. Basic and Standard Shopify plans range between $32 and $399 per month. However, Shopify's headless ecommerce features can be accessed at a starting price of $2,000.
The cost of going headless with Shopify depends on the volume of your user base and your unique business requirements. The higher your business volume is, the higher the cost.
Q5. Is headless CMS good for ecommerce?
A. Utilizing headless CMS platforms in your business provides a flexible and scalable way to manage content across various digital channels. Here are some of the best headless CMS platforms you can implement in your business.
Q6. Is headless commerce worth it?
A. Headless commerce is worth exploring because it provides marketers with unlimited possibilities for customization, giving them full creative control over their storefront designs.
It also allows business owners to easily scale their business while providing unique consumer experiences across several touch points. This enhances customer satisfaction and drives more sales.
However, although headless commerce is beneficial, it may not be suitable for startups as it requires more technical knowledge than that required for traditional ecommerce platforms. It also costs more.
Q7. Is headless ecommerce good for SEO?
A. Headless CMS allows you to centrally manage your content, which can be beneficial for SEO. It also gives you the flexibility to create the necessary SEO fields for your content while putting you ahead on SERPs.
Q8. How do I start a headless Shopify store?
A. If you’re not experienced enough, you can establish a headless store via Shopify by utilizing the services of an agency or front-end service provider. However, if you have software development experience, here are the basic steps to follow:
Headless ecommerce platforms provide marketers with a range of benefits, including speedy content delivery, more flexibility, customization, and enhanced user experience.
If you’re looking to scale your business in 2024, embracing the headless approach could be a great place to start.
So, are you ready to adopt the headless ecommerce model? If you are, which of the recommended headless ecommerce platforms will you be implementing in your business model?
Do you have any more questions about headless ecommerce platforms? Drop a comment below. Good luck!
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