Compare · Ecommerce
Shopify vs Medusa.
Shopify is hosted, closed-source, predictable. Medusa is open-source, self-hosted, infinitely customisable. Totally different tradeoffs.
(01) — Strengths
What each does best.
Shopify
- Hosted — no server management
- Instant deployment
- Built-in payments, tax, shipping
- 10,000+ apps ready
Medusa
- Open source — full code ownership
- Zero platform fees
- Unlimited customisation
- Node.js-based — familiar to JS teams
(02) — Head-to-head
Direct comparison.
| Criterion | Shopify | Medusa |
|---|---|---|
| Setup speed | Hours | Days |
| Ongoing cost | $79-399+/mo + fees | Hosting only |
| Customisation ceiling | Medium | Unlimited |
| Engineering required | Minimal | Significant |
| Vendor lock-in | High | None |
(03) — Decision
When to pick each.
Pick Shopify when
Standard commerce needs, want to launch fast, don't want to run infrastructure.
Pick Medusa when
Non-standard business models, want no vendor lock-in, have engineering capacity, or plan multi-year deep customisation.
(04) — FAQ
Common questions.
Yes. Multiple stores over $10M ARR run Medusa in production. Just requires proper devops.
Ready to start
Not sure which one to pick?
We build in both. Book a free consultation and we'll help you pick the right stack for your project — no obligation.