Magento vs Swell: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Magento and Swell comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Magento
Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need e-commerce platforms features specifically
- • Magento is an open-source e-commerce platform for online stores
- • It provides flexible product management, checkout, and extensions
Swell
Headless e-commerce for developers
Best for you if:
- • You need headless commerce features specifically
- • Swell is a headless e-commerce platform for custom storefronts
- • It provides flexible APIs for building unique shopping experiences
| At a Glance |  Magento | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | Headless Commerce |
Rating | 84/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Magento | Swell |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsMarketplace Builders | Headless CommerceAPI Tools |
Understanding the Differences
Both Magento and Swell solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Magento positions itself as "open-source e-commerce platform by adobe" while Swellfocuses on "headless e-commerce for developers". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Magento
Magento makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 84/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Swell
Swell is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Magento lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Magento
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Magento handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Magento
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Magento
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Magento, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Magento higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Swell more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Magento Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Swell If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Magento (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Magento scores higher in our analysis, but Swell might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magento or Swell better?
Based on our analysis, Magento scores higher with 84/100. Magento isfreemium while Swell is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Magento to Swell easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Magento and Swell offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Magento is freemium with a free tier.Swell is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.