Medusa vs Payhip: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Medusa and Payhip 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:
Medusa
Open-source headless commerce platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
Payhip
Sell digital products and memberships
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | E-commerce | E-commerce |
Rating | 86/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Medusa | Payhip |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | E-commerce | E-commerce |
Understanding the Differences
Both Medusa and Payhip solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Medusa positions itself as "open-source headless commerce platform" while Payhipfocuses on "sell digital products and memberships". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Medusa
Medusa makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Payhip
Payhip 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, Medusa lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Medusa
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Medusa handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Medusa
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: Medusa
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Medusa is completely free.
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 Medusa higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Payhip more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Medusa Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Payhip 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 Medusa (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Medusa scores higher in our analysis, but Payhip 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 Medusa or Payhip better?
Based on our analysis, Medusa scores higher with 86/100. Medusa isfree while Payhip 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 Medusa to Payhip 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 Medusa and Payhip offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Medusa is completely free.Payhip is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.