Medusa vs Vendure: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Medusa and Vendure 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
Best for you if:
- • Medusa is an open-source headless commerce platform for developers
- • It provides flexible building blocks for custom e-commerce experiences
Vendure
Headless commerce framework
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Vendure is an open-source headless commerce framework
- • It provides GraphQL APIs for building custom e-commerce experiences
| At a Glance |  Medusa | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | E-commerce Platforms |
Rating | 82/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Medusa | Vendure |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsHeadless Commerce | E-commerce PlatformsHeadless Commerce |
Understanding the Differences
Both Medusa and Vendure solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Medusa positions itself as "open-source headless commerce" while Vendurefocuses on "headless commerce framework". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Medusa
Medusa makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Vendure
Vendure is worth considering if you need a free 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. Vendure is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Vendure
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?
Zero budget? Vendure won't cost you anything.
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 (82/100). But the community has upvoted Vendure more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Medusa Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Vendure If
- You need a completely free solution
- 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 (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Medusa scores higher in our analysis, but Vendure 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 Vendure better?
Based on our analysis, Medusa scores higher with 82/100. Medusa isfreemium while Vendure is free. 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 Vendure 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 Vendure offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Medusa is freemium with a free tier.Vendure is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.