Saleor vs Magento: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Saleor and Magento 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:
Saleor
Open-source headless commerce platform
Best for you if:
- • Saleor is an open-source headless e-commerce platform
- • It provides GraphQL APIs for building custom storefronts
Magento
Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe
Best for you if:
- • Magento is an open-source e-commerce platform for online stores
- • It provides flexible product management, checkout, and extensions
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | E-commerce Platforms | E-commerce Platforms |
Rating | 84/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Saleor | Magento |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | E-commerce PlatformsHeadless Commerce | E-commerce PlatformsMarketplace Builders |
Understanding the Differences
Both Saleor and Magento solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Saleor positions itself as "open-source headless commerce platform" while Magentofocuses on "open-source e-commerce platform by adobe". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Saleor
Saleor makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Magento
Magento 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, Saleor lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Saleor
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Magento is built for teams that are leveling up.
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: Saleor
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Saleor, 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 Saleor higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Magento more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Saleor Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Magento 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 Saleor (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Saleor scores higher in our analysis, but Magento 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 Saleor or Magento better?
Based on our analysis, Saleor scores higher with 84/100. Saleor isfreemium while Magento 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 Saleor to Magento 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 Saleor and Magento offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Saleor is freemium with a free tier.Magento is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.