Vendure vs Saleor: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Vendure and Saleor 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.
Bottom line: Saleor wins this matchup. Shopify Plus is our overall Headless Commerce pick. Bagisto is our free Headless Commerce pick. Pick Vendure if you need e-commerce platforms.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Vendure
TypeScript-first headless commerce for custom storefronts
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Saleor requires payment)
Saleor
Open-source headless commerce platform
Best for you if:
- • You want modern headless commerce
| At a Glance | Vendure | Saleor |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free Free plan |
Category | E-commerce Platforms Headless Commerce | E-commerce Headless Commerce |
Rating | 4.9/5 G2 4.9 10 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Vendure or Saleor?
Choose Vendure if
- You want a fully free tool (Saleor requires payment)
- You want modern headless commerce
- You want TypeScript/Node.js
- You work in e-commerce platforms, not e-commerce
Choose Saleor if
- You want modern headless commerce
- You want GraphQL API
- You work in e-commerce, not e-commerce platforms
In-Depth Analysis
Vendure
TypeScript-first headless commerce for custom storefronts
Vendure's pricing is exceptionally generous as it is entirely free and open source.
Strengths
- Pro: Modern headless commerce
- Pro: TypeScript/Node.js
- Pro: Good plugin system
- Pro: GraphQL API
- Pro: Open source
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires development
- Con: Smaller ecosystem
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Not turnkey
- Con: Less known
Key features
Saleor
Open-source headless commerce platform
Saleor's pricing is incredibly generous, offering a fully-featured open-source option for free.
Strengths
- Pro: Modern headless commerce
- Pro: GraphQL API
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Developer friendly
- Pro: Customizable
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires development
- Con: No hosted option
- Con: Smaller ecosystem
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Not turnkey
Key features
Pricing: Vendure vs Saleor
| Plan | Vendure | Saleor |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $99 month Cloud |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Vendure pricing and Saleor pricing.
Key Takeaways
Saleor
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Vendure
- Completely free
- Better fit for e-commerce platforms
The Bottom Line
Saleor wins this matchup. Shopify Plus is our overall Headless Commerce pick. Bagisto is our free Headless Commerce pick. That said, Vendure is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vendure or Saleor better in 2026?
Saleor wins this matchup. Shopify Plus is our overall Headless Commerce pick. Bagisto is our free Headless Commerce pick. Pick Vendure for e-commerce platforms workflows (main strength: modern headless commerce). Pick Saleor for e-commerce workflows (main strength: modern headless commerce).
What are Vendure and Saleor used for?
Vendure: TypeScript-first headless commerce for custom storefronts. Saleor: Open-source headless commerce platform.
What does Vendure cost vs Saleor?
Vendure is free. Saleor's paid plans start at Free (Cloud).
What's the main difference between Vendure and Saleor?
Vendure's main strength: modern headless commerce. Saleor's main strength: modern headless commerce.