Vendure vs Swell: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Vendure 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.
Bottom line: Vendure wins this matchup. Shopify Plus is our overall Headless Commerce pick. Bagisto is our free Headless Commerce pick. Pick Swell if you need headless commerce.
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 (Swell requires payment)
Swell
Headless e-commerce for developers
Best for you if:
- • You want headless e-commerce platform
| At a Glance | Vendure | Swell |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free Free plan |
Category | E-commerce Platforms Headless Commerce | Headless Commerce API Tools |
Rating | 4.9/5 G2 4.9 10 reviews | 4.5/5 G2 4.5 372 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | n/a | Overage fees (2% to 0.4%) on sales |
Choose Vendure or Swell?
Choose Vendure if
- You want a fully free tool (Swell requires payment)
- You want modern headless commerce
- You want TypeScript/Node.js
- You work in e-commerce platforms, not headless commerce
Choose Swell if
- You want headless e-commerce platform
- You want API-first architecture
- You work in headless 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
Swell
Headless e-commerce for developers
Swell's pricing is fair for businesses with predictable sales volumes, but the overage fees can make it expensive for rapid growth.
Watch out
Overage fees (2% to 0.4%) on sales
Strengths
- Pro: Headless e-commerce platform
- Pro: API-first architecture
- Pro: Developer-friendly customization
- Pro: Modern commerce features
- Pro: Flexible frontend options
Weaknesses
- Con: Developer expertise required
- Con: Pricing based on usage
- Con: Smaller ecosystem than Shopify
- Con: Implementation complexity
- Con: Limited out-of-box themes
Key features
Pricing: Vendure vs Swell
| Plan | Vendure | Swell |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | $29 month Starter |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $79 month Basic |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $299 month Standard |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $2250 month Unlimited |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Vendure pricing and Swell pricing.
Key Takeaways
Vendure
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Swell
- Larger review base (372 reviews)
- Better fit for headless commerce
The Bottom Line
Vendure wins this matchup. Shopify Plus is our overall Headless Commerce pick. Bagisto is our free Headless Commerce pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vendure or Swell better in 2026?
Vendure 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 Swell for headless commerce workflows (main strength: headless e-commerce platform).
What are Vendure and Swell used for?
Vendure: TypeScript-first headless commerce for custom storefronts. Swell: Headless e-commerce for developers.
What does Vendure cost vs Swell?
Vendure is free. Swell's paid plans start at Free (Starter).
What's the main difference between Vendure and Swell?
Vendure's main strength: modern headless commerce. Swell's main strength: headless e-commerce platform.