Saleor
Shopify
| Feature | Saleor | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $300/mo | From $39/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Best For | developer-teams, enterprise-ecommerce, multi-channel-retailers, graphql-enthusiasts | ecommerce, dtc-brands, dropshippers, small-businesses |
| Founded | 2018 | 2006 |
| Graphql Api | ✓ | ✗ |
| Multi Channel | ✓ | ✗ |
| Dashboard | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✗ |
| Apps System | ✓ | ✗ |
| Warehouse Management | ✓ | ✗ |
| Promotions Engine | ✓ | ✗ |
| Online Store | ✗ | ✓ |
| Payments | ✗ | ✓ |
| Shipping | ✗ | ✓ |
| Pos | ✗ | ✓ |
| Marketing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Analytics | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Saleor Pros
- GraphQL API-first architecture for modern frontends
- Enterprise features in free open-source edition
- Strong multi-channel commerce capabilities
- Built-in dashboard with excellent UX
✗ Saleor Cons
- Cloud hosting is expensive for startups
- Smaller community than Shopify/WooCommerce
- Self-hosting requires Python/Django expertise
✓ Shopify Pros
- Easy to set up
- Huge app store
- Great themes
- POS included
✗ Shopify Cons
- Transaction fees
- Limited without apps
- Theme customization limits
The Verdict
Saleor is built for developer teams and enterprise ecommerce, with a focus on graphql-api and multi-channel. Shopify targets ecommerce and dtc brands and leads with online-store and payments.
On pricing, Shopify is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $39/mo compared to $300/mo for Saleor. That $261/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Saleor has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Shopify requires a paid subscription from day one.
Feature-wise, Saleor offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Shopify takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
Bottom line: Shopify has a slight overall edge — but if graphql api-first architecture for modern frontends matters most to you, Saleor may still be the right call.