Medusa vs Saleor - headless comparison 2026
Medusa vs Saleor in 2026: Medusa v2 wins with a JavaScript/TypeScript team, custom B2B workflows and omnichannel (web + React Native) without annual license fees; Saleor can be faster for D2C fashion with a strong GraphQL catalog and Python team. GMI delivers both stacks - the choice depends on client team and scope, not vendor marketing.
Architecture and technology stack
Medusa v2: Node.js/TypeScript, modular commerce architecture, REST/Admin API, natural synergy with Next.js storefront and React Native. Open-source with no GMV license fee - cost is hosting, team and integrations.
Saleor: Python/Django backend, GraphQL-first API, strong product and variant model, often picked for D2C fashion and beauty with rich PIM. Saleor Cloud has subscription tiers; self-hosted needs DevOps for PostgreSQL and Celery workers.
Both are headless - the decision is not “headless vs monolith”, but “which headless fits the team and 3-year roadmap”.
Medusa vs Saleor - decision table
Choose Medusa when: B2B (contract pricing, credit limits), marketplace, omnichannel web+mobile, team knows JS/TS, priority is one stack with Next.js frontend and RN app.
Choose Saleor when: pure D2C with large variant catalog, team already runs Python, GraphQL is org standard, and mobile is PWA or a separate native team.
Red flag: vendor or agency recommends a platform without asking about team skills, ERP integrations and mobile plan. GMI recommends Medusa for B2B and marketplaces; we consider Saleor only when the client has Python and narrow D2C scope.
TCO and time-to-market over 3 years
For B2B and many integrations Medusa usually wins 3-year TCO - no SaaS GMV fees, one JS stack from backend to mobile, lower hiring cost than separate Python+JS+native.
Saleor can be faster for D2C fashion MVP when catalog is GraphQL-ready and there is no custom B2B. Cost grows with non-standard wholesale workflows - then custom Python modules compete with Medusa TypeScript modules.
GMI ranges: Medusa D2C/B2B MVP EUR 45,000 - 90,000; Saleor D2C MVP similar scope, but custom B2B is often pricier with fewer ready modules. Fixed price after DDT removes guessing.
Integrations, mobile and maintenance
Medusa Admin API pairs well with React Native - one API contract for web (Next.js) and store app. SFD case: 100k+ downloads, 4.9★ App Store on React Native + headless backend.
Saleor GraphQL needs a separate mobile client (Apollo/urql) - not a blocker, but a different skillset from the Python backend team. For omnichannel Medusa reduces API surface.
Maintenance: both platforms need major upgrades every 6-12 months. Medusa v2 has a faster release cycle - plan a retainer or dedicated team post go-live.
Verdict for decision makers
There is no universally “better” platform - there is a better platform for your team, channels and commercial rules. B2B, marketplace, native mobile → Medusa. D2C fashion, in-house Python, narrow scope → Saleor.
Before RFP prepare: integration diagram (ERP, PIM, payments), channel list (web, app, POS) and target dev team composition. Then Medusa vs Saleor is an engineering decision, not a political one.
Sources and references
MedusaJS v2: https://medusajs.com
Saleor documentation: https://docs.saleor.io
GMI Medusa vs commercetools/Saleor B2B: https://gmi.software/blog/medusa-vs-commercetools-saleor-b2b
GMI MedusaJS development: https://gmi.software/services/medusajs-development
Frequently asked questions
- Which has lower TCO?
- For B2B, marketplaces and many integrations Medusa usually wins on 3 years - no GMV SaaS license and one JavaScript stack from backend to mobile. Saleor wins TCO on narrow D2C with an existing Python team.
- Medusa or Saleor for a mobile app?
- Medusa - Admin API and one JS stack with React Native shorten delivery and maintenance. Saleor needs a separate GraphQL client in mobile - it works, but increases team complexity.
- Is Saleor better for B2B?
- Saleor has B2B basics, but Medusa v2 has richer ready modules for contract pricing, customer groups and approval workflows. For complex B2B GMI typically recommends Medusa.
- How long is migration between platforms?
- Catalog and customer migration: 2-4 months depending on data quality. Full migration with order history and ERP integrations: 5-9 months. DDT before kickoff maps phases and risks.
Content updated: July 2, 2026