11 Contemporary Headless Ecommerce Platforms One Must Know – 2024

Do you know about the shift happening in the Ecommerce industry? 

Businesses are bidding goodbye to traditional platforms and adopting headless Ecommerce platforms. Don’t believe our words? Then consider these stats & trends!! 

• The Ecommerce industry will project a market value of US$ 7 Trillion by 2029. [Statista]
• In the retail industry, about 63% are planning to shift to headless platforms, while 22% have already done that. [Statista]
• Businesses are worried about losing their millennial and GenZ customer base due to their inability to adapt to modern tech. [Commercetools]
• The global spending on Ecommerce platforms will go from  US$ 1.8 billion to 4.2 billion in 2025 for B2B businesses and US$ 5.7 billion for B2C businesses. [Statista]  

What Are Headless Ecommerce Platforms?

Headless Ecommerce is an architecture that separates the platform’s frontend (customer’s side) from the backend (business’s side). This allows companies to scale and customize the customer’s side of the Ecommerce platform without modifying the back end. 

The connecting link between the decoupled back end and the frontend is API. This bridge allows developers to create a single centralized back end that can easily communicate with multiple frontends (using APIs). It also eliminates the need for “from scratch” coding; no-code solutions can also be developed with headless architecture. 

Using headless architecture, developers can easily alter the customers’ side and improve their journey without worrying about the back end. This is also the reason why many businesses are starting to warm up to the idea of headless Ecommerce platforms.

Businesses can leverage more flexibility and provide customers with unique and in-brand experiences. With the headless platforms, they now have the opportunity to represent their brand a lot better than they could with the traditional ones. 

How Does Headless Architecture Work? 

When we say that headless Ecommerce platforms mean more flexibility and agility, it is primarily because of the decoupling of the frontend and backend but connecting them through APIs – Application Programming Interfaces. To put it simply, in headless architecture, the business’s and customer’s ends communicate through API requests, as shown in the image above.  

For instance, when a customer makes a purchase using a device, let’s say their laptop, it will activate an API and send it to the backend, where the order will be processed. Then, the information is communicated back to the front end via API, which is displayed on the devices’ screen as order details and status. 

The process is the same regardless of the devices used to access the platform or place orders. It is faster, more convenient, and consistent. These personalized solutions and good services are needed to maintain the customer base. 

Top 11 Best Headless Ecommerce Platforms Are

• Shopify Plus
• Magento (Adobe Commerce)
• BigCommerce 
• Salesforce Commerce Cloud 
• SAP CX Commerce Cloud
• Swell
• Spryker
• Contentful 
• OroCommerce 
• Elastic Path  
• Commercetools 

1. Shopify Plus 

Shopify has been leading the Ecommerce market for years now. Brands trust its quality solutions for traditional platform development or designing Ecommerce headless platforms.  It has assisted many big names, including MCaffeine, Sleepy Owl, Phool, etc., with its robust solutions.  

Shopify Plus allows the developers to integrate the system with various services, including CRM, CMS, PIM, and ERP. It also allows third-party integrations with major marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. It is also highly customizable, letting the developers alter everything from themes to products, pricing, and more. 

There are many development plans for businesses of all scales, and one of them is Shopify Plus, which is used to develop headless Ecommerce platforms. Already known for its highly secure, easy-to-navigate, and feature-rich solutions, Shopify is perfect for up-and-scaling businesses. 

Pros 

• Very easy to use
• Extensive integration options 
• Highly customizable 
• Multi-channel customer support 

Cons

• Plugins + plan can get very expensive 
• Limited basic functionality
• Order merging isn’t built in (for bulk orders)

2. Magento(Adobe Commerce)

Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento, is one of the many headless Ecommerce platforms preferred for building customized solutions. It is famous for its robust features and integrations like omnichannel solutions, smart inventory management, and data-driven analytics. 

Businesses choose Magento because its digital solution creates a consistent experience across multiple channels(like desktops, mobile phones, tablets, etc.). The inventory management system helps track the stock across all store locations. Its forecasting feature gives valuable insights into market trends, business performance, and sales for a given time period. 

The platform allows custom integrations for the CRM, ERP, CMS, and other marketing and management systems using the REST and SOAP web APIs. It also offers loads of customization options but requires technical expertise. 

Pros 

• Provides comprehensive data-driven insights
• Exporting data and reports available
• Adobe software & tools accessible 

Cons 

• Can be pricey compared to similar solutions 
• Initial setup requires a lot of time

3. BigCommerce 

If one of the requirements is enterprise-level, robust functionality on budget, then BigCommerce is the solution. It is one of the best headless Ecommerce platforms, offering impeccable scalability and customization for scaling businesses. 

Using BigCommerce, businesses can easily run their stores across multiple channels, which improves brand visibility. Other than that, it also offers varied tools for improved customer relations, order and content management. BigCommerce also has an in-built content management system to simplify content creation and publishing. 

What’s more? BigCommerce also offers numerous frontend development solutions powered by Next.js, Gatsby.js, and Nuxt.js – the three make a perfect combination for a resilient and intuitive frontend development. 

Pros 

• An open-source, feature-rich option  
• 24*7 customer support 
• Diverse personalization options and scope 

Cons 

• Customization requires additional integration 
• Abandoned cart saver option absent in starter pack 
• Automated plan upgradation with the increase in revenue

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4. Salesforce Commerce Cloud 

Designed by the leading CRM company – Salesforce, Commerce Cloud is one of the best headless Ecommerce platforms. It is powered by AI and comes with configurable APIs, so developers can easily customize both frontend and backend. 

Businesses can connect their store with Salesforce’s CMS and CRM solutions for personalized customer experiences and highly secure data-driven strategies. The platform offers extensive scalability and allows advanced integrations like different marketplaces or AR/VR solutions. 

The Commerce Cloud also comes with an in-built inventory management system. It can be designed per business needs with its web-based UIs and immense flexibility – this simplifies the management even for those without technical expertise. Also, the multichannel customer service is an added bonus. 

Pros 

• Comes with an advanced tech stack 
• Access to Salesforce’s CRM and CMS solutions 
• Efficient customer services 

Cons 

• Steeper learning curve
• Adding features requires 3rd party integrations 
• Can get expensive

5. SAP CX Commerce Cloud

SAP CX Commerce Cloud is a one-stop solution for all Ecommerce-related needs. It’s an enterprise-level solution that creates centralized management for multiple channels across various platforms. Developed by SAP, a leading business operations and customer relation management service provider, this option has many beneficial features. 

It enables businesses to manage their sales, communication, and customer support across multiple platforms from a single space. The two concepts (centralized management + comprehensive solution) are combined to provide personalized customer services based on user activities and behavior.

Further, users can integrate the platform with SAP’s tools and resources or use third-party integration if needed. These additional features can provide useful real-time insights into marketing campaigns, customer behavior, and engagement levels. Varied customization options are also available for people to choose from. 

Pros 

• Highly secure and reliable solutions 
• Extensive integration options available 
• Comprehensive Ecommerce solution 

Cons 

• Steeper learning curve 
• An expensive option 

6. Swell

There are numerous things that make Swell stand out from other headless Ecommerce platforms. It has solutions for all business forms & types, whether B2B or B2C. The main aim behind Swell was to create smart solutions that are easy to manage & operate, have a captivating frontend, and are functional. 

Swell follows an API-first approach, making the platform flexible, scalable, and future-proof. Developers can pick up a pre-designed theme and build on it or create one custom theme from scratch. Swell also understands the main premise of an Ecommerce platform: to make conversions in the form of purchases. 

It offers an array of services from which businesses can choose and integrate the relevant ones. These services include data-driven insights, automated review replies, surveys, scheduling, and more. All of them are centered around deriving useful data that can be utilized to design customer-oriented strategies to increase conversion rates. 

Pros 

• Has effective marketing tools 
• Pre-designed themes 
• A diversity of services to choose from 

Cons 

• Limited customer support
• Lack of thorough documentation 

7. Spryker

With around 900 APIs and big clients like Toyota, Lekkerland, etc., this German Ecommerce platform is set to transform businesses in many ways. It is a cloud-based PaaS service that lets businesses expand without limiting themselves because of technology. 

Spryker has Glue API that lets businesses integrate third-party services and legacy applications. Businesses can also connect with their customers through multiple touchpoints for improved customer interaction. 

Not only that, IoT touchpoints can also be incorporated to get insights into recurring purchases for better customer retention through coupons, offers, and all for loyal customers. The interface is simple, without any complicated buttons. Also, the platform can be customized using partner services like Algolia. 

Pros 

• One platform for both B2B and B2C solutions 
• Faster deployment 
• Advanced marketing tools and strategies

Cons 

• Customer services limited to feedback forms
• Limited documentation 

8. Contentful 

It is one of the content-focused headless Ecommerce platforms that reduces time to market with decoupling and agile workflows. It creates a centralized storage system for different content types. This simplifies content management and organization. 

Not just that, it also streamlines content publishing across different channels for a seamless consumer experience. Using Contentful fosters agile practices within the organization, which is especially important in the case of multiple simultaneous projects. 

The flexible headless architecture of Contentful simplifies collaboration between teams. The platform also offers varied content management solutions, including SEO support, a built-in cart, browser compatibility, etc. It also comes with robust security like multi-factor authentication and role-based user login. 

Pros 

• It is easy to use 
• Organized content management and publishing
• Streamlines collaboration 

Cons 

• Difficulty in handling large content amounts
• The internal search feature is not up to the mark
• It is not beginner-friendly

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9. OroCommerce 

This Ecommerce platform was developed specifically for wholesalers (B2B), but with proper customization, it can also be used for B2C, B2B2B, and B2B2C. The minds behind Magento created this platform, guaranteeing quality solutions. 

Unlike other headless Ecommerce platforms, it lets developers choose whether to go for headless or traditional development. This doubles their customer base as it is not limited to a single service. 

It also offers built-in inventory management and CRM systems for effective decision-making. With inventory management, businesses can manage their product catalog and multiple stores across different channels. CRM is used to simplify the creation and management of sales pipelines. 

Pros 

• Designed specifically for B2B 
• Fully customizable
• Built-in CRM and inventory management system

Cons 

• Limited user permission options 
• Delayed customer service because of ticketing system

10. Elastic Path 

Elastic Path is an API-first platform that lets businesses design personalized websites with seamless user experience throughout their purchasing journey. They can design a contemporary website with consistent user experience across multiple devices, making Elastic Path one of the best headless Ecommerce platforms for those with specific non-compromisable demands. 

Elastic Path also offers innumerable dynamic catalog management tools to help businesses manage their inventory effectively. Its ample flexibility becomes a blank canvas for businesses to model everything from product structure to details to varieties, which can be updated across all the channels simultaneously. 

Elastic Path has many features like microservice architecture, an easy-to-use admin panel, and varied integration options to not limit businesses in terms of options. It also provides analytics to measure business performance and ML-based algorithms to alter prices dynamically and offers in real time.

Pros 

• Rapid development with APIs
• Dynamic catalog management 
• Huge customization flexibility

Cons 

• Complicated in the beginning 
• Not startup-friendly 
• Time-consuming installation process

11. Commercetools

Commercetools is for B2B or B2C businesses looking to build an online presence. It is one of the leading headless Ecommerce platforms thanks to its easy-to-understand APIs, which drive flexibility throughout the platform. It’s an omnichannel platform that helps create a consistent user experience across devices. 

The platform is an API-first platform, which eliminates the need for coding since everything is managed through APIs. Adding to the list of benefits, myriad integrations are available for businesses of all scopes and sizes, including tracking, multi-level management, and more.

Commercetools is a perfect option for those with the goal of “increased scalability” as they digitally transform and take their business online. With its microservice architecture, it is set to revolutionize the work culture. The platform also integrates well with numerous other third-party solutions. 

Pros 

• Highly flexible 
• Microservice-based architecture 
• A cloud-based solution 

Cons 

• Limited customer support 
• Requires third-party APIs for unique functionalities 
• Initial installation and use might require help

Some Must-Have Features To Know 

The market is full of headless platforms, enough to overwhelm someone new. So to avoid that, here are the essentials that every Ecommerce platform should have – 

• Consistent User Experience – Since customers use Ecommerce platforms on their cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc. The platforms must work consistently across all the devices. 

• User Interface – After consistency comes the platform’s look and feel. It should be clean, responsive, and easy to navigate. Since this is a customer-facing end, customer retention can be affected by the interface. 

• Security – In the world of online shopping and payments, it is important that the sensitive information shared by customers is kept confidential. Ensure that the solution is highly secure; make it your primary requirement. 

• Robust Integration Capabilities – One of the perks is personalization; the chosen platform should offer high integration across multiple tools and services for a robust, feature-rich final product. 

• Payment Gateways – An Ecommerce platform without a payment gateway cannot be imagined. It secures the payment process and account details and helps detect fraud. So choose a reliable payment gateway like Amazon Pay, Square, etc. 

• Customer Service – Lastly, select a platform with reliable and efficient support. Since your online platform is your shop, technical issues require quick resolution for a positive customer experience. 

Benefits of Headless Ecommerce Platforms

For those still wondering whether they should shift their system to a headless Ecommerce platform,  we understand that the transformation can be complicated. But here’s why the shift is totally worth it – 

• Add the exact feature you need for that personalized touch your brand needs with its highly customizable solutions. 
• Keep up with the ever-evolving trends with faster updates and reduced time to market. 
• Give your customers consistency and quality with a solution that supports multiple channels seamlessly. 
• Target the right audience with tailored, data-driven solutions to increase conversion rates. 
• Leverage contemporary marketing and sales tools to run personalized campaigns based on customer activities and purchases. 
• Add that wow factor with an advanced tech stack, including AR/VR and AI, for smarter product interaction and better brand impression. 
• Upscale efficiently with an online platform that adapts to the changing market trends. So your business can upscale flexibly. 

Summing It All Up

Whether you want a headless platform for your B2B or B2C business, we hope you’ve found a suitable platform or two among these top 11. The list is curated to simplify your transformation journey. 

But that’s not all; the process can be further simplified with expert assistance. We help you navigate the Ecommerce web development journey with our diverse services that cater to your unique needs.  

Beginning with an in-depth consultation to get all the useful information, including the requirements and challenges, we brainstorm unique and easy-to-integrate solutions. If things feel like tech jargon, our team shall simplify the process so you are always in the loop.

There are no surprises here, be it cost or end result! We believe in transparency throughout, so if you have shortlisted the best headless Ecommerce platforms, let’s discuss your next project.

Headless Ecommerce FAQs: 

How Is Headless Ecommerce Different From Traditional Ecommerce?

In traditional Ecommerce platforms, the frontend and backend are connected, so any changes needed are coded on the backend, which is then reflected on the frontend. 

However, headless Ecommerce platforms connect the backend indirectly to the front via APIs. So any changes needed on the frontend can be quickly done then and there without coding in the backend. 

Are There Any Challenges Of Headless Ecommerce Platforms? 

Like every digital solution, there are some challenges involved with headless Ecommerce; however, with due consideration and proper planning, it can be easily resolved. 

First is the cost. It might sound expensive with all the integrations and vendors, but it will also bring valuable returns with time. Second is the complicated process, which is most likely a result of a lack of proper planning. Choosing the right option after thorough consideration is advised. 

Does Every Ecommerce Business Require A Headless Platform?

Actually, having a headless platform is not necessary; rather, it is something that can be invested in if the business demands it. Generally, most of these solutions are made for B2B businesses that require heavily tailored products. So, smaller businesses can still work with the traditional setup and alter it when needed.