Category
Comparing different systems is not always easy, but we've done it anyway! See below for further insight on the differences between Sitecore OrderCloud, Shopify and Medusa.
Based on this comparison, you should be able to identify what system works best for your use case. That said, remember the famous words - "The devil is in the detail" - there is no way around establishing a detailed requirements specification. But fear not, we have a process, and the documents to support that process quickly and can help you navigate safely though this process.
The focus for the comparison is Architecture, Flexibility, B2B Capabilities, TCO, and Developer Control.
Medusa vs Shopify B2B vs Sitecore OrderCloud
Type
Open-source headless commerce engine
SaaS all-in-one platform
API-first, composable commerce backend
Architecture
Modular, composable, self-hosted
Monolithic SaaS
Headless, API-first (MACH)
Customization Level
🔥 Very high – full code ownership
⚠️ Limited – restricted by SaaS model
Custom apps can be used. See case
🔥 Very high – full backend & frontend customization via APIs
Core B2B Features
Basic out of the box; extendable (custom pricing, customer groups)
Mid-level built-in (net terms, price lists, B2B login)
Enterprise-level (quotes, account hierarchies, approvals etc.)
Multi-store / Multi-tenant
Supported via custom setup
Limited without workarounds
Built-in multi-tenant + marketplace support
Frontend
Headless (you build: React, Next.js, etc.)
There are a lot of Starter kits to get going really fast.
Themed templates or Hydrogen
100% headless – BYO frontend.
Starter on Github, or we have starters integrated with/without XM Cloud
Integration Capability
Excellent – open APIs, webhooks, plugins
Good – limited to what’s exposed via Shopify API
Excellent – extensive API catalog, event system, webhooks, synchronizations etc.
Pricing / Licensing
Free (open-source), You can choose to host the backend on Medusa Cloud
Has license cost (starts at ~$2k/month for Shopify Plus)
Usage-based; enterprise contracts
Time to Market
Slower (requires dev work).
Starter kits makes it quick to go live though, if your business cases work with the Starter kits' feature-set
Fast (out-of-the-box templates)
Medium to slow (requires custom dev)
Starter kits makes it quick to go live though, if your business cases work with the Starter kits' feature-set
Best For
Development teams building custom commerce stacks
Merchants needing quick B2B+D2C SaaS
Enterprises with complex B2B logic or marketplace needs
Limitations
No enterprise SLA unless self-arranged; DIY everything
Limited backend control; not suited for complex workflows
Steep learning curve if you want to do it yourself; requires dev and architecture planning
Developer Experience
Modern JS/TS stack, CLI tooling
Limited backend access; Hydrogen templating or headless for frontend
Enterprise API-first with rich docs; Azure-centric
Community / Ecosystem
Growing, open-source focused
Large ecosystem, app marketplace
Smaller ecosystem; partner-driven support
Recommendations by Use Case
You want full code control and don't want to pay license fees: ✅ Medusa
You are in a hurry, and time-to-market is important: ✅ Shopify B2B
You manage dealer/distributor portals with approvals, quotes, custom catalogs: ✅ OrderCloud
You strongly believe in a composable, headless stack and architecture - and you have the needed dev team, in-house or in partnership: ✅ Medusa or OrderCloud
You don’t have a dev team and plug-and-play B2B features is fine, you can adjust to what the system provides: ✅ Shopify B2B
Did this article help you? Maybe? Yes? No? Need an evaluation?
There are obviously a lot of factors that come into play when evaluating a future platform.
We hope that the above has given some guidelines and inspiration, but surely there are other factors, beyond just the technology, that must be considered.
Reach out! Let us help you - We know a thing or two about ecommerce platforms and technology.
KIM BAEKGAARD
Partner
