Saleor: Open Source Alternative to Shopify

Saleor is a composable headless commerce API with 22k+ GitHub stars — a GraphQL-first alternative to Shopify and commercetools. Python/Django backend with no monolithic plugins, built for multichannel brands since 2012.

Compare Saleor with commercetools and BigCommerce before you choose your stack.

Key features

Commerce API

• GraphQL-only API — products, checkout, orders, payments, and customers
• Native multichannel — per-channel pricing, currency, stock, and catalog control
• PIM and OMS built into the core
• Webhooks and Saleor Apps for extensibility without forking

Architecture

• Headless & API-only — connect any storefront (Next.js starter included)
• Technology-agnostic — no vendor lock-in or plugin monolith
• Technology-agnostic apps via the Saleor App Store
• Cloud-native, battle-tested by Lush, Breitling, and FarFetch

Ecosystem

• saleor-platform — Docker Compose for API + dashboard + workers locally
• Official Next.js storefront (React, TypeScript, Tailwind)
• GraphQL-powered admin dashboard
• Stripe, Algolia, and search app integrations

Saleor vs Shopify

	Saleor	Shopify
License	BSD-3-Clause (open source)	Proprietary
Store ownership	Full code and data control	Platform-hosted
Customization	Unlimited themes and extensions	Theme marketplace limits
Payments	Bring your own PSP	Built-in payment stack
Cost	Free software + hosting	Monthly SaaS fees

Choose Saleor if you want open-source code, self-hosting options, and full control over your data and deployment.

Choose Shopify if you prefer a managed proprietary product with vendor support and minimal setup.

Browse more open-source alternatives to Shopify, or explore other tools in eCommerce.

At a glance

License	BSD-3-Clause
Stack	Python, Django, GraphQL, PostgreSQL, Redis
Self-hosted	Yes — saleor-platform (Docker)
Cloud	Saleor Cloud (managed)
API	GraphQL only

Self-hosting

Clone saleor-platform for a full local stack. Production deploys API, dashboard, Celery workers, Postgres, and Redis separately. Bring your own Next.js or custom GraphQL storefront.

FAQ

Is Saleor a free alternative to Shopify?

Yes. Saleor is open source under BSD-3-Clause. You can self-host it at no software cost — you only pay for infrastructure or optional managed services.

How does Saleor compare to Shopify?

Saleor gives you source code access, self-hosting, and data ownership. Shopify is a proprietary product focused on managed convenience. See the comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.

Can I self-host Saleor?

Yes. Saleor supports self-hosted deployment, which is a core reason teams choose it over Shopify. Check the Getting started or Self-hosting section for install commands.

Is Saleor suitable for production?

Saleor is actively maintained with a strong open-source community. Many teams run it in production as a eCommerce alternative to Shopify. Review the At a glance table for license and stack details.

What are alternatives to Saleor and Shopify?

Browse alternatives to Shopify for more open-source options, including tools compared to commercetools. Explore the full eCommerce category for related projects.