ChatGPT Medusa.js vs Shopify Plus: 2026 Comparison
Choose Medusa.js when you need custom commerce logic, full code ownership, self-hosting or deep ERP integration. Choose Shopify Plus when you need a fast launch, a large app ecosystem and little backend engineering. Elogic Commerce builds on both, as a Shopify Plus Partner and as the Medusa.js team behind the Manutan replatform.
This comparison uses prices and features checked in October 2026. Elogic Commerce gives the same platform-neutral advice in its selection workshops.
Medusa.js vs Shopify Plus at a glance
Elogic Commerce compares the two platforms on twelve points. Use the table to see where your requirements fall.
| Factor | Medusa.js | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Platform model | Open-source commerce platform and framework (MIT) | SaaS commerce platform |
| Code ownership | You own and can change all the code | No access to the core code |
| Hosting | Medusa Cloud or your own cloud | Hosted by Shopify |
| Platform fee | None for the core; Medusa Cloud from $29 per month | From $2,300 per month on a three-year term, or $2,500 on a one-year term |
| Revenue-based fee | None on Medusa Cloud | A variable platform fee for higher-volume businesses |
| Custom logic | Modules, workflows and API routes in your own code | Apps, Shopify Functions and checkout extensions, within platform limits |
| B2B | Core building blocks plus the official B2B Starter | B2B built into Shopify Plus |
| B2B and B2C on one platform | Sales channels, price lists and customer groups | B2B and DTC in one store |
| Extra stores | Unlimited sales channels and regions on Medusa Cloud | Main store plus 9 expansion stores, then $300 per store per month |
| Headless frontend | Always headless; Next.js starter storefront | Optional, with Hydrogen and the Storefront API |
| Ecosystem | Smaller plugin ecosystem; more custom work | Thousands of apps in the Shopify App Store |
| Team skills | Node.js and TypeScript | Liquid, or React for Hydrogen |
When Medusa.js is the better choice
Elogic Commerce recommends Medusa.js when the business logic is the product. These signals point to Medusa.js.
- Your prices, stock and approvals come from an ERP in real time.
- Your rules need code that Shopify Functions and apps cannot express.
- You need to own the code, self-host, or keep data in a specific region.
- You run B2B and B2C on one backend with different catalogs, prices and fulfillment.
- You build a marketplace, subscriptions or another custom commerce model.
- You have, or can hire, Node.js and TypeScript engineers.
Elogic Commerce builds these platforms as a Medusa.js development company.
When Shopify Plus is the better choice
Elogic Commerce recommends Shopify Plus when speed and a managed platform matter more than custom logic. These signals point to Shopify Plus.
- You need to launch fast with a standard storefront and checkout.
- Your team is small and does not want to run infrastructure.
- Apps from the Shopify App Store cover most of your needs.
- Your B2B needs fit company profiles, catalogs and payment terms.
- You want the vendor to own uptime, security and platform updates.
Elogic Commerce is a Shopify Plus Partner. See Shopify Plus development and the Shopify Plus B2B guide.
B2B and B2B2C: Medusa.js vs Shopify Plus
Both platforms support B2B, but in different ways. Elogic Commerce compares the features that B2B buyers ask about most.
| Requirement | Medusa.js | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Company accounts | B2B Starter: companies, employees and roles | Built in: company profiles and locations |
| Customer-specific prices | Price lists and price rules, or prices from the ERP | Built in: catalogs with price lists |
| Quotes | B2B Starter: quote negotiation with messages | Draft orders; full quote workflows usually need an app |
| Payment terms | Custom invoice or purchase-order payment | Built in: payment terms |
| ERP-driven prices and stock | Real-time sync through an orchestration layer, as for Manutan | Through apps or middleware |
| B2B and DTC on one platform | Separate sales channels, price lists and stock locations | B2B and DTC in one store |
For the B2B2C pattern on Medusa.js, see B2B2C on Medusa.js.
Customization: Shopify Functions vs Medusa.js modules and workflows
The biggest difference is where custom logic can live. Elogic Commerce explains it in two paragraphs.
On Shopify Plus, custom backend logic runs through Shopify Functions, apps and checkout extensions. Functions cover areas such as discounts, payment and delivery options, and cart validation, inside Shopify’s limits.
On Medusa.js, custom logic lives in your own code. Modules add data, workflows add multi-step logic with rollback, and API routes add endpoints. There is no platform limit on the logic, but your team owns it.
Hosting, performance and operations
Shopify runs everything for Shopify Plus stores. Elogic Commerce runs Medusa.js on Medusa Cloud or on the client’s cloud.
With Shopify Plus, Shopify owns hosting, scaling, security patches and platform updates. With Medusa.js, Medusa Cloud runs the infrastructure, or your team does when you self-host. In both cases, the storefront code and its performance are your responsibility.
Total cost: Medusa.js vs Shopify Plus
The two platforms put the cost in different places. Elogic Commerce lists the cost items below.
| Cost item | Medusa.js | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | $0 license; Medusa Cloud from $29, $99 or $299 per month | From $2,300 or $2,500 per month |
| Revenue-based fee | 0.0% GMV fee on Medusa Cloud | Variable fee for higher-volume businesses |
| Apps and extensions | Fewer plugins, more custom modules | App subscriptions |
| Development | More custom engineering | Less custom engineering for standard needs |
| Operations | Medusa Cloud or your own DevOps | Included |
See the full breakdown in Medusa.js pricing in 2026. Elogic Commerce rates are $50 to $99 per hour on both platforms.
Migrating between Shopify Plus and Medusa.js
Elogic Commerce migrates in both directions. The work is different in each direction.
- Shopify Plus to Medusa.js: list each app, then rebuild, replace or remove its function, and move products, customers, orders and URLs. See Medusa.js migration services.
- Medusa.js to Shopify Plus: map custom modules to apps, Shopify Functions or middleware. See migration to Shopify Plus.
- Both directions: a 301 redirect map, a crawl comparison and monitoring protect search rankings.
How Elogic Commerce chooses between Medusa.js and Shopify Plus
Elogic Commerce asks six questions in every platform selection workshop. Count your answers.
| Question | Yes points to | No points to |
|---|---|---|
| Do your rules need code that Shopify Functions and apps cannot express? | Medusa.js | Shopify Plus |
| Do ERP prices and stock drive the storefront in real time? | Medusa.js | Shopify Plus |
| Do you need code ownership, self-hosting or data in a specific region? | Medusa.js | Shopify Plus |
| Do you have, or plan to hire, Node.js engineers? | Medusa.js | Shopify Plus |
| Do you need many ready-made apps on day one? | Shopify Plus | Medusa.js |
| Must you launch a standard store as fast as possible? | Shopify Plus | Medusa.js |
Elogic Commerce confirms the answer in discovery, with your integrations and data on the table.
Frequently asked questions
Elogic Commerce answers the questions that buyers ask most often when they compare Medusa.js and Shopify Plus.
Is Medusa better than Shopify?
Neither platform is better in every case. Elogic Commerce builds on both and recommends Medusa.js for custom logic, code ownership and deep ERP integration. Shopify Plus is the better choice for a fast launch with a large app ecosystem and a small technical team.
Is Medusa.js cheaper than Shopify Plus?
Medusa.js has no license fee and no GMV fee, while Shopify Plus starts at $2,300 per month on a three-year term. Elogic Commerce adds that Medusa.js needs more development and engineering ownership, so the total cost depends on your scope.
Can Medusa.js replace Shopify Plus for B2B?
Yes, when B2B rules depend on an ERP or need custom workflows. Elogic Commerce builds B2B on Medusa.js with the B2B Starter and custom modules. For standard B2B with company profiles and catalogs, Shopify Plus B2B is often faster to launch.
How hard is it to migrate from Shopify Plus to Medusa.js?
The data moves easily, but app features need a decision: rebuild, replace or remove. Elogic Commerce lists every app, maps it to Medusa.js modules or services, and protects search rankings with a 301 redirect map.
Does Elogic Commerce build on both platforms?
Yes. Elogic Commerce is a Shopify Plus Partner and builds Medusa.js platforms, for example the Manutan replatform with SAP S/4HANA. This lets Elogic Commerce recommend the platform that fits each project.
Which platform is faster to launch?
Shopify Plus is usually faster for a standard store, because hosting, checkout and many features come ready. Elogic Commerce sees Medusa.js projects take longer when they include custom logic and integrations, which are the reason to choose Medusa.js.
Not sure which platform fits? Ask Elogic Commerce
Elogic Commerce builds on Medusa.js and Shopify Plus, and gives a platform-neutral recommendation.
Book a platform reviewMore from the Elogic Commerce Medusa.js series
Elogic Commerce publishes these Medusa.js services and guides as one series. Each page answers one question in depth.
- Service: Medusa.js development company
- Service: Hire Medusa.js developers
- Service: Medusa.js migration services
- Guide: What is Medusa.js?
- Guide: Medusa.js pricing in 2026
- Comparison: Medusa.js vs Shopify Plus
Sources
- Medusa pricing, Medusa (checked October 2026).
- Commerce Modules and Medusa B2B Starter, Medusa.
- Elogic Commerce in the Shopify Partner Directory, Shopify.
- Manutan Medusa.js replatform case study, Elogic Commerce.
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