eCommerce is expected to account for 24.5% of global retail sales by 2025. This includes all retail sales, whether B2B or B2C. The platform you choose must be flexible if you want to compete in the eCommerce sector. It must be adaptable enough for you to make changes on your own and not be dependent on a front-end/back-end system. This is where headless e-commerce systems come in.

Headless ecommerce platform is one of the biggest advancements of the past few years. With it offers unmatched flexibility and scalability, this strategy is a great option for contemporary eCommerce companies. Do you want to know more about this model in detail? We will discuss what is headless commerce, how to select the top headless commerce platform, and the comprehensive list of the top 8 ecommerce platforms in this blog.

What is Headless eCommerce?

A headless platform is a software designed to support the headless eCommerce approach. A contemporary eCommerce architecture known as "headless eCommerce" separates the back-end eCommerce functionality from the front-end presentation layer. Because of the separation, companies can create distinctive and personalized user interfaces using any technology, all the while relying on reliable back-end systems to manage data and procedures.

A headless eCommerce platform leverages APIs for data orchestration, which makes the system function more responsively overall and speeds up deployments. Furthermore, APIs allow for more flexibility and creativity in establishing seamless multichannel shopping experiences by facilitating communication between the front and back end. The primary benefits of headless eCommerce involve greater flexibility, shorter time-to-market for new features, and better scalability and performance.

The Impact of Headless eCommerce Commerce

now that we know what headless eCommerce is let’s explore the potential and possibilities of headless eCommerce for your business. We will also take a look at how this system impacts the future of eCommerce globally.

1. Omnichannel Experience

Businesses may offer a smooth and uniform customer experience across all digital touchpoints, such as websites, mobile applications, social media, Internet of Things devices, and more, by using headless commerce. Whether they begin their journey on a desktop, continue on a mobile device, or complete a purchase with a voice assistant, customers may take advantage of a cohesive shopping experience.

2. Enhanced Customization and Personalization

Without being restricted by back-end constraints, businesses can design highly personalized front-end experiences that address particular client demands and preferences. By using APIs, businesses may supply dynamic content that improves consumer happiness and engagement and integrate complex personalization capabilities.

3. Faster Time to Market

Development teams may focus on new features and updates simultaneously when the front-end and back-end are separated. This shortens the time required to implement new functions. Additionally, businesses can stay ahead of the competition by quickly implementing changes and responding to market developments.

4. Scalability and Performance

Performance can be enhanced, and resources can be optimized by scaling the front-end and back-end layers separately. Improved front-end experiences improve user experience and lower bounce rates by resulting in faster load times and higher overall performance.

5. Innovation and Flexibility

Businesses may innovate without making significant adjustments due to headless commerce's easy integration with modern technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). Developers can use any front-end framework or technology, giving them the flexibility to experiment and produce cutting-edge user experiences.

7. Enhanced Security

A headless eCommerce platform can improve overall security by reducing the potential attack surface by separating the front-end and back-end. Furthermore, organizations can more readily adopt the newest security practices and processes, protecting client information and ensuring legal compliance.

Best Headless eCommerce Commerce Platforms in 2024

You may think it is difficult to find the right headless eCommerce platform for your business. However, fortunately, there are several such platforms in the market. Here's a list of some of the best headless eCommerce platforms of 2024 with their distinctive features:

1. Shopify

The premium Shopify Plus version is intended for companies with rapid development and volume. With its robust and scalable solution and wide range of API features, Shopify is a great option for headless eCommerce. This platform is well-known for its dependability and for having an intuitive content management system and dashboard. It also lets you create landing pages and create an online store in a few simple steps. 

Key Features:

• Comprehensive API Solution: Enables businesses to develop distinctive shopping experiences through simple integration with custom front-ends thanks to comprehensive API support.
• Strong App Ecosystem: Availability of numerous apps and integrations to improve functionality.
• Enterprise-Level Scalability: Built to manage high traffic and transaction volumes without compromising functionality.
• Advanced Security: To protect client data, built-in security mechanisms and compliance with industry standards are used.

Pricing: Shopify provides a free trial, with standard options starting at $29 monthly. The monthly cost of the enterprise-level Shopify Plus SaaS solution is $2,000. To get an idea of how much utilizing Shopify will cost you, including credit card rates and transaction fees, check their fees calculator.

2. Adobe Commerce 

Open-source and flexible, Adobe Commerce is a component of Adobe Experience Cloud. It provides an extremely flexible platform that works well with headless implementations. Magento is well-known for its advanced data visualization capabilities in analytics. You can easily export your data to an email, which will give you insights into areas like average order value over a selected period of time, lifetime value, and retention rates.  

Key Features:

• Extremely Customizable: Open-source architecture offers a great deal of freedom and customization.
• Extensive API Library: Enables front-end and back-end systems to integrate seamlessly.
• Robust Community Support: A sizable developer community and a vast selection of extensions improve the platform's functionality.
• Scalability and Performance: Built to manage intricate, high-volume eCommerce operations effectively.

Pricing: Adobe Commerce pricing is available only upon request.

3. BigCommerce

BigCommerce's headless commerce features are strong, enabling businesses to use its strong back-end infrastructure to create unique front-end experiences. You can get enterprise-level features, excellent performance, and an amazing app-based system with BigCommerce. Both the B2B and B2C sectors use it. The system is made to scale enterprises, enabling them to expand at the rate that suits them best. 

Key Features:

• Open API Architecture: Enables the creation of distinctive user interfaces using a range of front-end frameworks and technologies.
• Comprehensive eCommerce Tools: A set of functions for order processing, customer interaction, and product management.
• High Performance: Designed to operate dependably in situations with heavy traffic and quickly load pages.
• Excellent Documentation and Support: Offers tools and resources to help with installation and troubleshooting.

Pricing: BigCommerce provides a free trial for one month, with paid options beginning at $29.95 each month.

4. Commercetools

Commercetools is an omnichannel platform that integrates with headless commerce technology to provide cloud-based Point-of-Sale (POS) capabilities. It is now a widely used choice for companies in both the B2B and B2C sectors. Clients have the opportunity to utilize this service in order to deliver robust eCommerce interactions on a large scale through different touchpoints. This refers to apps for mobile devices, websites, VR apps, and voice assistants as well. 

Key Features:

• User Interface: Compared to its larger competitors, Commercetools offers a simpler backend user interface with fewer menu options.
• Third-party Integration: Commercetools can be connected with Contentstack, Cybersource, and Frontstatic, in addition to front-end CMS systems, through third-party integration.
• Customized APIs: APIs can be personalized to suit commercetools. These useful tools enable the customization of fields such as discount codes, categories, customer groups, shipping methods, shopping lists, and other features.
• Store Creation: You can easily create stores using this platform’s frontend. 

Pricing: Commercetools' pricing is not disclosed publicly. Therefore, you will need to reach out to the company directly for further details.

5. Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is an eCommerce platform developed by the well-known CRM company Salesforce. Previously, this headless platform was known as Demandware in the B2C industry and CloudCraze in the B2B market. Using Commerce Cloud, you can utilize a flexible platform with improved security that can scale alongside your business. An ecosystem of partner apps is also provided, enabling integration with a variety of marketplaces and augmented reality systems.

Key Features: 

• Simple User Interface: Salesforce Commerce Cloud has a reasonably user-friendly UI.
• Seamless Integration: This system seamlessly integrates with the Salesforce family of products, including its widely-used CRM.
• Good Customer Service: Salesforce Commerce Cloud offers easily accessible live chat and phone support for customers. 
• Customizable: A partner marketplace is available with connections to different services that can assist you in customizing your store.

Pricing: The cost for Salesforce Commerce Cloud is provided upon inquiry.

6. Infosys Equinox

Infosys Equinox is a headless eCommerce company based in the United States that integrates human-centric commerce with marketing. This leads to a highly customized experience, spanning different touchpoints and channels. The website states that it offers speeds up to 30% faster than other eCommerce platforms. Furthermore, the platform smoothly combines with social media platforms, messaging apps, voice services, chatbots, augmented reality, virtual reality, IoT devices, mobile apps, and other wearable devices.

Key Features:

• Personalized User Interface: The user interface that customers interact with is neat and uncomplicated, and it can be customized to suit the user’s liking. 
• Integration: Infosys collaborates with messenger services, voice platforms, social media platforms, chatbots, VR and AR, IoT devices, and wearable technologies for integration with other services.
• Learning Materials: The resources page includes articles, ebooks, videos, and details about key staff members.
• Highly Customized: Infosys Equinox can be customized for different channels and touchpoints. It prides itself on offering tailor-made experiences.

Pricing: Price information is provided upon inquiry, and the company provides demonstrations on its website.

Wrapping Up

Headless eCommerce is transforming the world of online shopping by providing unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and performance. As businesses strive to find creative ways to attract customers and remain competitive, implementing a headless eCommerce platform can offer a considerable edge. By recognizing the advantages of headless commerce and thoroughly assessing the accessible platforms, you can select the optimal solution to meet your individual business requirements and propel future expansion.

Moreover, you can also enhance the functionality of your eCommerce platform with Neo’s email solutions. This email hosting provider offers a suite of business services, including the ability to integrate a top-level domain like com or edu for your email, a one-page website, and email marketing tools. You can also create a free email address using Neo’s free trial and use it throughout the period. Moreover, with the platform’s .co.site domain, you can create a professional business email without having a domain in advance. So, try Neo today and enhance your headless eCommerce store! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How do you select the best Headless Commerce Platform?

When selecting the ideal Headless e-commerce platform for your business, consider the specified factors.

• API Capabilities: Make sure the platform offers thorough and well-explained APIs that make it easy to integrate the front-end with the back-end.
• Scalability: Select a platform that can grow with your business, managing rising traffic, expanding product catalogs, and increasing customer bases.
• Flexibility and customization: The platform needs to support various front-end technologies or frameworks so you can customize and create a distinctive user experience.
• Performance: Guarantee that the platform is efficient for speed, offering fast load times that improve user experience and lower bounce rates.
• Security: Evaluate the security aspects of the platform, such as data encryption, secure authentication, and adherence to industry standards.
• Coat: Comprehend the pricing system of the platform, which includes initial fees, monthly charges, transaction fees, and any extra costs for extensions or connections.
• Support and Community: Seek out platforms that provide strong customer support, such as round-the-clock assistance, specialized support teams, and thorough documentation.

Q2. What is the impact of Headless Commerce on your customers?

Enhancing customer experience through Headless Commerce solutions positively impacts your customers.

• Providing improved speed and efficiency for shopping.
• Developing a more intimate and interactive encounter.
• Revealing the potential of omnichannel strategies.
• Improving customer contentment.

Q3. What is the future of headless commerce?

The future of headless commerce looks bright, with a predicted worldwide market expansion from 2024 to 2031. With the rise of headless commerce in eCommerce operations, businesses are adopting progressive web apps, API-first strategies, and microservices architecture.