Salesforce Commerce Cloud vs. Magento vs. Shopify: A Comprehensive Comparison for 2025

Choosing the correct platform is a crucial choice that can influence your company's growth, customer experience, and financial results in the ever changing world of e-commerce. With global e-commerce revenue projected to reach $5.89 trillion by 2029, businesses of all sizes are investing heavily in platforms that deliver scalability, flexibility, and seamless customer experiences. Three leading contenders—Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC), Magento (now Adobe Commerce), and Shopify—stand out for their robust feature sets and ability to cater to diverse business needs. However, each platform has distinct strengths, trade-offs, and ideal use cases, making the choice anything but straightforward.

For CFOs, e-commerce managers, and digital strategists, this guide offers a thorough, expert, and captivating comparison of SFCC, Magento, and Shopify. To assist you in making an informed choice, we will examine pricing, functionality, scalability, customisation, and other aspects using the most recent data available in the market, including information from Salesforce's own resources. This article will act as your guide to selecting the platform that best suits your business objectives, regardless of whether you're a startup looking for simplicity, a mid-market brand focusing on expansion, or an enterprise requiring complex integrations.

At-a-Glance Comparison

To help you quickly navigate the key differences, here’s a high-level comparison of Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Magento, and Shopify based on critical factors:

This table sets the stage for a deeper dive into each platform’s capabilities, helping you identify the best fit for your business.

Understanding the Platforms

Each platform brings unique strengths to the table, shaped by its architecture, target audience, and ecosystem. Below, we explore their core offerings and market positioning to provide context for the comparison.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud: The Enterprise Powerhouse

The cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) platform Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC), formerly known as Demandware, is intended for enterprise-level B2B and B2C transactions. SFCC is well-known for its scalability, omnichannel capabilities, and close interaction with the Salesforce ecosystem, which includes CRM, Marketing Cloud, and Service Cloud, and is used by over 8,005 businesses globally.

SFCC is perfect for companies with intricate, international operations since it uses Einstein AI to provide data-driven insights and personalized purchasing experiences. Salesforce claims that because of SFCC's extensive feature set and AI capabilities, customers that switched have experienced a 27% increase in return on investment, 30% quicker decision-making, and 30% improved staff productivity.

Magento (Adobe Commerce): The Customization Champion

After being acquired by Adobe in 2018, Magento was rebranded as Adobe Commerce. It is a highly configurable platform that comes in two versions: Adobe Commerce (paid) and Magento Open Source (free). Magento, which powers 12% of e-commerce websites and 1.2% of the internet, is a popular choice for mid-to-large organizations looking for flexibility. 

Its modular design and open-source foundation enable a wide range of customizations, from distinctive storefronts to intricate workflows. But because of its intricacy, it frequently necessitates a high level of developer experience, especially for setup and upkeep. Although it costs more, Adobe Commerce Cloud, which is hosted on AWS, offers managed services.

Shopify: The User-Friendly Scaler

Shopify is a SaaS platform that was founded in 2006 and is trusted by millions of companies, ranging from small startups to large corporations like Whole Foods and Red Bull. Shopify has received a 4.5-star rating from 455 Gartner Peer Insights ratings, highlighting its extensive ecosystem of over 8,000 apps, quick deployment, and ease of use. 

Non-technical people may use it because of its configurable themes and no-code shop builder, while Shopify Plus offers more sophisticated tools for businesses. Shopify is an attractive option for companies that value agility and cost-efficiency because their checkout converts 36% better than SFCC's and has a 35% lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

Pricing and Cost Considerations

Cost is a critical factor for CFOs, and each platform’s pricing model reflects its target audience and feature set. Understanding these costs upfront ensures alignment with your budget and growth strategy.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud Pricing

Operating on a revenue-sharing basis, SFCC charges 1-2% of gross merchandise value (GMV) and additional fees ($4–$8 per purchase) for business-to-business (B2B) orders. Because of this, it is among the more expensive choices, especially for companies with large volumes. Depending on complexity, implementation expenses might range from $100,000 to over $500,000. 

Annual prices are further increased by 10% to 20% for premium support and continuing maintenance. In addition to implementation and modification costs, the annual licensing fee for a mid-sized shop with $50 million in GMV might surpass $500,000. Although SFCC's pricing is appropriate for large corporations, smaller businesses might find it too expensive.

Magento Pricing

Magento offers two tiers:

• Magento Open Source: Free, but requires self-hosting, security, and extensions, with costs for hosting (e.g., AWS) ranging from $1,000-$10,000/year. Developer fees for setup and customizations can add $50,000-$150,000 initially.

• Adobe Commerce: Starts at $22,000/year for businesses with less than $1 million in GMV, scaling to $125,000+ for larger enterprises. Implementation costs often range from 1.5-3x the annual license fee, and ongoing maintenance (e.g., updates, hosting) can add 10-15% annually.

Magento’s flexibility comes at the cost of higher technical overhead, making it less accessible for small businesses without dedicated IT resources.

Shopify Pricing

Shopify’s subscription-based model is more predictable:

• Basic ($39/month): Ideal for startups, includes basic e-commerce features.

• Shopify ($105/month): Adds advanced reporting for growing businesses.

• Advanced ($399/month): Supports higher transaction volumes and custom analytics.

• Shopify Plus ($2,300+/month): Enterprise-grade with custom pricing for high-volume businesses.

For mid-sized setups, the implementation costs are typically between $10,000 and $50,000, and Shopify's fully managed hosting removes the need for infrastructure. With a 35% TCO advantage, Shopify Plus has much lower costs than SFCC for a $50 million GMV company. However, for companies that depend significantly on third-party connections, transaction costs (0.5–2% per sale) and app subscriptions can mount up.

For cost-conscious businesses, Shopify offers the lowest entry barrier, while Magento’s Open Source version suits those with technical expertise. SFCC is best for enterprises willing to invest in premium features and integrations.

Feature Set and Functionality

The right platform must align with your operational needs, from storefront design to omnichannel capabilities. Here’s a detailed look at each platform’s feature set.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud Features

SFCC excels in delivering enterprise-grade functionality, particularly for omnichannel and personalized experiences:

• Einstein AI: Powers personalized product recommendations, predictive analytics, and dynamic pricing, enhancing conversion rates by up to 15% (Salesforce FY24 Metrics).

• Product 360: Centralizes product data, images, and reviews for streamlined catalog management.

• B2B and B2C Commerce: Dedicated platforms for both models, with features like contract management and EDI for B2B, though additional licensing costs apply.

• Omnichannel Support: Integrates web, mobile, social, and in-store experiences, ensuring consistent customer journeys.

• Global Expansion: Supports multi-site management, localization, and multi-currency transactions for international markets.

However, SFCC’s complex admin interface requires technical expertise, and customization beyond built-in features often demands certified Salesforce developers.

Magento Features

Magento’s strength lies in its flexibility and robust feature set, particularly for custom workflows:

• Multi-Store Management: Create distinct stores with unique branding, products, and pricing from a single admin panel.

• Advanced Checkout: Saves customer payment and shipping details for faster future purchases.

• Product Filtering: Enables granular filtering by categories, brands, or discounts, improving user experience.

• SEO Tools: Includes meta-tag controls, Google Sitemaps, and layered navigation for better search rankings.

While Magento Open Source offers a strong foundation, Adobe Commerce adds advanced features like AI-powered insights via Adobe Sensei (third-party integration) and B2B-specific tools. However, its lack of native hosting in Open Source and developer-heavy customizations can slow deployment.

Shopify Features

Shopify prioritizes ease of use and rapid deployment, with a feature set tailored for growth:

• No-Code Store Builder: Drag-and-drop editor and customizable themes allow non-technical users to design stores in days.

• Checkout Customization: Extensible checkout with GraphQL APIs, supporting digital wallets like Apple Pay, converts 36% better than SFCC.

• App Ecosystem: Over 8,000 apps for payments, marketing, and analytics, enabling plug-and-play functionality.

• POS and Omnichannel: Integrates online and in-store sales with Shopify POS and social commerce tools.

• AI Tools: Features like Shop Pay Installments and Shopify Audiences enhance conversions and targeting.

Shopify’s simplicity comes at the cost of limited native B2B features, requiring third-party apps for complex workflows.

SFCC is ideal for enterprises needing AI-driven personalization and omnichannel integration. Magento suits businesses prioritizing bespoke customizations, while Shopify excels for rapid deployment and user-friendly management.

Scalability and Performance

As your business grows, your platform must handle increased traffic, transactions, and global expansion without compromising performance.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud Scalability

SFCC’s cloud-based architecture is built for enterprise-scale operations, handling high traffic volumes during peak events like Black Friday without downtime. Its managed infrastructure ensures 99.9% uptime, and features like staging environments and performance monitoring maintain reliability. 

SFCC supports global expansion with multi-site management and localization, though SKU and order limits (e.g., 7,500 SKUs for Starter plans) can constrain smaller plans. For a retailer with $100 million in GMV, SFCC’s scalability ensures seamless performance across multiple channels.

Magento Scalability

Magento is highly scalable, capable of managing large transaction volumes and complex catalogs. Adobe Commerce Cloud, hosted on AWS, offers managed services for improved performance, but Open Source users must optimize their own hosting. 

Magento’s modular architecture supports custom workflows, but scaling requires technical expertise to manage servers, security, and updates. Brands like Coca-Cola leverage Magento for global operations, though setup complexity can delay scaling efforts.

Shopify Scalability

Shopify’s fully managed SaaS model provides robust scalability for mid-market and enterprise businesses. Shopify Plus supports high-volume retailers with dedicated resources and 99.99% uptime. Its infrastructure handles traffic spikes effortlessly, and features like Managed Markets simplify international expansion. 

However, businesses with highly complex workflows may need multiple apps, increasing costs and integration complexity. Shopify’s scalability suits brands like Beyoncé’s Cécred, balancing ease of use with enterprise-grade performance.

SFCC and Shopify offer out-of-the-box scalability for enterprises and growing businesses, respectively. Magento is ideal for those with technical resources to manage custom scaling.

Customization and Flexibility

Customization is critical for aligning your store with brand identity and operational needs. Each platform offers different approaches to personalizing the e-commerce experience.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud Customization

SFCC provides robust customization within its SaaS framework, particularly for storefront design and customer experiences. Features like Einstein AI allow dynamic personalization, and LINK Cartridges enable integrations with payment gateways and tax systems. 

However, advanced customizations require certified Salesforce developers, increasing costs and complexity. SFCC’s closed ecosystem limits third-party integrations compared to competitors, making it less flexible for niche requirements.

Magento Customization

Magento’s open-source roots make it the gold standard for customization. Developers can modify code to create unique storefronts, workflows, or integrations, supported by the Adobe Commerce Marketplace’s extensive plugins. 

Adobe Commerce adds pre-built tools like page builders, but customization remains developer-heavy, requiring expertise in PHP and JavaScript. This flexibility makes Magento ideal for businesses like Ford, needing tailored solutions, but it comes with longer development timelines and higher costs.

Shopify Customization

Shopify balances customization with simplicity, offering a theme editor for non-technical users to adjust designs and over 8,000 apps for added functionality. Shopify Plus provides advanced APIs for custom checkout logic and integrations, enabling brands to test new channels quickly. 

While less flexible than Magento for code-level changes, Shopify’s app-driven approach reduces reliance on developers, making it accessible for teams with limited technical resources.

Choose Magento for maximum customization, Shopify for user-friendly flexibility, and SFCC for enterprise-grade personalization within a managed ecosystem.

Ease of Use and Time to Launch

The speed and simplicity of launching your store can impact market entry and ROI. Each platform varies in its user-friendliness and setup requirements.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud Ease of Use

SFCC’s admin interface is comprehensive but complex, requiring technical expertise to navigate. Setup typically takes 3-6 months due to customization and integration needs, with enterprises often relying on implementation partners. While SFCC offers prebuilt storefront templates, its focus on advanced features like AI and omnichannel management demands significant configuration, making it less accessible for smaller teams.

Magento Ease of Use

Magento’s complexity is a known drawback, particularly for Open Source users. Setup requires technical expertise for hosting, security, and customizations, often taking 6-12 months for mid-sized businesses. Adobe Commerce streamlines some processes with managed hosting, but the platform’s steep learning curve and developer dependency make it challenging for non-technical users. Business users often struggle with Magento’s admin panel, which lacks the intuitiveness of competitors.

Shopify Ease of Use

Shopify shines in ease of use, with a drag-and-drop builder and clean dashboard that non-technical users can master. Basic stores can launch in days, while Shopify Plus implementations take weeks, compared to months for SFCC or Magento. For example, Decor Steals reported a 3x faster launch and $300,000 lower costs on Shopify compared to SFCC. Shopify’s no-code environment empowers marketing teams to manage updates, reducing reliance on developers.

Shopify is the clear winner for rapid deployment and ease of use, ideal for businesses prioritizing speed to market. SFCC and Magento suit those with technical resources and longer timelines.

Integration and Ecosystem

Seamless integrations with CRM, marketing, and third-party tools are essential for a unified e-commerce strategy.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud Integrations

SFCC’s strength lies in its native integration with the Salesforce ecosystem, including CRM, Marketing Cloud, and Service Cloud. This creates a unified platform for managing customer data and campaigns, with Einstein AI enhancing personalization. However, third-party integrations are limited compared to competitors, and custom integrations via MuleSoft or LINK Cartridges can be costly. SFCC’s closed ecosystem ensures reliability but may restrict flexibility for non-Salesforce tools.

Magento Integrations

Magento’s Adobe Commerce Marketplace offers thousands of plugins for payments, shipping, and analytics, making it highly extensible. Open Source users benefit from a vast community of developers, while Adobe Commerce integrates with Adobe Analytics and Experience Manager for enhanced insights. However, integrations often require custom development, increasing costs and maintenance. Magento’s flexibility makes it ideal for businesses needing niche integrations.

Shopify Integrations

Shopify’s App Store, with over 8,000 apps, is a standout feature, enabling integrations with tools like Klaviyo, ShipStation, and Google Analytics. Shopify Plus offers advanced APIs for custom integrations, and its social commerce tools support platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The ecosystem’s plug-and-play nature reduces setup time, though app costs can accumulate for complex setups.

SFCC excels for businesses already in the Salesforce ecosystem. Magento suits those needing bespoke integrations, while Shopify offers the broadest third-party ecosystem.

Support and Community

Reliable support and community resources are critical for troubleshooting and optimization.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud Support

SFCC offers 24/7 expert coaching and developer assistance, with premium support adding 10-20% to costs. The Salesforce Help Center provides extensive documentation, and Trailhead offers training modules. However, support for complex issues often requires certified consultants, increasing expenses. SFCC’s enterprise focus ensures robust support for high-stakes operations.

Magento Support

Magento Open Source relies on community forums and developer networks, which are robust but lack formal support. Adobe Commerce provides dedicated support, including a technical account manager, but costs scale with licensing fees. Magento’s community is a strength, with thousands of developers sharing solutions, though response times vary.

Shopify Support

Shopify offers 24/7 support via phone, email, and chat, with Shopify Plus providing dedicated account managers. The Shopify Community and Help Center are user-friendly, and the platform’s large user base ensures ample peer support. Shopify’s focus on accessibility makes it ideal for businesses with limited internal resources.

Shopify’s accessible support suits smaller teams, while SFCC’s premium support is ideal for enterprises. Magento’s community is strong but less reliable for urgent issues.

Conclusion: Choosing Your E-Commerce Champion

Selecting the right e-commerce platform is a strategic decision that hinges on your business’s size, goals, and resources. Salesforce Commerce Cloud is the go-to for enterprises needing omnichannel excellence and deep Salesforce integrations, delivering a 27% ROI boost and unmatched AI personalization. Magento (Adobe Commerce) is the choice for businesses craving bespoke customizations and flexibility, ideal for those with technical expertise and budgets to match. Shopify stands out for its ease of use, rapid deployment, and cost-effective scalability, making it perfect for startups to enterprise brands seeking agility.

At Closeloop, we specialize in crafting digital solutions that empower businesses to thrive in the e-commerce landscape. From consulting to Salesforce implementation, we offer end-to-end services that turn complex business needs into scalable, future-ready systems. Our mission is to innovate and evolve, delivering tailored strategies and cutting-edge technologies that stand the test of time. 

Whether you choose SFCC, Magento, or Shopify, our team of developers and thinkers can transform your vision into a high-performing online store, ensuring success in an ever-changing market. 

Partner with Closeloop to navigate your e-commerce journey and achieve breakthroughs that drive growth.