Magento Open Source vs Adobe Commerce
Two Editions of the Same Ecommerce Platform
Magento Open Source vs Adobe Commerce compares two editions of the same platform. Magento Open Source is the free, community-supported edition, while Adobe Commerce is the commercial edition, sold under license by Adobe. Both share a core codebase, so developers who know one can usually work on the other. For the general role of the platform, see what Magento is.
The main difference is what sits on top of that core. Adobe Commerce adds features and services aimed at larger businesses, while Magento Open Source leaves more of the choice to the store owner and to third-party extensions. Neither edition is a simplified version of the other. They target different needs and budgets.
Features, Support and Hosting Options Compared
- Licensing: Magento Open Source is free to download and use under an open-source license. Adobe Commerce requires a paid license.
- Features: Adobe Commerce includes additional tools, such as B2B sales features, advanced content staging and extra customer segmentation. Open Source covers the core retail functions.
- Support: Adobe Commerce includes vendor support. Open Source relies on community resources, documentation and partner agencies.
- Hosting: Open Source runs on infrastructure you choose. Adobe Commerce can run on your own infrastructure or as Adobe Commerce Cloud, a managed hosting service.
Feature sets change over time, so check the current edition documentation before you decide. The list above describes the general pattern rather than a fixed inventory.
A Retailer and a Wholesaler Choose Differently
A retailer with a moderate catalog and a small in-house development team chooses Magento Open Source. It keeps licensing costs at zero, hosts the store itself and relies on community extensions. A wholesaler that sells to businesses needs company accounts, negotiated pricing and purchase approval workflows. It chooses Adobe Commerce, because those features are built in and vendor support is part of the agreement. The B2B side of this choice is explained in B2B vs B2C ecommerce.
Frequently asked questions
Is Magento Open Source really free?
The software is free to download and use, but running a store is not free. You still pay for hosting, development, extensions, maintenance and security work. The total cost depends on the size of the store and the team that supports it.
Can I move from Magento Open Source to Adobe Commerce?
Yes, usually. Adobe Commerce is built on the same core code, so a store can often move to the commercial edition without rebuilding everything. Extensions, themes and custom code still need checking for compatibility before and after the change.