Headless vs. composable commerce is a debate that is growing in popularity. It’s a discussion that pits the traditional approach to e-commerce against modern, progressive approaches. In many ways, it is an argument between old and new, established practices and innovative technology.
The differences between headless and composable commerce will provide insights into both systems, highlighting their essential components and any potential drawbacks or advantages.
Table of Contents
Technology stack
One of the most immediately apparent differences between headless and composable commerce is the technology stack necessary for each system to work effectively. Headless commerce requires only API development capabilities, while composable commerce needs more than just API capabilities; additional services such as orchestration, modules, and integration are required.
Front-end integrations
In headless commerce, the front-end is connected to the back-end through an API and uses only a single language, be it Javascript or any other type of code. This could limit the level of personalization that can be done on the front end. Composable commerce provides more flexibility by allowing integrations with multiple technologies, such as AngularJS and ReactJS. This allows for greater levels of customization in terms of look, feel, and functionalities.
Deployment speed
The deployment speed in headless commerce is faster since there’s no need to develop complex user interfaces (UIs). In composable commerce, a set of UIs must be developed to create the desired customer experience, which can take more time.
Deployment cost
In headless commerce, the deployment cost is usually lower because there’s no need for complex UIs, and thus fewer resources are required. On the other hand, in composable commerce, there’s an additional cost associated with developing and maintaining the necessary UIs.
Content management
Headless commerce provides limited content management capabilities since it relies on third-party services or APIs to manage content. In contrast, composable commerce offers greater flexibility in content management as any changes made through their UI will be reflected across all channels, provided they are connected via modules or orchestration.
Data management
Headless commerce typically requires third-party services to store data. In contrast, composable commerce is better suited for managing and controlling data in-house as it offers a more comprehensive set of modules and APIs.
Flexibility
Headless commerce provides essential flexibility regarding the look and feel of the customer experience because its code is often only written once and then re-used across multiple channels. Composable commerce offers far greater flexibility since it allows users to customize their experiences through various UI components such as product finders, payment options, etc.
Scalability
The scalability of headless commerce is limited due to its reliance on third-party services for data storage and content management. In contrast, composable commerce offers greater scalability as its modules are designed for scaling and can be modified to suit the customer’s needs.
Integrations
Headless commerce provides limited integration options since it relies on APIs alone; integrating a third-party service with headless commerce could prove difficult or even impossible in some cases. Composable commerce, however, offers more robust integrations since its UI components make it easier to integrate various services such as payment gateways, etc.
Performance
The performance of headless commerce is usually lower than that of composable commerce because it relies heavily on third-party services, which can slow down loading times. This can lead to poor user experiences and ultimately hurt a business’s bottom line. On the other hand, composable commerce’s modular approach ensures a high-performance user experience.
User experience
The user experience in headless commerce is limited because it does not provide UI components and relies on third-party services for content management. In contrast, composable commerce provides users with a more comprehensive set of UI components designed to create an engaging customer experience.
Security
Headless commerce offers basic security measures since it relies heavily on third-party services, which can be vulnerable to attack. Composable commerce, however, is better suited for managing data security as its modules are designed specifically for this purpose, allowing customers to control their data securely.
Cost
Headless commerce is often more cost-effective than composable commerce as it does not require complex UIs to be developed, and thus fewer resources are needed. On the other hand, composable commerce may incur additional costs due to its UI components which need to be developed and maintained.
With that said
Headless and composable commerce offer unique advantages for businesses looking to create an outstanding customer experience. Headless commerce is more cost-effective as it requires fewer development resources.
However, its reliance on third-party services can lead to limited content management capabilities and poor user experiences. Composable commerce offers more flexibility, scalability, and better integrations than headless commerce but also comes with additional costs due to the need for UI components.
Ultimately, a business’s choice will depend on its needs and budget. Understanding the differences between headless and composable commerce is key to creating a successful digital strategy and it’s all just a click away.
