• What is Magento Open Source?

• What is Magento 2 (Adobe) Commerce?

• Magento 2 Open Source vs. Adobe Commerce

• Who is Magento 2 Open Source Ideal For?

• Who is Adobe Commerce Best For?

• FAQs

• Summary

What is Magento Open Source?

“Magento Open Source is Adobe's free-for-all, self-hosting supported e-commerce solution. In this edition developers gain full access to the core PHP codebase.”

Full access to the core code allows great customization. Businesses can tailor their online store to specific needs.

The platform provides essential tools for online commerce. Its core features include:

• Basic catalog and product management.

• An integrated checkout and payment process.

• Mobile-responsive shopping templates.

A large global community supports the platform. Users manage hosting, security, and platform maintenance. The latest version 2.4.8 adds support for PHP 8.4. It includes enhanced performance and security fixes.

What is Magento 2 (Adobe) Commerce?

“Magento 2 (Adobe) Commerce is a top-tier option for big businesses. The platform builds upon the Magento Open Source core. Adobe Commerce comes with numerous advanced features from the outset. It offers powerful tools devised to cater to both B2B and B2C businesses.”

The platform works with Adobe Experience Cloud, giving users access to marketing tools and analytics. Adobe offers managed hosting and dedicated support options.

A major shift occurred with Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service. ACCS launched in June 2025 as a complete multi-tenant SaaS solution. It moved away from the traditional PaaS model. Adobe Sensei AI helps simplify operations using integrated algorithms.

Magento 2 Open Source vs. Adobe Commerce

The main distinction is between free and premium platforms. The Open Source edition is free and offers customization. Adobe Commerce is a paid platform with extensive features. It includes official support and managed cloud services.

1. Installation and Hosting

Magento Open Source requires users to manage their hosting. Managing their own hosting gives developers complete control. They can select a hosting provider that fits their needs.

Adobe Commerce provides several deployment options.

• On-Premise: Self-hosted on your own servers.

• PaaS: A dedicated cloud infrastructure on AWS or Azure.

• SaaS (ACCS): A new multi-tenant, managed service launched in June 2025.

The ACCS model simplifies infrastructure management tasks. It offers automatic scaling, security, and versionless upgrades. ACCS is now recommended for all new implementations.

2. Features and Functionality

Adobe Commerce provides numerous exclusive, enterprise-grade features. These features are not available in the Open Source edition. It includes advanced content management with its Page Builder. The drag-and-drop interface simplifies content creation.

Key Adobe Commerce features include:

• Visual Merchandiser for intuitive product arrangement.

• Adobe Sensei AI-powered product recommendations.

• Comprehensive B2B and customer loyalty tools.

Magento Open Source provides basic e-commerce features. Its functionality expands with the use of third-party extensions.

3. Performance

Optimization and infrastructure determine a store's performance. The Adobe Commerce architecture supports high-traffic websites. It can manage large product catalogs and order volumes.

Its support for several database connections helps distribute system load. Varnish Cache integration is a key performance feature. It accelerates HTTP traffic for faster page loading.

Server setup determines Open Source platform performance. Developers must implement and configure their own caching. Proper server configuration is critical for optimal speed.

4. Catalog Management

Both editions offer strong basic catalog management. You can create various product types and attributes. Adobe Commerce enhances this with exclusive features.

The shared catalog feature is essential for B2B pricing. Visual Merchandiser provides drag-and-drop sorting for products. The tool allows for dynamic, rule-based category pages. Open Source users achieve similar results with extensions.

5. B2B Features

Adobe Commerce includes a comprehensive suite of B2B features. The tools streamline complex business-to-business sales processes.

Native B2B tools in Adobe Commerce are:

• Company Accounts: Several buyers under one organization.

• Quoting Engine: Allows customers to negotiate prices online.

• Purchase Orders: Automates internal approval workflows.

• Quick Order & Requisition Lists: Simplifies bulk ordering.

Magento Open Source lacks these native B2B capabilities. Adding them requires custom development or extensions.

6. Merchandising

Adobe Commerce offers superior merchandising tools. Visual Merchandiser allows for precise product placement. You can create smart rules to automate product sorting.

Live Search provides fast and relevant search results. It uses AI to improve the user search experience. Content Staging lets you schedule and preview content changes. These advanced tools are absent in Open Source.

7. Marketing

Adobe Commerce integrates powerful marketing and promotion tools. Customer segmentation allows for targeted marketing campaigns. You can group customers based on various attributes.

Reward systems and loyalty programs help increase customer retention. Gift registries and several wish lists enhance shopping. Adobe Sensei powers personalized product recommendations. Open Source provides basic promotion rules.

8. Security

Security is essential for any online store. Adobe Commerce offers a safer environment. It meets PCI compliance standards and offers refined security features.

Adobe provides regular security patches and platform updates. For Open Source, the user manages their own PCI compliance. You must apply security patches as vendors release them. Adobe offers the Security Scan tool for both editions.

9. Third-party Extensions

Both platforms enjoy a vast extension marketplace. The Adobe Commerce Marketplace offers thousands of modules. These extensions add new features and integrations.

Extensions with poor code can impact site performance. Vetting all extensions for code quality is essential. Adobe Commerce builds in many advanced features. Built-in features lessen the need for extra extensions.

10. Costs

Magento Open Source is free to use. But there are other ownership costs to consider. You must pay for hosting and a domain. An SSL certificate is also required.

Adobe Commerce requires a significant financial investment. License fees change depending on your Gross Merchandise Value (GMV). They can range from about $122,000 to over $450,000 a year. This depends on platform complexity, store size, and performance requirements.

The Cloud edition costs vary based on the deployment model. ACCS offers competitive SaaS pricing structures.

Who is Magento 2 Open Source Ideal For?

Magento Open Source is an excellent choice for small to medium businesses. It suits merchants with technical expertise or development teams.

This edition is best for:

• Businesses with a limited initial budget.

• Startups wanting full control over their code.

• Companies that plan to build a unique storefront.

Who is Adobe Commerce Best For?

Adobe Commerce suits semi-mid to enterprise-scale businesses. High-traffic retailers and B2B businesses that need advanced functionality find it essential.

This edition is best for:

• Businesses needing dedicated, built-in features.

• Companies planning for rapid growth and scalability.

• Merchants wanting integrated hosting and official support.

FAQs

1. How does the Magento Open Source edition differ from Adobe Commerce?

Magento Open Source is a no-cost platform that users can host themselves. Adobe Commerce is a paid solution with advanced features. It includes hosting and support.

2. Is Magento Open Source still supported in 2025?

Yes, Adobe continues to maintain and release updates. The latest version 2.4.8 supports PHP 8.4. It contains over 580 quality fixes and security enhancements.

3. Does Adobe Commerce include hosting?

Yes, the Adobe Commerce Cloud edition includes managed hosting. The new ACCS platform offers a complete managed SaaS environment. It provides automatic scaling and updates.

4. How much does Adobe Commerce cost?

Your store's revenue and complexity determine the license fees. Pricing ranges from about $122,000 to over $450,000 perennial. It depends on specific requirements and the deployment model.

5. Is migrating from Magento Open Source to Adobe Commerce easy?

Yes, migrating from Open Source to Adobe Commerce is easy and hassle-free. Both platforms share the same core codebase, which simplifies migration. ACCS also offers gradual migration paths through SaaS APIs integration.

6. What is Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service (ACCS)?

ACCS is Adobe's new complete multi-tenant SaaS solution. It launched in June 2025. It provides automatic scaling, security updates, and simplified infrastructure management. This makes it the recommended choice for new implementations.

Summary

Choosing between Magento 2 Commerce vs. Adobe Open Source depends on business size, budget, and technical needs. Both come with their particular set of advantages. Consider the following main pointers from the article to select the right platform.

1. Assess your business size and technical resources. Magento Open Source suits small businesses with developers.

2. Choose Adobe Commerce for its enterprise-level features. It targets large businesses with high sales volume.

3. Consider the need for B2B and marketing tools. Adobe Commerce includes these features out of the box.

4. Consider the platform's hosting and management requirements. Open Source users must manage their own servers.

5. Calculate the total cost of ownership for platforms. Development and maintenance add to the platform expenses.

Consider Managed Magento Hosting to sustain the server-side performance of your chosen platform.

[Updated July 18, 2025]