Headless commerce separates your frontend from your backend. Instead of Shopify controlling the storefront, you build your own frontend and connect it to Shopify's backend via API.
How It Works
Shopify handles products, checkout, inventory, and orders on the backend. Your custom frontend — built with React, Next.js, or any framework — displays that data your way.
Benefits of Going Headless
Complete design freedom. Better performance (static site generation). Faster page loads. Omnichannel delivery — same backend powers website, mobile app, and kiosk. No theme limitations.
Drawbacks
Higher cost. Ongoing maintenance. Developer dependency. Shopify's default checkout cannot be fully customized on standard plans — you need Shopify Plus for checkout customization.
Do You Need Headless?
Most stores do not need headless. A well-optimized theme delivers excellent results for most businesses. Headless makes sense when you need unique interactive experiences, have a large development budget, or need to deliver content across multiple channels.
Getting Started
Shopify offers Hydrogen, a React-based framework for headless commerce. It provides pre-built components and integrations. Start with the Hydrogen demo to understand the architecture.
Headless is powerful but expensive. Only pursue it when the benefits clearly outweigh the costs.