Short answer: both platforms can handle a B2B wholesale business with ERP and PIM. Magento Open Source wins on customization freedom, the choice of where you host, and the absence of licensing costs. Shopware wins on a modern admin panel and B2B features that are built into the paid editions. We build on Magento, so we are not neutral. Below are the facts.
Two platforms in brief
Magento Open Source is an open-source PHP platform by Adobe, which the community also continues to develop as Mage-OS. Shopware 6 is a German PHP platform based on Symfony. Shopware offers a free Community Edition as well as paid editions with B2B features, either in the cloud or self-hosted.
B2B features
With Shopware, the B2B components are included in the paid Evolve edition, starting at €2,400 per month excl. VAT. Customer-specific pricing from your ERP is included in Beyond, with pricing available upon request. With Magento Open Source, you add B2B using modules or a suite such as the Hyvä B2B Suite, without a monthly license.
ERP integrations
Both platforms have extensive APIs. Magento offers REST and GraphQL, while Shopware has an Admin API and a Store API. The difference lies less in the API itself than in what already exists and who maintains it. We integrate ERP systems such as SAP, Exact, Unit4, and Visma with Magento via Conneqt, ensuring orders, pricing, inventory, and customer data remain synchronized. Read more about ERP integrations.
PIM integrations
If you use Akeneo or Pimcore, connectors are available for both platforms. Pay close attention to what exactly synchronizes: only product data, or categories, assets, and translations as well. Read more about PIM systems.
Costs over five years
Magento Open Source has no license fee. You pay for development, hosting, extensions, and maintenance. The Shopware Community Edition is also free, but webshops with more than €1 million in annual revenue must take a paid plan to retain access to their Shopware account and the Shopware Store. For a wholesaler above that threshold, you should therefore factor in a license fee.
Hosting and ownership
With Magento, you choose where your webshop runs, including on European servers. Shopware can be self-hosted or run in the Shopware cloud. In that cloud, you extend functionality via apps; you can only run custom plugins if you host it yourself.
When do you choose which?
Shopware is a good fit if:
You value a modern admin panel and need minimal customization.
You want B2B features included in the license and those costs fit your budget.
You have a Shopware partner who understands your processes.
Magento is a good fit if:
Your ERP is leading and your pricing logic deviates from standard conventions.
You do not want to pay a monthly license fee.
You want full control over where your hosting and data reside.
You want a large ecosystem of extensions and specialists.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shopware cheaper than Magento?
For a small webshop on the Community Edition, often yes. For a wholesaler with B2B features and more than €1 million in revenue, you pay a license fee with Shopware. With Magento Open Source, you do not.
Can I switch from Shopware to Magento, or vice versa?
Yes. You can migrate products, customers, and orders. The frontend, plugins, and integrations will need to be rebuilt. Plan redirects for your old URLs. Read more about replatforming.
Undecided between Magento and Shopware? We can calculate the options with you, including your ERP and PIM. Schedule a consultation.
