In the evolving world of eCommerce, the terms Adobe Commerce and Magento are often used interchangeably. This causes confusion among business owners and developers alike. While Adobe Commerce and Magento share the same roots, they are not exactly the same. This blog explores their similarities, differences, and how choosing the right solution can significantly impact your online store’s performance.
The Origin of Magento
Magento started as an open-source eCommerce platform launched in 2008. It gained rapid popularity due to its flexibility, scalability, and a vast library of extensions and themes. Businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprise-level corporations—used Magento Development to build robust online stores.
Magento offered two primary versions:
- Magento Open Source – A free version available to anyone.
- Magento Commerce – A paid, enterprise-level solution with advanced features.
In 2018, Adobe acquired Magento, and that marked a significant turning point.
What Is Adobe Commerce?
Post-acquisition, Adobe rebranded Magento Commerce as Adobe Commerce and integrated it into the Adobe Experience Cloud. Adobe Commerce is essentially the enterprise edition of Magento, but enhanced with powerful tools, AI capabilities, and cloud hosting.
So, while Adobe Commerce is built on the Magento framework, it’s more than just Magento. It includes:
- Advanced marketing tools
- Business intelligence dashboards
- AI-driven product recommendations
- Seamless integrations with Adobe products (like Adobe Analytics and Adobe Target)
- Cloud infrastructure support
Key Differences Between Adobe Commerce and Magento Open Source
| Feature | Magento Open Source | Adobe Commerce |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Paid (License fees apply) |
| Hosting | Self-hosted | Cloud-hosted (Adobe Commerce Cloud) |
| Support | Community-driven | Dedicated Adobe support |
| Performance Tools | Limited | Enhanced with AI and BI dashboards |
| Security | Community patches | Advanced security features |
| Customization | High | High (with additional proprietary features) |
| B2B Capabilities | Add-ons needed | Built-in B2B suite |
Are They the Same?
Technically, Magento and Adobe Commerce are not the same, but Adobe Commerce is built on Magento. Magento Open Source continues to be a community-driven, free platform ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. Adobe Commerce, on the other hand, targets large enterprises looking for a comprehensive eCommerce solution with robust scalability, support, and integrated marketing tools.
If you’re a business with complex needs and are looking for a scalable and managed eCommerce solution, Adobe Commerce may be the right fit. For smaller businesses with limited budgets, Magento Open Source still offers a powerful, flexible platform.
Why Does This Matter to Your Business?
Choosing between Magento and Adobe Commerce depends on your business goals, budget, and technical requirements. Here’s how:
- Budget Considerations: Magento Open Source is free, making it suitable for startups. Adobe Commerce requires licensing fees but delivers more built-in capabilities.
- Customization Needs: Both platforms allow extensive customization, but Adobe Commerce gives you more out-of-the-box features that reduce reliance on third-party extensions.
- Scalability and Growth: Adobe Commerce is ideal for companies expecting rapid growth and requiring advanced capabilities such as B2B modules, business intelligence, and performance optimization tools.
- Support and Maintenance: With Adobe Commerce, you get dedicated support from Adobe, while Magento Open Source depends on community support and third-party developers.
Choosing the Right Development Partner
Regardless of which platform you choose, successful implementation and management depend on the right development partner. Partnering with a Magento development company ensures your eCommerce store is built efficiently, secure, and scalable.
Look for a Magento development company in USA that offers both strategic consulting and technical expertise. Their local presence allows better collaboration, time-zone compatibility, and a deeper understanding of the U.S. eCommerce landscape. One such recommended partner is Exinent, a top-rated agency with years of experience in both Magento and Adobe Commerce platforms.
Future Outlook: Magento and Adobe Commerce in 2025 and Beyond
Adobe continues to invest heavily in Adobe Commerce, introducing AI features through Adobe Sensei, enhanced personalization, and deeper integrations with Adobe’s suite of marketing tools. Magento Open Source also sees regular updates and a strong community backing, but without the enterprise-grade enhancements.
We may see continued divergence, where Adobe Commerce evolves into a premium, feature-rich platform tailored for large-scale commerce, while Magento Open Source remains a solid foundation for custom-built eCommerce stores by skilled developers.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Adobe Commerce and Magento are closely related but not identical. Adobe Commerce is the premium, enterprise-level evolution of Magento Commerce, offering enhanced capabilities, support, and integration with Adobe products. Magento Open Source remains a strong contender for small to mid-sized businesses seeking a flexible, cost-effective solution.
Understanding these differences helps you make an informed decision based on your business needs. And whichever path you choose, working with a trusted Magento development company like Exinent ensures your store is set up for success.
