Open-Source Magento Alternative for AI
A mature PHP ecosystem and a TypeScript store project
Notice
86d is under active development and not yet recommended for production commerce. Check versioning and maturity and each capability you enable before relying on it.
What each option offers
Magento Open Source is available under the OSL-3.0 license and can be self-hosted. Adobe Commerce is a separate commercial offering with cloud and on-premises options.
Adobe Commerce B2B includes company accounts, shared catalogs, and negotiable quotes. These features are not part of the current 86d scope.
A supported Magento installation can include PHP, a database, search, cache, and queue services. The exact setup depends on the Magento version and how you host it.
86d is MIT-licensed and can run without an 86d account. Its current code uses TypeScript and includes a storefront and administration tools in the same repository.
The contrast is as much about shape as age: Magento brings a broad PHP ecosystem, while 86d keeps its TypeScript storefront, admin, and store code together.
At a glance
| Dimension | 86d | Magento |
|---|---|---|
| License | 86d is MIT-licensed; 86d.app is proprietary | Magento Open Source OSL-3.0; Adobe Commerce proprietary |
| Available options | MIT-licensed code you can self-host; optional managed hosting is coming | Self-hosted Magento Open Source, or commercial Adobe Commerce |
| Managed hosting | Launch pricing is published; paid signup has not opened | Available with Adobe Commerce cloud offerings |
| Main technology | TypeScript and Next.js | PHP |
| Supporting services | A PostgreSQL-centered store setup | Supported setups can include database, search, cache, and queue services |
| B2B selling | No current match for Adobe Commerce B2B | Company accounts, shared catalogs, and negotiable quotes are available with Adobe Commerce B2B |
| Custom changes | The storefront, admin, and store code are kept in one repository | Supports extensions, themes, and custom code |
| Self-hosting | Available for early evaluation | Available with Magento Open Source and Adobe Commerce on-premises |
| Automated store changes | In development, with review before changes go live | Not assessed in this comparison |
| Current readiness | Available for early evaluation | Maintained public releases are available |
Pricing figures as of August 2026. Confirm on each vendor's official pricing page before you buy.
Where the money goes
This example uses $10,000 in monthly sales across 200 orders at a $50 average order value. It uses the same card-processing assumption for both options.
Magento
Magento Open Source self-hosted
$9,300
minus costs shown
- Sales minus costs shown$9,300
- Card processing$350
- Platform and tooling$350
- Card processing assumption (2.9% + 30¢ per order)$350
- Hosting for Magento (modeled estimate)$150
- Extensions and maintenance (modeled estimate)$200
86d
86d Cloud Premium, using your own payment service
$9,605
minus costs shown
- Sales minus costs shown$9,605
- Card processing$350
- Platform and tooling$45
- Card processing assumption (2.9% + 30¢ per order)$350
- 86d Cloud management fee (planned)$20
- Infrastructure and managed usage (modeled estimate)$25
In this example, the listed monthly costs for Magento are $305 higher. Card processing is the same on both sides, so the difference comes from the other costs listed below each chart.
This is an estimate, not a quote or profit calculation. It does not include product costs, tax, shipping, labor, refunds, chargebacks, or other business expenses. Published plan and percentage fees come from each company's pricing page. Hosting, app, and extension amounts are assumptions. 86d Cloud is not open for paid signup, so its management fee is also a planned price.
Where Magento shines
- Magento Open Source has no license charge and can be self-hosted.
- Adobe Commerce offers commercial cloud and on-premises choices.
- Adobe Commerce B2B supports company accounts and company users.
- Shared catalogs support company-specific product selections and pricing.
- Negotiable quotes let buyers and sellers discuss an order before purchase.
- Adobe publishes detailed requirements for supported installations.
What to weigh with Magento
- Magento Open Source leaves hosting, monitoring, backups, and updates to your team.
- A supported setup can require several services beyond the PHP application.
- Adobe Commerce is a separate commercial product, so confirm its current terms with Adobe.
- B2B features require Adobe Commerce B2B and the related configuration.
- Extensions and custom code need compatibility checks when the core software changes.
- Your operating work depends on the edition, hosting choice, and custom changes.
- A move away from Magento requires a separate review of extensions, themes, and store data.
Where 86d feels different
- 86d is available under the MIT license.
- A self-hosted copy does not require an 86d account.
- The storefront, administration tools, and store code use TypeScript.
- The storefront, admin, and store code are kept in one repository and released together.
- The source can be inspected, changed, and run on infrastructure you choose.
- Managed launch pricing is published before signup opens.
- At launch, bringing your own payment service adds no 86d checkout fee.
What to weigh with 86d
- Migration is manual today. An automated importer is not yet available.
- The first release is planned for PostgreSQL, US stores, and US dollars.
- There is no public app marketplace. Outside code requires an extra opt-in.
- Agent-assisted store changes are still in development.
- 86d does not currently match Adobe Commerce company accounts, shared catalogs, or negotiable quotes.
Who each option fits
Choose Magento or Adobe Commerce when you want its established ecosystem or need production commerce now.
Adobe Commerce is also the clearer option when company accounts, shared catalogs, or negotiable quotes are required.
Choose 86d when a unified TypeScript project, an MIT license, and direct control of the store code fit the way your team wants to work.
Summary
Magento Open Source and Adobe Commerce serve different needs, so compare the edition that matches your requirements.
86d is the younger, more focused choice. It trades Magento's long production history and broad ecosystem for one TypeScript project you can inspect, change, and self-host.
If that simpler ownership model fits your team, 86d is worth evaluating early.
FAQ
Is this a comparison with Magento Open Source or Adobe Commerce?
Both. Magento Open Source is available under OSL-3.0 and can be self-hosted. Adobe Commerce is a separate commercial offering with cloud and on-premises options. The cost estimate above uses a self-hosted Magento Open Source setup.
What costs should I plan for with Magento Open Source?
There is no license charge for Magento Open Source. You still need to budget for hosting, supported database and search services, monitoring, backups, updates, and any extensions or custom work you choose.
Does 86d match Adobe Commerce B2B features?
Not yet. 86d does not currently match Adobe Commerce company accounts, shared catalogs, or negotiable quotes.
Can I migrate from Magento to 86d?
Begin with a manual catalog and content move into a test store. Automated migration is still being prepared, and extensions or theme changes need individual review.
How does 86d handle upgrades differently?
86d keeps its storefront, admin, and store code in one repository and releases them together. Your team reviews one project release along with any custom changes you have made.
How 86d is organized