NextJS Headless Commerce — FAQ
Common questions about nextjs headless commerce. Can't find your answer? Book a call or run a free audit.
Q:What is headless commerce?
Your backend (Shopify, Magento, Saleor, etc.) handles products, orders, and payments. A separate NextJS frontend handles the storefront UI. Result: sub-second speed, full design control, better SEO, and the ability to swap backends without rebuilding the frontend.
Q:NextJS vs Hydrogen for Shopify storefront?
Hydrogen is Shopify's framework — tightly integrated, good DX if you're all-in Shopify. NextJS gives you more flexibility, a much larger ecosystem, easier hiring, and portability if you ever change backends. We recommend NextJS for most clients unless you need Hydrogen-specific features.
Q:How fast can a NextJS storefront be?
Sub-1s LCP is achievable with server components, edge rendering, and optimized image loading. We've hit sub-1.2s LCP for Melissa's Shopify Plus PDPs across regions. The median Shopify theme runs 2.5-4s — headless cuts that by 60-80%.
Q:Do I need headless commerce?
If your current storefront loads in under 2s and your design needs are met by your theme — probably not. If you need: speed (LCP < 1s), custom UX beyond theme limits, multi-platform selling, or AI search optimization built in — yes.
Q:How much does a headless NextJS storefront cost?
Starting at $8,000 for a standard storefront connected to Shopify/BigCommerce. Complex builds with custom checkout, multi-language, or advanced filtering: $15-25k. Typical timeline: 6-14 weeks.
Q:What backend platforms work with NextJS?
Shopify (Storefront API), BigCommerce, Saleor, Medusa, Magento 2 (GraphQL), and any custom backend with a REST/GraphQL API. We've built NextJS frontends for all of these.