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Headless vs Composable vs PWA

April 24, 2023
By-
Durga Prasad

What is Headless Commerce?

Headless commerce separates the presentation layer (also known as the website front-end, the part the customers view and interact with) from the e-commerce platform, which is typically the template or theme, and includes the product catalog and associated commerce functions. This gives content management and delivery, UX, and SEO more flexibility. If implemented correctly, it also provides great advantages in page load speeds and accessibility. 

 

What is Composable Commerce?

Composable Commerce provides a versatile method for creating or "composing" e-commerce applications.
Businesses choose standalone components that are the finest in their respective categories and combine them to create applications that are specifically adapted to their needs, gaining flexibility and development speed along the way.


What is PWA?

Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) are web-based applications built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that function similar to mobile apps. PWAs are designed with features such as push notifications and the ability to work offline. They can also build forward with modern APIs, making it simple to provide enhanced capabilities as well as reliability and the ability to install them on any device.

Pros of various approaches

PWAComposable CommerceHeadless Commerce

  • Responsive to every device
  • It works on any browser.
  • It works without the internet connectivity.
  • Highly Secure
  • It is discoverable on search engines.
  • It helps to boost the app engagement.
  • No installation process.
  • It can be shared through a link.
  • You can develop a web page and application at the same time with less cost and a shorter turnaround time
  • Flexible future proof solution
  • Fast time to market
  • Superior customer experience
  • Improved developer experience and retention
  • Personalization & flexibility
  • Omnichannel marketing
  • Competitive advantage
  • Enhanced customer experience
  • Lower costs
  • Agile Marketing
  • Improved developer experience
  • Scalability

 

Cons of various approaches

PWAComposable CommerceHeadless Commerce

  • Limited offline functionality
  • Responsiveness issues
  • Higher battery usage
  • Redundant functionalities (for newly born businesses or businesses that require just essential functionalities)
  • Different backends
  • Additional investment
  • Onboarding multiple tool vendors
  • Limitation of certain functionalities
  • Difficult to manage
  • Expensive

 

headless-vs-composable

 

In today's complex technological world, it's best to have a partner that understands the benefits of ecommerce solutions and their application to your specific business needs. Kensium has the expertise to assist you with these decisions so you can future-proof your business. Please contact one of our experts for a no-cost consultation and estimate.

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Written by
Durga Prasad
Durga Prasad is Sr. Director of Strategic Account Management at Kensium, with over 22 years of experience in account management, specializing in the retail and distribution sectors. He focuses on strengthening partnerships with distributors and wholesalers by delivering tailored strategic solutions. Previously, Durga led client success initiatives, promoting technology adoption and operational efficiency through strong client relationships and internal alignment
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Headless vs Composable vs PWA

Ecommerce
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Published on:
August 14, 2025
Updated on:
August 14, 2025
Our Editorial Team
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What is Headless Commerce?

Headless commerce separates the presentation layer (also known as the website front-end, the part the customers view and interact with) from the e-commerce platform, which is typically the template or theme, and includes the product catalog and associated commerce functions. This gives content management and delivery, UX, and SEO more flexibility. If implemented correctly, it also provides great advantages in page load speeds and accessibility. 

 

What is Composable Commerce?

Composable Commerce provides a versatile method for creating or "composing" e-commerce applications.
Businesses choose standalone components that are the finest in their respective categories and combine them to create applications that are specifically adapted to their needs, gaining flexibility and development speed along the way.


What is PWA?

Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) are web-based applications built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that function similar to mobile apps. PWAs are designed with features such as push notifications and the ability to work offline. They can also build forward with modern APIs, making it simple to provide enhanced capabilities as well as reliability and the ability to install them on any device.

Pros of various approaches

PWAComposable CommerceHeadless Commerce

  • Responsive to every device
  • It works on any browser.
  • It works without the internet connectivity.
  • Highly Secure
  • It is discoverable on search engines.
  • It helps to boost the app engagement.
  • No installation process.
  • It can be shared through a link.
  • You can develop a web page and application at the same time with less cost and a shorter turnaround time
  • Flexible future proof solution
  • Fast time to market
  • Superior customer experience
  • Improved developer experience and retention
  • Personalization & flexibility
  • Omnichannel marketing
  • Competitive advantage
  • Enhanced customer experience
  • Lower costs
  • Agile Marketing
  • Improved developer experience
  • Scalability

 

Cons of various approaches

PWAComposable CommerceHeadless Commerce

  • Limited offline functionality
  • Responsiveness issues
  • Higher battery usage
  • Redundant functionalities (for newly born businesses or businesses that require just essential functionalities)
  • Different backends
  • Additional investment
  • Onboarding multiple tool vendors
  • Limitation of certain functionalities
  • Difficult to manage
  • Expensive

 

headless-vs-composable

 

In today's complex technological world, it's best to have a partner that understands the benefits of ecommerce solutions and their application to your specific business needs. Kensium has the expertise to assist you with these decisions so you can future-proof your business. Please contact one of our experts for a no-cost consultation and estimate.

Our Editorial Team
No items found.

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