Best Next.js Headless eCommerce Platforms 2026 – Shopify Hydrogen, Saleor and More
What is a Headless CMS?
A headless CMS is a backend-only CMS built as a content repository that makes content accessible via an API for display on any device. Unlike traditional CMSs, which are tightly coupled with how content is presented, a headless CMS allows developers to use their preferred tools and frameworks to create a user interface.
WHY REACT?
In the fast-evolving world of web development, React remains a cornerstone for building dynamic and scalable applications. To complement its capabilities, many developers turn to headless CMS solutions.
A headless CMS provides a way to manage content separately from the user interface, making it an excellent choice for React-based projects. Additionally, when integrated into JAMstack projects, a headless CMS can significantly enhance performance, security, and scalability. This architecture allows for faster load times, improved security from server-side vulnerabilities, and greater flexibility in scaling as project demands grow.
One of the biggest advantages of using React with a headless CMS is the seamless way React's component-based architecture interacts with API-driven content. With reusable UI components, developers can dynamically fetch and display structured content, ensuring that updates in the CMS are instantly reflected in the front end without requiring significant changes to the codebase. This makes it easier to maintain, scale, and optimize applications while ensuring design consistency across pages and platforms.
Top Headless CMS Options for React
In this article, we will evaluate the best headless CMS platforms based on a series of critical features. Our assessments will be informed by data from G2, ensuring a comprehensive analysis. Below is the list of features we will be considering:
- Content
- Design
- Platform
- File Management
- Workflow
- Analytics
- Content Management
- Design and Development
- Functionality
- Support
- Management
- Publishing
- Development
Additionally, if you're interested in the current market overview of headless CMS platforms, G2 has compiled a chart of the best headless CMS options available now. To explore the most recent rankings and reviews, visit the G2 Headless CMS Grid.
Here are some of the best headless CMS that integrate seamlessly with React applications: