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Unchained Engine

unchained.shop

Free plan WebAPISelf-hosted
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Spec score 7.3 #22 of 28 in Headless Ecommerce Platforms

What it is

Unchained Engine is a free, open-source, headless e-commerce platform built with Node.js and GraphQL. Its backend can serve web, mobile, IoT, and social commerce while the frontend remains separate. The maker describes it for simple stores and complex B2B marketplaces. Modules cover catalogs, orders, payments, delivery, warehousing, and role-based user authentication. Developers get a GraphQL API, TypeScript support, a built-in playground, hot module reloading, and plugins. Integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Datatrans, SendGrid, Mailchimp, Twilio, DHL, UPS, AWS S3, Google Cloud, and Cloudinary. Security listings include WebAuthn/passkeys, encrypted sessions, role controls, and payment tokenization that keeps card data off platform servers. It can be self-hosted and is Docker-ready for Docker or Kubernetes. The EUPL software costs nothing; hosting infrastructure is paid by the user and distributed modifications must use compatible open-source terms.

Spec sheet

Deployment
The engine can be self-hosted and the maker says it is Docker-ready for deployment on Docker or Kubernetes environments.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
Integrations
Listed integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Datatrans, SendGrid, Mailchimp, Twilio, DHL, UPS, AWS S3, Google Cloud, and Cloudinary.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
Security
The features page lists WebAuthn/passkeys, role-based access control, encrypted sessions, and payment tokenization that keeps card data off the platform servers.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
Support
The maker offers contact by email and Discord, and says commercial support, implementation, and custom development services are available through unchained.ch.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
Headquarters
Zürich, SwitzerlandRead 28 Sep 2026 · unchained.shop
API and development
It provides a GraphQL API, TypeScript support, a built-in GraphQL playground, hot module reloading, and a plugin system.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
Commerce features
Its listed modules include product catalogs, orders, payments, delivery, warehousing, and user authentication with role-based access control.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
Company location
Unchained Commerce GmbH lists its address in Zürich, Switzerland.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
Compliance support
The features page says its structured OCSF audit logging is compatible with SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance reporting.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
Headless architecture
The engine separates the frontend from the backend and says it can power web, mobile, IoT, and social commerce from one backend.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
Open-source terms
The FAQ says the software is free under the EUPL, with no licensing or per-transaction fees, and that distributed modifications must use compatible open-source terms.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
Use cases
The platform is described as suitable for simple stores and complex B2B marketplaces.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
What it is
Unchained Engine is an open-source, headless e-commerce platform built with Node.js and GraphQL.Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop

Plans and prices

Unchained Engine Free 100% free and open-source · no licensing or per-transaction fees · hosting infrastructure is paid by user Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop

Every Unchained Engine plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free under EUPL terms
  • Headless backend supports multiple channels
  • GraphQL, TypeScript, playground, and plugins
  • Self-hosted and Docker-ready
  • Modules include inventory and role-based access

Limits

  • Hosting infrastructure costs remain with the user
  • Distributed modifications need compatible open-source terms
  • No free trial is listed

Who it suits

Developers and commerce teams building stores, B2B marketplaces, subscriptions, or multi-channel commerce. It suits organizations prepared to self-host and manage deployment infrastructure.

Verdict

Unchained Engine offers a broad open-source commerce foundation with headless deployment and extensive integrations. Its self-hosting model and EUPL obligations matter when planning operations and modifications.

Where Specifiction places it

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