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Unchained Engine
Zürich, Switzerland
What it is
Unchained Engine is a free, open-source headless e-commerce platform built with Node.js and GraphQL. It separates the storefront from commerce operations, allowing one backend to serve web, mobile, IoT, and social commerce. Its listed uses range from simple stores to complex B2B marketplaces. Modules cover product catalogs, orders, payments, delivery, warehousing, and user authentication with role-based access control. Developers have a GraphQL API, TypeScript support, a built-in playground, hot module reloading, and a plugin system. Listed integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Datatrans, SendGrid, Mailchimp, Twilio, DHL, UPS, AWS S3, Google Cloud, and Cloudinary. Security features include passkeys, encrypted sessions, access controls, and payment tokenization that keeps card data off platform servers. Unchained Engine can be self-hosted and is Docker-ready for Docker or Kubernetes environments. It is free under EUPL terms, with no licensing or per-transaction fees; users pay for hosting infrastructure. Distributed modifications must use compatible open-source terms. Unchained Commerce GmbH is based in Zürich, Switzerland.
For and against
For
- Free under EUPL with no licensing or transaction fees
- Supports simple stores and complex B2B marketplaces
- Commerce modules cover orders, payments, delivery, and warehousing
- Self-hosted and Docker-ready deployment options
- Includes payment tokenization and role-based access controls
Against
- Hosting infrastructure is paid by the user
- Distributed modifications must use compatible open-source terms
- No free trial is offered
The verdict
Unchained Engine combines a broad commerce module set with a headless architecture and self-hosting options. Its free software terms do not cover hosting infrastructure, and distributed changes carry open-source requirements.
Who it suits
It suits teams building stores or B2B marketplaces that need a headless commerce backend, including self-hosted deployments. Developers may value its GraphQL and TypeScript support, plugin system, and listed integrations.
Plans and prices
Unchained Engine
100% free and open-source · no licensing or per-transaction fees · hosting infrastructure is paid by user
Read 3 Oct 2026 · unchained.shop
On the record
- API and development
- It provides a GraphQL API, TypeScript support, a built-in GraphQL playground, hot module reloading, and a plugin system.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
- Commerce features
- Its listed modules include product catalogs, orders, payments, delivery, warehousing, and user authentication with role-based access control.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
- Company location
- Unchained Commerce GmbH lists its address in Zürich, Switzerland.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
- Compliance support
- The features page says its structured OCSF audit logging is compatible with SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance reporting.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- The engine can be self-hosted and the maker says it is Docker-ready for deployment on Docker or Kubernetes environments.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
- Headless architecture
- The engine separates the frontend from the backend and says it can power web, mobile, IoT, and social commerce from one backend.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Listed integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Datatrans, SendGrid, Mailchimp, Twilio, DHL, UPS, AWS S3, Google Cloud, and Cloudinary.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
- 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.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
- Security
- The features page lists WebAuthn/passkeys, role-based access control, encrypted sessions, and payment tokenization that keeps card data off the platform servers.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker offers contact by email and Discord, and says commercial support, implementation, and custom development services are available through unchained.ch.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The platform is described as suitable for simple stores and complex B2B marketplaces.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
- What it is
- Unchained Engine is an open-source, headless e-commerce platform built with Node.js and GraphQL.unchained.shop · read 3 Oct 2026
