Top 10 Headless Shopify Agency Picks for eCommerce Brands [2026]
October 16, 2025•17 min read
I hope you enjoy reading this post. If you want us to do your frontend development or design, click here.
Author: Alex Vasylenko | Founder of The Frontend Company
Headless commerce is gaining rapid popularity in the Shopify world, as many e-commerce brands scale and find their traditional monolithic Shopify setups struggling to keep up.
Nearly every client we see moving to a headless architecture has a story of suffering from lost sales due to slow load times and wasted time trying to hack a custom feature.
Headless Shopify architecture is the antidote to these pains. By dividing the frontend from the Shopify backend, brands gain outstanding flexibility, speed, and control. Instead of being stuck in one template, you're free to build a custom frontend (often using modern frameworks like React/Next.js or Gatsby) that communicates with Shopify via APIs, getting super fast websites and exceptional user experiences.
For example, when Victoria Beckham Beauty went headless on Shopify, the site achieved a speed boost at the top of the funnel, and it positively impacted conversion rates.
However, going headless is not a walk in the park. Shopify's team notes that headless projects often have higher upfront costs and longer development timelines, since so much must be built from scratch.
To succeed with a headless setup, you need the right headless Shopify agency – professionals who deeply understand Shopify's backend, know how to write clean frontend code, and can stitch everything together via APIs without breaking your daily operations.
To help you make that choice, I've done the most unpleasant work for you and checked dozens of Shopify development companies on their headless expertise, Shopify Plus experience, client track record, and technical skills. Therefore, I collected the 10 best headless Shopify agencies in 2026. Let's dive into how I selected them and what crucial factors you should consider in your evaluation.
How I Selected These Companies
I've been working on front end development for years, and I've taken part in several headless Shopify setups myself. That experience gave me a clear understanding of how complex these projects can become due to integrations, API limits, and endless testing. I know the pitfalls to expect and the red flags to spot when you're choosing a headless Shopify agency.
So, when I started creating this list, I approached it not as a writer but as a developer who's been there.
I began with a simple rule: every company on this list must actively work with Shopify and Shopify Plus, not just mention it as one of many services. I visited their websites, checked what they actually offer by their Shopify development services, and looked for real headless case studies — projects where they built decoupled storefronts or worked with Hydrogen, Next.js, or Storefront API.
Then I went deeper. To ensure these companies didn't just have good websites and portfolios, I reviewed each of them on Clutch. That's where I could see the honest feedback — how they communicate, how they handle deadlines, and if clients are satisfied with their services.
Here's what I used as selection criteria:
30+% focus on eCommerce and Shopify development.
+10 verified client reviews on Clutch.
Experience with headless setups, Shopify Plus, or API-driven builds.
Positive client feedback about technical skills, communication, and deadlines.
These points helped me filter out agencies that just talk about headless setups without truly delivering them. I selected companies that have the skills, processes, and experience to execute headless Shopify projects at the highest level.
Before we discover the ranking list, I want to share a few crucial details about choosing a Shopify partner. It will help you to make the right choice and make your own evaluation of each of these agencies, or beyond it.
What are the Most Crucial Factors of a Good Headless Shopify Agency
When you contact a headless Shopify agency for the first time, it's easy to get lost in specific terms and unfamiliar words like Hydrogen, Storefront API, or custom frontends. Pay attention so headless Shopify development companies don't overload you with details that don't really matter to you.
A good agency should give you clear answers and ask questions about your store, your bottlenecks, and your goals before even mentioning tools or frameworks.
Here are the points that will help you tell a good agency from a bad one:
They understand both Shopify and frontend development and can clearly explain how the backend and API connect to your custom storefront.
They ask about your business goals and show interest in improving performance, UX, or conversion.
They can explain their process in simple words — how they work, make integrations, test, and release the project.
They show real case studies or examples of headless Shopify projects, ideally with metrics or before/after results.
They speak clearly about timelines, budgets, and limitations. A good team is transparent and honest, even if the client doesn't like what they hear.
If a company communicates this way from the very first call, that's a strong sign you're talking to professionals who know what they're doing.
Okay, now you are prepared for the first contact, and we can jump into a detailed review of the 10 best headless Shopify development agencies!
1. The Frontend Company (TFC) — Headless Shopify Agency You Can Trust
We are a Shopify headless agency trusted by SaaS brands, eCommerce startups, and enterprise teams that want to move faster without losing money.
I put us in the first place as we've delivered over 100 Shopify projects, including full headless Shopify Plus development setups for brands that decided to move away from default themes.
We know Shopify inside out — from Storefront API and Hydrogen to Next.js, React, and GraphQL. Our developers work directly with Shopify's latest tools, writing maintainable code that's ready to scale. We handle the backend logic and the custom frontend architecture, which is exactly what separates a Shopify developer agency from a general development studio.
We don't hide behind project managers. When you work with TFC, you talk directly to the people who lead your product. From the first discovery call to the final release, you'll always know what's happening, who's responsible, and when it's done. We work in short, transparent sprints and keep communication fast and human.
What About Design?
We don't separate code from creativity. Good headless development is nothing without great UX and design.
That's why our team includes senior designers to make sure every store not only runs fast but also looks beautiful for your ICP.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire The Frontend Company?
Giving an exact price from the start wouldn't be honest.
The cost of headless Shopify development depends on how complex your store is, how many developers and designers will be involved, and what integrations you need.
We understand that you might need numbers for your leadership or investors — that's why I personally provide a clear estimation for your headless Shopify project on our first FREE consultation.
Our Core Values
I know how hard it is to push big organizations to change, especially when you're the one trying to convince your team or board to invest in a new headless Shopify setup. That's why we value people like you the most. You're the ones driving innovation inside your company, and we're here to support you.
But if you're not the person fighting for headless Shopify within your company, then another of our values might speak to you more — transparency and honesty.
We'll always tell you the truth, even if we know it might make you hesitate about the upcoming changes. If you need an honest opinion about your headless Shopify setup, reach out to us. We'll take a look, explain everything clearly, and help you make the right decision for your business.
Need an Honest Answer About Your Headless Shopify Setup?
Transform your UI for peak performance!
🔹
Unlock seamless, high-performance frontend solutions tailored to your business.
🔹
Get an interface that outshines competitors and delights your users.
2. Avex – Shopify Plus Powerhouse with Headless Commerce Flair
Avex is a Shopify Plus & enterprise commerce agency from New York that helps businesses growth through design, Shopify Plus e-commerce development, and optimization. They've been doing Shopify projects for over a decade, working with famous brands like Hugo Boss, Tru Earth, and Unite Hair.
Their team takes care of streamlining your operations with customized frontend solutions, seamless integrations, and robust automation, so you can focus on growing your brand.
As Shopify Plus Partners, they design, build, and optimize beautiful eCommerce websites. They love partnering with merchants to help them scale using technology, email marketing, design, and CRO.
Avex Designs offers competitive pricing, with a range between $500 and $24,000 depending on the scope.
Their Services Include:
Shopify Plus Design
Platform migrations
Internationalization
Full-funnel optimization
API Integrations
Headless commerce setups
Why I Included Avex
I placed Avex in the list because they check so many boxes your ICP cares about: they already operate at enterprise scale, have done migrations (often the hardest projects), and they explicitly mention "Headless commerce" among their services on Shopify's partner directory.
Their work shows they handle strategy and technical execution. In short, they prove they are a specialized and professional headless Shopify agency.
3. Ambaum – Shopify Plus Devs with Headless and Scaling Expertise
Ambaum is a seasoned Shopify Plus agency known for its strong focus on complex fractional CTO leadership, strategic guidance, expert development, and eCommerce operations. Their team is praised for professionalism, hitting deadlines, and being highly responsive to client needs.
Technically, Ambaum handles everything from integrating Shopify's Storefront API into a custom frontend to developing private apps or middleware to bridge other systems.
For brands, especially from the United States, that want an experienced technical team to build a headless Shopify solution, Ambaum is a trusted name.
Their Services Include:
Fractional CTO / technical leadership
Frontend development
Platform migration
API integration
Headless commerce support
Ongoing support
Why I Included Ambaum
I included Ambaum because they know how to deal with the challenges that Shopify stores face when growing. Their clients highlight perfect communication, transparency, and technical skills. They have also launched and managed many of their own businesses on Shopify and now use that experience to help clients avoid the same mistakes and build successful online stores.
4. commerce-ui – Headless Specialists with a Perfect Track Record
Commerce-ui is a specialized e-commerce dev company based in Poland, and they've made their name purely on the laser focus on headless Shopify solutions and React storefronts.
If you have a complex headless project and you value top-tier engineering talent at a competitive cost, commerce-ui is an excellent choice.
Over the last 5+ years, they made their Shopify headless agency name, creating sites for DTC leaders like Magda Butrym, Aether, Oura Ringand Lift Foils. Also, they've built one of the first Shopify Hydrogen projects for Nour Hammour.
Numerous reviews highlight their effective project management and high-quality work, indicating a strong ROI for clients.
Their Services Include:
Headless storefront development
Theme redesigns
API integrations
Optimization and performance work
Shopify Hydrogen Development
Shopify Oxygen Development
Why I Included Commerce-UI
Commerce-UI stood out because it delivers both creativity and engineering precision. Their portfolio includes Hydrogen builds and complex integrations with content systems. Clients praise them for results and responsiveness. Their presence on Shopify's partner directory for headless commerce confirms they're operating at the level we expect for this list.
5. VT Labs – Top-Ranked Shopify Devs with Headless, PWA, and App Expertise
VT Labs is a full-cycle Shopify Plus & headless commerce studio that builds, migrates, and maintains ambitious eCommerce platforms. They pitch themselves as an agile Shopify Plus agency — meaning you can expect weekly improvements, shifting priorities, and no surprises.
They've already built Shopify ReactJS storefronts for Greek Flavours — decoupling frontend from Shopify, integrating custom content layers, and improving load speed across devices.
VT Labs' most common project price range is between $10,000 - $49,999, based on 23 reviews.
Their Services Include:
Headless storefront development
Platform migration
API and system integration
Custom Shopify apps
Performance audits
Ongoing support
Why I Included VT Labs
They make the list because clients on Clutch mention their clarity and meeting deadlines when building Shopify setups. They're listed among Shopify Partners who specialize in headless commerce and migrations. All of that gives me confidence that they can handle complex headless Shopify projects with reliability.
Also, they have a nice story of how the son and father set out to transform the e-commerce software development landscape.
6. Charle – Creative Shopify Agency Pushing Headless Innovation
Charle is an awarded Shopify agency from London that has quickly risen to prominence for designing and developing premium Shopify stores. They work with ambitious brands and have a strong reputation in the United Kingdom.
As a Shopify Plus Partner, Charle understands larger-scale needs, but they are versatile enough to help smaller brands punch above their weight with custom solutions.
They've launched 150+ Shopify sites and driven over £300m through stores they built, which speaks to their experience.
Their Services Include:
Custom store design & development
Shopify migrations
Internationalization
Headless commerce builds
SEO, CRO & audits
App integrations
Ongoing support
Why I Included Charle
Charle joined this list because their website shows they promote headless Shopify development as part of their core service. Clients report that they handle both design and performance in harmony, and their portfolio includes popular brands.
Also, they use feedback tools like BugHerd to speed bug fixes and improve client satisfaction.
7. CartCoders - World Class Shopify Marketplace Development Agency
CartCoders is a development company that leans hard into Shopify headless commerce — they explicitly list Hydrogen & Oxygen in their offerings, and they've done over 200 projects globally.
They work across store setups, redesigns, app integrations, and full headless builds, often for businesses that need more technical muscle than default Shopify themes offer.
When CartCoders begin to work with a new client, they start by listening to goals, timelines, and the parts of the workflow that slow things down. They turn those insights into a plan with milestones that clients can track, making work comfortable for both sides.
Their Services Include:
CartCoders is one of those Shopify developer agencies that feels like they do absolutely everything. Their website lists so many services that I honestly couldn't fit them all here. If you're curious, just check them yourself.
Why I Included CartCoders
CartCoders made it to this list because they've built a massive track record in Shopify headless commerce. They build Hydrogen-based storefronts and support clients through migration and scaling.
It's clear they know what they're doing, and their experience shows in the technical detail and the client reviews.
8. Superco – Agile Boutique Agency with High-Quality Shopify Headless
Superco is a Shopify Plus agency founded in 2019 by Tom Mucklow and Tom Carew. From the start, they aimed to gain Shopify Partner status fast, achieving that within 18 months. They describe themselves as customer experience specialists for Shopify Plus brands with a focus on performance, loyalty, and brand growth.
They've worked on migrations and redesigns for clients like Tileflair and a supplement brand projects in the $10,000-$50,000 range.
Their Services Include:
Shopify Plus custom builds
Headless commerce
API integrations
Migrations
Performance improvements
Ongoing support
Why I Included Superco
Superco deserved their place because they've moved fast and smart. Their founding story shows ambition, their client work proves capability, and their reviews highlight strong communication and fast delivery.
Their Shopify Partner status and public recognition in Shopify directories reinforce that they're trusted in the ecosystem. All of this gives me confidence that they belong in this headless Shopify agency ranking.
9. DigitalSuits – Full-Cycle Ecommerce Developers
DigitalSuits is a full-service eCommerce agency born from real ambition and a technical background. It started in 2016 when two Ukrainian students — Artem and Yurii — launched it after graduating from Lumière University in Lyon. Artem came from project management, Yurii from software engineering, and together they decided to build their own path in Shopify & software.
DigitalSuits offers competitive pricing and good value, often fitting client budgets. Specific costs mentioned include $8,000 monthly for ongoing services and project costs ranging from $10,000 to $40,000. Clients appreciate their quality, responsiveness, and flexibility in project management.
They are official partners of Shopify, Shopify Plus, Klarna, Yotpo, Klaviyo, and other prominent e-commerce players.
Their Services Include:
Headless commerce development
Shopify and Shopify Plus development
Platform migration
API & system integration
Performance optimization
Ongoing support
Why I Included DigitalSuits
I included DigitalSuits because they bring not just Shopify expertise but a story behind it — these are people who built from the ground up, learning lessons along the way. When I went through their case studies and reviews, I noticed how clients talk about them as partners who fix complex problems that others couldn't.
That's the kind of Shopify headless agency you want when your setup hits its limits. They've been through the same growth pains, and that's why I trust their perspective.
10. Underwaterpistol – Shopify Plus Agency with Bold E-commerce Solutions
Underwaterpistol has been building Shopify stores since the very beginning — literally. They launched one of the first 100 stores ever built on the platform and have stayed deeply involved in the Shopify ecosystem ever since.
Their team works 100% in-house — designers, developers, and strategists who know how to make eCommerce brands look great and perform even better. They've delivered Shopify Plus projects for names like Ooni, BrewDog, and Roseland, helping them migrate, optimize, and scale globally.
Their Services Include:
Shopify Plus development
UX and design
Store migration
Conversion optimization
API integrations
Brand support
Why I Included Underwaterpistol
I added Underwaterpistol because they were on the market when Shopify was just in its early stages. That experience is unique. They've seen every version, every limitation, and every evolution of the platform. When you've spent that long inside the ecosystem, you stop guessing and start knowing exactly what works.
That's what makes Underwaterpistol shine — they don't learn Shopify, they know the sector inside-out.
What Problems Trigger Brands to Ask a Headless Shopify Agency for Help
Most brand leaders don't wake up one morning and decide to "go headless."
Usually, it happens after months of frustration, when growth exposes the limits of a traditional Shopify setup.
Here are the most common triggers I've seen when companies finally start looking for a headless Shopify agency:
"Our site is too slow, and it's costing us sales."
That's the first thing I hear from 70% of clients. Slow Shopify themes, third-party scripts, and overloaded plugins kill conversions — especially on mobile.
Moving to a headless setup often cuts load time in half by removing theme bloat and rendering pages with modern frameworks like Next.js or Hydrogen. Most performance recoveries start showing ROI within 1–2 months after launch.
"We can't implement the features or design we imagine."
Teams hit a wall when theme files can't handle new interactions, animations, or custom checkout flows. Headless architecture removes those limitations and allows developers to design without worrying about Shopify's Liquid limits.
A skilled agency can rebuild the frontend and make an API bridge in 6–10 weeks, depending on the scope.
"Our marketing and content teams are held back by the platform."
When every homepage update or landing page change requires a developer, speed and creativity die. Making a headless setup allows teams to plug in a CMS like Contentful or Sanity, so they can update content instantly without touching code.
This setup takes 4–6 weeks to implement, and it usually doubles a team's publishing speed.
"Scaling up is painful – our checkout and backend can't handle our growth."
Brands expanding to new countries or traffic levels often see their old setup start breaking — slow cart updates, long API calls, checkout issues. A headless Shopify Plus build offloads the load with a decoupled architecture, giving your backend stability and your frontend full control.
For complex multi-store or international setups, transitions usually take around 8–12 weeks, but the scalability gain is permanent.
Top 10 Headless Shopify Agencies Table
# | Agency | Core Focus | Clutch Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Frontend Company (TFC) | Headless Shopify, Frontend Development, Shopify Plus | 5.0 ★ |
2 | Avex | Shopify Plus, Headless Commerce, CRO | 4.9 ★ |
3 | Ambaum | Shopify Plus, Headless Commerce, Technical Leadership | 5.0 ★ |
4 | Commerce-UI | Headless Shopify, Hydrogen, React Storefronts | 5.0 ★ |
5 | VT Labs | Headless Shopify, Custom Apps, Migrations | 4.9 ★ |
6 | Charle | Shopify Plus, Headless, Custom Design | 5.0 ★ |
7 | CartCoders | Headless Shopify, Hydrogen, App Development | 4.9 ★ |
8 | Superco | Shopify Plus, Headless Commerce, Migrations | 5.0 ★ |
9 | DigitalSuits | Shopify Plus, Headless, API Integrations | 5.0 ★ |
10 | Underwaterpistol | Shopify Plus, Headless, UX & Design | 4.8 ★ |
What Makes The Frontend Company The Best Headless Shopify Agency in 2026?
I know putting my own company first might look like an ego move, but there are solid reasons behind it.
When it comes to headless Shopify development, it's not just about who has the loudest marketing or the biggest client logos. It's about who actually understands how to build and maintain these systems in real life.
Every agency says they're the "best Shopify agency." Few can explain why.
So before writing this section, I asked myself the same question: what really makes us different?
After years of building frontends, running headless setups, and helping eCommerce teams escape Shopify's limits — here's what I came to.
1. We use headless in The Frontend Company's website
Our own website and blog run on a headless setup. This allows us to separate content publishing from the main site logic — we can post articles faster, update layouts anytime, and test new ideas without waiting for developers. We know exactly how it works because we use it every day.
2. We have laser focus on the frontend development
It's in our name and in our background. Our team has deep experience with frameworks like React, Next.js, and Hydrogen. We know how to connect them with Shopify and how to build a frontend that not only looks good but performs smoothly even under heavy load.
3. We never divide design and development
Everyone works side by side — that's why our stores feel balanced. They look great and stay stable, because both sides understand each other's work.
4. We help clients improve and always offer ideas
When we join a project, we don't just build what's written in the technical tasks. We look at the store's bottlenecks, offer frontend improvements, optimize loading times, and help teams make their workflow faster. Clients often come to us for one thing and stay because we find ten other ways to make their store better.
5. We know the e-commerce market
After working with dozens of Shopify and Shopify Plus stores, we've seen what slows down growth — complex themes, cluttered logic, outdated UX. We know how to fix it and how to keep your store flexible as you scale.
6. We make a headless practical
We see headless as a natural next step for brands that have already outgrown standard Shopify setups. It's not a trend — it's a business decision that demands professionalism, speed, technical skill, and flexibility. We understand the responsibility behind such projects and build them with the same precision we'd expect if it were our own product.
Want to build your Headless Shopify Shop with The Frontend Company?
Final Word
If you've read this far, you probably already feel that your Shopify store has hit its limits. Maybe it's slow, maybe your team spends too much time fixing small things, or maybe it just doesn't reflect how far your brand has grown.
Headless setup is for those who are ready to take control. It's for teams that want real performance, flexibility, and independence from themes and plugins.
I've seen many brands make this move, and every time it changes how confident they feel about scaling.
If that sounds like where you are, talk to a few agencies from this list, ask the right questions, and trust your heart.
And if you want an honest conversation about whether headless is truly right for you, reach out to me and let's discuss the next RIGHT move for your store.
Unlock the full potential of your product
Boost customer retention & satisfaction
Become more competitive on the market
Move to the latest technologies stacks
Improve usability & visual appeal
FAQ
Alex Vasylenko is the founder of The Frontend Company, DBC and several other successful startups. A dynamic tech entrepreneur, he began his career as a frontend developer at Deloitte and Scandinavia's largest banking company. In 2023, Alex was honored as one of 'Top 10 Emerging Entrepreneurs' by USA Today.
RATE
Rate this article please
This will help us provide more useful information.
2987 ratings, average 4.98 out of 5