Our store was built on a CMS, and we need to evolve it. We’re still a bit unsure about the differences between IO and Fast Store and which is the better choice.
Hi André!
I’ll give you some context on each of the versions — hope this helps!
What is VTEX IO?
VTEX IO is a low-code, cloud-based development framework that helps deliver business solutions faster. From simple PWA-ready (Progressive Web App) storefronts to custom admin interfaces and back-end applications, VTEX IO offers a set of structures that allow you to build your store quickly and safely.
The front-end foundation of VTEX IO is built on components (apps) developed in React and Tachyons (functional CSS), and also includes back-end development capabilities using Node.js and GraphQL for calling native VTEX or external resources.
The VTEX IO library is made up of a series of ready-made components developed by VTEX and its partner agencies, which can be customized to meet a store’s visual and functional needs and are continuously evolving. Many new components are frequently released by VTEX and its partners.
Advantages of VTEX IO:
1. Performance – Load times for the end user are faster;
2. Greater development flexibility to meet specific business needs;
3. Projects typically have a shorter timeline, thanks to an extensive library of ready-made components created by VTEX or the ecosystem. These components can be adapted to match the client’s style;
4. More security and control, due to the ability to develop on the same source code in a fully secure way using Workspaces. The VTEX IO architecture supports versioning, updating, and rollback of components and apps;
5. User-friendly content management — whether you need to change a banner, update a text, or even reposition an element, the VTEX IO site editor makes it simple with just a few clicks and a drag-and-drop feature, all within a friendly admin panel;
6. Language common to the tech market and comprehensive documentation;
7. Boost results on major search engines (SEO) — VTEX IO includes tools to easily manage elements that help the store perform better on Google, the web’s leading search engine.
8. Native App and VTEX Intelligent Search — VTEX IO natively generates a web app that can be installed on the user’s smartphone, as well as a proprietary search engine.
What is VTEX Faststore?
FastStore is an open-source toolkit based on React and the Jamstack architecture, built with a focus on performance and designed to be fully headless and composable. Faststore consists of: @faststore/core, @faststore/ui, @faststore/cli.
The Faststore version is designed to be flexible and work with Next.js in React.
Advantages of VTEX FastStore:
1. Maximum performance potential — VTEX Faststore uses the concept of SSG (Static Site Generation) to pre-build store pages, making site delivery faster and more resource-efficient.
2. Decoupled front-end and back-end;
3. Content and component CMS — the VTEX Headless CMS is a no-code interface for managing content and components. You can make edits, schedule, and preview page content through the admin panel. The Headless CMS is compatible with other storefronts.
4. Open-source technology — development based on market-standard technologies: React, GraphQL, and Node. Being open-source, users can view all the code without restrictions and access public documentation — both from the technologies themselves and from VTEX.
5. High-performance customization — FastStore addresses the need to create multiple apps for more complex customizations. With full control over component code, you can build a complete component without needing a new VTEX repository.
6. Integrated hosting — projects built with FastStore are hosted within VTEX WebOps, an optimized platform with CI/CD pipelines for performance and code quality, providing greater security, visibility, and release performance. It integrates directly with GitHub, making it easier to scale and giving the development team more autonomy.
Note: The VTEX FastStore version is still in closed beta, so you’ll need to check whether it’s already available for your store. If you choose this version, it’s worth opening a ticket with our team so they can verify that for you.
Karina Mota
Field Software Engineer | VTEX
Hi André,
How’s it going?
As Karina mentions, there are some differences and advantages between the IO and FastStore systems, with both standing out for their distinct and advanced features.
What I think would be really helpful in this case, to address your question in a practical and straightforward way, would be for you to look at a store built on IO and one running on FastStore to find the features that best fit your store’s needs and requirements.
In the response above, we have the advantages of each one — both are excellent for boosting and upgrading your e-commerce 
Best of luck with the new project!
Cheers