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BetterOpenSource

Strapi vs Payload

A side-by-side comparison of two open-source tools to help you choose the right one.

Feature
SummaryThe leading open-source headless CMS.The TypeScript-native headless CMS.
GitHub stars65K33K
LicenseSource AvailableMIT
LanguageTypeScriptTypeScript
PricingFree & Open SourceFree & Open Source
Self-hostable
ReplacesContentful, SanityContentful, Sanity
Rating4.5 / 54.7 / 5

Strapi features

  • Customizable content types
  • Auto-generated REST and GraphQL APIs
  • Role-based admin panel
  • Plugin ecosystem and custom fields
  • Database choice (Postgres, MySQL, SQLite)

Payload features

  • Code-first, fully typed config
  • Auto-generated admin UI and APIs
  • Native Next.js integration
  • Access control and hooks
  • Self-host with your own database

Strapipros & cons

Pros

  • Developer-friendly and flexible
  • Polished editor experience
  • Large plugin ecosystem

Cons

  • Major version migrations can be work
  • Some features are enterprise-tier

Payloadpros & cons

Pros

  • Best-in-class TypeScript DX
  • Owns your data and infra
  • Runs inside your Next.js app

Cons

  • Code-first may not suit non-devs
  • Newer than incumbent CMSes

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