Payload CMSDeveloper Tools & DevOpsPayload is an open-source, TypeScript headless CMS that installs into a Next.js app, generating REST and GraphQL APIs plus an admin panel from your own schema code.
Open sourceSelf-hostedAPIfreemium
Technical shortlist
Open-source headless CMS for developers
Lead with the content model and deployment workflow. Developers need predictable migrations, typed or documented APIs, environment promotion and an authorization model that remains manageable as content and teams grow.
For web developers and platform teams building content-driven sites, applications and APIs on infrastructure they control.
Lead with the workload
The decision to make
Prototype the hardest content relationship, permission rule and migration before choosing. Confirm how schemas move between development, staging and production.
Directory fields in this matrix were refreshed through September 27, 2026. Follow each source link for current vendor information.
Available profiles
All tools →2 matching tools
| Tool | Deployment | Source model | API | Pricing model | Primary source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payload CMS | Self-hosted | Open source | Available | freemium | Official source ↗ |
| Strapi | Self-hosted | Open source | Available | freemium | Official source ↗ |
Payload CMSDeveloper Tools & DevOps
StrapiDeveloper ToolsStrapi is a headless CMS with content types, an admin interface and API delivery.
Open sourceSelf-hostedAPIfreemium