Payload 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
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.
Prototype the hardest content relationship, permission rule and migration before choosing. Confirm how schemas move between development, staging and production.
| Tool | Deployment | Source | API | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payload CMS | Self-hosted | Open source | Available | freemium |
| Strapi | Self-hosted | Open source | Available | freemium |
Payload 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.
Strapi is a headless CMS with content types, an admin interface and API delivery.