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Cockpit CMS vs Payload CMS

Cockpit CMS

getcockpit.com

Payload CMS

payloadcms.com

Side by side

FigureCockpit CMSPayload CMS
Price from—Free
Free plan—Yes
Free trial——
Open source——
WebYesYes
API—Yes
Self-hosted—Yes
Plans published32
Spec score · Headless CMS6.8 (#33)8.5 (#11)
API typesbothboth
Asset transformationsYesYes
Content localizationYesYes
Content previewYesYes
Role permissionscustomcustom
WebhooksYesYes

Plans

Cockpit CMS

  • Cockpit CorePrice not published
  • Cockpit Pro€299, paid once
  • Cockpit Pro updates€99 a year

Cockpit CMS pricing →

Payload CMS

  • Self-hostedFree
  • EnterprisePriced on request

Payload CMS pricing →

In their own words

Cockpit CMS

Cockpit CMS has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.

Visit getcockpit.com

Payload CMS

Payload CMS is an open-source TypeScript framework and backend for building websites and applications. A configuration provides an admin panel, database migrations, REST and GraphQL APIs, authentication, access control, file storage, and live preview. Its stated uses include headless CMS projects, internal tools, commerce, and digital asset management. Content capabilities include localization, custom role permissions, webhooks, preview, and asset transformations. Official database adapters support MongoDB, Postgres, and SQLite, while plugins cover functions such as forms, search, SEO, and ecommerce. The code is released under the MIT License, and the free self-hosted option includes community support. Payload can run wherever a Node.js app can run, with starter templates for Vercel and Cloudflare; getting started requires Node.js 20.9.0 or later, a JavaScript package manager, and a compatible database. Enterprise features include SSO, visual editing, publishing workflows, AI auto-embedding, and static A/B testing.

Visit payloadcms.com