dotCMS vs Payload CMS
dotCMS
dotcms.com
Payload CMS
payloadcms.comSide by side
| Figure | dotCMS | Payload CMS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 2 |
| Spec score · CMS Tools | 8.5 (#7) | 8.1 (#18) |
| Spec score · Headless CMS | 8.5 (#12) | 8.5 (#11) |
| API types | both | both |
| Asset transformations | Yes | Yes |
| Deployment | dotCMS offers managed dotCMS Cloud, Cloud Anywhere on AWS, Azure, or GCP, and self-hosted deployment. | Payload says it can be self-hosted anywhere a Node.js app can run, and provides starter templates for Vercel and Cloudflare. |
| Headquarters | Beaverton, Oregon, United States | United States |
| Integrations | Listed integrations include AWS Rekognition, Google Analytics 4, Google Translate, OpenAI, Grafana Loki, and Shopify. | Official plugins include Form Builder, MCP, Multi-Tenant, Search, Sentry, SEO, Stripe, Import/Export, and Ecommerce. |
| Content localization | Yes | Yes |
| Content preview | Yes | Yes |
| Product | dotCMS is a content management platform focused on helping enterprises manage digital experiences at scale. | Payload describes itself as an open-source, Next.js full-stack framework and backend for building websites and applications. |
| Role permissions | custom | custom |
| Support | The pricing page shows initial response times of 8 hours, 6 hours, 4 hours, or custom across its plans, and the Professional Services page describes Basic, Performance, and Premier support tiers. | The self-hosted free option includes community support, while the Enterprise option includes dedicated support. |
| Webhooks | Yes | Yes |
Plans
dotCMS
- StarterPriced on request
- ProfessionalPriced on request
- BusinessPriced on request
- EnterprisePriced on request
- Free (BSL)Free
- Free (BSL)Free
In their own words
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.