KeystoneJS vs Payload CMS
KeystoneJS
keystonejs.com
Payload CMS
payloadcms.comSide by side
| Figure | KeystoneJS | Payload CMS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Headless CMS | 7.7 (#26) | 8.5 (#11) |
| API types | graphql | both |
| Integrations | Keystone can integrate with third-party systems, microservices, and external APIs. | Official plugins include Form Builder, MCP, Multi-Tenant, Search, Sentry, SEO, Stripe, Import/Export, and Ecommerce. |
| Content localization | No | Yes |
| Content preview | No | Yes |
| Product | Keystone is an open-source CMS and backend framework that generates a GraphQL API and management UI from a schema. | 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 Keystone community Slack offers help and personalized support, and enterprise support is available from the makers. | The self-hosted free option includes community support, while the Enterprise option includes dedicated support. |
| Use cases | The maker describes Keystone for apps, websites, eCommerce, and multichannel content experiences. | Payload lists headless CMS, internal tools, commerce, and digital asset management among its use cases. |
Plans
In their own words
KeystoneJS
KeystoneJS has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.