Payload CMS vs Prismic
Payload CMS
payloadcms.com
Prismic
prismic.ioSide by side
| Figure | Payload CMS | Prismic |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $10/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 6 |
| Spec score · Headless CMS | 8.5 (#11) | 9.1 (#3) |
| Spec score · CMS Tools | 8.1 (#18) | 8.6 (#6) |
| API types | both | both |
| Asset transformations | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | United States | Paris, France |
| Content localization | Yes | Yes |
| Content preview | Yes | Yes |
| Product | Payload describes itself as an open-source, Next.js full-stack framework and backend for building websites and applications. | Prismic describes itself as a headless CMS with developer tooling, a CLI, and a page builder that fits into an existing stack. |
| Role permissions | custom | custom |
| Security | Payload’s security page describes SSO with SAML or OAuth 2.0, HttpOnly-cookie authentication, field-level access control, CSRF prevention, and configurable CORS. | Prismic says its API can be configured as private and require client authentication to retrieve repository content. |
| Support | The self-hosted free option includes community support, while the Enterprise option includes dedicated support. | Basic support provides access to the Community Forum, while Enterprise plans include priority or premium support options. |
| Webhooks | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Prismic
- FreeFree
- Starter$10 a month
- Small$25 a month
- Medium$150 a month
- Platinum$675 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
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.
Prismic
Prismic is a headless content management system with developer tools and a visual page builder for websites built on an existing stack. Its Visual Page Builder supports live editing, drag-and-drop layouts and reusable slices; Slice Machine helps model content and generate TypeScript and component structure. Official integrations and SDKs are listed for Next.js, Nuxt and SvelteKit. Teams can localize content, configure custom roles, preview pages, review revision history and roll back changes. Imgix integration optimizes images, and each page includes schema support. APIs, webhooks and a Migration API support integrations and structured content migrations. Prismic runs as a single product across web and API platforms and connects to Claude, ChatGPT and other MCP-enabled AI tools. The free plan allows one user, two locales and 4 million API calls monthly; it includes 100 GB of monthly CDN bandwidth, and exceeding that allowance locks the project. Paid plans start at $10/mo (annual). Prismic was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Paris, France.