Payload CMS vs Strapi

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.

Strapi is an open-source, MIT-licensed headless CMS that generates REST and GraphQL APIs from content models. It supports custom content types, multilingual content, a media library, editorial workflows, previews, webhooks, and custom user roles. Developers can customize the admin panel, APIs, data layer, controllers, services, and middleware. Strapi can be self-hosted or deployed to Strapi Cloud, which includes Postgres, a CDN, and email. The Community CMS plan includes unlimited entries and API calls; the Community plan is free forever and includes unlimited usage. Cloud Starter costs $35 a month and includes 100,000 API requests, 50 GB of asset storage, 50 GB of asset bandwidth, unlimited database entries, and one environment. Cloud Business costs $450 a month and includes 10,000,000 API requests. Cloud prices exclude applicable local taxes. A 30-day Growth trial is available for a self-hosted project without a credit card. Growth includes three seats, with additional seats costing $15 per month each. Strapi was founded in 2015 and offers support options ranging from community and basic support to priority, premium, concierge, and dedicated support.