Payload CMS vs TinaCMS

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.

TinaCMS is an open-source, Git-backed headless CMS for adding no-code editing to websites. It stores Markdown, MDX, and JSON content in Git instead of a proprietary database. On React sites, editors can make visual changes with real-time feedback. Its backend offers a queryable GraphQL content API with filtering, searching, and pagination. Teams can use TinaCloud or host the backend on their own stack. Documented integrations include Astro, Next.js, Hugo, and Jekyll. Editorial Workflow provides branch creation, protected branches, automatic pull requests, and shareable previews on Business and Enterprise plans. The Free plan costs nothing, billed Forever, and includes two users and two roles. Team is $24 a month, billed $290 billed annually (save $58). Team Plus is $41 a month, Business is $249 a month, and Enterprise has no listed price. Every plan has a 100 MB asset size cap.