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Alternatives

Best Strapi alternatives in 2026

Strapi is open-source TypeScript headless CMS with self-hosting and a cloud option. These 5 alternatives come from the same rankings, ordered by editorial score. Connected products carry a small, disclosed lift.

5 alternatives From best headless CMS platforms How we rank

Ranked alternatives

  1. 1

    Payload

    An MIT-licensed headless CMS that runs inside a Next.js project, with the admin panel and APIs in one codebase. It suits developers, since content models are code.

    Best for Developers building in Next.js

    WebSelf-hostedFree and open sourceOpen source

    89.5score
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  2. 2

    Sanity

    A hosted content platform with a customizable studio and a free plan for 20 seats. The Studio editor is MIT-licensed, but the hosted platform is not open source, and add-ons apply as projects grow.

    Best for Structured content with a custom studio

    WebFree plan, paid upgrades

    88.0score
    Visit Alternatives
  3. 3

    Directus

    Adds a headless CMS and admin app to an existing SQL database, with a free Core plan you can self-host. It is source-available rather than open source, and the Team plan costs $499 a month.

    Best for Admin layer over an existing SQL database

    WebSelf-hostedFree plan, paid upgrades

    86.5score
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  4. 4

    Storyblok

    A hosted headless CMS with a visual editor, a free Starter plan for testing and personal projects, and Growth plans from $99 a month. It is not open source, and extra seats cost $15 each on paid plans.

    Best for Visual editing for marketing pages

    WebFree plan, paid upgrades

    84.0score
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  5. 5

    Hygraph

    A GraphQL headless CMS with a Hobby plan that is free forever. The Growth plan starts at $199 a month, which costs more than Storyblok's Growth plan, and Enterprise pricing is set through sales.

    Best for GraphQL content APIs for product teams

    WebFree plan, paid upgrades

    82.5score
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About Strapi alternatives

What is the best alternative to Strapi?
On listme.name the highest-scored alternative is Payload, followed by Sanity. The right choice depends on price, platform and whether you need open source.
Is there a free alternative to Strapi?
Yes. Free options include Payload, Sanity, Directus.