Comparison · Headless CMS platforms
Sanity vs Strapi: which is better in 2026?
Strapi ranks higher in our list of headless CMS platforms (#1 against #3, score 91.0 against 88.0).
- 88.0Editorial score91.0
- 1Platforms2
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Sanity if you want
Structured content with a custom studio.
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.
Choose Strapi if you want
Self-hosted open-source content API.
An open-source headless CMS with an MIT-licensed Community Edition you can self-host, and a paid Strapi Cloud option from $35 a month per project. Enterprise Edition code uses a separate license.
The main differences
- Strapi is open source; Sanity is not.
Side by side
 Sanity |  Strapi | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.0 | 91.0 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan for up to 20 seats; Growth $15 per seat a month | Free plan, paid upgradesCommunity Edition free to self-host; Strapi Cloud from $35 a month per project |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted |
| Made by | Sanity | Strapi Solutions SAS |
| Hosting | Hosted | Self-host or Strapi Cloud |
| Editor | Customizable studio | Admin panel |
| Best for | Structured content with a custom studio | Self-hosted open-source content API |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Sanity vs Strapi
- Is Strapi better than Sanity?
- Strapi ranks higher in our list of headless CMS platforms (#1 against #3, score 91.0 against 88.0). Sanity is best for: structured content with a custom studio. Strapi is best for: self-hosted open-source content API.
- Which is cheaper, Sanity or Strapi?
- Sanity: Free plan for up to 20 seats; Growth $15 per seat a month. Strapi: Community Edition free to self-host; Strapi Cloud from $35 a month per project.
- Do Sanity and Strapi run on the same platforms?
- Sanity supports Web. Strapi supports Web, Self-hosted.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
