Payload
Open-source Next.js headless CMS and app framework
- #2 of 10 in best headless CMS platforms
- Free and open source
- Free to use
- Open source
- WebSelf-hosted
Ranked 2 of 10 in best headless CMS platforms
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
About Payload
Payload is a headless CMS that runs inside a Next.js application, so the admin panel, APIs and custom code live in one project. Developers define collections and fields in code, and the project describes itself as a fullstack Next.js framework.
Payload is released under the MIT license, so teams can self-host it and change the code freely. Because content models are code, it suits developers more than non-technical editors who want a hosted interface. The GitHub page links to its documentation and community help.
Key features
- Next.js and TypeScript
- Admin panel
- Collections defined in code
- MIT license
Strengths
- MIT-licensed and free to self-host
- Admin panel and APIs in one Next.js project
Limits
- Requires comfort with Next.js and TypeScript
- Content models are code, which suits developers over editors
Where Payload ranks
How Payload compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Hosting | Editor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 Strapi | 91.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebSelf-hosted | Self-host or Strapi Cloud | Admin panel |
| #2Payload | 89.5 | Free and open source | WebSelf-hosted | Self-hosted in your Next.js app | Admin panel in Next.js |
#3 Sanity | 88.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | Web | Hosted | Customizable studio |
#4 Directus | 86.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebSelf-hosted | Self-hosted or Directus Cloud | Admin app over SQL |
#5 Storyblok | 84.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | Web | Hosted | Visual editor |
The full comparison table for best headless CMS platforms has all 10 products.
Alternatives to Payload
All 9 alternatives- StrapiOpen-source TypeScript headless CMS with self-hosting and a cloud option
- SanityStructured content platform with a customizable editing studio
- DirectusData platform that turns SQL databases into a headless CMS and API
- StoryblokHeadless CMS with a visual editor for structured content and pages
TinaCMSOpen-source headless CMS with visual editing for content stored in Git
HygraphGraphQL headless CMS for structured content with a free Hobby plan
Questions about Payload
- Is Payload free?
- Payload can be used without paying: Free and open source under MIT; runs inside your own Next.js app. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Payload open source?
- Yes. Payload publishes its source code under the MIT license.
- Which platforms does Payload support?
- Payload is available on: Web, Self-hosted.
- What is Payload best for?
- Developers building in Next.js. In our ranking of headless CMS platforms it is number 2 of 10 with a score of 89.5.
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