Payload CMS
The backend to build the modern web.
Payload CMS is an open-source headless content management system and application framework built with TypeScript and React on Next.js. It solves the problem of managing content across multiple digital properties while giving developers full control over their infrastructure, avoiding the limitations of closed, proprietary platforms.
The platform offers a code-first approach where developers define their content schema in code, alongside features such as multi-tenancy, white labeling, localization, access control, and authentication. It includes a visual editor, publishing workflows, static A/B testing, and AI capabilities like auto-embedding and RAG with vector embeddings. Enterprise features add single sign-on (SSO) via SAML or OAuth 2.0, and the system integrates with any compatible database including MongoDB, Postgres, or SQLite.
Payload is designed for developers, marketing teams, enterprise companies, and agencies. It is MIT-licensed and free to self-host anywhere that runs Node.js, with no usage limits. Enterprise customers can access dedicated support, hosting, and advanced features through a paid plan, while instant deployment templates are available for Vercel and Cloudflare.
12 alternatives to Payload CMS
Ranked by how well each tool replaces Payload CMS: shared features, audience, price and popularity.
Enterprise headless CMS for marketing and dev teams.
Covers 9 of 15 key features.
Free plan66 out of 100 match$699/moCraft is a flexible, user-friendly CMS for creating custom digital experiences on the web.
Covers 2 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen source65 out of 100 matchContact salesSimple, lightweight CMS for attractive websites.
Covers 3 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen source64 out of 100 matchContact sales- 64 out of 100 match$99/mo
Headless content management system for websites, ecommerce, and mobile apps.
Covers 1 of 15 key features.
Free plan63 out of 100 match$71/moOpen source content management system built on Python and React
Covers 7 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen source63 out of 100 matchFreeHeadless CMS with a visual editing interface for developer and marketing teams.
Covers 1 of 15 key features.
Free plan63 out of 100 match$99/moPHP content management system built on the Laravel framework
Covers 3 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen source62 out of 100 match$26/mo- 62 out of 100 matchFree
- 61 out of 100 match$10/mo
Open source content management system and framework.
Covers 7 of 15 key features.
Open source61 out of 100 match—The collaborative backend and self-hostable headless CMS over any database
Covers 7 of 15 key features.
Free plan61 out of 100 match$499/mo