Compare
Payload vs Strapi
Strapi is also open-source but not specifically built as a Next.js native backend.
Which to pick
Pick Payload if you want…
- Next.js-native headless CMS
- A free, open-source tool
- Integrations with React (on Payload's list, not Strapi's)
Pick Strapi if you want…
- Customizable open-source headless CMS
- Integrations with Node.js, JavaScript or Vercel (on Strapi's list, not Payload's)
Payload is an open-source CMS built specifically for Next.js, while Strapi is framework-agnostic and supports any front-end.
Side by side
- What it is
- Payload:Payload is an open-source, Next.js-native headless CMS and application framework built with TypeScript and React.
- Strapi:Strapi is an open-source, Node.js-based headless CMS that lets you model content and instantly expose REST or GraphQL APIs.
- Best for
- Payload:Next.js-native headless CMS
- Strapi:Customizable open-source headless CMS
- Who it’s for
- Payload:Developers who need a code-first CMS and marketers who need a visual editing UI.
- Strapi:Developers and teams building content-driven web or mobile apps who need full control over code and hosting.
- Pricing
- Payload:Open source
- Strapi:Paid
- Plans
- Payload:—
- Strapi:Starter $35 per project / month · Pro $90 per project / month · Business $450 per project / month
- Open source
- Payload:Yes, 45,043 GitHub stars
- Strapi:Yes, 73,268 GitHub stars
- Works with
- Payload:Next.js, React, TypeScript
- Strapi:Node.js, JavaScript, TypeScript, Next.js, Vercel, REST, GraphQL
Payload features
- Next.js native backend. Provides a full backend that integrates directly into a Next.js application.
- Visual editing UI. Allows content editors to edit and manage content through an intuitive visual interface.
- RAG + vector embedding. Automatically makes content ready for Retrieval-Augmented Generation without manual steps.
- Code-first schema. Define content schemas in TypeScript, eliminating the need for separate admin panels or ORMs.
- Headless eCommerce & DAM. Supports building eCommerce sites and digital asset management solutions out of the box.
- Enterprise-grade flexibility. Open-source core lets teams customize the CMS to fit large-scale or bespoke requirements.
Strapi features
- Content Type Builder. Design content models, components and dynamic zones with a no-code UI that generates typed APIs.
- Full-stack Customization. Write custom controllers, services, middleware and admin panel extensions using JavaScript/TypeScript.
- Deploy Anywhere. Self-host on any infrastructure or use Strapi Cloud with managed Postgres, CDN and email.
- Enterprise Governance. SOC 2, GDPR compliance, audit logs, review workflows, SSO and SLA support.
- Marketplace Plugins. Add reviewed plugins and integrations or create your own to extend functionality.
- Scalable Architecture. Supports unlimited database entries, multi-environment deployments and edge caching.
Payload vs Strapi FAQ
Is Payload or Strapi free?+
Payload is free and open source. Strapi is paid.
Is Payload or Strapi open source?+
Yes, both are open source: Payload (payloadcms/payload on GitHub, MIT license) and Strapi (strapi/strapi on GitHub).
Do Payload and Strapi integrate with the same tools?+
Partly. Both list Next.js and TypeScript. Payload also lists React; Strapi also lists Node.js, JavaScript, Vercel, REST and 1 more.
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.