Next.js
Payload CMS
Next.js vs Payload CMS: which is right for your project? Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes. Payload CMS is typescript-first headless cms that lives in your next.js app. We compare features, performance, and pricing.
Start MigrationNext.js wins overall, but Payload CMS is better for next.js developers wanting a cms that lives in their codebase with zero api overhead. Choose Next.js for Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies. Choose Payload CMS for Next.js developers wanting a CMS that lives in their codebase with zero API overhead.
Official docs: Next.js Documentation · Payload CMS Documentation
| Feature | Next.js | Payload CMS |
|---|---|---|
Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Flexibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Cost Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Scalability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ecosystem | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Detail | Next.js | Payload CMS |
|---|---|---|
Language / Stack | JavaScript/TypeScript (React) | TypeScript / Node.js |
Type | framework | headless cms |
Pricing | Free (open-source) | Free (self-hosted) / Cloud plans available |
Open Source | Yes | Yes |
Best For | Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies | Next.js developers wanting a CMS that lives in their codebase with zero API overhead |
Export Method | N/A (destination framework) | REST API, GraphQL, or direct database access |
The right choice between Next.js and Payload CMS depends on three things: your team's technical skills, your project timeline, and your long-term content strategy.
These platforms take fundamentally different approaches. Next.js is a framework built with JavaScript/TypeScript (React), while Payload CMS is a headless cms built with TypeScript / Node.js. That architectural difference shapes everything from daily content editing workflows to deployment and hosting costs. Both platforms require some technical comfort — consider which tech stack aligns better with your team's existing skills.
From a cost perspective, both platforms are open-source, so the real cost difference is hosting and operational overhead. Factor in plugin or extension costs, developer rates for each tech stack, and whether you need managed hosting or can self-host.
Whichever you choose, migrating between them is straightforward. LeaveWP supports migration between 60+ platforms, so you're never locked in regardless of which you pick today.
Explore more comparisons featuring Next.js or Payload CMS
Should you use WordPress or Next.js? Compare features, performance, costs, and find out which is right for your project.
Compare Payload CMS and Strapi - two leading open-source headless CMS options. Find out which is right for your project.
Compare Next.js and Remix for building React applications. See which framework fits your needs.
WordPress vs Payload CMS: which is right for your project? WordPress is php-based cms powering 43% of the web. Payload CMS is typescript-first headless cms that lives in your next.js app. We compare features, performance, and pricing.
Drupal vs Next.js: which is right for your project? Drupal is enterprise php cms for complex content architectures. Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes. We compare features, performance, and pricing.
Drupal vs Payload CMS: which is right for your project? Drupal is enterprise php cms for complex content architectures. Payload CMS is typescript-first headless cms that lives in your next.js app. We compare features, performance, and pricing.
In-depth guides and tutorials to help with your migration
Both Gatsby and Next.js can power your WordPress migration. But they take fundamentally different approaches. Here's how to choose the right one for your project.
12 min readcomparisonStatic site generators have evolved dramatically. Here's how they compare to WordPress in 2026 and why many sites are making the switch.
16 min readtutorialEverything you need to know about migrating from WordPress to Next.js. From planning to deployment, this guide covers the entire migration process.
18 min readMove your content between Next.js, Payload CMS, and 60+ other platforms with our free migration tool.
Start Free Migration