Payload CMS
Kentico
Payload CMS vs Kentico: which is right for your project? Payload CMS is typescript-first headless cms that lives in your next.js app. Kentico is .net enterprise dxp with built-in marketing tools. We compare features, performance, and pricing.
Start MigrationPayload CMS wins overall, but Kentico is better for .net enterprises needing an all-in-one dxp with marketing automation. Choose Payload CMS for Next.js developers wanting a CMS that lives in their codebase with zero API overhead. Choose Kentico for .NET enterprises needing an all-in-one DXP with marketing automation.
Official docs: Payload CMS Documentation
| Feature | Payload CMS | Kentico |
|---|---|---|
Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Flexibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Cost Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
Scalability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ecosystem | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Detail | Payload CMS | Kentico |
|---|---|---|
Language / Stack | TypeScript / Node.js | .NET / C# |
Type | headless cms | traditional cms |
Pricing | Free (self-hosted) / Cloud plans available | Paid ($10K+/year) |
Open Source | Yes | No |
Best For | Next.js developers wanting a CMS that lives in their codebase with zero API overhead | .NET enterprises needing an all-in-one DXP with marketing automation |
Export Method | REST API, GraphQL, or direct database access | REST API or direct database access |
The right choice between Payload CMS and Kentico depends on three things: your team's technical skills, your project timeline, and your long-term content strategy.
These platforms take fundamentally different approaches. Payload CMS is a headless cms built with TypeScript / Node.js, while Kentico is a traditional cms built with .NET / C#. That architectural difference shapes everything from daily content editing workflows to deployment and hosting costs. If your team includes non-developers who need to publish content frequently, Kentico's familiar editing interface may save you onboarding time.
From a cost perspective, Payload CMS is open-source (Free (self-hosted) / Cloud plans available), while Kentico (Paid ($10K+/year)) carries ongoing license costs. 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.
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