Payload CMS
Strapi
Compare Payload CMS and Strapi - two leading open-source headless CMS options. Find out which is right for your project.
Start MigrationPayload for TypeScript projects, Strapi for visual builders. Choose Payload if you're a TypeScript shop, want code-based configuration, or are building deeply integrated Next.js applications. Choose Strapi if you need a visual content-type builder, want more plugins out of the box, or your team prefers GUI-based setup.
Official docs: Payload CMS Documentation · Strapi Documentation
| Feature | Payload CMS | Strapi |
|---|---|---|
TypeScript Support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Visual Builder | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Community Size | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Plugin Ecosystem | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Next.js Integration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Learning Curve | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Detail | Payload CMS | Strapi |
|---|---|---|
Language / Stack | TypeScript / Node.js | Node.js (JavaScript/TypeScript) |
Type | headless cms | headless cms |
Pricing | Free (self-hosted) / Cloud plans available | Free (self-hosted) / $29+/month (Cloud) |
Open Source | Yes | Yes |
Best For | Next.js developers wanting a CMS that lives in their codebase with zero API overhead | Developer teams wanting a self-hosted headless CMS with full control |
Export Method | REST API, GraphQL, or direct database access | REST API, GraphQL API, or database export |
The right choice between Payload CMS and Strapi depends on three things: your team's technical skills, your project timeline, and your long-term content strategy.
Both platforms sit in the same category — headless cms — so the deciding factors are ecosystem size, editorial workflow, and specific feature gaps. Payload CMS uses TypeScript / Node.js, while Strapi runs on Node.js (JavaScript/TypeScript). If your developers already know one of those stacks, lean toward that platform to reduce ramp-up time.
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 offers a free Strapi → Payload CMS migration tool that preserves your URLs, metadata, and content structure.
Explore more comparisons featuring Payload CMS or Strapi
Compare Directus and Strapi for your headless CMS needs. Both are open source with different approaches.
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.
WordPress vs Strapi: which is right for your project? WordPress is php-based cms powering 43% of the web. Strapi is open-source headless cms built with node.js. 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.
Drupal vs Strapi: which is right for your project? Drupal is enterprise php cms for complex content architectures. Strapi is open-source headless cms built with node.js. We compare features, performance, and pricing.
Joomla vs Payload CMS: which is right for your project? Joomla is php cms balancing power and usability. 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
Navigate the headless CMS landscape with this comprehensive decision guide. Compare Sanity, Contentful, Strapi, Payload, and more.
15 min readcomparisonBoth 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 readcomparisonCompare the best website builders for small businesses. From Squarespace to Wix to modern alternatives—find the right fit.
13 min readMove your content between Payload CMS, Strapi, and 60+ other platforms with our free migration tool.
Start Free Migration