Payload vs Strapi
| Tested on | PayloadOur pick | StrapiRunner-up |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Category | Headless CMS | Headless CMS |
| Hosting | Self-hosted (Next.js-native) | Self-hosted, or SaaS via Strapi Cloud |
| Pricing from | Infra only; Payload Cloud paid | Cloud $18-450/mo; self-host = infra only |
| Free tier | Yes (open source, free) | Yes (self-host free; Cloud has trial) |
| API | REST, GraphQL | REST, GraphQL |
| Self-host | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Code-first developers, Next.js apps wanting CMS in-app | Self-hosting, Node/TS teams, data ownership |
Our pick
Payload takes it, scoring 9 on our scale. Read the full reasoning below, then decide against your own constraints.
Payload vs Strapi
Payload and Strapi both get recommended a lot, but they suit different teams. Here's an honest, side-by-side look, no vendor spin.
How they differ
- Hosting: Payload (Self-hosted (Next.js-native)); Strapi (Self-hosted, or SaaS via Strapi Cloud)
- Pricing from: Payload (Infra only; Payload Cloud paid); Strapi (Cloud $18-450/mo; self-host = infra only)
- Free tier: Payload (Yes (open source, free)); Strapi (Yes (self-host free; Cloud has trial))
- API: Payload (REST, GraphQL); Strapi (REST, GraphQL)
- Self-host: Payload (Yes); Strapi (Yes)
- Best for: Payload (Code-first developers, Next.js apps wanting CMS in-app); Strapi (Self-hosting, Node/TS teams, data ownership)
- Our score: Payload (9/10); Strapi (8/10)
Our verdict
On our scoring, Payload edges it (9/10 vs 8/10). The developer darling of 2026, runs inside your Next.js app, config-as-code, no separate infra. If you write code, this is the one to beat. That said, Strapi is the better pick if its strengths (Self-hosting, Node/TS teams, data ownership) match your needs.
Data last verified 2026-07-15. Prices and plans change, so always confirm on the vendor's site.