WordPress (headless) alternatives
A good tool, but not for everyone. If you are shopping around, here are the options we would try first, each scored on the same scale.
Better fits
The best WordPress (headless) alternatives
WordPress (headless) is a solid option: The incumbent, massive ecosystem, and going headless keeps the familiar editor with a modern front end. Ops and security are on you. But it isn't right for everyone, and if you're weighing alternatives, these are the strongest options and who each one suits.
Sanity, 9/10
Best-in-class structured content and developer experience. The default reach for serious Next.js teams. Overkill for simple sites.
Why consider it: Developers, structured content, multilingual, Next.js. From $15/seat/mo (Growth).
Payload, 9/10
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.
Why consider it: Code-first developers, Next.js apps wanting CMS in-app. From Infra only; Payload Cloud paid.
Webflow, 8.5/10
The gold standard for design-led sites with a real CMS. Not truly headless, but for most sites that's fine, and it pays you well.
Why consider it: Designers, marketing teams, no-code sites with a CMS. From $15/mo (Basic); Premium $25.
Shopify, 8.5/10
The default for selling online. For a comparison site it's the money page, huge intent and a strong affiliate program.
Why consider it: Ecommerce of any size, multi-channel selling. From ~$39/mo (Basic).
Contentful, 8/10
The safe enterprise bet with the deepest feature set, but the price cliff from free to $300 is brutal for small projects.
Why consider it: Enterprise content operations, large teams. From $300/mo (Lite).
Data last verified 2026-07-15. Prices and plans change, so always confirm on the vendor's site.