directusvspayload
Directus wraps any SQL database (great for migrating existing data). Payload is code-first, TypeScript-native, ships its own MongoDB or Postgres setup. Pick Directus to add CMS to existing DB; Payload for greenfield.
directus
github.com/directus/directusHeadless CMS layered on top of any SQL database. ~28k stars. Strong when you have an existing database and want a no-code admin UI bolted on.
Full review →payload
github.com/payloadcms/payloadTypeScript-native headless CMS. ~30k stars. Self-hostable, code-first schema, generated TypeScript types. Best choice in 2026 for builders who want a CMS that respects code workflows.
Full review →Which should you pick?
Pick directus if…
You have an existing Postgres/MySQL DB and want a CMS admin UI without migrating schema.
Skip directus if…
You are starting fresh — Payload is more modern.
Pick payload if…
You want a CMS you can version-control and self-host with a TypeScript-native API.
Skip payload if…
Your content team needs a polished WYSIWYG and you are okay with SaaS — use Contentful or Sanity.
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