strapivspayload
Payload is TypeScript-first, code-defined collections, and ships an admin UI you can fully customize. Strapi is database-first with a more "WordPress for devs" feel. Pick Payload for type-safe headless CMS.
strapi
github.com/strapi/strapiHeadless CMS with admin UI. ~64k stars. Mature, large community, plugin ecosystem. Heavier than Payload, more familiar if you come from WordPress.
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 strapi if…
You want a mature CMS with a friendly admin UI and a large plugin ecosystem.
Skip strapi if…
You want TypeScript-native code-first content modeling — Payload fits builders better.
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.
Still picking? Get the full curated stack.
StackPicks members get 100+ open-source tools with curator takes, 13 ready-to-ship stack bundles, and 12 skill tracks. ₹99 lifetime.
See pricing