Payload
The Next.js Headless CMS and App Framework
The Next.js native headless CMS and app framework. Code-first, fully TypeScript, with instant backend superpowers including REST and GraphQL APIs.
25K
GitHub Stars
native
TypeScript
medium
Learning Curve
4.7
DX Score
Pricing
Model
freemium
Free Tier
Open source, self-hosted
Paid
Payload Cloud available
Features
- ✓ Next.js native integration
- ✓ Code-first schema
- ✓ REST and GraphQL APIs
- ✓ React admin panel
- ✓ Live Preview
- ✓ Visual editing
- ✓ Field-based localization
- ✓ Multi-tenancy
- ✓ Version control
Pros
- + Next.js native
- + Fully TypeScript
- + Code-first approach
- + Great developer experience
- + Self-contained deployments
Cons
- - Next.js ecosystem only
- - Newer than alternatives
- - Less plugins than Strapi
- - Learning curve for non-devs
Best For
startup indie hacker
Alternatives
headless-cms nextjs typescript code-first app-framework