Craft.js vs Payload

Comparing two open source alternatives to Builder.io. Use the comparison below to decide which one fits your needs.

Craft.js

MIT

React framework for building extensible drag-and-drop page editors. Headless, framework-based approach with full plugin support.

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Payload

MIT

Payload is an open-source, TypeScript-first headless CMS and application framework built on Next.js, Express, and React.

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Side-by-side comparison

	Craft.js	Payload
License	MIT	MIT
Self-hostable	Yes	Yes
GitHub Stars	8,739	44,622
Forks	842	4,138
Open Issues	227	1,117
Last Commit	Feb 14, 2025	Sep 8, 2026
First Released	Jun 4, 2019	Jan 5, 2021
Categories	Page Builders	Headless CMS
Tags	#drag-and-drop #No Code #cms #editor	#headless cms #self hosted

GitHub stars over time

Craft.js8,739

Payload

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