Directus vs Payload
Comparing two open source alternatives to Contentful . Use the comparison below to decide which one fits your needs.
Directus
The flexible backend for all your projects 🐰 Turn your DB into a headless CMS, admin panels, or apps with a custom UI, instant APIs, auth & more.
Payload
MITPayload is an open-source, TypeScript-first headless CMS and application framework built on Next.js, Express, and React.
Side-by-side comparison
| Directus | Payload | |
|---|---|---|
| License | — | MIT |
| Self-hostable | No | Yes |
| GitHub Stars | 36,785 | 43,812 |
| Forks | 4,858 | 3,968 |
| Open Issues | 406 | 926 |
| Last Commit | Jul 22, 2026 | Jul 27, 2026 |
| First Released | Dec 12, 2012 | Jan 5, 2021 |
| Categories | ||
| Tags | — |
Similar open source alternatives
Strapi
🚀 Strapi is the leading open-source headless CMS. It’s 100% JavaScript/TypeScript, fully customizable, and developer-first.
WordPress
EmDash
A full-stack TypeScript CMS built on Astro and Cloudflare, reimagining WordPress with serverless, type-safe foundations.
WordPress
FlatPress
FlatPress is a lightweight, easy-to-set-up flat-file blogging engine.
WordPress
Ghost
Independent technology for modern publishing, memberships, subscriptions and newsletters.
WordPress
TinaCMS
A fully open-source headless CMS with Git support, Markdown editing, and live visual preview for React-based sites.
Contentful
Haven
Self-hostable private blogging
WordPress