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.

Visit Full details

Payload

MIT

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

Visit Full details

Side-by-side comparison

	Directus	Payload
License	—	MIT
Self-hostable	No	Yes
GitHub Stars	37,836	44,662
Forks	4,928	4,147
Open Issues	409	1,130
Last Commit	Sep 9, 2026	Sep 10, 2026
First Released	Dec 12, 2012	Jan 5, 2021
Categories	Headless CMS	Headless CMS
Tags	—	#headless cms #self hosted

GitHub stars over time

Directus

Payload44,662

Similar open source alternatives

Strapi

Open-source headless CMS built with JavaScript and TypeScript — fully customizable and developer-first. Self-hostable alternative to WordPress and Contentful.

Alternative to:

WordPress

EmDash

A full-stack TypeScript CMS built on Astro and Cloudflare, reimagining WordPress with serverless, type-safe foundations.

Alternative to:

WordPress

AI-assisted

FlatPress

FlatPress is a lightweight, easy-to-set-up flat-file blogging engine.

Alternative to:

WordPress

Craft.js

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

Alternative to:

Builder.io

Ghost

Ghost is an independent open-source publishing platform for modern creators. Run blogs, newsletters, memberships, and paid subscriptions all in one beautifully designed place.

Alternative to:

WordPress

TinaCMS

A fully open-source headless CMS with Git support, Markdown editing, and live visual preview for React-based sites.

Alternative to:

Contentful