Payload vs TinaCMS
Comparing two open source alternatives to Contentful and Sanity . Use the comparison below to decide which one fits your needs.
Payload
MITPayload is an open-source, TypeScript-first headless CMS and application framework built on Next.js, Express, and React.
TinaCMS
Apache-2.0A fully open-source headless CMS with Git support, Markdown editing, and live visual preview for React-based sites.
Side-by-side comparison
| Payload | TinaCMS | |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| Self-hostable | Yes | Yes |
| GitHub Stars | 43,812 | 13,667 |
| Forks | 3,968 | 733 |
| Open Issues | 926 | 434 |
| Last Commit | Jul 27, 2026 | Jul 22, 2026 |
| First Released | Jan 5, 2021 | Jul 23, 2019 |
| 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
WollyCMS
Self-hosted, open-source headless CMS built specifically for Astro.js with a block-based page builder.
Contentful
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.
WordPress
CometCMS
Headless, simple CMS with a PHP backend and a convenient Vue admin frontend.
Contentful