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Payload CMS

Open-source, code-first CMS and full-stack Next.js framework you can own and deploy anywhere

headlessnextjsopen-sourceself-hosted
Websitepayloadcms.com
CategoryContent & CMS
PricingFree
Card requiredNo
Open sourceYes
← ← Back to directoryGo to Payload CMS ↗ ↗

ABOUT

What is Payload CMS?

Payload is an open-source TypeScript CMS that runs inside a Next.js application and gives developers an admin panel, REST and GraphQL APIs, authentication, access control and database migrations. It is designed for teams that want to own the code and deploy it on their own infrastructure instead of adopting a separate SaaS backend.

BEFORE YOU SIGN UP

What you should know

✓
Own the whole applicationThe MIT-licensed core lives in your codebase, with support for MongoDB, Postgres and SQLite. You control the database, deployment and extensions instead of depending on a hosted content lake.
✓
Flexible schema and adminCollections, custom fields, hooks, access rules, drafts and localization are defined in TypeScript and exposed through a customizable React admin panel.
△
Built around Next.jsPayload is a Next.js-native full-stack framework rather than a framework-neutral hosted CMS. That makes it a natural fit for Next.js teams but a less direct choice for other stacks.
✕
Self-hosting needs maintenanceThe free plan covers the software, not the operational work. You still need to run the app, database, storage, backups, updates and production security yourself.

COMMUNITY

From the forums

Developers on Reddit and GitHub generally value Payload's TypeScript-first approach, close Next.js integration and flexible access control. Discussions also show recurring friction around deployment, image storage and the amount of infrastructure work required when self-hosting, especially for teams looking for a simple client handoff.

— Community sentiment · Reddit

⭐GitHub💬Discuss on Reddit ↗

SEE ALSO · Content & CMS

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ABOUT US

Honest, independent, no fluff.

No paid placements. Just a clear look at what this does, what it costs, and what to know before you commit.

Read more→

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Is Payload CMS free?＋

The Payload core is MIT licensed and free to self-host forever. Official hosted support and enterprise features are paid, and the current public pricing page does not show a general hosted free tier.

Does Payload CMS require Next.js?＋

Yes, Payload is built as a full-stack Next.js framework and is intended to run in a Next.js application. Official templates are also available for Vercel and Cloudflare.

Which databases does Payload support?＋

The official getting-started page lists MongoDB, Postgres and SQLite as compatible database options.