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Hasura vs Payload CMS

Hasura logo

Hasura

Software

GraphQL engine that instantly creates production-ready GraphQL API from databases

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Payload CMS logo

Payload CMS

Software

Modern TypeScript-first headless CMS with REST and GraphQL APIs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Hasura database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only; Payload CMS payload is a Next.js fullstack framework and installs into a Next.js app, so it is not framework-agnostic
  • They diverge on capability: Hasura covers Real-time subscriptions, Payload CMS covers REST API.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Hasura and Payload CMS actually diverge.

Attributes where Hasura and Payload CMS differ
AttributeHasuraPayload CMS
PlatformsWebNode.js, Self-hosted
Founded20172020

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Hasura

  • Real-time subscriptions
  • Access control
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Webhooks
  • REST APIs
  • Cloud support
  • Docker support

Only in Payload CMS

  • REST API
  • Versioning
  • TypeScript
  • Node.js
  • Databases
  • Custom plugins
  • Node.js support

Both cover

  • GraphQL API
  • Self-hosted support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Hasura

  • Automatic GraphQL API generation from existing databasesnot Payload CMS
  • Real-time data subscriptions for modern applicationsnot Payload CMS
  • Backend infrastructure for web and mobile applicationsnot Payload CMS
  • Event-triggered webhooks for database changesnot Payload CMS

Payload CMS

  • Running a headless, TypeScript-configured CMS you self-hostnot Hasura
  • Generating an admin panel plus REST and GraphQL APIs from a code confignot Hasura
  • Digital asset management and headless e-commerce back endsnot Hasura

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Hasura

  • Database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only

Payload CMS

  • Payload is a Next.js fullstack framework and installs into a Next.js app, so it is not framework-agnostic
  • Database support is limited to MongoDB and Postgres
  • SSO is an Enterprise-only feature
  • Publishing workflows, the visual editor, static A/B testing and AI auto-embedding are listed as Enterprise features
  • Enterprise is sold through a Schedule a Demo form with no published price
  • Free support is through a Discord community rather than a vendor support channel

Pricing, plan by plan

Hasura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Hasura review.

Payload CMS

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full PayloadCMS
    • Self-hosted
    • Community support

Which should you pick?

Choose Hasura if

  • You need real-time subscriptions.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want access control.
Hasura review

Choose Payload CMS if

  • You need rest api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Node.js, Self-hosted.
  • You also want versioning.
Payload CMS review

Questions people ask

Is Hasura or Payload CMS better?
Neither clearly leads. Hasura starts at Free and Payload CMS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Hasura or Payload CMS?
Hasura starts at Free and Payload CMS at Free.
Does Hasura or Payload CMS run on more platforms?
Hasura runs on Web. Payload CMS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted.
Can I use Hasura for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Hasura best used for?
Hasura is most often used for automatic graphql api generation from existing databases, real-time data subscriptions for modern applications, backend infrastructure for web and mobile applications, event-triggered webhooks for database changes. Of those, automatic graphql api generation from existing databases and real-time data subscriptions for modern applications are not what Payload CMS is typically brought in for.
What can Hasura do that Payload CMS cannot?
Hasura covers Real-time subscriptions, Access control, PostgreSQL, MySQL. Payload CMS covers REST API, Versioning, TypeScript, Node.js. Both handle GraphQL API, Self-hosted support.
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