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KeystoneJS vs Parabola

KeystoneJS logo

KeystoneJS

Software

Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Parabola logo

Parabola

Software

Visual flow automation for modern teams

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: KeystoneJS database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite; Parabola the Basic plan allows 1 user and 1,000 credits with limited AI
  • They diverge on capability: KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, Parabola covers Visual workflow builder.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which KeystoneJS and Parabola actually diverge.

Attributes where KeystoneJS and Parabola differ
AttributeKeystoneJSParabola
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsNode.js, Self-hostedWeb
Founded20162015

Identical on both: starting price (Free), 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 KeystoneJS

  • GraphQL API
  • Admin interface
  • Node.js
  • Next.js
  • React
  • Databases
  • Node.js support
  • Self-hosted support

Only in Parabola

  • Visual workflow builder
  • Data transformation
  • Conditional logic
  • Looping
  • Error handling
  • Monitoring
  • Scheduling
  • 300+ apps

Both cover

  • REST API

What people use each for

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

KeystoneJS

  • Building a headless CMS with a GraphQL API from a TypeScript schemanot Parabola
  • Generating a configurable Admin UI for editorsnot Parabola
  • Adding structured rich text content with the document fieldnot Parabola

Parabola

  • Workflow automation for operations and finance teamsnot KeystoneJS
  • Data integration across 1,000+ sourcesnot KeystoneJS
  • Automation and reporting workflowsnot KeystoneJS

Where each one falls short

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

KeystoneJS

  • Database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite
  • Keystone 5 is a separate legacy product documented on a different site and is not covered by the Keystone 6 docs
  • Upgrading requires following a dedicated Migrate to 8.0.0 guide, so major versions are not drop-in
  • Free support is a community Slack; enterprise-grade consulting and support is a separate paid engagement with Thinkmill and no published price

Parabola

  • The Basic plan allows 1 user and 1,000 credits with limited AI
  • No price is published for either the self serve or the business tier
  • Credits are consumed when agents run, and further credits are bought pay as you go
  • Role based access control, SSO, version history and SLAs all sit on the unpriced business plan

Pricing, plan by plan

KeystoneJS

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full KeystoneJS
    • Community support

Parabola

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Parabola review.

Which should you pick?

Choose KeystoneJS if

  • You need graphql api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Node.js, Self-hosted.
  • You also want admin interface.
KeystoneJS review

Choose Parabola if

  • You need visual workflow builder.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want data transformation.
Parabola review

Questions people ask

Is KeystoneJS or Parabola better?
Neither clearly leads. KeystoneJS starts at Free and Parabola at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, KeystoneJS or Parabola?
KeystoneJS starts at Free and Parabola at Free.
Does KeystoneJS or Parabola run on more platforms?
KeystoneJS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted. Parabola runs on Web.
Can I use KeystoneJS for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is KeystoneJS best used for?
KeystoneJS is most often used for building a headless cms with a graphql api from a typescript schema, generating a configurable admin ui for editors, adding structured rich text content with the document field. Of those, building a headless cms with a graphql api from a typescript schema and generating a configurable admin ui for editors are not what Parabola is typically brought in for.
What can KeystoneJS do that Parabola cannot?
KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, Admin interface, Node.js, Next.js. Parabola covers Visual workflow builder, Data transformation, Conditional logic, Looping. Both handle REST API.
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