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KeystoneJS vs Paragon

KeystoneJS logo

KeystoneJS

Software

Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Paragon logo

Paragon

Software

Embedded integration platform for SaaS

From
$299/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only KeystoneJS has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: KeystoneJS database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite; Paragon no price is published for either plan, and both require a quote
  • They diverge on capability: KeystoneJS covers REST API, Paragon covers Embedded workflows.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which KeystoneJS and Paragon actually diverge.

Attributes where KeystoneJS and Paragon differ
AttributeKeystoneJSParagon
Starting priceFree$299/month
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsNode.js, Self-hostedWeb, Embedded
Founded20162021

Identical on both: 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

  • REST API
  • GraphQL API
  • Admin interface
  • Node.js
  • Next.js
  • React
  • Databases
  • Node.js support

Only in Paragon

  • Embedded workflows
  • Native integrations
  • Workflow builder
  • Error handling
  • Monitoring
  • Analytics
  • Webhooks
  • 500+ apps

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 Paragon
  • Generating a configurable Admin UI for editorsnot Paragon
  • Adding structured rich text content with the document fieldnot Paragon

Paragon

  • Embedding third party integrations into a SaaS productnot KeystoneJS
  • Managing customer facing connectors without building each onenot 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

Paragon

  • No price is published for either plan, and both require a quote
  • Cost scales with the number of customer tenants using the integrations, so the bill follows an end customer count rather than the vendor's own usage
  • SAML SSO, self hosting, dynamic field mapping and SLAs are all Enterprise only

Pricing, plan by plan

KeystoneJS

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full KeystoneJS
    • Community support

Paragon

$299/month
  • Starter$299/month
    • 50 integrations
    • Basic support
  • Growth$999/month
    • 200 integrations
    • Priority support
  • Enterprise$5000/month
    • Unlimited integrations
    • Dedicated support

Which should you pick?

Choose KeystoneJS if

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

Choose Paragon if

  • You need embedded workflows.
  • You work on Web, Embedded.
  • You also want native integrations.
Paragon review

Questions people ask

Is KeystoneJS or Paragon better?
Neither clearly leads. KeystoneJS starts at Free and Paragon at $299/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, KeystoneJS or Paragon?
KeystoneJS has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for KeystoneJS and $299/month for Paragon.
Does KeystoneJS or Paragon run on more platforms?
KeystoneJS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted. Paragon runs on Web, Embedded.
Can I use KeystoneJS for free?
Yes. KeystoneJS has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Paragon starts at $299/month.
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 Paragon is typically brought in for.
What can KeystoneJS do that Paragon cannot?
KeystoneJS covers REST API, GraphQL API, Admin interface, Node.js. Paragon covers Embedded workflows, Native integrations, Workflow builder, Error handling.
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