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APIs · head to head

KeystoneJS vs Payload CMS

KeystoneJS logo

KeystoneJS

APIs

Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Payload CMS logo

Payload CMS

APIs

Modern TypeScript-first headless CMS with REST and GraphQL APIs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: KeystoneJS database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite; 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: KeystoneJS covers Admin interface, Payload CMS covers Versioning.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where KeystoneJS and Payload CMS differ
AttributeKeystoneJSPayload CMS
Founded20162020

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), free tier (Yes), platforms (Node.js, Self-hosted), user rating (Not yet rated), category (APIs).

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

  • Admin interface
  • Next.js
  • React

Only in Payload CMS

  • Versioning
  • TypeScript
  • Custom plugins

Both cover

  • REST API
  • GraphQL API
  • Node.js
  • Databases
  • Node.js support
  • Self-hosted support

What people use each for

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

KeystoneJS

  • Headless CMS implementationnot Payload CMS
  • Content management systemsnot Payload CMS
  • Customizable API-driven applicationsnot Payload CMS

Payload CMS

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

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

KeystoneJS

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full KeystoneJS
    • Community support

Payload CMS

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

Which should you pick?

Choose KeystoneJS if

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

Choose Payload CMS if

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

Questions people ask

Is KeystoneJS or Payload CMS better?
Neither clearly leads. KeystoneJS 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, KeystoneJS or Payload CMS?
KeystoneJS starts at Free and Payload CMS at Free.
Does KeystoneJS or Payload CMS run on more platforms?
Both run on Node.js, Self-hosted, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
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 headless cms implementation, content management systems, customizable api-driven applications. Of those, headless cms implementation and content management systems are not what Payload CMS is typically brought in for.
What can KeystoneJS do that Payload CMS cannot?
KeystoneJS covers Admin interface, Next.js, React. Payload CMS covers Versioning, TypeScript, Custom plugins. Both handle REST API, GraphQL API, Node.js, Databases.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

KeystoneJS: Is KeystoneJS free?

Yes, KeystoneJS is free and open source with no licensing fees. Core platform has no lock-in and is contributed to by 250+ developers.

Source
Payload CMS: How much does Payload CMS cost?

Payload CMS does not publish detailed pricing information on its main website. The site indicates a divide between self-hosted open-source development solutions and premium features, but specific costs and billing periods are not listed.

Source
KeystoneJS: What are hosting costs for KeystoneJS?

KeystoneJS is self-hosted and deployment-agnostic. Hosting costs depend on your chosen deployment platform (Vercel, AWS, Heroku, etc.) and infrastructure, not KeystoneJS itself.

Source
Payload CMS: Does Payload CMS offer an open-source option?

Yes, Payload offers an open-source option for self-hosted development solutions, with additional enterprise features available.

Source
KeystoneJS: Does KeystoneJS offer paid support?

Enterprise support with tailored options is available from Thinkmill, the company behind KeystoneJS. Pricing details available upon request.

Source
Payload CMS: How do I learn about Payload CMS pricing?

Users can visit the /get-started page for pricing details or schedule a demo through the website to discuss pricing and enterprise options.

Source
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