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API Management · head to head

KeystoneJS vs Zephyr Scale

KeystoneJS logo

KeystoneJS

API Management

Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Z

Zephyr Scale

Testing & QA

Native test management for Jira

From
On request
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; Zephyr Scale split across separate Essential and Advanced editions plus a distinct Zephyr Enterprise on-premises product, so buyers must pick the right SKU before pricing applies

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which KeystoneJS and Zephyr Scale actually diverge.

Attributes where KeystoneJS and Zephyr Scale differ
AttributeKeystoneJSZephyr Scale
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsNode.js, Self-hostedWeb
CategoryAPI ManagementTesting & QA
Founded2016Unknown

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Zephyr Scale

Nothing recorded that KeystoneJS does not also cover.

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

Zephyr Scale

No use cases recorded yet. See the Zephyr Scale review.

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

Zephyr Scale

  • Split across separate Essential and Advanced editions plus a distinct Zephyr Enterprise on-premises product, so buyers must pick the right SKU before pricing applies

Pricing, plan by plan

KeystoneJS

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full KeystoneJS
    • Community support

Zephyr Scale

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Zephyr Scale review.

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 Zephyr Scale if

Nothing in the data separates Zephyr Scale from KeystoneJS on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Zephyr Scale review

Questions people ask

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