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Spreadsheets · head to head

NocoDB vs Payload CMS

NocoDB logo

NocoDB

Spreadsheets

Open-source no-code database platform with REST and GraphQL APIs

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: NocoDB the free cloud tier is capped at 3 editor seats, 1,000 records and 1 GB of storage; 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: NocoDB covers No-code database, Payload CMS covers Versioning.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where NocoDB and Payload CMS differ
AttributeNocoDBPayload CMS
Pricing modelfreemiumopen-source
PlatformsCloud, Self-hosted, DockerNode.js, Self-hosted
CategorySpreadsheetsAPIs

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), founded (2020).

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 NocoDB

  • No-code database
  • Multiple SQL databases
  • Webhooks
  • Automation
  • Cloud support
  • Docker support

Only in Payload CMS

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

Both cover

  • REST API
  • GraphQL API
  • Self-hosted support

What people use each for

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

NocoDB

  • Self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet databasenot Payload CMS
  • Putting a spreadsheet interface over an existing Postgres or MySQL databasenot Payload CMS
  • Building internal tools on structured data with an APInot Payload CMS
  • Team bases with per-field and per-table permissions on the paid tiersnot Payload CMS

Payload CMS

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

Where each one falls short

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

NocoDB

  • The free cloud tier is capped at 3 editor seats, 1,000 records and 1 GB of storage
  • Records are the metering unit on cloud, so Plus covers 50K and Business 300K rather than scaling by seat alone
  • Row-level security, audit log retention and team hierarchy require the Scale tier
  • SCIM provisioning and air-gapped deployment are Enterprise only
  • The self-hosted Community edition is unlimited on records and seats but does without workflows, scripts and dashboards, which start at the paid self-hosted tiers

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

NocoDB

Free
  • Free (Cloud)Free
    • 3 editor seats
    • 10 commenter seats
    • 1 GB storage
  • Plus$12/month
    • Unlimited seats
    • 50,000 records
    • 20 GB storage
  • Business$24/month
    • Unlimited seats
    • 300,000 records
    • 100 GB storage
  • Scale$45/month
    • Minimum 3 seats required
    • 1,000,000 records
    • 150 GB storage

Payload CMS

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

Which should you pick?

Choose NocoDB if

  • You need no-code database.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cloud, Self-hosted, Docker.
  • You also want multiple sql databases.
NocoDB 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 NocoDB or Payload CMS better?
Neither clearly leads. NocoDB 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, NocoDB or Payload CMS?
NocoDB starts at Free and Payload CMS at Free.
Does NocoDB or Payload CMS run on more platforms?
NocoDB runs on Cloud, Self-hosted, Docker. Payload CMS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted.
Can I use NocoDB for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is NocoDB best used for?
NocoDB is most often used for self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet database, putting a spreadsheet interface over an existing postgres or mysql database, building internal tools on structured data with an api, team bases with per-field and per-table permissions on the paid tiers. Of those, self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet database and putting a spreadsheet interface over an existing postgres or mysql database are not what Payload CMS is typically brought in for.
What can NocoDB do that Payload CMS cannot?
NocoDB covers No-code database, Multiple SQL databases, Webhooks, Automation. Payload CMS covers Versioning, TypeScript, Node.js, Databases. Both handle REST API, GraphQL API, Self-hosted support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

NocoDB: Is NocoDB free?

Yes, NocoDB offers a free cloud plan with 3 editor seats, 1,000 records, 1 GB storage, and 1,000 API calls per month. A free self-hosted Community edition with unlimited records and seats is also available.

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
NocoDB: How much does NocoDB Plus cost?

NocoDB Plus costs $12 per seat per month (billed annually) or $15 per seat per month (monthly). For unlimited seats, it costs $108/month annually or $180/month monthly. Plus includes 50,000 records, 20 GB storage, and 100,000 API calls per month.

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
NocoDB: What is the difference between NocoDB Plus and Business plans?

Plus ($12/seat annual) includes 50,000 records and 100,000 API calls per month. Business ($24/seat annual) includes 300,000 records, 1,000,000 API calls per month, external database connections, SAML SSO, and table/field permissions.

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
NocoDB: Can I self-host NocoDB for free?

Yes, NocoDB's Community edition is free for self-hosting. It includes unlimited records, storage, and seats, with all core features including webhooks and 6 view types.

Source
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