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Payload CMS vs Hasura

Payload CMS logo

Payload CMS

Software

Modern TypeScript-first headless CMS with REST and GraphQL APIs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Hasura logo

Hasura

Software

GraphQL engine that instantly creates production-ready GraphQL API from databases

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Payload CMS payload is a Next.js fullstack framework and installs into a Next.js app, so it is not framework-agnostic; Hasura database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only
  • They diverge on capability: Payload CMS covers REST API, Hasura covers Real-time subscriptions.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Payload CMS and Hasura differ
AttributePayload CMSHasura
PlatformsNode.js, Self-hostedWeb
Founded20202017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), 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 Payload CMS

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

Only in Hasura

  • Real-time subscriptions
  • Access control
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Webhooks
  • REST APIs
  • Cloud support
  • Docker support

Both cover

  • GraphQL API
  • Self-hosted support

What people use each for

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

Payload CMS

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

Hasura

  • Automatic GraphQL API generation from existing databasesnot Payload CMS
  • Real-time data subscriptions for modern applicationsnot Payload CMS
  • Backend infrastructure for web and mobile applicationsnot Payload CMS
  • Event-triggered webhooks for database changesnot Payload CMS

Where each one falls short

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

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

Hasura

  • Database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only

Pricing, plan by plan

Payload CMS

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

Hasura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Hasura review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Payload CMS if

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

Choose Hasura if

  • You need real-time subscriptions.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want access control.
Hasura review

Questions people ask

Is Payload CMS or Hasura better?
Neither clearly leads. Payload CMS starts at Free and Hasura at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Payload CMS or Hasura?
Payload CMS starts at Free and Hasura at Free.
Does Payload CMS or Hasura run on more platforms?
Payload CMS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted. Hasura runs on Web.
Can I use Payload CMS for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Payload CMS best used for?
Payload CMS is most often used for running a headless, typescript-configured cms you self-host, generating an admin panel plus rest and graphql apis from a code config, digital asset management and headless e-commerce back ends. Of those, running a headless, typescript-configured cms you self-host and generating an admin panel plus rest and graphql apis from a code config are not what Hasura is typically brought in for.
What can Payload CMS do that Hasura cannot?
Payload CMS covers REST API, Versioning, TypeScript, Node.js. Hasura covers Real-time subscriptions, Access control, PostgreSQL, MySQL. Both handle GraphQL API, Self-hosted support.
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