Softwr

APIs · head to head

Payload CMS vs PubNub

Payload CMS logo

Payload CMS

APIs

Modern TypeScript-first headless CMS with REST and GraphQL APIs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PubNub logo

PubNub

APIs

Realtime communication platform for chat, IoT, and live data apps

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; PubNub free plan storage history is limited to 7 days, which is short for apps needing longer message retention.
  • They diverge on capability: Payload CMS covers REST API, PubNub covers Pub/sub messaging.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Payload CMS and PubNub differ
AttributePayload CMSPubNub
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsNode.js, Self-hostedweb, ios, android, api
Founded2020Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Payload CMS

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

Only in PubNub

  • Pub/sub messaging
  • Presence tracking
  • Message persistence
  • Serverless Functions
  • File sharing
  • Encryption and access controls

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 PubNub
  • Generating an admin panel plus REST and GraphQL APIs from a code confignot PubNub
  • Digital asset management and headless e-commerce back endsnot PubNub

PubNub

  • Building realtime chat applicationsnot Payload CMS
  • Streaming live IoT sensor datanot Payload CMS
  • Adding presence indicators to collaborative appsnot Payload CMS
  • Running edge logic with serverless Functions on realtime eventsnot 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

PubNub

  • Free plan storage history is limited to 7 days, which is short for apps needing longer message retention.
  • MAU-based pricing means costs scale directly with user growth, which can be less predictable than flat message-based pricing.
  • Pro-tier custom pricing above 50,000 MAU requires contacting sales rather than self-serve checkout.

Pricing, plan by plan

Payload CMS

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

PubNub

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Up to 200 MAU or 1M transactions
    • 1GB data storage (7 days)
    • 5 test Serverless Functions
  • Starter$98/month
    • 1,000 MAU included
    • User management
    • Insights
  • Pro$undefined/month
    • Custom MAU packages
    • Volume discounts
    • Enterprise-scale configurations

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 graphql api.
Payload CMS review

Choose PubNub if

  • You need pub/sub messaging.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on web, ios, android, api.
  • You also want presence tracking.
PubNub review

Questions people ask

Is Payload CMS or PubNub better?
Neither clearly leads. Payload CMS starts at Free and PubNub at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Payload CMS or PubNub?
Payload CMS starts at Free and PubNub at Free.
Does Payload CMS or PubNub run on more platforms?
Payload CMS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted. PubNub runs on web, ios, android, api.
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 PubNub is typically brought in for.
What can Payload CMS do that PubNub cannot?
Payload CMS covers REST API, GraphQL API, Versioning, TypeScript. PubNub covers Pub/sub messaging, Presence tracking, Message persistence, Serverless Functions.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
PubNub: What does PubNub cost?

PubNub offers a free plan for up to 200 MAU or 1 million transactions, a Starter plan at $98/month for 1,000 MAU, and custom Pro pricing for larger volumes, e.g. around $550/month for 10,000 MAU.

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
PubNub: Is there a free plan, and what are its limits?

Yes, the free plan supports up to 200 monthly active users or 1 million transactions, includes 1GB of data storage retained for 7 days, and requires no credit card.

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
PubNub: How is usage metered?

PubNub bills primarily by Monthly Active Users, defined as a unique user who connects at least once in a billing cycle; messages are bundled into MAU pricing with no separate per-message fees, and overage is billed proportionally.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Payload CMS

More on PubNub

Keep looking

Other head to heads