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APIs · head to head

Payload CMS vs Sanity

Payload CMS logo

Payload CMS

APIs

Modern TypeScript-first headless CMS with REST and GraphQL APIs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Sanity logo

Sanity

APIs

Headless CMS with real-time collaborative editing and structured content APIs

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; Sanity free plan limited to 10,000 documents and 100GB assets
  • They diverge on capability: Payload CMS covers REST API, Sanity covers Content API.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Payload CMS and Sanity differ
AttributePayload CMSSanity
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsNode.js, Self-hostedWeb
Founded20202011

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 Sanity

  • Content API
  • Collaborative editing
  • Structured content
  • Webhooks
  • Third-party services
  • GROQ query language
  • Cloud support
  • JavaScript SDK 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 Sanity
  • Generating an admin panel plus REST and GraphQL APIs from a code confignot Sanity
  • Digital asset management and headless e-commerce back endsnot Sanity

Sanity

  • Headless CMS for structured content managementnot Payload CMS
  • Collaborative content editing with real-time multiplayer supportnot Payload CMS
  • API-driven content delivery with GROQ query languagenot 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

Sanity

  • Free plan limited to 10,000 documents and 100GB assets
  • Free plan supports only public datasets
  • Growth plan capped at 50 seats maximum
  • Private datasets, scheduled drafts, and comments/tasks require paid plans
  • Annual billing unavailable for Growth plan; Enterprise-only

Pricing, plan by plan

Payload CMS

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

Sanity

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Up to 20 seats
    • 2 public datasets only
    • 10,000 documents included
  • Growth$15/month
    • Up to 50 seats per seat
    • 2 private or public datasets
    • 25,000 documents included
  • Enterprise$null/month
    • Custom seats
    • Custom datasets
    • Custom document limits

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 Sanity if

  • You need content api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want collaborative editing.
Sanity review

Questions people ask

Is Payload CMS or Sanity better?
Neither clearly leads. Payload CMS starts at Free and Sanity at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Payload CMS or Sanity?
Payload CMS starts at Free and Sanity at Free.
Does Payload CMS or Sanity run on more platforms?
Payload CMS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted. Sanity 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 Sanity is typically brought in for.
What can Payload CMS do that Sanity cannot?
Payload CMS covers REST API, GraphQL API, Versioning, TypeScript. Sanity covers Content API, Collaborative editing, Structured content, Webhooks.

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
Sanity: What does the Sanity Free plan include?

The Free plan includes up to 20 seats, 2 public datasets, 10,000 documents, 1 million API CDN requests per month, and 2 permission roles.

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
Sanity: How much does Sanity Growth plan cost per user?

The Growth plan costs $15 per seat per month, with up to 50 seats, and includes 25,000 documents, 1 million API CDN requests, and 5 permission roles.

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
Sanity: What is included in Sanity Enterprise pricing?

Enterprise pricing is custom and requires contacting sales. It includes custom seat limits, custom datasets, Single Sign-On, and dedicated support.

Source
Sanity: Does Sanity offer annual billing discounts?

Annual and invoice payment options are available exclusively for Enterprise customers. Self-serve plans (Free and Growth) use monthly billing only.

Source
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