Strapi
π Strapi is the leading open-source headless CMS. Itβs 100% JavaScript/TypeScript, fully customizable, and developer-first.
There are 4 open-source alternatives to Sanity in this directory. The most popular is Strapi with 71.8k GitHub stars, followed by Payload(41.8k stars). All are open source, free to use, and many can be self-hosted.
| # | Tool | Stars | Language | License |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strapi π Strapi is the leading open-source headless CMS. Itβs 100% JavaScript/TypeScript, fully customizable, and developer-first. | 71.8k | TypeScript | Other |
| 2 | Payload Payload is an open-source, fullstack Next.js framework offering a complete TypeScript backend and admin panel. It can be used as a headless CMS or for building powerful applications. | 41.8k | TypeScript | MIT License |
| 3 | Directus The flexible backend for all your projects π° Turn your database into a headless CMS, admin panels, or applications with a custom UI, instant APIs, authentication, and more. | 34.8k | TypeScript | Other |
| 4 | Builder A powerful visual development and headless CMS platform supporting React, Vue, Svelte, Qwik, and more. Builder enables teams to visually create, manage, and optimize digital experiences without sacrificing code flexibility. | 8.5k | TypeScript | MIT License |
π Strapi is the leading open-source headless CMS. Itβs 100% JavaScript/TypeScript, fully customizable, and developer-first.
Payload is an open-source, fullstack Next.js framework offering a complete TypeScript backend and admin panel. It can be used as a headless CMS or for building powerful applications.
The flexible backend for all your projects π° Turn your database into a headless CMS, admin panels, or applications with a custom UI, instant APIs, authentication, and more.
A powerful visual development and headless CMS platform supporting React, Vue, Svelte, Qwik, and more. Builder enables teams to visually create, manage, and optimize digital experiences without sacrificing code flexibility.
The top three are Strapi(71.8k stars), Payload(41.8k stars), Directus(34.8k stars). All are open source and free to use.
Yes. Every tool listed here is open source and free to use in your own projects. Many can be self-hosted on your own infrastructure, which means no subscription fees and full control over your data.
Many of the alternatives listed are self-hostable. Each tool's page lists hosting details, system requirements, and licensing terms.
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