Best Open-Source CMS Tools in 2026

These open-source CMS tools range from headless backends to flat-file and static site frameworks. Strapi is a JavaScript/TypeScript headless CMS with a developer-first admin. Directus turns a database into a headless CMS with APIs and auth, and Payload pairs a TypeScript backend and admin panel with Next.js. Pick a stack that fits how you want editors and code to share content.

The most popular open-source CMS tool by GitHub stars is Strapi(71.8k stars), followed by Ghost(48.6k stars)and Payload(41.8k stars). This page lists the top 13 of 13 cms tools in the directory, ranked by community adoption.

Quick comparison

Best open-source CMS tools in 2026, ranked by GitHub stars
#ToolStarsLanguageLicense
1Strapi

πŸš€ Strapi is the leading open-source headless CMS. It’s 100% JavaScript/TypeScript, fully customizable, and developer-first.

71.8kTypeScriptOther
2Ghost

Ghost is a powerful platform for modern publishing, offering robust support for memberships, subscriptions, and newsletters.

48.6kJavaScriptMIT License
3Payload

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.

41.8kTypeScriptMIT License
4Hexo

A fast, simple, and powerful open-source blog framework powered by Node.js, designed for creating and deploying static sites with ease.

41.3kTypeScriptMIT License
5Directus

The flexible backend for all your projects 🐰 Turn your database into a headless CMS, admin panels, or applications with a custom UI, instant APIs, authentication, and more.

34.8kTypeScriptOther
6Wiki

Wiki.js | A modern and powerful wiki application built on Node.js, offering a robust solution for managing documentation and knowledge bases.

28.2kVueGNU Affero General Public License v3.0
7Grav

A modern, crazy fast, ridiculously easy and amazingly powerful flat-file CMS powered by PHP, Markdown, Twig, and Symfony.

15.5kPHPMIT License
8Answer

A versatile Q&A platform software for teams of any size, supporting community forums, help centers, and knowledge management solutions.

15.5kGoApache License 2.0
9Builder

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.

8.5kTypeScriptMIT License
10Sanity

Sanity Studio is a platform to rapidly configure content workspaces powered by structured content, allowing developers to build powerful CMS solutions and deliver content seamlessly.

6.1kTypeScriptMIT License

All 13 CMS tools

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best open-source cms tool in 2026?

Strapi leads by GitHub stars(71.8k). πŸš€ Strapi is the leading open-source headless CMS. It’s 100% JavaScript/TypeScript, fully customizable, and developer-first.

Are these cms tools free?

Yes. Every tool on this list is open source and free to use in your own projects. Many can be self-hosted.

How is this list ranked?

Tools are ranked by GitHub star count, a strong proxy for community adoption and active maintenance. Star counts are refreshed regularly.

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