Strapi
π Strapi is the leading open-source headless CMS. Itβs 100% JavaScript/TypeScript, fully customizable, and developer-first.
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.
| # | 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 | Ghost Ghost is a powerful platform for modern publishing, offering robust support for memberships, subscriptions, and newsletters. | 48.6k | JavaScript | MIT License |
| 3 | 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 |
| 4 | Hexo A fast, simple, and powerful open-source blog framework powered by Node.js, designed for creating and deploying static sites with ease. | 41.3k | TypeScript | MIT License |
| 5 | 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 |
| 6 | Wiki Wiki.js | A modern and powerful wiki application built on Node.js, offering a robust solution for managing documentation and knowledge bases. | 28.2k | Vue | GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 |
| 7 | Grav A modern, crazy fast, ridiculously easy and amazingly powerful flat-file CMS powered by PHP, Markdown, Twig, and Symfony. | 15.5k | PHP | MIT License |
| 8 | Answer A versatile Q&A platform software for teams of any size, supporting community forums, help centers, and knowledge management solutions. | 15.5k | Go | Apache License 2.0 |
| 9 | 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 |
| 10 | Sanity 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. | 6.1k | TypeScript | MIT License |
π Strapi is the leading open-source headless CMS. Itβs 100% JavaScript/TypeScript, fully customizable, and developer-first.
Ghost is a powerful platform for modern publishing, offering robust support for memberships, subscriptions, and newsletters.
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.
A fast, simple, and powerful open-source blog framework powered by Node.js, designed for creating and deploying static sites with ease.
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.
Wiki.js | A modern and powerful wiki application built on Node.js, offering a robust solution for managing documentation and knowledge bases.
A modern, crazy fast, ridiculously easy and amazingly powerful flat-file CMS powered by PHP, Markdown, Twig, and Symfony.
A versatile Q&A platform software for teams of any size, supporting community forums, help centers, and knowledge management solutions.
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.
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.
A course template for building modern web applications using Next.js and Prismic.
Open source Patreon alternative with lower fees, specially designed for creators who publish ongoing or sequential content such as books, podcasts, and comics. Patron empowers creators with flexible revenue streams and ownership over their fan community.
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Anonypost is a website that allows users to create and share anonymous posts, built using Next.js, tRPC, and Shadcn/UI.
Strapi leads by GitHub stars(71.8k). π Strapi is the leading open-source headless CMS. Itβs 100% JavaScript/TypeScript, fully customizable, and developer-first.
Yes. Every tool on this list is open source and free to use in your own projects. Many can be self-hosted.
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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