Headless CMS Showdown: Strapi vs Payload vs Directus in 2026

The headless CMS landscape has matured significantly. Strapi leads in ecosystem size and community adoption. Payload, now backed by Figma, offers the best Next.js integration and developer experience. Directus excels in database flexibility and no-code capabilities. This guide helps you choose based on your technical requirements, team composition, and project goals.

The State of Headless CMS in 2026

The headless CMS market has evolved from a developer niche to a mainstream choice for content management. Three open-source platforms have emerged as the clear leaders:

• Strapi: The most popular, with the largest community and plugin ecosystem
• Payload: The developer favorite, now supercharged by Figma's acquisition
• Directus: The database-first solution, wrapping any SQL database with an instant API

Each takes a fundamentally different approach to the same problem: separating content from presentation. Understanding these philosophical differences is key to making the right choice.

Quick Comparison Overview

Strapi: The Ecosystem Leader

Overview

Strapi is the most widely adopted open-source headless CMS, with over 70,000 GitHub stars and the largest plugin marketplace. It's built on Node.js with a Koa.js framework and offers both a visual content-type builder and code-based configuration.

Core Philosophy

Strapi positions itself as a "design your API" platform. You define content types through either the admin UI or configuration files, and Strapi generates REST and GraphQL APIs automatically. It's designed to be approachable for developers of varying skill levels.

Key Strengths

Mature Ecosystem

• Largest plugin marketplace among open-source headless CMS
• Official plugins for i18n, users & permissions, email, upload
• Active community with extensive third-party plugins
• Abundant tutorials, courses, and documentation

Visual Content Modeling

• Build content types through the admin interface
• No coding required for basic setups
• Changes sync to configuration files

Internationalization

• Native i18n support built-in
• Locale-based content variants
• Right-to-left (RTL) language support

Role-Based Access Control

• Granular permissions system
• Custom roles beyond admin/editor
• API-level access control

Cloud Offering

• Strapi Cloud for managed hosting
• Handles database, media storage, environments
• Reduces DevOps overhead

Key Limitations

Enterprise Features Paywalled

• SSO (Single Sign-On) requires paid plans
• Content versioning only in paid tiers (as of v5)
• Review workflows limited in community edition

Performance at Scale

• Can become memory-intensive with complex content models
• GraphQL performance may lag with deeply nested queries

Migration Complexity

• Major version upgrades have historically been challenging
• v4 to v5 migration required significant changes

Learning Curve for Customization

• Deep customizations require understanding the plugin system
• Custom field types need familiarity with Strapi internals

Ideal Use Cases

• Marketing websites needing a content team-friendly interface
• Multi-language content platforms
• Projects where non-developers need to manage content structure
• Teams wanting the security of a large community and ecosystem

Code Example: Content Type Definition

// src/api/article/content-types/article/schema.json
{
  "kind": "collectionType",
  "collectionName": "articles",
  "info": {
    "singularName": "article",
    "pluralName": "articles",
    "displayName": "Article"
  },
  "attributes": {
    "title": {
      "type": "string",
      "required": true
    },
    "content": {
      "type": "richtext"
    },
    "author": {
      "type": "relation",
      "relation": "manyToOne",
      "target": "api::author.author"
    },
    "publishedAt": {
      "type": "datetime"
    }
  }
}

Payload: The Developer's Choice (Now Backed by Figma)

Overview

Payload is a TypeScript-first headless CMS and application framework that installs directly into your Next.js application. In June 2025, Figma acquired Payload, signaling a major shift toward bridging the design-to-code gap.

The Figma Acquisition

This is the headline story of 2025 in the CMS world. Figma's acquisition means:

• Continued open-source commitment: Payload remains MIT-licensed
• Figma Sites integration: Direct connection between design and content
• Increased resources: Faster feature development and support
• Design-to-code pipeline: Potential for seamless Figma → Payload → production workflows

The acquisition validates Payload's approach and positions it as a key player in modern web development.

Core Philosophy

Payload takes a "code-first" approach. Everything is defined in TypeScript configuration files, giving developers complete control and full type safety from backend to frontend.

Key Strengths

Next.js Native

• Installs directly in your /app folder
• Shares the same codebase as your frontend
• Server components, API routes, middleware all integrated
• One deployment for CMS and website

Full TypeScript

• End-to-end type safety
• Auto-generated types from your schema
• IDE autocomplete for content queries
• Compile-time error catching

Local API

• Query your CMS directly in server components
• No HTTP overhead for internal queries
• Same data layer for frontend and admin

Built-in Features (Free)

• Authentication and access control
• Media management with image optimization
• Drafts and publishing workflows
• Localization
• Versions and revisions
• Live preview

Modern Admin UI

• React-based, fully customizable
• Dark mode, responsive design
• Custom field components easy to create

Deployment Flexibility

• One-click deploy to Vercel or Cloudflare
• Self-host anywhere Node.js runs
• Serverless-ready architecture

Key Limitations

Next.js Focused

• While usable as a standalone API, it's optimized for Next.js
• Other frameworks don't get the same native experience

Smaller Ecosystem

• Fewer plugins than Strapi
• Smaller community (though rapidly growing)
• Less third-party content available

Learning Curve

• Requires TypeScript proficiency
• More "code" than "configure"
• Not ideal for non-developer content modeling

No Visual Content-Type Builder

• All schemas defined in code
• Content editors can't modify structure
• Developers own all schema changes

Ideal Use Cases

• Next.js applications (the sweet spot)
• Developer-led teams comfortable with TypeScript
• Projects needing tight frontend-backend integration
• Custom applications beyond simple content sites
• Teams wanting modern tooling and type safety

Code Example: Collection Configuration

// collections/Articles.ts
import { CollectionConfig } from 'payload'

export const Articles: CollectionConfig = {
  slug: 'articles',
  admin: {
    useAsTitle: 'title',
  },
  access: {
    read: () => true,
  },
  fields: [
    {
      name: 'title',
      type: 'text',
      required: true,
    },
    {
      name: 'content',
      type: 'richText',
    },
    {
      name: 'author',
      type: 'relationship',
      relationTo: 'users',
    },
    {
      name: 'publishedAt',
      type: 'date',
      admin: {
        date: {
          pickerAppearance: 'dayAndTime',
        },
      },
    },
  ],
}

// Querying with Local API (in a Next.js server component)
import { getPayload } from 'payload'
import config from '@payload-config'

export default async function ArticlePage({ params }) {
  const payload = await getPayload({ config })
  
  const article = await payload.findByID({
    collection: 'articles',
    id: params.id,
  })
  
  return <Article data={article} />
}

Directus: The Database-First Solution

Overview

Directus takes a fundamentally different approach: instead of creating its own database schema, it wraps around your existing SQL database and instantly generates REST and GraphQL APIs. Think of it as an intelligent admin panel and API layer for any database.

Core Philosophy

Directus is "database-first." Your data lives in standard database tables. Directus introspects the schema and provides:

• An auto-generated API
• A customizable admin interface
• Access control and permissions
• Automation workflows

This means zero vendor lock-in. Your data is always in standard SQL, accessible directly or through Directus.

Key Strengths

Database Agnostic

• Works with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, MS SQL, Oracle, CockroachDB
• Connect to existing databases without migration
• Add Directus to brownfield projects instantly

No Vendor Lock-in

• Standard database tables
• Remove Directus, keep your data
• Direct SQL access always available

Visual Automation (Flows)

• GUI-based workflow builder
• Trigger actions on data changes
• Webhooks, notifications, scheduled tasks
• No code required for automation

Polished Admin UI

• Modern Vue.js interface
• Highly customizable layouts
• Dashboard and insights builder
• Real-time WebSocket updates

Instant Setup on Existing Data

• Point Directus at a database
• Instantly get API and admin panel
• No schema recreation needed

Content Versioning (Free)

• Full version history included
• Restore previous versions
• Compare changes over time

Key Limitations

Developer-Oriented UI

• Clean but can overwhelm non-technical users
• Requires onboarding for content teams

Smaller Community

• Fewer plugins and integrations than Strapi
• Less community content (tutorials, guides)

Self-Hosting Complexity

• Most teams self-host
• Requires DevOps knowledge (backups, scaling, security)
• Cloud option available but less mature

Vue.js Admin Extensions

• Custom UI requires Vue.js knowledge
• React developers face a learning curve

Configuration Storage

• Many settings stored in database, not files
• Can complicate version control and CI/CD

Ideal Use Cases

• Wrapping existing databases with an API
• Projects needing maximum database flexibility
• Teams with strong DevOps capabilities
• Internal tools and dashboards
• Situations where data portability is critical

Code Example: Directus Configuration

// docker-compose.yml
version: '3'
services:
  directus:
    image: directus/directus:latest
    ports:
      - 8055:8055
    environment:
      KEY: 'your-secret-key'
      SECRET: 'your-secret-secret'
      DB_CLIENT: 'pg'
      DB_HOST: 'database'
      DB_PORT: '5432'
      DB_DATABASE: 'directus'
      DB_USER: 'directus'
      DB_PASSWORD: 'password'
      ADMIN_EMAIL: 'admin@example.com'
      ADMIN_PASSWORD: 'admin'
    depends_on:
      - database
      
  database:
    image: postgis/postgis:13-master
    environment:
      POSTGRES_USER: 'directus'
      POSTGRES_PASSWORD: 'password'
      POSTGRES_DB: 'directus'

// Querying Directus API
const response = await fetch('https://your-directus.com/items/articles', {
  headers: {
    'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_TOKEN'
  }
});

const { data: articles } = await response.json();

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Content Modeling

API & Data Access

Content Management

Authentication & Access

Developer Experience

Hosting & Deployment

Pricing Comparison

Strapi

Strapi Cloud:

• Pro: $99/month (1 project, 100K API calls)
• Team: $499/month (3 projects, 1M API calls)
• Enterprise: Custom

Payload

Key difference: Payload includes features like SSO and versioning in the free tier that Strapi charges for.

Figma Integration: Future Figma integrations may require Figma subscription, but core Payload remains free.

Directus

Directus Cloud:

• Starter: $99/month
• Professional: $599/month
• Enterprise: Custom

Performance Benchmarks

Performance varies significantly based on configuration, but general observations:

Cold Start Time

• Payload: Fastest (shares Next.js process)
• Strapi: Moderate (Node.js startup)
• Directus: Moderate (Node.js startup)

API Response Time (Simple Queries)

• Payload Local API: ~5-15ms (no HTTP)
• Payload REST: ~20-50ms
• Strapi REST: ~30-80ms
• Directus REST: ~25-60ms

Memory Usage (Idle)

• Payload: ~150-250MB (shared with Next.js)
• Strapi: ~300-500MB
• Directus: ~200-400MB

GraphQL Performance

• Payload: Excellent (optimized resolvers)
• Directus: Good
• Strapi: Can struggle with deep nesting

Note: Actual performance depends heavily on database, hosting, and query complexity.

Migration Considerations

Migrating TO Each Platform

To Strapi:

• Good migration tools from WordPress and other CMSs
• Community scripts for various sources
• Manual content restructuring usually required

To Payload:

• Migration scripts available
• TypeScript schema makes mapping straightforward
• Can coexist with existing backend during migration

To Directus:

• Easiest if you have existing database
• Just connect Directus to your tables
• Instant API without data migration

Migrating FROM Each Platform

From Strapi:

• Data in PostgreSQL/MySQL (standard export)
• May need to handle Strapi-specific structures
• Plugin data may be complex to extract

From Payload:

• Standard database export
• Clean schema design
• Straightforward migration path

From Directus:

• Zero migration needed—data is already standard SQL
• Remove Directus, keep your database
• Easiest exit path of the three

Decision Framework

Choose Strapi If:

• You want the largest community and ecosystem
• Non-developers need to model content
• You need extensive third-party plugins
• Marketing/content teams will manage day-to-day
• You prefer visual configuration over code
• You want managed cloud hosting option

Choose Payload If:

• You're building with Next.js
• Your team is TypeScript-proficient
• Developer experience is a priority
• You want tight frontend-backend integration
• You need full features without paid tiers
• You're excited about the Figma integration roadmap

Choose Directus If:

• You have an existing database to wrap
• Database flexibility is critical
• You need to avoid vendor lock-in at all costs
• Your team can handle self-hosting
• You need visual automation workflows
• You want instant API on existing data

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Marketing Website

Situation: A company needs a marketing site with blog, landing pages, and team management. Marketing team will update content frequently.

Recommendation: Strapi

Why: Marketing teams appreciate the visual content-type builder. The plugin ecosystem offers SEO, preview, and publishing workflow tools. Strapi Cloud simplifies hosting.

Scenario 2: Next.js SaaS Application

Situation: A startup building a SaaS product with Next.js. Content includes help docs, changelog, and user-generated content.

Recommendation: Payload

Why: Native Next.js integration means one codebase, one deployment. TypeScript end-to-end catches errors early. Local API means fast data access in server components.

Scenario 3: Legacy System Modernization

Situation: A company has a decade-old PostgreSQL database powering internal tools. They need a modern admin UI and API without migrating data.

Recommendation: Directus

Why: Directus wraps existing databases without migration. Instant API and admin panel. Original applications can continue using direct database access.

Scenario 4: Multi-Brand Content Platform

Situation: A media company managing content across multiple brands with complex localization needs.

Recommendation: Strapi or Directus

Why: Both handle multi-tenancy and localization well. Strapi's larger ecosystem helps with complex requirements. Directus's Flows automate cross-brand workflows.

Scenario 5: E-commerce Product Catalog

Situation: An e-commerce company needs to manage thousands of products with complex specifications and pricing.

Recommendation: Directus or Payload

Why: Directus handles complex data relationships elegantly. Payload's TypeScript safety prevents data errors. Both integrate well with e-commerce frontends.

The 2026 Outlook

Strapi

• Continued ecosystem growth
• V5 maturation and stability
• Enterprise feature expansion
• AI-powered content features (Strapi AI)

Payload

• Figma Sites integration
• Design-to-content pipeline
• Increased adoption in Next.js ecosystem
• Potential to challenge Strapi's market position

Directus

• Database-first niche solidification
• No-code/low-code automation expansion
• Enterprise features development
• Potential acquisition target

The Bigger Picture

The headless CMS market is maturing. We're seeing:

• Consolidation: Figma's Payload acquisition signals more M&A
• Specialization: Each platform doubling down on core strengths
• AI Integration: Content generation, translation, optimization
• Developer Experience: TypeScript, type safety, and modern tooling becoming standard

Frequently Asked Questions

Which CMS has the best performance?

Payload typically offers the best performance for Next.js applications due to its Local API (no HTTP overhead). For standalone API performance, all three are comparable with proper optimization.

Can I migrate between these platforms?

Yes, but with effort. Data migration requires mapping content types and handling relationships. Directus is easiest to migrate away from since data is in standard SQL tables.

Which is best for non-technical users?

Strapi and Directus have visual content-type builders, making them more accessible. Payload requires developers for all schema changes. For day-to-day content editing, all three are user-friendly.

Do I need to self-host?

No. Strapi Cloud and Directus Cloud offer managed hosting. Payload can deploy to Vercel with one click. However, self-hosting gives you more control and can be more cost-effective at scale.

Which has the best community?

Strapi has the largest community by far, with the most Stack Overflow answers, tutorials, and plugins. Payload's community is smaller but highly engaged and growing rapidly post-acquisition. Directus has a dedicated but smaller community.

Are these production-ready?

Yes. All three power production applications at significant scale. Strapi is used by IBM, NASA, and Toyota. Payload powers applications for EA, Blue Origin, and others. Directus is used in enterprise environments globally.

What about security?

All three take security seriously with regular updates, security audits, and responsible disclosure programs. Self-hosting requires you to handle security patches and infrastructure hardening.

Can I use these with frameworks other than React/Next.js?

Yes. All three provide REST and GraphQL APIs consumable by any frontend: Vue, Angular, Svelte, mobile apps, or static site generators. Payload's unique advantage is specifically for Next.js integration.

Conclusion: There's No Wrong Choice

All three platforms are excellent. The "best" choice depends entirely on your context:

• Strapi is the safe choice with the largest ecosystem and community
• Payload is the modern choice for Next.js developers who value DX
• Directus is the flexible choice when database freedom matters

In 2026, you can't go wrong with any of them. The question is which aligns best with your team's skills, your project's requirements, and your long-term technical strategy.

Ready to Choose Your Headless CMS?

Selecting the right CMS is a foundational decision that impacts your entire development workflow. The wrong choice means painful migrations later; the right choice accelerates your team for years.

Here's How DSRPT Can Help:

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Why DSRPT?

We've built headless CMS solutions for businesses across Kuwait, the GCC, and Australia. As Google Premier Partners with expertise in modern web development, we understand both the technical nuances and business implications of your CMS choice.

Our approach:

• Framework agnostic: We recommend what's best for you, not what's easiest for us
• Production experience: We've deployed all three platforms at scale
• Long-term thinking: Solutions that grow with your business

Your CMS is the backbone of your content operations. Let's make sure you choose wisely.

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