Grav vs Payload
A flat-file CMS that stores content in Markdown, with no database. A TypeScript CMS that lives in your Next.js app. Compare the capabilities you need, then check hosting, licensing and maintenance. This pair is shown for browsing but is not indexed (not among the leading projects of a shared category).
| Attribute | Grav | Payload |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | A flat-file CMS that stores content in Markdown, with no database. | A TypeScript CMS that lives in your Next.js app. |
| Documented capabilities | Flat-file content in Markdown, Twig templating and YAML configuration, Plugins and themes installed from the CLI, Built-in caching | Code-first content models, Admin panel, Runs inside your app |
| Best-fit workflow | Small sites and docs where content lives in files under version control. | TypeScript teams who want the CMS in the same codebase as the site. |
| Check before choosing | There is no database, so plan backups around the user folder. | You own hosting, auth, and upgrades. It is not a managed content cloud unless you add one. |
| Deployment options | ZIP package, Composer | Node, Docker |
| GitHub stars | 15,688 | 45,279 |
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Docker noted | Not recorded | Yes |
| Cloud / hosted | Not recorded | Not recorded |
| Primary language | PHP | TypeScript |
| Last commit | 2026-10-15 | 2026-10-16 |
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate |
| Content source | Editorial catalog entry | Editorial catalog entry |
| Metadata checked | Check the current repository | 2026-10-16 |
| Forks | 1.4k | 4.3k |
| Star growth | Not recorded | +241 (2026-10-01 to 2026-10-16) |
| Alternative to | Not recorded | Contentful |
This comparison uses recorded capabilities, not hands-on performance tests. A capability missing from one record does not mean that product lacks it. Confirm edition, version and current pricing in the official documentation.
When to consider Grav
Small sites and docs where content lives in files under version control.
There is no database, so plan backups around the user folder.
Grav documentation and sourceWhen to consider Payload
TypeScript teams who want the CMS in the same codebase as the site.
You own hosting, auth, and upgrades. It is not a managed content cloud unless you add one.
Payload documentation and sourceGrav vs Payload questions
- What is Grav?
- A flat-file CMS that stores content in Markdown, with no database.
- What is Payload?
- A TypeScript CMS that lives in your Next.js app.
- Can you self-host Grav and Payload?
- Both can be self-hosted.
- What licenses do Grav and Payload use?
- Grav uses the MIT license. Payload uses the MIT license.
- Which has more GitHub stars, Grav or Payload?
- Payload has 45k stars and Grav has 16k. Stars show attention; check recent commits and releases for maintenance.
- What languages are Grav and Payload written in?
- Grav is mainly written in PHP. Payload is mainly written in TypeScript.