Payload vs Squidex
A TypeScript CMS that lives in your Next.js app. A headless CMS with schemas, REST and GraphQL APIs, and event-driven rules. 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 | Payload | Squidex |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | A TypeScript CMS that lives in your Next.js app. | A headless CMS with schemas, REST and GraphQL APIs, and event-driven rules. |
| Documented capabilities | Code-first content models, Admin panel, Runs inside your app | Content schemas with field rules, REST and GraphQL APIs, Asset library with querying, Localization, roles, and permissions, Rules that react to content events |
| Best-fit workflow | TypeScript teams who want the CMS in the same codebase as the site. | Developers who want an API-first CMS for several frontends. |
| Check before choosing | You own hosting, auth, and upgrades. It is not a managed content cloud unless you add one. | Squidex needs MongoDB. Plan the database before you deploy. |
| Deployment options | Node, Docker | Docker, Azure, AWS, GCP |
| GitHub stars | 45,279 | 2,509 |
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Docker noted | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud / hosted | Not recorded | Yes |
| Primary language | TypeScript | C# |
| Last commit | 2026-10-16 | 2026-10-13 |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Content source | Editorial catalog entry | Editorial catalog entry |
| Metadata checked | 2026-10-16 | Check the current repository |
| Forks | 4.3k | 525 |
| Star growth | +241 (2026-10-01 to 2026-10-16) | Not recorded |
| Alternative to | Contentful | 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 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 sourceWhen to consider Squidex
Developers who want an API-first CMS for several frontends.
Squidex needs MongoDB. Plan the database before you deploy.
Squidex documentation and sourcePayload vs Squidex questions
- What is Payload?
- A TypeScript CMS that lives in your Next.js app.
- What is Squidex?
- A headless CMS with schemas, REST and GraphQL APIs, and event-driven rules.
- Can you self-host Payload and Squidex?
- Both can be self-hosted.
- What licenses do Payload and Squidex use?
- Payload uses the MIT license. Squidex uses the MIT license.
- Which has more GitHub stars, Payload or Squidex?
- Payload has 45k stars and Squidex has 2.5k. Stars show attention; check recent commits and releases for maintenance.
- What languages are Payload and Squidex written in?
- Payload is mainly written in TypeScript. Squidex is mainly written in C#.