keystonejs.html

Keystone

TypeScript-first headless CMS with a focus on flexible, code-defined schemas.

VISIT KEYSTONE

Quick facts

  • CategorySelf-hosted
  • LanguageTypeScript
  • PricingOpen source
  • LicenseMIT
  • Created2014
  • GitHub stars9.4k
  • Statusmature

What it is

Keystone (Keystone.js, then KeystoneJS) is a long-running TypeScript-first headless CMS. Code-defined schemas, GraphQL API, admin UI generated from schema. Strong typing, mature, smaller community than Payload or Strapi.

Best for

  • TypeScript teams wanting a code-first schema without Payload's opinions
  • Existing Keystone deployments

When not to pick it

For new projects in 2026, Payload usually wins on momentum and feature depth. Keystone is fine but the trajectory is slower.

My take

Solid, but Payload took the lead in this segment in 2024. New projects mostly pick Payload.

Links

Similar tools you should also consider

Payload

Self-hosted TS-first CMS over Postgres. The new default for owned-stack content.

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Strapi

Open-source Node-based headless CMS. Mature, flexible, the original self-hosted default.

Read the take →

If Keystone is your pick — the next conversation is short

The 30-min call is where your CMS choice becomes a real architecture, an editorial workflow your team can adopt, and a price range you can take to your stakeholders. Describe your content estate, your team\'s muscle memory, your timeline. I tell you whether Keystone is genuinely your fit.