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Strapi

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

VISIT STRAPI

Quick facts

  • CategorySelf-hosted
  • LanguageJavaScript
  • PricingOpen source
  • LicenseMIT
  • Created2015
  • GitHub stars67.2k
  • Statusactive

What it is

Strapi is the longest-established Node-based open-source headless CMS. Plugin ecosystem, REST and GraphQL APIs, rich admin panel, role-based permissions. Strapi v5 (2024) added a Document Service API and improved DX. Mature and battle-tested but TypeScript story is younger than Payload's.

Best for

  • Self-hosted CMS deployments at scale
  • Teams that need plugin extensibility
  • Multi-tenant content workloads on Node

When not to pick it

Skip Strapi for pure-TypeScript shops where Payload's typed schemas are a better fit. Skip for projects that would be better served by a hosted SaaS.

My take

Strapi is solid and mature. For new projects in 2026, Payload often wins on TS ergonomics — but if your team is JS-first and Strapi has a plugin you need, it is still a good pick.

Links

Compare Strapi side-by-side

Strapi vs Payload → Strapi vs Directus →

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Payload

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

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Directus

Data platform that doubles as a headless CMS. Sit it over any existing SQL database.

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If Strapi 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 Strapi is genuinely your fit.