Payload CMS vs Sanity
Compare these two CMS tools side-by-side to find the best fit for your project.
Payload CMS
CMS
8.5/10
Open-source Next.js-native backend and CMS for teams that want code-first schemas, visual editing, headless ecommerce support, and the option to self-host or use cloud.
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Sanity
CMS
9/10
Structured content platform for composable applications with a customizable Studio, content lake, automation, strong developer tooling, and advanced AI-assisted content operations.
Visit SiteQuick Verdict
Choose Payload CMS if:
- API-first Content
- Structured Content Model
- Multi-channel Publishing
Choose Sanity if:
- API-first Content
- Structured Content Model
- Multi-channel Publishing
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Payload CMS | Sanity |
|---|---|---|
| Category | CMS | CMS |
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $35/mo | $15/mo |
| Rating | 8.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Complexity | Advanced | Advanced |
| AI Models | - | - |
| Integrations | GitHub, WordPress, Contentful, Sanity, Strapi | GitHub, WordPress, Contentful, Strapi, Prismic |
| Best For | TypeScript developers needing a self-hosted, open-source headless CMS built natively for Next.js. | Developers who need a fully customizable, structured-content platform with real-time collaboration and GROQ. |
Payload CMS
Pros
- API-first Content
- Structured Content Model
- Multi-channel Publishing
- Real-time Collaboration
Considerations
- Steeper learning curve
- Check pricing for your scale
Sanity
Pros
- API-first Content
- Structured Content Model
- Multi-channel Publishing
- Real-time Collaboration
Considerations
- Steeper learning curve
- Check pricing for your scale