AdonisJS vs Payload: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between AdonisJS and Payload comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AdonisJS
A fully featured, type-safe web framework for Node.js with a focus on developer experience.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • A full-stack, type-safe Node.js web framework.
- • Comes with officially maintained packages for common backend needs.
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Payload is an open-source headless CMS built with TypeScript
- • It provides an admin panel, API, and authentication out of the box
| At a Glance |  AdonisJS |  Payload |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | AdonisJS | Payload |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsAPI Tools | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How AdonisJS and Payload Compare
AdonisJS
A fully featured, type-safe web framework for Node.js with a focus on developer experience.
Free
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Free tier available · 86/100 score
AdonisJS is a ide & code editors tool. Payload is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
AdonisJS is free. Payload is freemium.
Go with: AdonisJS
Want the highest-rated option?
Payload scores 86/100. AdonisJS is unrated.
Go with: Payload
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Payload
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
AdonisJS is free. Payload is freemium. Go with AdonisJS if free matters most.
What's your use case?
AdonisJS is a ide & code editors tool. Payload is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Payload
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
AdonisJS
- Completely free
- Better fit for ide & code editors
The Bottom Line
Payload (86/100) is our pick. That said, AdonisJS is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AdonisJS or Payload better?
Payload scores 86/100 in our evaluation. AdonisJS is free and Payload is freemium.
What are AdonisJS and Payload used for?
AdonisJS: A fully featured, type-safe web framework for Node.js with a focus on developer experience.. Payload: Headless CMS and application framework.
What does AdonisJS cost vs Payload?
AdonisJS is completely free. Payload is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.