Caisy vs Payload: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Caisy 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Caisy
The fastest, enterprise-grade headless content management system for easy, scalable, and powerful content delivery.
Best for you if:
- • A headless CMS with a focus on developer experience and intuitive content editing.
- • Offers real-time collaboration, multi-tenancy, and a component system for efficient content management.
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • 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 |  Caisy |  Payload |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Caisy | Payload |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsCMS | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How Caisy and Payload Compare
Caisy
The fastest, enterprise-grade headless content management system for easy, scalable, and powerful content delivery.
Free tier available
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Caisy
Want the highest-rated option?
Payload scores 86/100. Caisy 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?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
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
Caisy
The Bottom Line
Payload (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caisy or Payload better?
Payload scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Caisy and Payload used for?
Caisy: The fastest, enterprise-grade headless content management system for easy, scalable, and powerful content delivery.. Payload: Headless CMS and application framework.
What does Caisy cost vs Payload?
Caisy is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Payload is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.