Cloudinary vs DatoCMS: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Cloudinary and DatoCMS 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Cloudinary
Image and video management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need digital asset management features specifically
- • Media management and delivery platform
- • Image and video optimization on the fly
DatoCMS
Headless CMS for modern web projects
Best for you if:
- • You need headless cms features specifically
- • Headless CMS with excellent image handling
- • Strong GraphQL and multi-environment support
| At a Glance |  Cloudinary |  DatoCMS |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Digital Asset Management | Headless CMS |
Rating | 88/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Cloudinary | DatoCMS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Digital Asset ManagementImage Editing | Headless CMSContent Marketing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Cloudinary and DatoCMS solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Cloudinary positions itself as "image and video management" while DatoCMSfocuses on "headless cms for modern web projects". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Cloudinary
Cloudinary makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose DatoCMS
DatoCMS is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Cloudinary lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Cloudinary
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Cloudinary handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Cloudinary
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Cloudinary
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Cloudinary, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Cloudinary higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted DatoCMS more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Cloudinary Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider DatoCMS If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Cloudinary (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Cloudinary scores higher in our analysis, but DatoCMS might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cloudinary or DatoCMS better?
Based on our analysis, Cloudinary scores higher with 88/100. Cloudinary isfreemium while DatoCMS is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Cloudinary to DatoCMS easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Cloudinary and DatoCMS offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Cloudinary is freemium with a free tier.DatoCMS is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.