Contentlayer vs Payload: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Contentlayer 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:
Contentlayer
Transform content into type-safe JSON data for your applications with ease.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need documentation features specifically
- • Transforms content into type-safe JSON data for web applications.
- • Provides automatic type definitions and data validation for developer confidence.
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 |  Contentlayer |  Payload |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Documentation | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Contentlayer | 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 | DocumentationHeadless CMS | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How Contentlayer and Payload Compare
Contentlayer
Transform content into type-safe JSON data for your applications with ease.
Free
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Contentlayer is a documentation tool. Payload is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Contentlayer is free. Payload is freemium.
Go with: Contentlayer
Want the highest-rated option?
Payload scores 86/100. Contentlayer 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?
Contentlayer is free. Payload is freemium. Go with Contentlayer if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Contentlayer is a documentation 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
Contentlayer
- Completely free
- Better fit for documentation
The Bottom Line
Payload (86/100) is our pick. That said, Contentlayer is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Contentlayer or Payload better?
Payload scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Contentlayer is free and Payload is freemium.
What are Contentlayer and Payload used for?
Contentlayer: Transform content into type-safe JSON data for your applications with ease.. Payload: Headless CMS and application framework.
What does Contentlayer cost vs Payload?
Contentlayer is completely free. Payload is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.