DatoCMS vs Contentful: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between DatoCMS and Contentful 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:
DatoCMS
Headless CMS for modern web projects
Best for you if:
- • You need content marketing features specifically
- • Headless CMS with excellent image handling
- • Strong GraphQL and multi-environment support
Contentful
Composable content platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Enterprise headless CMS with free tier and Basic at $300/month for API-first content
- • Delivers content via REST and GraphQL to websites, apps, and IoT devices
| At a Glance |  DatoCMS |  Contentful |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Content Marketing | API Tools |
Rating | 85/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | DatoCMS | Contentful |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Content MarketingDigital Asset Management | API ToolsDigital Asset Management |
How DatoCMS and Contentful Compare
DatoCMS
Headless CMS for modern web projects
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Contentful
Composable content platform
Free tier available · 88/100 score
DatoCMS is a content marketing tool. Contentful is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: DatoCMS
Want the highest-rated option?
DatoCMS: 85/100. Contentful: 88/100.
Go with: Contentful
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Contentful
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?
DatoCMS is a content marketing tool. Contentful is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Contentful scores higher: 88/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Contentful
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
DatoCMS
- Better fit for content marketing
The Bottom Line
Contentful (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DatoCMS or Contentful better?
Contentful scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are DatoCMS and Contentful used for?
DatoCMS: Headless CMS for modern web projects. Contentful: Composable content platform.
What does DatoCMS cost vs Contentful?
DatoCMS is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Contentful is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.