Front Matter vs DatoCMS: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Front Matter 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.
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:
Front Matter
Manage static site content and Markdown files directly within your code editor.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • Headless CMS integrated directly into your code editor (e.g., VS Code).
- • Manages content, metadata, and media for static sites (Hugo, Jekyll, etc.).
DatoCMS
Headless CMS for modern web projects
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need content marketing features specifically
- • Headless CMS with excellent image handling
- • Strong GraphQL and multi-environment support
| At a Glance |  Front Matter |  DatoCMS |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | Content Marketing |
Rating | —/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Front Matter | DatoCMS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsHeadless CMS | Content MarketingDigital Asset Management |
How Front Matter and DatoCMS Compare
Front Matter
Manage static site content and Markdown files directly within your code editor.
Free
DatoCMS
Headless CMS for modern web projects
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Front Matter is a ide & code editors tool. DatoCMS is in content marketing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Front Matter is free. DatoCMS is freemium.
Go with: Front Matter
Want the highest-rated option?
DatoCMS scores 85/100. Front Matter is unrated.
Go with: DatoCMS
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: DatoCMS
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Front Matter is free. DatoCMS is freemium. Go with Front Matter if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Front Matter is a ide & code editors tool. DatoCMS is in content marketing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
DatoCMS
- Higher score: 85/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Front Matter
- Completely free
- Better fit for ide & code editors
The Bottom Line
DatoCMS (85/100) is our pick. That said, Front Matter is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Front Matter or DatoCMS better?
DatoCMS scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Front Matter is free and DatoCMS is freemium.
What are Front Matter and DatoCMS used for?
Front Matter: Manage static site content and Markdown files directly within your code editor.. DatoCMS: Headless CMS for modern web projects.
What does Front Matter cost vs DatoCMS?
Front Matter is completely free. DatoCMS is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.