Front Matter vs Payload: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Front Matter 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:
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.).
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 |  Front Matter |  Payload |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Front Matter | 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 | IDE & Code EditorsHeadless CMS | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How Front Matter and Payload Compare
Front Matter
Manage static site content and Markdown files directly within your code editor.
Free
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Front Matter is a ide & code editors tool. Payload is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Front Matter is free. Payload is freemium.
Go with: Front Matter
Want the highest-rated option?
Payload scores 86/100. Front Matter 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?
Front Matter is free. Payload is freemium. Go with Front Matter if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Front Matter is a ide & code editors 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
Front Matter
- Completely free
- Better fit for ide & code editors
The Bottom Line
Payload (86/100) is our pick. That said, Front Matter is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Front Matter or Payload better?
Payload scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Front Matter is free and Payload is freemium.
What are Front Matter and Payload used for?
Front Matter: Manage static site content and Markdown files directly within your code editor.. Payload: Headless CMS and application framework.
What does Front Matter cost vs Payload?
Front Matter is completely free. Payload is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.