Keystatic vs Payload: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Keystatic 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:
Keystatic
Content management for your codebase, making Markdown, JSON, and YAML editable by humans.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need cms features specifically
- • Manages content (Markdown, JSON, YAML) directly in your codebase.
- • Offers a CMS-like Admin UI for human-friendly content editing.
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 |  Keystatic |  Payload |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | CMS | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Keystatic | 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 | CMSHeadless CMS | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How Keystatic and Payload Compare
Keystatic
Content management for your codebase, making Markdown, JSON, and YAML editable by humans.
Free
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Keystatic is a cms tool. Payload is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keystatic is free. Payload is freemium.
Go with: Keystatic
Want the highest-rated option?
Payload scores 86/100. Keystatic 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?
Keystatic is free. Payload is freemium. Go with Keystatic if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Keystatic is a cms 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
Keystatic
- Completely free
- Better fit for cms
The Bottom Line
Payload (86/100) is our pick. That said, Keystatic is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keystatic or Payload better?
Payload scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Keystatic is free and Payload is freemium.
What are Keystatic and Payload used for?
Keystatic: Content management for your codebase, making Markdown, JSON, and YAML editable by humans.. Payload: Headless CMS and application framework.
What does Keystatic cost vs Payload?
Keystatic is completely free. Payload is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.