KeystoneJS vs Strapi: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for KeystoneJS and Strapi side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, KeystoneJS leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
KeystoneJS
Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Strapi requires payment)
Strapi
Build content APIs fast with a customizable, self-hosted headless CMS
Best for you if:
- • You want free and open source
| At a Glance | KeystoneJS | Strapi |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | From $35/mo flat, billed monthly Starter plan |
Category | Headless CMS API Tools | Headless CMS Writing & Content |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 11 reviews | 4.5/5 G2 4.5 · Capterra 4.6 272 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose KeystoneJS or Strapi?
Choose KeystoneJS if
- You want a fully free tool (Strapi requires payment)
- You want good headless CMS
- You want GraphQL API
Choose Strapi if
- You want free and open source
- You want full data ownership
In-Depth Analysis
KeystoneJS
Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework
KeystoneJS offers an incredibly generous pricing model, being entirely free and open source.
Strengths
- Pro: Good headless CMS
- Pro: GraphQL API
- Pro: Admin UI included
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Good for developers
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Node.js required
- Con: Less content features
- Con: Self-hosting needed
- Con: Smaller community
Key features
Strapi
Build content APIs fast with a customizable, self-hosted headless CMS
Strapi's pricing is very generous, offering a full-featured Community (Self-hosted) tier for free.
Strengths
- Pro: Free and open source
- Pro: Full data ownership
- Pro: Highly customizable
- Pro: Active community
- Pro: No vendor lock-in
Weaknesses
- Con: Self-hosting complexity
- Con: Requires developer setup
- Con: Less polished than SaaS options
- Con: Plugin quality varies
Key features
Plans and prices: KeystoneJS vs Strapi
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| KeystoneJS |
| keystonejs.com read Oct 4, 2026 |
| Strapi |
| strapi.io/pricing read Nov 1, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on KeystoneJS pricing and Strapi pricing.
Key Takeaways
KeystoneJS
- Has a free plan
Strapi
- Choose if you want build content APIs fast with a customizable, self-hosted headless CMS
What the data shows
On the data below, KeystoneJS leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (4.6/5 from 11 reviews for KeystoneJS, 4.5/5 from 272 reviews for Strapi; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides).
- Strapi starts at $35/mo flat, billed monthly; KeystoneJS has no public paid plan price on file.
- Only KeystoneJS has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do KeystoneJS and Strapi compare in 2026?
On the data below, KeystoneJS leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (4.6/5 from 11 reviews for KeystoneJS, 4.5/5 from 272 reviews for Strapi; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides). Strapi starts at $35/mo flat, billed monthly; KeystoneJS has no public paid plan price on file. Only KeystoneJS has a free plan.
What are KeystoneJS and Strapi used for?
KeystoneJS: Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework. Strapi: Build content APIs fast with a customizable, self-hosted headless CMS.
What does KeystoneJS cost vs Strapi?
KeystoneJS is free. Strapi's cheapest paid plan is Starter at $35/mo flat, billed monthly. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between KeystoneJS and Strapi?
KeystoneJS's main strength: good headless CMS. Strapi's main strength: free and open source.