KeystoneJS vs Tailcall: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between KeystoneJS and Tailcall 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:
KeystoneJS
Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • KeystoneJS is an open-source headless CMS and application framework for Node.js
- • It provides a GraphQL API, admin UI, and flexible content modeling
Tailcall
Design and ship best-practice GraphQL backends atop existing data sources and APIs with AI assistance.
Best for you if:
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Designs and ships GraphQL backends using AI.
- • Integrates with existing data sources and APIs.
| At a Glance |  KeystoneJS |  Tailcall |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | API Tools |
Rating | 84/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | KeystoneJS | Tailcall |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendGraphQL Tools | API ToolsAI Coding |
How KeystoneJS and Tailcall Compare
KeystoneJS
Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework
Free · 84/100 score
Tailcall
Design and ship best-practice GraphQL backends atop existing data sources and APIs with AI assistance.
Free tier available
KeystoneJS is a low-code backend tool. Tailcall is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
KeystoneJS is free. Tailcall is freemium.
Go with: KeystoneJS
Want the highest-rated option?
KeystoneJS scores 84/100. Tailcall is unrated.
Go with: KeystoneJS
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: KeystoneJS
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
KeystoneJS is free. Tailcall is freemium. Go with KeystoneJS if free matters most.
What's your use case?
KeystoneJS is a low-code backend tool. Tailcall is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
KeystoneJS
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Tailcall
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
KeystoneJS (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KeystoneJS or Tailcall better?
KeystoneJS scores 84/100 in our evaluation. KeystoneJS is free and Tailcall is freemium.
What are KeystoneJS and Tailcall used for?
KeystoneJS: Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework. Tailcall: Design and ship best-practice GraphQL backends atop existing data sources and APIs with AI assistance..
What does KeystoneJS cost vs Tailcall?
KeystoneJS is completely free. Tailcall is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.