Laravel Nova vs Payload: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Laravel Nova 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:
Laravel Nova
Build production-ready administration panels for Laravel applications quickly and efficiently.
Best for you if:
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • Rapidly build administration panels for Laravel applications.
- • Provides full CRUD, metrics, and custom tools for data management.
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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 |  Laravel Nova |  Payload |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Laravel Nova | Payload |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendInternal Tools | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How Laravel Nova and Payload Compare
Laravel Nova
Build production-ready administration panels for Laravel applications quickly and efficiently.
Paid
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Laravel Nova is a low-code backend tool. Payload is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Payload has a free tier. Laravel Nova is paid only.
Go with: Payload
Want the highest-rated option?
Payload scores 86/100. Laravel Nova 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?
Laravel Nova is paid. Payload is freemium. Payload lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Laravel Nova is a low-code backend 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
Laravel Nova
- Better fit for low-code backend
The Bottom Line
Payload (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laravel Nova or Payload better?
Payload scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Laravel Nova is paid and Payload is freemium.
What are Laravel Nova and Payload used for?
Laravel Nova: Build production-ready administration panels for Laravel applications quickly and efficiently.. Payload: Headless CMS and application framework.
What does Laravel Nova cost vs Payload?
Laravel Nova is a paid tool. Payload is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.