Netlify CMS vs Builder.io: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Netlify CMS and Builder.io 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:
Netlify CMS
Open-source content management for your Git workflow with any static site generator.
Best for you if:
- • You need cms features specifically
- • Open-source CMS for Git-based workflows.
- • Works with any static site generator.
Builder.io
Visual headless CMS and page builder
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need ui/ux design features specifically
- • Builder.io is a visual development platform with AI-powered design-to-code
- • It enables visual editing for any tech stack with component-based architecture
| At a Glance |  Netlify CMS |  Builder.io |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | CMS | UI/UX Design |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Netlify CMS | Builder.io |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CMSHeadless CMS | UI/UX DesignLanding Pages |
How Netlify CMS and Builder.io Compare
Netlify CMS
Open-source content management for your Git workflow with any static site generator.
Free tier available
Builder.io
Visual headless CMS and page builder
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Netlify CMS is a cms tool. Builder.io is in ui/ux design.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Netlify CMS
Want the highest-rated option?
Builder.io scores 84/100. Netlify CMS is unrated.
Go with: Builder.io
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Builder.io
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Netlify CMS is a cms tool. Builder.io is in ui/ux design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Builder.io
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Netlify CMS
- Better fit for cms
The Bottom Line
Builder.io (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Netlify CMS or Builder.io better?
Builder.io scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Netlify CMS and Builder.io used for?
Netlify CMS: Open-source content management for your Git workflow with any static site generator.. Builder.io: Visual headless CMS and page builder.
What does Netlify CMS cost vs Builder.io?
Netlify CMS is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Builder.io is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.