Optimizely CMS vs Payload: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Optimizely CMS 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:
Optimizely CMS
Empower developers and marketers to create, launch, and scale digital experiences with a headless CMS.
Best for you if:
- • You need digital asset management features specifically
- • Headless CMS for flexible content delivery across channels.
- • Visual builder, AI writing, and personalization empower marketers.
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 |  Optimizely CMS |  Payload |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Digital Asset Management | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Optimizely CMS | 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 | Digital Asset ManagementHeadless CMS | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How Optimizely CMS and Payload Compare
Optimizely CMS
Empower developers and marketers to create, launch, and scale digital experiences with a headless CMS.
Paid
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Optimizely CMS is a digital asset management tool. Payload is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Payload has a free tier. Optimizely CMS is paid only.
Go with: Payload
Want the highest-rated option?
Payload scores 86/100. Optimizely CMS 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?
Optimizely CMS is paid. Payload is freemium. Payload lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Optimizely CMS is a digital asset management 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
Optimizely CMS
- Better fit for digital asset management
The Bottom Line
Payload (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Optimizely CMS or Payload better?
Payload scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Optimizely CMS is paid and Payload is freemium.
What are Optimizely CMS and Payload used for?
Optimizely CMS: Empower developers and marketers to create, launch, and scale digital experiences with a headless CMS.. Payload: Headless CMS and application framework.
What does Optimizely CMS cost vs Payload?
Optimizely CMS is a paid tool. Payload is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.