Pages CMS vs Payload: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Pages 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:
Pages CMS
The no-hassle CMS for static site generators, running straight on top of GitHub.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need headless cms features specifically
- • User-friendly CMS for static site generators.
- • Integrates directly with GitHub for content 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 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 |  Pages CMS |  Payload |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Headless CMS | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Pages CMS | Payload |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Headless CMSStatic Site Generators | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How Pages CMS and Payload Compare
Pages CMS
The no-hassle CMS for static site generators, running straight on top of GitHub.
Free
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Pages CMS is a headless cms tool. Payload is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Pages CMS is free. Payload is freemium.
Go with: Pages CMS
Want the highest-rated option?
Payload scores 86/100. Pages 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?
Pages CMS is free. Payload is freemium. Go with Pages CMS if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Pages CMS is a headless cms 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
Pages CMS
- Completely free
- Better fit for headless cms
The Bottom Line
Payload (86/100) is our pick. That said, Pages CMS is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pages CMS or Payload better?
Payload scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Pages CMS is free and Payload is freemium.
What are Pages CMS and Payload used for?
Pages CMS: The no-hassle CMS for static site generators, running straight on top of GitHub.. Payload: Headless CMS and application framework.
What does Pages CMS cost vs Payload?
Pages CMS is completely free. Payload is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.