Tailcall vs KeystoneJS: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Tailcall and KeystoneJS 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:
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.
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
| At a Glance |  Tailcall |  KeystoneJS |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | API Tools | Low-Code Backend |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Tailcall | KeystoneJS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsAI Coding | Low-Code BackendGraphQL Tools |
How Tailcall and KeystoneJS Compare
Tailcall
Design and ship best-practice GraphQL backends atop existing data sources and APIs with AI assistance.
Free tier available
KeystoneJS
Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework
Free · 84/100 score
Tailcall is a api tools tool. KeystoneJS is in low-code backend.
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?
Tailcall is freemium. KeystoneJS is free. Go with KeystoneJS if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Tailcall is a api tools tool. KeystoneJS is in low-code backend. 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 Tailcall or KeystoneJS better?
KeystoneJS scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Tailcall is freemium and KeystoneJS is free.
What are Tailcall and KeystoneJS used for?
Tailcall: Design and ship best-practice GraphQL backends atop existing data sources and APIs with AI assistance.. KeystoneJS: Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework.
What does Tailcall cost vs KeystoneJS?
Tailcall is freemium (free tier + paid plans). KeystoneJS is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.