Visual CMS vs Payload: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Visual 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:
Visual CMS
Visually build and manage content for any digital experience.
Best for you if:
- • You need cms features specifically
- • Visual content modeling and editing
- • Headless architecture for omnichannel delivery
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 |  Payload | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | CMS | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Visual CMS | Payload |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CMSHeadless CMS | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How Visual CMS and Payload Compare
Visual CMS
Visually build and manage content for any digital experience.
Free tier available
Payload
Headless CMS and application framework
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Visual CMS is a cms tool. Payload is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Visual CMS
Want the highest-rated option?
Payload scores 86/100. Visual 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?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Visual CMS is a 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
Visual CMS
- Better fit for cms
The Bottom Line
Payload (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Visual CMS or Payload better?
Payload scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Visual CMS and Payload used for?
Visual CMS: Visually build and manage content for any digital experience.. Payload: Headless CMS and application framework.
What does Visual CMS cost vs Payload?
Visual CMS is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Payload is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.