Payload CMS
Developer-first headless CMS and application framework.
- GitHub stars
- 45,223
- License
- MIT
- Latest release
- v4.0.0-beta.0
9 October 2026 - Last commit
- 9 October 2026
- Runs on
- Node.js
Commits per month, last 12 months
1,736 commits
Replaces
Paid products Payload CMS can stand in for.
How to self-host Payload CMS
Payload CMS runs on Node.js. The project's own install guide is the place to start; most people put it on a small server with Docker and a reverse proxy for HTTPS.
- Get a server: a home server, a VPS, or a managed app host.
- Install it the way the project's docs describe, usually with Docker Compose.
- Put it behind HTTPS and set up backups before you add real data.
- Update it regularly. Watch the project's releases.
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Questions
Is Payload CMS free?
Yes. Payload CMS is open source under the MIT license, so you can use it without paying for a license. You pay only for the server it runs on.
Can I self-host Payload CMS?
Yes. Payload CMS runs on Node.js. Follow the install guide in the project's documentation, or use a host that installs it for you.
What does Payload CMS replace?
People use Payload CMS instead of Contentful or Sanity.
Is Payload CMS still maintained?
The last change to Payload CMS's code was on 9 October 2026, with 1736 commits in the last 12 months.
Topics
App data from awesome-selfhosted (CC BY-SA 3.0), stars and activity from GitHub.