9 Contentful Alternatives

A curated list of the best free, open source alternatives to Contentful, ranked based on category revelancy & feature completeness.

# Open-source Alternatives

Open-source alternatives offer extensive customization through public code access. Most of them provide free / paid cloud service. Some might require self-hosting to use.

A backend solution that transforms SQL databases into a no-code, API-driven CMS for managing data, content, and user access with ease

Directus

Directus offers a unique, unopinionated approach to managing SQL databases, allowing users to retain their custom schemas while benefiting from a no-code data studio and robust API support through REST, GraphQL, and WebSocket. With role-based access control and real-time updates, Directus adapts to complex project needs while ensuring a highly customizable experience.

Directus is best used for
  1. Content-Rich Sites: Suitable for managing extensive media and user-generated content.
  2. Enterprise Applications: Scalable backend solution for large corporations.
  3. E-commerce Applications: Provides flexible product and inventory management.

A powerful CMS platform enabling developers to build and manage customizable content structures and APIs with easy integration into any front-end application

Strapi

Strapi enables developers to build, manage, and deliver content-rich applications with an API-first approach that integrates with any front-end technology. Its flexible, self-hosted CMS allows customization of content models, providing complete control over APIs and a seamless experience for content teams.

Strapi is best used for
  1. Headless CMS: Build, manage, and distribute content from one platform for any front-end.
  2. API Creation and Management: Quickly creates APIs to power your applications.
  3. E-commerce Platforms: Manages the backend of e-commerce sites, including product and inventory control.

A powerful and customizable headless content management system that empowers developers to create feature-rich and scalable digital experiences

Payload CMS

Payload CMS is a modern headless CMS that prioritizes developer experience and flexibility. As a headless solution, Payload separates content from presentation, allowing developers to leverage their preferred front-end technologies while content editors maintain full control over the content.

Payload CMS is best used for
  1. Headless web applications: Payload's flexibility and API-driven approach make it an excellent choice for building modern, scalable web applications.
  2. Multilingual and localized content: Payload's content modeling and localization features simplify the management of multilingual and localized content.
  3. Content-heavy digital experiences: Payload's powerful content management capabilities are well-suited for building complex, content-driven digital experiences.

A headless CMS that provides live, inline editing, allowing developers and content teams to edit directly on the page with Git-based workflows for easy content management

TinaCMS

TinaCMS enables inline editing directly on static or Jamstack sites, allowing teams to view updates as they happen, making content adjustments faster and more intuitive. Designed to integrate with Git, it brings version control and collaborative features that make it easy for content editors to update content and collaborate with developers.

TinaCMS is best used for
  1. Content-Driven Blogs and Media Sites: For editors needing fast, live content changes.
  2. Corporate Websites: Git-backed version control for consistency and safety.
  3. Jamstack and Static Sites: Perfectly suited for modern web frameworks and SSGs.
Github stars 18.0k stars
Fully open-source

A headless CMS to manage content with a Git-based workflow, ideal for static sites and Jamstack setups, offering speed, security, and scalability benefits over traditional CMS solutions

DecapCMS

DecapCMS simplifies content editing with an intuitive, web-based interface that provides real-time previews, drag-and-drop media uploads, and a streamlined editing workflow from draft to publication. With support for custom previews, flexible backend options, and Git platform APIs, it integrates seamlessly into various static site generators and allows easy customization through React and YAML configurations.

DecapCMS is best used for
  1. Content-Driven Websites: Easily manage and update static content.
  2. Corporate Sites: Structured workflows for streamlined content review.
  3. Jamstack Sites: Ideal for projects built on static site frameworks.

A powerful and customizable content management solution that empowers teams to create, manage, and deliver engaging digital content with ease

Sanity

Sanity is a robust and versatile content platform that enables teams to build and manage digital experiences with exceptional control and flexibility. As a headless CMS, Sanity separates content from presentation, allowing developers to leverage their preferred front-end technologies while content editors maintain complete control over the content.

Sanity is best used for
  1. Enterprise websites: Sanity's scalability and flexibility make it an excellent choice for building and managing large-scale, complex websites.
  2. Headless e-commerce: Sanity's API-driven approach allows for the efficient integration of content and commerce functionality.
  3. Omnichannel content delivery: Sanity's headless architecture facilitates the distribution of content across multiple channels and platforms.
Github stars 19.6k stars
Fully open-source

A powerful, open-source CMS that lets users create customizable websites, from blogs to e-commerce stores, with extensive theme and plugin options

Wordpress

WordPress is a versatile content management system (CMS) that allows users to build and manage websites without needing extensive coding knowledge. With thousands of themes and plugins, it offers endless customization possibilities for creating anything from simple blogs to advanced online stores, all while supporting responsive design and SEO features.

Wordpress is best used for
  1. Blogging: Ideal for creating and managing personal or professional blogs.
  2. Business Websites: Perfect for small and large businesses needing a flexible website.
  3. E-commerce Sites: Build online stores with ease using plugins like WooCommerce.
Github stars 47.6k stars
Fully open-source

A streamlined, open-source CMS tailored for publishing, enabling users to create, manage, and monetize content with ease

Ghost

Ghost is a minimalist, open-source CMS designed specifically for publishing and blogging. Its clean interface and Markdown editor make content creation intuitive, while built-in SEO, AMP, and structured data support help improve search engine visibility. Ghost is especially popular among creators and businesses looking for a straightforward platform focused on content without unnecessary complexity.

Ghost is best used for
  1. Professional Blogging: Ideal for writers and bloggers seeking a clean, distraction-free interface.
  2. Content Monetization: Great for creators who want to monetize with memberships and subscriptions.
  3. Newsletters and Email Marketing: Efficient for managing newsletters and sending content to subscribers.
Github stars 4.1k stars
Fully open-source

A versatile content management system enabling organizations to create, manage, and deliver content for diverse web applications with scalability and security

Drupal

Drupal is an open-source CMS that powers enterprise-grade websites with customizable content structures, extensive user permissions, and advanced APIs for seamless integrations. Its modular architecture supports tailored solutions, from content-rich sites to complex applications, offering flexibility and control.

Drupal is best used for
  1. Government Websites: Secure, scalable content management.
  2. Corporate Websites: Centralized content for large organizations.
  3. Community Platforms: Robust user management for forums and networks.
Contentful

Contentful
Freemium

A powerful headless CMS for delivering content across multiple channels

Muhammad Syakirurohman Made by
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