6 Best Open-source Headless CMSs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.