9 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.

Keystone is an open-source content management system tailored for developers, allowing them to create and manage applications efficiently. By defining schemas, users gain access to a powerful GraphQL API and an intuitive management interface, enabling rapid application development without the need for extensive boilerplate code. Keystone’s architecture supports TypeScript and JavaScript, making it adaptable to various development environments while ensuring a smooth integration into existing workflows.

1. Enterprise applications: Build scalable applications that require robust content management.
2. E-commerce platforms: Manage product data and customer interactions effectively.
3. Dynamic websites: Create dynamic sites that adapt to user needs and preferences.

Webiny is an open-source serverless content management system that enables developers to create and manage applications efficiently in a cloud environment. Built on top of AWS, it leverages serverless architecture to provide scalability and performance while reducing operational costs. With its intuitive interface, users can easily manage content, create APIs, and deploy applications without the complexities typically associated with traditional CMS platforms.

1. Dynamic websites: Build scalable websites that adapt to user interactions and needs.
2. E-commerce solutions: Manage product catalogs and customer experiences efficiently.
3. Content-rich applications: Develop applications that require robust content management capabilities.

Publii is a static site generator designed for users who want to build and manage their websites easily. With its intuitive interface, Publii allows users to create content offline and publish it directly to their web host, ensuring a smooth workflow. The platform offers a variety of built-in features, including multiple post editors, image galleries, and video embedding, enabling users to craft visually appealing and engaging content effortlessly.

1. Personal blogs: Create and maintain engaging personal blogs with ease.
2. Portfolio websites: Showcase your work through visually appealing galleries and posts.
3. Static business sites: Build professional websites that require minimal maintenance.

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.