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BCMS vs Playload: Headless CMS comparison
- Key featuresPlayloadBCMS
Versioning
Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisDAM
Playload includes thisBCMS doesn't include thisMultilingual content
Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisVisual modeling (no config files)
Playload doesn't include thisBCMS includes thisGlobal search
Playload doesn't include thisBCMS includes thisBuilt-in serverless functions
Playload doesn't include thisBCMS includes thisWidgets embedded in free text
Playload doesn't include thisBCMS includes thisStarter projects
Playload doesn't include thisBCMS includes thisNested folders for entries & media
Playload doesn't include thisBCMS includes this
6 Things BCMS can do as a Playload alternative
Visual modeling (no config files)
BCMS: Define templates and content structures entirely in the dashboard. No schema files or coding required.
Payload: Requires schema definitions in JavaScript/TypeScript code; there’s no visual modeling option.
Global search across content
BCMS: Unified search across all entries, templates, and media.
Payload: Provides queries via API, but no built-in dashboard-wide global search
Built-in serverless functions
BCMS: Extend workflows with serverless functions that run directly inside the CMS.
Payload: No built-in functions; custom logic must be handled through external code/services.
Widgets embedded in free text
BCMS: Allows embedding reusable structured widgets (like galleries, embeds, or custom blocks) directly in rich text flows.
Payload: Rich text fields are customizable but don’t natively support arbitrary widget embedding.
Starter projects
BCMS: Ships with official starter projects for popular frontend frameworks (Next.js, Nuxt, Astro, Svelte, and more).
Payload: Provides example repos, but no official starter kits are included as part of the product.
Nested folders for entries & media
BCMS: Organize entries and media into nested folders for scalability.
Payload: Content is organized in flat collections; no flexible nested folder structures.
Summary: 6 Things BCMS can do better than Playload
BCMS emphasizes built-in simplicity, offering: visual modeling, global search, serverless functions, widget embedding, starter projects, and nested folders. Payload CMS is a powerful code-first option for developers, but replicating these same features requires extensive manual setup and external tooling.
It takes a minute to start using BCMS
BCMS vs Playload: Complete feature comparison
Editor experience
- Key featuresPlayloadBCMSCompare more
Multilingual Dashboard
The CMS supports multiple languages for a globally accessible interface.Playload includes thisBCMS doesn't include thisMultilanguage Content
Create and manage content in multiple languages for global audiences.Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisScheduling & Releases
Schedule content to publish automatically at a chosen date and time.Requiers pluginBCMS doesn't include thisContent Versioning
Track and manage content changes with the ability to revert to earlier versions.Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisAutosave
Changes are saved automatically to prevent data loss from unexpected issues.Playload includes thisBCMS doesn't include thisPreview Content
View content as it will appear live before publishingRequiers pluginBCMS doesn't include thisMultiple Environments
Manage content across development, staging, and production to safely test before going live.Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisWorkflow
Define approval steps for content: writers submit, editors review, and only approved content gets published.Playload includes thisBCMS doesn't include thisCustomizable UI
Customization of CMS interface to fit your brand and specific workflow requirements.Playload includes thisBCMS doesn't include this
BCMS vs Playload: Complete feature comparison
Team Management
- Key featuresPlayloadBCMSCompare more
User Roles
Predefined roles (like admin, editor, viewer) with specific permissions.Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisCustom User Roles
Define user roles with custom permissions to fit your organization’s requirements.Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisOrganization Management
Manage user groups and control access levels across your CMS.Playload includes thisBCMS includes this
BCMS vs Playload: Complete feature comparison
DEV experience
- Key featuresPlayloadBCMSCompare more
REST API
Interact with the CMS using standard HTTP requests following REST principles.Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisGraphQL API
Fetch precisely the data you need with a flexible and efficient GraphQL interface.Playload includes thisBCMS doesn't include thisImages API
Upload, process, and retrieve images through a dedicated API for media management.Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisContent Management API
API for managing content, including creating, updating, and deleting content items.Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisField Types
Different types of data fields available for content, such as text, number, date, media, etc.Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisCustom Field Types
Playload includes thisBCMS doesn't include thisWebhooks
Send real-time updates to other systems when events like content publishing occur.Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisCLI
Command Line Interface tools that allow developers to perform tasks and manage the tool via the command line.Playload includes thisBCMS includes thisSDK
Developer tools and code snippets to easily integrate the CMS into your project.Playload includes thisBCMS includes this
BCMS vs Playload: Complete feature comparison
Free tier
- Key featuresPlayloadBCMSCompare more
Free Plan Available
Try the CMS with a free plan that includes limited features.Playload includes thisFree trialTeam Members
The number of users (team members) that can be added to the CMS.Unlimited2Locales
The number of different languages and regional settings the CMS supports for content creation and management.UnlimitedBCMS includes thisProjects
Support for managing multiple projects within the same CMS account.N/ABCMS includes this
BCMS vs Playload: Complete feature comparison
Security & Compliance
- Key featuresPlayloadBCMSCompare more
Two-factor authentication
Playload doesn't include thisBCMS doesn't include thisTeam Logs
Monitor user actions in the CMS to maintain visibility and accountability.N/ABCMS includes thisGDPR
Playload doesn't include thisBCMS includes thisSOC2
Playload doesn't include thisBCMS doesn't include thisISO27001
Playload doesn't include thisBCMS doesn't include this
BCMS vs Playload: Complete feature comparison
Other
- Key featuresPlayloadBCMS
Extensions
Additional plugins or add-ons that can enhance the functionality of the platform.Playload includes thisBCMS doesn't include thisBuilt-in Backups & Restore
Features that automatically back up content and settings, allowing easy restoration in case of data loss.Playload doesn't include thisBCMS includes this
It's time...
It takes a minute to start using BCMS
What you should know about Payload CMS
Quick answers to the most common questions about Payload CMS, explained simply.
What is Payload CMS?
Payload CMS is an open-source headless CMS built with Node.js and Express. It gives developers complete control over content structure, design, and functionality, making it ideal for teams that want full customization.
Is Payload CMS free?
Yes. Since May 2022, Payload CMS has been completely free for developers, under the MIT license. You can use, modify, and distribute it for personal or commercial projects without restrictions.
Playload CMS pros and cons?
Pros:
Flexible and customizable
Fully open-source (MIT license)
Extendable with Node.js and Express
Cons:
Requires strong development skills,few built-in restrictions
No visual content builder
MongoDB is the only supported database
