# Looking for a Strapi alternative?

## AI agents & MCP: BCMS vs Strapi

BCMS is built for the agentic era. Connect Cursor, Claude Code, or any MCP client to manage entries, media, and schemas in plain English - with scoped keys and open-source[bcms agent skills](https://thebcms.com/agents.md). Strapi ships MCP and markets an AI-powered content framework. BCMS pairs MCP with visual modeling, global search, built-in functions, and open bcms agent skills on skills.sh.

See the full setup guide - MCP config, install commands, and copy-paste prompts - on the[BCMS agents page](https://thebcms.com/agents.md).

### Summary: 8 things BCMS can do better than Strapi

BCMS delivers advanced features right out of the box, including visual modeling, built-in[multilingual support](https://thebcms.com/blog/multilingual-cms-guide.md), custom functions, granular permissions, automatic TypeScript type checking, starter projects, global search, and an advanced media manager. Strapi offers the basics, but achieving the same level of functionality requires plugins, additional coding, and manual setup.

## It's time...

## What you should know about Strapi?

Quick answers to the most common questions about Strapi, explained in simple terms.

### What is Strapi?

Strapi is an open-source headless CMS built with Node.js and React. It gives developers full control over the API and lets editors manage content through a clean admin panel.

### Is Strapi free to use?

Yes. Strapi is free and open source. You can self-host it forever without cost. For extra features or managed hosting, you can choose Strapi’s Enterprise or Cloud plans.

### Is Strapi a WordPress alternative?

Yes. Just like BCMS or most of the headless CMSs, Strapi is a[WordPress alternative](https://thebcms.com/compare/wordpress-alternative.md). Unlike WordPress, headless CMSs don’t lock you into a single theme system. They provide APIs that let you deliver content to any front end. This gives you more flexibility, better performance, and the ability to use[modern frameworks](https://thebcms.com/blog/front-end-development-tools.md)or even multiple platforms (web, mobile, apps) from one content source.

### What are Strapi pricing plans?

- Free: open-source version (self-hosted).

- Enterprise: advanced roles, SSO, and premium support.

- Strapi Cloud: hosted solution with simplified deployment, scaling, and unlimited environments.

### What plugins does Strapi offer?

Strapi has a Plugin Marketplace with tools for internationalization, GraphQL, users & permissions, documentation, and more. Developers can also build custom plugins.

### Can I use REST or GraphQL with Strapi?

Yes. Strapi automatically generates a REST API for your content, and you can also enable a GraphQL API with a plugin.

### Strapi pros and cons?

Pros:

- Free & open-source

- API-first: REST & GraphQL

- Fully customizable

- Large plugin ecosystem

- Multi-database support

- Internationalization plugin

Cons:

- Requires DevOps knowledge if self-hosted

- Limited migration tools for moving content between environments

- Admin panel not fully responsive

- Basic rich text editor compared to traditional CMSs