15 Open Source Alternatives to Contentful

A list of 15 carefully selected open-source alternatives to Contentful.

Adrian
Created by
Adrian
Mar 9, 2025Updated15 min read

The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.

If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of Contentful open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

#1
Strapi logo

Strapi

65,443
8,398

Strapi is the leading open-source headless CMS built entirely with JavaScript/TypeScript. It offers a fully customizable solution for developing modern websites and applications, empowering developers to design APIs effortlessly while tailoring content management to their unique needs.

Strapi screenshot

Key Features

  • Open-source and fully customizable
  • Developer-first design with JavaScript/TypeScript
  • Supports RESTful and GraphQL APIs
  • Intuitive Content-Type Builder and dynamic zones
  • Multi-database support
  • Extensive marketplace with plugins and integrations
  • Flexible hosting options: self-hosted or cloud

Strapi streamlines API creation, content modeling, and delivery with a user-friendly Content-Type Builder and dynamic zones. It supports both REST and GraphQL APIs, offers multi-database compatibility, and integrates with popular frameworks and third-party tools. Whether hosting on your own servers or using managed cloud services, Strapi’s developer-first design, robust security, and vibrant community make it a flexible choice for projects of all sizes.

#2
Payload logo

Payload

33,082
2,173

Payload is an open-source, fullstack Next.js framework that delivers instant backend capabilities and a ready-to-use admin panel. Designed for both developers and marketers, it offers the flexibility to serve as a headless CMS or power comprehensive applications.

Payload screenshot

Key Features

  • Instant TypeScript backend and admin panel out-of-the-box
  • Next.js native integration for seamless app development
  • Visual editing and code-first schema configuration
  • Flexible deployment as a headless CMS or full app framework
  • Open-source MIT licensed for total control and freedom

Payload integrates a complete TypeScript backend seamlessly into your Next.js app, enabling rapid development with built-in visual editing and code-first schema definition. It is used in production by innovative companies and supports diverse use cases from headless CMS to enterprise application building, providing developers with extensive customization while empowering marketers with intuitive content management.

#3
Directus logo

Directus

29,455
4,098

Directus is a highly versatile backend solution that transforms your SQL database into a powerful headless CMS, dynamic admin panel, or custom application interface. It offers instant APIs, robust authentication, and a customizable UI to streamline data management and accelerate development.

Directus screenshot

Key Features

  • Transforms existing SQL databases into headless CMS and dynamic admin panels
  • Instant REST and GraphQL API generation for rapid integration
  • Visual data modeling and customizable UI with white labeling
  • Robust authentication, granular permissions, and real-time updates
  • Extensible workflows and automation for enhanced productivity
  • Advanced file handling including image transformations and S3 compatible storage

Directus enables developers to build and manage backend systems effortlessly by turning any SQL database into a fully featured headless CMS. It provides visual data modeling, instant REST and GraphQL APIs, policy-based authentication, advanced file management, and dynamic workflow automation. The platform adapts to a wide range of projects from content management and eCommerce to learning systems, ensuring high performance and total data control.

#4
WordPress logo

WordPress

19,940
12,730

WordPress is a robust, open source content management system that powers over 43% of the web. This Git-ified repository is a mirror of the official WordPress Subversion repository, serving as a transparent base for developers while directing contributions to the designated channels.

WordPress screenshot

Key Features

  • Open source with a vast developer community
  • Highly customizable with themes, plugins, and built-in patterns
  • Scalable and secure platform for websites of all sizes
  • Transparent codebase with clear contribution channels

WordPress provides a flexible framework to create websites ranging from simple blogs to complex enterprise solutions. It offers an extensive ecosystem of themes, plugins, and patterns that enhance design, functionality, and security. This repository serves as an up-to-date mirror of the core code, ensuring that developers have seamless access to its evolution and contributing guidelines.

#5
Drupal logo

Drupal

4,137
1,932

Drupal is a fully composable open source content management system that powers the creation of sophisticated digital experiences. It is designed to meet the needs of both developers and content teams, offering flexibility and enterprise-grade security. With a vibrant global community, Drupal continuously evolves to support modern digital strategies.

Drupal screenshot

Key Features

  • Fully composable, open source CMS
  • API-first architecture for custom digital experiences
  • Enterprise-grade security and scalability
  • User-centric design with versatile content tools
  • Global community and continuous innovation

Drupal provides a robust, API-first platform that allows you to build secure and scalable websites. Whether using Drupal core for advanced customization or Drupal CMS for a guided setup, the tool offers limitless flexibility, rich user-centric design, and comprehensive support for varied digital projects.

#6
Builder logo

Builder

7,909
996

Builder is a visual development platform that transforms Figma designs into production-ready code using AI-powered tools. It streamlines the digital creation process, enabling teams to design, build, and optimize web experiences quickly while integrating seamlessly with popular frameworks like React, Vue, Svelte, and Qwik.

Builder screenshot

Key Features

  • AI-powered design-to-code conversion
  • Intuitive visual editor for drag-and-drop development
  • Enterprise headless CMS for seamless content management
  • Extensive integrations with modern frameworks and services
  • Rapid optimization and A/B testing capabilities

Builder accelerates the journey from idea to production with its suite of tools. Its design-to-code feature automatically generates clean, production-ready frontend code from Figma designs while the visual editor enables drag-and-drop page building. Additionally, Builder offers an enterprise-grade headless CMS and optimization features to run A/B tests and personalize experiences. The platform supports integrations with a wide array of tools, ensuring a comprehensive composable digital stack.

#7
Statamic logo

Statamic

4,289
555

Statamic is a modern, flat-file CMS built on Laravel that delivers an intuitive control panel and extensive content modeling capabilities. It empowers both developers and content creators to build dynamic websites with ease and efficiency.

Statamic screenshot

Key Features

  • Built on Laravel for high performance and flexibility
  • Award-winning, intuitive control panel
  • Over 40 customizable fieldtypes
  • Drag & drop navigation builder
  • Real-time collaboration and live preview
  • Multi-site and multilingual support
  • Robust addon marketplace for extended functionality

Statamic transforms website development by combining the simplicity of flat-file architecture with the robustness of Laravel. It offers features like over 40 customizable fieldtypes, a drag & drop navigation builder, real-time collaboration, live preview, and comprehensive version control. With flexible multi-site and multilingual support alongside a thriving addon ecosystem, Statamic scales effortlessly from personal blogs to complex enterprise sites.

Vvveb CMS is a powerful and user-friendly content management system designed to build modern websites, blogs, and ecommerce stores. It integrates an advanced drag-and-drop page builder, robust security measures, and versatile internationalization support to meet diverse online needs.

Vvveb CMS screenshot

Key Features

  • Drag and drop page builder with real-time WYSIWYG editing
  • Hybrid headless CMS supporting REST and GraphQL APIs
  • Robust security with randomized admin login and built-in integrity checks
  • Advanced ecommerce functionalities with multiple payment methods
  • Multisite management and demo import for quick setup
  • Comprehensive localization and SEO optimization

Vvveb CMS offers a complete package featuring a real WYSIWYG editor, hybrid headless functionality with both GraphQL and REST APIs, and comprehensive ecommerce capabilities. Its features include role-based access, multi-language and multi-currency support, and optimized SEO out of the box. The system is engineered for speed with low footprint performance, easy installation, and multisite management, making it ideal for scaling from personal blogs to large online stores.

#9
Webiny logo

Webiny

7,529
619

Webiny is an open-source, serverless enterprise CMS built for modern businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite including a headless CMS, page builder, form builder, and file manager, all deployed on AWS. The platform emphasizes customization, scalability, and complete data ownership for enterprises.

Webiny screenshot

Key Features

  • Composable platform with headless CMS, page builder, form builder, and file manager
  • Serverless architecture deployed on AWS for high scalability and performance
  • Full data ownership and enhanced security compliance
  • Highly customizable and extendable with strong developer support
  • No-code solutions empowering both technical and marketing teams

Webiny provides a composable content platform that adapts to your business needs. It integrates a headless CMS, no-code page builder, form builder, file manager, and advanced publishing workflow into a single, unified solution. Designed with a robust developer framework and serverless architecture, Webiny ensures enterprise-grade performance, flexibility, and reliability while reducing infrastructure costs and enabling deep customization.

#10
Twill CMS logo

Twill CMS

3,844
581

Twill CMS is an open source CMS toolkit for Laravel that empowers developers, designers, and publishers to rapidly create bespoke admin consoles that are both intuitive and powerful. It streamlines content management with flexibility and control, enabling teams to efficiently manage digital workflows.

Twill CMS screenshot

Key Features

  • Open source toolkit built for Laravel
  • Customizable and intuitive admin console
  • Tailored interfaces for publishers, designers, and developers
  • Flexible digital workflow management
  • Enhances content creation and curation efficiency

Twill CMS delivers a modern approach to digital content management, offering tailored features for publishers, designers, and developers. Built on Laravel, it balances convention with configuration to provide an intuitive, customizable admin console while ensuring design integrity and robust control over content workflows.

#11
TinaCMS logo

TinaCMS

12,350
634

TinaCMS is a fully open-source headless CMS built for developers and content creators. It offers an intuitive visual editing experience with live previews, robust Git integration, and seamless Markdown support, making content management both efficient and collaborative.

TinaCMS screenshot

Key Features

  • Real-time visual and inline editing with live previews
  • Robust Git integration for seamless version control
  • Supports Markdown, MDX, and JSON content formats
  • Flexible block-based editing and customization
  • Developer-friendly with local development support
  • Fully open-source and extendable

TinaCMS empowers teams to edit content directly on their websites with real-time visual and inline editing features. It integrates with Git and static site generators like Next.js, Hugo, and Jekyll, ensuring smooth version control and local development. Designed for simplicity, it allows content creators to work in Markdown and MDX without needing databases.

#12
Craft CMS logo

Craft CMS

3,331
646

Craft CMS empowers creative teams to build bespoke content experiences with a flexible, customizable platform. It combines an intuitive user interface, robust developer tools, and scalable content management, making it ideal for projects ranging from personal websites to enterprise-level solutions.

Craft CMS screenshot

Key Features

  • Ultra-flexible content modeling and custom field management
  • Intuitive, internationalized control panel with multiple author support
  • Built-in GraphQL API for headless implementations
  • Extensive Plugin Store and integration with top marketing and ecommerce tools
  • Robust multi-site and localization support
  • Scalable architecture with secure, supported hosting options (Craft Cloud)

Craft CMS is a modern content management system designed to adapt to any creative workflow. It offers ultra-flexible content modeling, multi-site and localization support, and a built-in GraphQL API for headless use. With its powerful templating engine powered by Twig and an extensive Plugin Store, Craft CMS provides an ecosystem that supports content creation, design, development, and ecommerce integration.

#13
KeystoneJS logo

KeystoneJS

9,447
1,182

KeystoneJS is a superpowered headless CMS for Node.js that utilizes GraphQL and React to deliver a fast, flexible, and scalable content management solution. It empowers developers to define their schema and instantly access a powerful GraphQL API alongside a beautiful management UI.

KeystoneJS screenshot

Key Features

  • Powerful GraphQL API and dynamic admin UI
  • Flexible schema design with extensive field types
  • Automated database migrations using Prisma
  • Robust access control and session management
  • Built with TypeScript/JavaScript for modern workflows
  • Open source with a strong community and enterprise support

KeystoneJS streamlines backend development by allowing you to design your content schema using an extensive array of field types and elegant APIs. It provides automated database migrations, robust access control, and a customizable admin UI to manage data seamlessly. Built in TypeScript and JavaScript, it fits naturally into modern git-based workflows and CI environments while supporting a wide range of deployment targets.

Concrete is an open source content management system designed for both developers and content creators. It provides intuitive in-context editing, robust security, and a modular framework to build professional websites quickly and efficiently.

Concrete screenshot

Key Features

  • In-context WYSIWYG editing and drag & drop interface
  • Modular block system with extensive add-on marketplace
  • Responsive, mobile-optimized design and customizable themes
  • Robust security with compliance certifications and audit trails
  • Granular user permissions and collaborative workflow tools

Concrete CMS offers a seamless website management experience with powerful drag and drop editing, extensive add-on support, and responsive design capabilities. It enables teams to collaborate with granular permission settings and streamlined workflows, while developers benefit from a flexible and customizable architecture that meets enterprise needs.

#15
Sulu logo

Sulu

1,207
343

Sulu is a robust, open-source content management framework built on Symfony that empowers developers to deliver complex, high-performance applications. Its intuitive interface and flexible architecture make it an ideal solution for both content teams and enterprise projects.

Sulu screenshot

Key Features

  • 100% open source and free
  • Clean, developer-friendly code
  • Built on the robust Symfony framework
  • Intuitive, productivity-enhancing backend interface
  • Headless CMS functionality for versatile content delivery
  • Scalable solution for enterprise and multi-channel applications

Sulu provides a full-stack CMS environment designed for enterprise applications, offering clean code practices and scalable content management. Built on Symfony, it delivers a feature-rich admin backend with excellent user experience and headless CMS capabilities, ideal for custom business logic and extensive integrations.

Price comparison of Contentful open-source alternatives

ToolTier 1Tier 2Tier 3Details
Strapi logo
Strapi
$0
Community (Self-hosted)
$15
Strapi Cloud (Managed Hosting)
-Learn more
Payload logo
Payload
$0
Self-hosted
$35
Standard
$199
Pro
Learn more
Directus logo
Directus
$15
Starter
$99
Professional
-
Enterprise
Learn more
Statamic logo
Statamic
$0
Statamic Core
-
Statamic Pro
-
Statamic Enterprise
Learn more
Vvveb CMS logo
Vvveb CMS
$0
Free
--Learn more
TinaCMS logo
TinaCMS
$0
Free
$29
Team
$49
Team Plus
Learn more
Craft CMS logo
Craft CMS
$0
Solo
$279
Team
$399
Pro
Learn more
Concrete logo
Concrete
$4.99
Starter
$19
Business
-
Custom SLA
Learn more

* Pricing shown is based on publicly available information and may not reflect current rates. Visit each tool's website for detailed pricing information and additional tiers.

About Contentful

Contentful is a leading brand in the digital content management industry, offering a composable content platform that powers exceptional digital experiences. With a focus on flexibility and adaptability, Contentful enables businesses to work smarter, not harder, with their AI Content Type Generator. The platform provides a comprehensive range of capabilities, including the ability to create, launch, and manage content through their Studio feature. Additionally, Contentful offers marketplace apps and integrations to extend its functionality. Contentful caters to a variety of use cases, such as global marketing and localization, personalized content experiences, composable commerce solutions, and support portals. Their resources, including whitepapers, e-books, videos, and customer case studies, further enhance the value they provide. Built by developers, for developers, Contentful's founders recognized the limitations of traditional web CMS and pioneered a headless CMS solution. This innovation allows for structured content that can be seamlessly published across various digital channels, along with open APIs that integrate smoothly with other tools. With Contentful, businesses can deliver unparalleled digital experiences and stay at the forefront of the digital-first era. Apply now to join their community and benefit from their real results and customer-focused solutions.
This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.
Contentful logo

Contentful

Composable Content Platform with an API-first approach giving you the freedom to build experiences you love.

Employees

251

Location

Berlin, Germany

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