10 Open Source Alternatives to Sanity

A list of 10 carefully selected open-source alternatives to Sanity.

Adrian
Created by
Adrian
Mar 9, 2025Updated10 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 Sanity 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
Ghost logo

Ghost

48,612
10,600

Ghost is an independent open source publishing platform designed for modern content creators. It provides powerful tools for building customizable websites, publishing rich media content, and managing newsletters and memberships, all in one integrated solution.

Ghost screenshot

Key Features

  • Independent, open source platform built for modern publishing
  • Distraction-free, rich text editor with multimedia support
  • Customizable design with a diverse theme marketplace
  • Built-in newsletters, memberships, and subscription management
  • Extensive integrations for enhanced functionality
  • Comprehensive analytics for audience engagement

Ghost empowers professional publishers with full control over website design and content delivery. The platform features a distraction-free editor, extensive theme customization, and built-in capabilities for newsletters, memberships, and subscriptions. Its rich media support and extensive integrations enable creators to expand their storytelling and engage audiences effectively.

#3
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.

#4
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.

ProcessWire 3.x is a robust open source CMS and CMF designed for both simplicity and power. Its intuitive API and fully customizable fields allow developers to build scalable and flexible websites with ease.

ProcessWire screenshot

Key Features

  • Intuitive and powerful API for rapid development
  • Fully customizable fields with repeatable groups
  • Scalable architecture for any project size
  • Emphasis on security with robust access control and input sanitization
  • Multi-language support and easy front-end editing
  • Seamless integration with existing development tools

ProcessWire streamlines content creation by connecting custom fields with a powerful API, making every bit of content accessible in a single line of code. The platform is built for performance and scalability, handling projects from small sites to those with millions of pages. Its user-friendly interface, modular architecture, multi-language support, and front-end editing capabilities empower developers and clients alike to manage content effortlessly.

#6
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.

#7
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.

#8
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.

#9
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.

#10
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.

Price comparison of Sanity open-source alternatives

ToolTier 1Tier 2Tier 3Details
Strapi logo
Strapi
$0
Community (Self-hosted)
$15
Strapi Cloud (Managed Hosting)
-Learn more
Ghost logo
Ghost
$9
Starter
$25
Creator
$50
Team
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
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

* 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 Sanity

This Place is a leading German brand for functional natural cosmetics and has recently become an independent company. Previously a 100% subsidiary of Sanity Group, This Place is now headed by CEO and founder Laura Simonow, who has taken over the business division that she initiated and managed within the Sanity Group. While Sanity Group aims to further explore the benefits of the cannabis plant, This Place will focus on researching functional, natural ingredients beyond cannabinoids as an independent entity. With a vision to revolutionize and solve problems in the field of natural skincare, This Place combines scientific expertise with a commitment to sustainability. The brand is proud of its success story and plans to introduce a new product line in the coming months, featuring ingredients beyond CBD and cannabinoids. For more information about This Place, please visit www.this.place, and to learn more about Sanity Group, visit www.sanitygroup.com.
This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.
Sanity logo

Sanity

Sanity Group is a holistic European Cannabis company based in Germany and focusing on health, wellbeing and scientific research.

Founded

2018

Employees

51

Location

Berlin, Germany

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