Which is cheaper, Payload or Strapi Cloud?

Strapi Cloud is 1.9x cheaper than Payload. Payload starts at $0/mo, Strapi Cloud starts at $0/mo.

Does Payload have a free tier?

Yes, Payload offers a free tier with .

Payload has moderate switching cost. Strapi Cloud has moderate switching cost. Both have similar switching complexity.

Cms

Payload

TypeScript-first open-source headless CMS with code-based configuration and managed cloud hosting

Switching Cost: moderate

Strapi Cloud

← More affordable

Managed cloud hosting for the Strapi open-source headless CMS

Switching Cost: moderate

The cost difference is substantial — Payload runs about 1.9x what Strapi Cloud charges.

Both tools have compelling strengths — choose Payload if you value typescript-first, otherwise Strapi Cloud offers advantages in managed.

Both tools have compelling strengths — choose Payload if you value typescript-first, otherwise Strapi Cloud offers advantages in managed.

Price Difference

1.9x

Strapi Cloud is cheaper by $17/mo