payload
Payload is the open-source, fullstack Next.js framework, giving you instant backend superpowers. Get a full TypeScript backend and admin panel instant
Key stats
What the data shows
Payload is completely free to use, with no paid tier required to get started.
payload is a standout performer on our rating metric, scoring 4.5 out of 5 on our rating metric.
Over the period tracked, payload has seen rapid user growth, expanding roughly 1712% over the past 4 years.
payload beats the headless cms platforms average on 2 of 3 tracked metrics.
founded in 2021, payload is a few years into its track record.
payload compared to the field
| Feature | payload | Headless CMS Platforms average |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub Stars | 45,648 | 37,247 |
| Forks | 4,392 | n/a |
| Popularity score | 4.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
Strengths & watch-outs
Strengths
- GitHub Stars leads the category average: 45,648 vs. 37,247.
- Comes out ahead on popularity score — 4.5 / 5 against a category average of 4.3 / 5.
- Free to use, with no paid tier required to get started.
Watch-outs
- Growing fast enough that current figures may shift quickly — verify before relying on them.
Growth over time
Frequently asked questions
Is payload free to use?
Yes — payload is free, with no paid tier required to get started.
Is payload good? What's its rating?
payload scores 4.5 out of 5 on our rating metric, versus a Headless CMS Platforms category average of 4.3.
How many people use payload?
payload has roughly 45.6K users/stars tracked, compared to a category average of 37.2K.
When was payload founded?
payload was founded in 2021, making it 5 years old.
Is payload growing?
Yes — usage is up roughly 1712% over the past 4 years.
Ready to see payload for yourself?
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