Keystone alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Keystone: smaller community and slower releases than rivals, and graphQL-centric API. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Keystone, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Payload currently ranks first.
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Show all 5 alternativesThe best Keystone alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Keystone alternative for most people
PayloadSimilar code-first TypeScript CMS with REST, GraphQL and a richer admin.
Best Keystone alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
DirectusAdmin and APIs over an existing SQL database without code.
Best Keystone alternative for open source
KeystaticThinkmill's file-based CMS for content sites without a database.
Best Keystone alternative for self-hosting
PayloadSimilar code-first TypeScript CMS with REST, GraphQL and a richer admin.
Best Keystone alternative for working in the browser
SanityHosted content platform with no servers to manage.
Keystone alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Keystone?
Payload ranks first right now. Similar code-first TypeScript CMS with REST, GraphQL and a richer admin. Strapi and Directus follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Keystone?
Yes. Payload (open source), Strapi (open source), Directus (free plan + paid) and Keystatic (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Keystone?
Yes: Payload, Strapi and Keystatic. Payload, Strapi and Keystatic can also be self-hosted.
Why do people switch from Keystone?
The complaints we hear most: smaller community and slower releases than rivals; graphQL-centric API; admin UI is basic for marketing teams.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Keystone, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.