The flexible backend for all your projects 🐰 Turn your DB into a headless CMS, admin panels, or apps with a custom UI, instant APIs, auth & more.
Payload is the open-source, fullstack Next.js framework, giving you instant backend superpowers. Get a full TypeScript backend and admin panel instantly. Use Payload as a headless CMS or for building powerful applications.
| Metric | directus | payload |
|---|---|---|
| Stars | 34,952 | 42,214 |
| Forks | 4,727 | 3,666 |
| Open Issues | 387 | 684 |
| Language | TypeScript | TypeScript |
| License | NOASSERTION | MIT |
| Last commit | 2mo ago | 2mo ago |
| Repo age | 13.6y | 5.5y |
| Activity score | 78/100 | 77/100 |
payload has 1.2× more stars (42,214 vs 34,952).
Both are actively maintained (last commit 69d ago vs 62d ago).
directus is more established (13.6y vs 5.5y old).
Both are primarily written in TypeScript.
directus is NOASSERTION, payload is MIT. Copyleft licenses (GPL/AGPL) may restrict closed-source commercial use.
