SOFTWARE/WEBSITES/HEADLESS CMS PLATFORMS/SELF-HOSTED HEADLESS CMS PLATFORMS

Self-hosted headless CMS platforms

10 ranked, with a plain verdict on every entry.

VERIFIEDLISTER SCORE · UPDATED REGULARLY

Grav CMS takes the top spot on this list: it uses a flat-file architecture with zero database lock-in. Squidex is built for developers seeking an API-first solution, and tracks every update with full version history and audit logs. Strapi serves developers and content teams.

RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM

Grav CMSIncludes a built-in MCP server for agentic AI access94.0NEW–

SquidexHandles hundreds of thousands of content items with high performance94.0NEW–

StrapiStrapi is an open-source TypeScript headless CMS that enables developers to shape content and ship APIs94.0NEW–

Liferay Digital Experience PlatformEnables faster market entry via low-code development92.0NEW–

ApostropheCMSProvides true in-context visual editing directly on the page90.0NEW–

dotCMSEnforces governance at the platform level with granular access and audit trails88.0NEW–

SitepinsConnects directly to a Git repository for visual editing88.0NEW–

TinaCMSCombines GitHub version control with a simple Markdown editor88.0NEW–

VvvebSupports both traditional and headless usage via GraphQL and REST APIs88.0NEW–

KeystoneJSProvides a powerful GraphQL API and beautiful Management UI80.0NEW–

CURATED · UPDATED REGULARLY

The ranking, in detail

Grav CMS

Modern, fast, and powerful flat-file CMS

Grav CMS is a modern, open-source flat-file content management system. It requires no database or SQL installation wizard.

Best for developers building documentation hubs and blogs

94.0

Squidex

Create once, publish everywhere with this scalable headless CMS.

Squidex is an open-source headless CMS with a robust API. It offers a centralised platform for creating and publishing content across multiple channels.

Best for Developers seeking an API-first solution

94.0

Strapi

Open-source content framework for AI-powered websites

Strapi is an open-source TypeScript headless CMS that enables developers to shape content and ship APIs. Its recently generally available MCP feature allows agents to manage Strapi content.

Best for Developers and content teams

94.0

Liferay Digital Experience Platform

Launch digital experiences that convert, scale and grow

Liferay Digital Experience Platform is open-source software enabling teams to create adaptable experiences. It serves business and technical users seeking engaging digital solutions.

Best for Enterprise marketing and IT teams

92.0

ApostropheCMS

Build freely, edit effortlessly with a modern Node.js CMS.

ApostropheCMS is an open source, full-stack JavaScript content management system. It enables true in-context visual editing for editors while allowing developers to maintain architectural control.

Best for JavaScript development teams

90.0

dotCMS

Built for compliance. Certified for AI.

dotCMS is a visual headless CMS designed for compliance-led enterprises. It enables business teams to publish visually while developers build using any front-end framework.

Best for compliance-led regulated enterprises

88.0

Sitepins

Product

Sitepins is an open source Git-based headless CMS for static sites. It allows users to update content visually without touching code.

88.0

TinaCMS

Build stunning websites with visual editing powered by Git

TinaCMS is a developer-friendly, open-source CMS powered by Git and Markdown. It offers live previews and real-time editing while keeping content creators in control.

Best for developers using static site generators

88.0

Vvveb

Open source CMS and eCommerce Reinvented

Vvveb is an open source CMS and eCommerce platform. It features a powerful drag and drop website builder for blogs and stores.

Best for developers building scalable websites

88.0

KeystoneJS

Product

KeystoneJS is a superpowered Node.js headless CMS for developers.

80.0

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Frequently asked questions

What do the top four say they are built for?

Grav CMS says it is built for developers building documentation hubs and blogs, and Squidex for developers seeking an API-first solution. Strapi says it is built for developers and content teams, and Liferay Digital Experience Platform for enterprise marketing and IT teams.

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Self-hosted headless CMS platforms

The ranking, in detail

Frequently asked questions

What do the top four say they are built for?

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