Comparison

ZeroCMS vs Payload CMS for Astro 2026.

ZeroCMS keeps your content in the repository. Payload CMS moves it into a database, hosted by you or by them, and reached over an API. ZeroCMS leads on codebase footprint, AI, and cost and compliance. Payload CMS leads on API reach, governance and publishing.

ZeroCMS

Git-based · Cloud · From $15 / month, editors need no seat

Connect a GitHub repository and Zero reads your Astro Zod schemas and .astro components to generate the editor — no plugins, no config, nothing added to your repository. Editors work against a live preview of the real site, and every publish lands as a clean commit. An AI agent works in the editor, and eight content checks run on demand or as a pre-publish gate.

Overview

  • Astro fit
  • Codebase fit
  • Editing
  • Publishing and review
  • Governance and access
  • Git and the repository — Not compared
  • APIs and extensibility
  • AI capabilities

Reviewed 1 Sep 2026 Full CMS comparison →

Payload CMS

Headless · Cloud or self-hosted · Free

Payload installs into a Next.js app and stores content in a database you provide, giving a fully code-configured admin panel and a REST and GraphQL API over the content. It is self-hosted or run on Payload Cloud. Astro consumes the content over those APIs rather than through astro:content, and the content model lives in Payload, not the repository.

Overview

  • Astro fit
  • Codebase fit
  • Editing
  • Publishing and review
  • Governance and access
  • Git and the repository — Not compared
  • APIs and extensibility
  • AI capabilities

Reviewed 3 Sep 2026 Full CMS comparison →

Pick ZeroCMS when

You want a CMS that keeps content as files in your repository and adds nothing to the repository.

  • You want the CMS to leave your codebase alone
  • AI agents edit the content
  • AI should do the routine work

Pick Payload CMS when

You want a CMS that schedules a publish and offers SAML SSO.

  • The budget is zero
  • Other systems read and write the content
  • Roles, approvals and sign-in are policy

What actually differs.

Codebase fit

Code in your repository

ZeroCMS

Nothing. The editor is generated from the schemas and components already in the repository.

Payload CMS

A dependency, a config file owned by the CMS, an integration in your Astro config, the content model declared a second time, fetching and rendering code you maintain, generated types committed to the repo, and credentials the repo and deploy carry.

AI capabilities

AI context

ZeroCMS

The AI sees your entries and the site's own code.

Payload CMS

The vendor does not say what the AI sees.

Astro fit

Content loading

ZeroCMS

As the files Astro's content collections already read. The repository is the backup.

Payload CMS

Fetched over HTTP and wired into Astro by you.

APIs and extensibility

REST API

ZeroCMS

No HTTP API. The content is files in the repository, and that is the interface.

Payload CMS

A full HTTP API, reads and writes, for any consumer.

Governance and access

Single sign-on (SSO)

ZeroCMS

No SAML SSO yet.

Payload CMS

SAML SSO is available.

Publishing and review

Scheduled publishing

ZeroCMS

No scheduled publishing.

Payload CMS

A publish can be scheduled.

Editing

Custom field controls

ZeroCMS

No custom field controls.

Payload CMS

Custom field controls are supported.

Cost, licence and compliance

Additional costs

ZeroCMS

Extra for aI credits beyond the monthly quota.

Payload CMS

Extra for hosting for the Next.js app, a database you provide, file storage and a CDN, and an email provider for auth mail.

Every aspect, side by side, in the full Astro CMS comparison →
Still not sure?

Zero keeps content as files in your repository.

Payload CMS makes you fetch and wire the content yourself. That matters if the site is the only thing consuming the content. Connect an Astro repo and see the difference in ten minutes.

Connect your repo Try the live demo

14 days free · no credit card