Headless CMS platforms enable developers and marketers to focus on their core tasks—developers build applications, and marketers manage content. This separation speeds up content delivery and helps businesses adapt quickly.
In this article, we’ll break down the best headless CMS platforms to help you make your choice.
In brief:
- Headless CMS platforms split up backend content management from frontend presentation, allowing content delivery across multiple channels using APIs.Picking a robust headless CMS from among theThe best platforms include Contentful, Strapi, and Sanity.
Key Differences Between Traditional CMS and Headless CMS Platforms
If you’ve been using a traditional CMS so far, you’ll find a headless CMS much different—especially when it comes to the developer experience.
- ArchitectureContent DeliveryFlexibility and ReusabilityDeveloper ExperienceScalability and Performance
12 Best Headless CMS Platforms
Built around flexible APIs, headless CMS platforms integrate well with modern front-end frameworks and support multi-channel content delivery.
Here are the 12 best headless CMS platforms to choose from:
1. Contentful
Contentful is a cloud-based headless CMS designed for enterprises that prioritize reliability and scalability. It stands out for its flexible content model and robust API offerings.
Key features include:
- Content Model Flexibility:Global Content Delivery Network (CDN):Localization Support:Integration Capabilities:Advanced Workflow Management:
Contentful is an excellent choice for businesses managing extensive, international digital properties and those needing a scalable infrastructure.
2. Strapi
Strapi is an open-source headless CMS offering unmatched flexibility through complete source code access. Developers can customize every aspect to meet their needs.
Its features include:
- Database Compatibility:Framework Integration:Customization:Plugin Ecosystem:Self-Hosted Option:
Strapi is ideal for development teams seeking complete control over their CMS architecture and security.
3. Sanity
Sanity offers a real-time collaborative environment designed for both developers and content creators. Its customizability makes it a favorite for teams with complex content needs.
The top features include:
- Sanity Studio:Real-Time Collaboration:Content as Data:Flexible Content Structures:Localization Support:
Sanity’s API and editing experience make it ideal for projects requiring rapid content updates and multi-channel distribution.
4. Prismic
Prismic focuses on simplicity and productivity for content teams. Its slice-based content modeling offers a reusable component approach.
This headless CMS offers the following features:
- Slice-Based Content:User-Friendly Interface:SEO Tools:Version Control:Integration Options:
Prismic’s simplicity and modular approach are ideal for teams focused on fast, scalable content updates without technical bottlenecks.
5. Kontent.ai
Kontent.ai is an AI-powered headless CMS designed for enterprises looking to streamline content creation and distribution. It emphasizes structured content, workflow automation, and compliance, making it ideal for industries with strict governance needs.
Top features include:
- AI-Enhanced Content Operations:Headless Architecture:Governance & Compliance:Developer-Friendly API:Content Performance Analytics:
Kontent.ai is trusted by enterprises needing scalable, AI-driven content management with a strong focus on compliance and efficiency.
6. Magnolia
Magnolia offers a hybrid approach, blending headless CMS capabilities with traditional CMS features to provide flexibility for enterprise-level digital experiences.
Its main features include:
- Integration-Friendly:Personalization:Omnichannel Delivery:Campaign Management:Customizable Workflows:
Magnolia is ideal for businesses seeking both headless and traditional CMS functionality to support complex marketing and personalization needs.
7. Ghost
Ghost is a streamlined, open-source CMS optimized for professional publishing. Built on Node.js, it’s popular among independent publishers and media companies.
Its standout features include:
- Content Creator-Friendly:JSON API:Built-In Membership Tools:Fast Performance:Custom Themes:
Ghost is an excellent solution for publishers prioritizing performance and ease of use.
8. Storyblok
Storyblok is a headless CMS with a visual editor and component-based approach that empowers teams to build and manage content-rich websites efficiently.
When using Storyblok, you’ll benefit from the following functionality:
- Visual Editor:Component-Based Structure:Multilingual Support:Collaboration Tools:Content Workflows:
Storyblok’s focus on user-friendly tools and reusability makes it a favorite for marketing teams and developers alike.
9. Contentstack
Contentstack is designed for enterprise scalability, supporting high-performance applications with extensive API capabilities and agile workflows.
This headless CMS comes with the following features:
- User-Friendly Dashboard:Enterprise-Grade APIs:Omnichannel Distribution:Agile Workflows:Developer Tools:
Contentstack’s enterprise focus makes it ideal for large organizations with complex content delivery needs.
10. ButterCMS
ButterCMS is a SaaS-based solution designed for rapid integration with modern tech stacks. It offers simplicity without sacrificing essential features.
Its top features include:
- Quick Setup:SEO Optimization:Developer-Friendly:Content Previews:Customizable Content Fields:
ButterCMS is perfect for startups and small teams looking for a fast, scalable CMS without the need for extensive custom development.
11. Decap CMS
Decap CMS (formerly known as Netlify CMS) is an open-source solution tailored for static site generators and Git-based workflows. It’s highly customizable and works well with modern JAMstack projects.
Its main features include:
- Git Integration:Static Site Compatibility:Custom Widgets:Single-Page App:Open-Source Community:
Netlify CMS is ideal for developers building static websites with modern tools and workflows.
12. Agility CMS
Agility CMS combines the best of both worlds, offering a hybrid model with page management features alongside headless content delivery.
The main features of this CMS include:
- Page Management:E-Commerce Integration:Jamstack Compatibility:Content Syndication:Custom Workflows:
Agility CMS provides flexibility for organizations managing both structured content and fully designed pages.
Power Up Your Website with a Headless CMS
With a headless CMS, you can quickly share content across channels, future-proof your website, and create personalized user experiences. As you evaluate these options, download our headless CMS implementation checklist to get fully prepared before diving into the migration process.
