Compare headless CMS.

A headless CMS separates content from presentation. We analyze the main players: which system fits when, and where are the pitfalls?

Comparison Table

Storyblok

Founded: 2017
Visual editor: Yes
API-first: Yes
MACH: Yes
Price: Free – $349/mo

Sanity

Founded: 2017
Visual editor: Limited
API-first: Yes
MACH: Yes
Price: Free – $949/mo

Contentful

Founded: 2013
Visual editor: Limited
API-first: Yes
MACH: Yes
Price: Free – $489/mo

Contentstack

Founded: 2018
Visual editor: Yes
API-first: Yes
MACH: Yes
Price: Enterprise-only

Plate

Founded: 2015
Visual editor: Yes
API-first: Yes
MACH: No
Price: €300–€1,200/mo

Brief Summaries

Storyblok

Cloud-native headless CMS from Austria with the best visual editor on the market. Ideal for marketing teams that want to work independently. Strong real-time preview and intuitive folder structure.

Sanity

Norwegian headless CMS with maximum flexibility for developers. The fully customizable Sanity Studio and GROQ query language provide unprecedented control. Best choice if your team is technically strong and customization is important.

Contentful

The market leader among headless CMS systems with the largest ecosystem and app marketplace. Extensive API capabilities and enterprise-grade governance. The "safe choice" for large organizations.

Contentstack

Enterprise-focused headless CMS with strong governance and workflow features. Co-founder of the MACH Alliance. Best choice for large organizations with complex approval workflows and strict compliance requirements.

Plate

Dutch headless CMS with personal support and strong visual editor. Ideal for agencies and mid-sized companies in the Benelux. Local support and Dutch approach as differentiator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a headless CMS?
A headless CMS separates content from the presentation layer. Content is stored and managed in the CMS, but delivered via APIs to any frontend: website, app, digital signage or other channels. This provides maximum flexibility in how and where you display content, but requires a separate frontend that you build or have built yourself.
Which headless CMS fits my organization?
The choice depends on your priorities. Storyblok is ideal for marketing teams that want a visual editor. Sanity offers maximum flexibility for developers. Contentful is the enterprise standard with the largest ecosystem. Contentstack focuses on enterprise governance. Plate is the Dutch option with personal support.
What does a headless CMS cost?
Headless CMS systems range from free tiers for small projects to enterprise contracts of €50,000+/year. Most offer self-service plans starting at €99-500/month. Note: pricing is often based on API calls, users or content items – not just features. For a fair comparison, you need to know your expected usage.

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