Payload vs DragDrop
Payload is the polished, code-first CMS, and developers rightly love it. Everything lives in your repo, which is the point, and also the price. DragDrop keeps the code close, blocks are real components you can open in the studio, but ships the hosting, the editor, and the domain with it.
One site per project
Many sites, one platform
TL;DR
Payload is a code-first CMS for developers. DragDrop is code-friendly for everyone.
Use Payload if…
- Your team wants the whole CMS defined in code, in your repo.
- You want a beautifully designed admin you fully control.
- You want open-source software you can take anywhere.
Use DragDrop if…
- You want hosting, editor, and domain in one place, nothing to deploy.
- You want developers editing block code in the studio, live.
- Your non-technical teammates want drag-and-drop, not a repo.
- You run several sites and want them under one account.
Key differences.
Where the code lives
Payload puts everything in a repository your team builds and deploys. DragDrop puts block code in the studio: open it, edit it, publish it, no redeploy.
Everyone gets an editor
Payload gives developers a great admin. DragDrop gives everyone a page they can drag, type on, and publish, with roles like Owner, Admin, Editor, and Viewer to keep it safe.
One box, many sites
Run many sites from one DragDrop account, each on its own plan in euros. No pipelines, no hosting bills on the side.
The same job, two ways.
Shipping a page for one client in Payload, and for every client at once in the DragDrop studio.
Building in Payload
Building in DragDrop
Side-by-side.
| Feature | DragDrop | Payload |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Drag, type, publish | Built for developers |
| Templates | Templates plus a marketplace | Starter templates |
| Custom domain on free plan | Yes | You handle hosting and domains |
| Forms | Built in, with email alerts | Build your own |
| Multi-language | Built in | Built in |
| Code access | Open any block as code | Everything is code |
| Price to start | Free, €0 forever | Open source, hosting extra |
| Run many sites | One account, many sites | One project per site |
Checked against Payload's current docs, July 2026. Spot something outdated? Tell us and we'll fix it.
Switching from Payload, in three moves.
Most teams run both platforms in parallel for a week and cut over on a quiet afternoon.
Bring your content
Export pages, posts, and media from Payload. Our importer maps them onto blocks, and our team helps with the fiddly parts when you ask.
Rebuild with blocks
Recompose your layouts from 90+ ready-made blocks. Anything custom, a developer can rebuild as a block right inside the studio.
Point your domain
Connect your domain, SSL issues automatically, and 301 redirects carry over every ranking you’ve earned. Nothing breaks on launch day.
Want a second pair of hands? Talk to the migration team. It costs nothing to ask.
Ready to switch?
Join the waitlist and be first to move when DragDrop launches, no credit card. Our team helps with the migration when you ask.
Free plan at launch · Early access invites · Launching soon