Strapi

What is Strapi?

Strapi is the leading open source, self hostable headless CMS, with a customisable API and admin, suited to developers wanting a free, open, self hosted CMS they fully control. It is a Node.js based, open source headless CMS that developers install and run on their own infrastructure (or Strapi Cloud), define content types through an admin panel, and expose content via REST and GraphQL APIs, with a customisable admin, plugins, roles and permissions, and full access to the code. Because it is open source and self hostable, Strapi gives control, customisation, data ownership and no licence cost, which developers value. The most popular open source headless CMS, Strapi suits developers and teams wanting an open, self hosted, customisable content back end. For open source and self hosting, Strapi is a leading choice.

Strapi's distinction is being the leading open source, self hostable, customisable headless CMS. It gives developers a free, open content back end they run and fully control, with a customisable admin and APIs and access to the code, so they own their data and tailor the CMS, which proprietary managed services do not offer for openness and control. That open source, self hosting and customisation set it apart.

Who Strapi is best for

Strapi is best for developers and teams who want a free, open source, self hostable headless CMS they fully control and customise, with REST and GraphQL APIs, data ownership and no licence cost. It suits open source and self hosting. It is a weaker fit for enterprises wanting a fully managed platform with governance, where Contentful fits, maximum developer flexibility with a managed service, where Sanity fits, marketer friendly visual editing, where Storyblok fits, or those not wanting to self host.

Key features

The core strengths are an open source, Node.js based headless CMS, self hosting (or Strapi Cloud), content type building via an admin panel, REST and GraphQL APIs, a customisable admin, plugins, roles and permissions, and full code access. Strapi offers an open, self hosted, customisable content back end. Its open source nature, self hosting and customisation are its defining advantages.

Strapi pricing

Strapi is open source and free to self host (you pay only your hosting), with Strapi Cloud (managed hosting) from around 15 US dollars a month and enterprise editions adding advanced features and support. So you can self host free or use managed cloud. Costs are hosting or cloud and optional enterprise. Confirm details on the Strapi pricing page.

Integrations and ecosystem

Strapi offers plugins, a marketplace, REST and GraphQL APIs, integrations, and full code customisation, with a large open source community. Its plugin ecosystem, APIs and open source community, which let developers extend and integrate Strapi freely, support its open, customisable positioning.

Strapi and open source

Being the leading open source, self hostable, customisable headless CMS is the signature strength: Strapi gives developers a free, open content back end they run and fully control, with a customisable admin, APIs and code access, so they own their data and tailor the CMS, which proprietary managed services do not offer. For open source and self hosting, this is the main reason to choose Strapi.

Ease of use and support

Strapi is well rated for being open source, self hostable, customisable and developer friendly, with a large community and commercial support options, though reviewers note self hosting effort and that you manage infrastructure and upgrades. Its G2 reviews praise openness and customisation, with self hosting effort the main consideration.

Is Strapi worth it?

For developers and teams who want a free, open source, self hostable, customisable headless CMS they fully control, Strapi is an excellent choice. The main caution is self hosting effort and infrastructure management, so enterprises wanting a managed platform may prefer Contentful, managed flexibility Sanity, marketer friendly editing Storyblok, and those avoiding self hosting a cloud service, but for open source and self hosting Strapi leads.