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Payload

Payload is a free, open-source alternative to Contentful, Sanity. Appex Technology deploys and customizes it on your own cloud account — you own the code, the data, and the infrastructure, with no per-seat fees and no vendor lock-in.

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Free to license
Open-source core — you pay for infrastructure, not seats.
Self-hosted on your cloud
Your Payload instance runs on your AWS or other cloud account.
No lock-in
Documented code in your repos. Move providers or take it in-house any time.
About Payload

What it is and what it replaces

A code-first headless CMS and app framework built on TypeScript and Node.

Unlike Contentful, Sanity, Payload is open-source and completely free to license. There are no per-user fees that grow with your headcount, no subscription renewals, and no data stored on a vendor's servers. You get the same core capabilities — and, with Appex Technology's customization, a version tailored exactly to your workflows.

Payload official site ↗
What Appex Technology delivers

From deployment to a running system

  • Cloud deploymentWe deploy Payload on your AWS, Google Cloud, or other provider — with backups, monitoring, and security hardened from day one.
  • Custom configurationCustom fields, workflows, permissions, and integrations shaped around the way your team actually works.
  • Data migrationWe migrate your existing data from Contentful or another source so you start with a live system, not an empty one.
  • IntegrationsWe wire Payload into your other tools — CRMs, payment systems, ERPs, or anything with an API.
  • Documentation & handoverFull runbook and admin docs so your team can operate it independently. No dependency on us to keep the lights on.

Payload vs Contentful, Sanity

Both solve the same core problem. The difference is who owns the data and who writes the monthly check.

Payload (self-hosted)Contentful (SaaS)
License costFreeSubscription / per-seat
Data locationYour cloud accountVendor's servers
CustomizationFull — code-level controlLimited to their settings
Lock-inNoneSwitching costs can be high
Ongoing feesInfrastructure onlyGrows with headcount
SetupAppex Technology handles itSign up + configure
FAQ

Payload — common questions

What is Payload?+
Payload is an open-source, self-hostable platform that can replace Contentful, Sanity. A code-first headless CMS and app framework built on TypeScript and Node.
How does Payload compare to Contentful?+
Payload is free to license and runs on your own cloud account. Unlike Contentful, there are no per-seat fees, no vendor lock-in, and your data never leaves infrastructure you control. Appex Technology customizes, deploys, and maintains it for you.
Can Appex Technology deploy Payload on our cloud?+
Yes. We deploy Payload on your AWS, Google Cloud, or other cloud account, configure it to your workflows, integrate it with your other tools, and hand over complete documentation. You own the infrastructure and the deployment outright.
How long does it take to get Payload running?+
A standard deployment and configuration typically takes a few weeks, depending on the level of customization. We start with a scoping call to understand your requirements, then send a clear estimate before any work begins.
Do we need to manage the server ourselves?+
Only if you want to. We can set up automated backups, monitoring, and update policies so your Payload instance stays healthy with minimal hands-on effort. We also offer ongoing maintenance retainers.

Ready to replace Contentful?

Tell us about your team and current setup — we'll scope a Payload deployment that fits.

Start a projectinfo@appextechnology.com