Strapi vs. Craft CMS
By SW Habitation
Strapi
Craft CMS
You know, when you wanna make a website or a blog but don’t wanna mess with too much code? That’s where a CMS (Content Management System) comes in. It’s like a super easy tool that helps you add text, pictures, and videos to your site without needing to be a tech genius. You just log in, click a few buttons, and your content is live. It's quite simple, right?
What is Strapi?
Strapi is an open-source headless CMS built on Node.js that helps teams create, manage, and deliver content through APIs.
Unlike traditional CMS platforms, Strapi doesn’t lock you into a specific frontend. Instead, it lets you deliver content to websites, mobile apps, or even IoT devices, giving developers complete flexibility while allowing editors to manage content easily.
Its focus is on customizability, developer freedom, and community-driven growth, making it a great choice for startups, agencies, and enterprises that want control over their content stack.
Key Features of Strapi
- Open Source & Self-Hosted: Total control over data and infrastructure.
- REST & GraphQL APIs: Ready-to-use APIs for any frontend.
- Content Modeling: Define content structures visually or via code.
- Role-Based Access Control: Manage permissions across teams.
- Plugin Ecosystem: Extend functionality with community or custom plugins.
- Multi-Database Support: Works with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite.
- Strapi Cloud: Managed hosting option for easier setup and scaling.
Advantages of Strapi
- Highly Flexible: Easily customize models, APIs, and workflows.
- Full Control: You own your code, data, and infrastructure.
- Developer-Friendly: Built with modern JavaScript (Node.js, GraphQL, REST).
- Multi-Platform Ready: Works with websites, mobile apps, and more.
- Strong Community: Large open-source ecosystem and plugin marketplace.
Disadvantages of Strapi
- Performance Tuning: Large-scale apps may require optimization.
- Enterprise Features Locked: SSO, audit logs, and advanced roles are paid.
- Hosting Needed: You must manage your own deployment unless using Strapi Cloud.
- Learning Curve: Beginners may need time to configure models and APIs.
What is Craft CMS?
Craft CMS is a content-first CMS that gives developers complete control over their content structure and front-end design.
Unlike traditional CMS platforms that come with pre-built templates, Craft takes a more hands-on approach, you can build everything from scratch, making it super customisable.
Key Features of Craft CMS
- Content Modeling: Structure your content however you like with fields and relationships.
- Localization: Native support for multi-language content.
- Plugins and Extensions: Expand functionality with a rich plugin ecosystem.
- Custom Templating: Use Twig, a simple templating language, for front-end.
- Live Preview: See changes in real time before publishing.
- User Management: Manage user roles and permissions easily.
- Headless Option: Use Craft as a headless CMS with GraphQL or REST APIs.
Advantages of Craft CMS
- Highly Customizable: Total control over your content structure and front-end.
- Active Community: Plenty of plugins and community support.
- Scalable: Handles both small projects and large, complex sites.
- Great Developer Experience: Clean code, easy templating, and robust documentation.
- Built-in Localization: Native support for multilingual sites.
Disadvantages of Craft CMS
- Setup Time: It takes longer to set up compared to plug-&-play CMS options.
- Not Beginner-Friendly: It requires some coding knowledge.
- Paid License: No free tier, you’ll need a license to use it.
Comparison Between Strapi vs Craft CMS
Use Cases of Strapi
- Startups & Agencies: Build custom digital products with full control.
- Self-Hosted Enterprises: Companies that want data ownership.
- Omni-Channel Content: Deliver content to apps, sites, and IoT devices.
- Open-Source Projects: Community-driven projects needing transparency.
- Custom Workflows: Tailor content models and permissions for teams.
Use Cases of Craft CMS
- Custom Websites: When you need total control over your front-end design.
- Headless Implementations: Use Craft’s APIs to serve content anywhere.
- Complex Content Structures: Projects that require complex content relationships.
- Agencies and Freelancers: Ideal for building unique, high-performance websites.
Other Resources
Conclusion
Headless CMS platforms make managing your website very simple and easy. Whether you’re running a blog, online store, or business, they handle the tough stuff so you can focus on your content.
With a user-friendly interface and the ability to work with any technology, you can create a site that really fits your needs.
These platforms are flexible, secure, and can grow with you. They offer features like custom content, easy editing, and integrations with other tools. Choose the one that fits your requirements and start building your dream website today 🚀
Frequently asked questions
Is Strapi completely free?
Yes, the self-hosted version is free and open-source. Paid plans exist for Strapi Cloud and enterprise features.
Does Strapi support GraphQL?
Yes, Strapi provides both REST and GraphQL APIs out of the box.
Can Strapi handle multi-language websites?
Yes, via community plugins or manual setups.
Do I need to know coding to use Strapi?
Editors can manage content without coding, but developers are needed for setup/customization.
Is Strapi good for enterprise projects?
Yes, with Strapi Cloud and enterprise features, it scales well for large teams and projects.
What is Craft CMS used for?
It’s used for creating custom websites where you need full control over the design and content.
Is craft cms beginner-friendly?
It’s a bit more technical than some other CMSs, so it’s ideal if you’re comfortable with web development.
Can I use Craft CMS with React or Next.js?
Yes, but you’ll need to set up an API to make it work smoothly with frontend frameworks.
Is Craft CMS free?
No, but it offers a one-time license fee, which can be more affordable for long-term projects.
Does craft-cms offer built-in SEO tools?
Not out of the box, but you can add plugins for SEO features.