Crikey! That’s a nice CMS!

Let Paul the CMS hunter guide you 
to find and compare the leading 
modern Headless CMS platforms

The CMS Hunter

The Top Headless CMS in 2023

Sanity logo

Sanity

4.7 out of 5

  • Headless
  • Hosted
  • Free for small projects

Sanity is a modern and flexible headless CMS that's as refreshing as a dip in a cool waterhole on a scorchin' day. With its intuitive and user-friendly interface, wranglin' content has never been easier. You can round up your team and collaborate seamlessly, keepin' everyone in the loop like a tight-knit campfire circle. And here's the best part: it's built for developers too, with APIs and customizable options galore. So whether you're a seasoned wrangler or just startin' out, Sanity's got the tools to corral your content and make your website shine like a twinklin' Southern Cross.

Storyblok logo

Storyblok

4.5 out of 5

  • Live Preview
  • GraphQL API
  • Granular permissions

Storyblok, a delightful headless CMS that empowers content creators and developers alike. With a user-friendly visual editor, wrangling content is as simple as painting a landscape. Storyblok's decoupled architecture allows for seamless integration with any frontend technology, like building blocks to construct a masterpiece. Whether you're a designer or developer, you'll find the flexibility and customization options to be a breath of fresh air. With its array of features, Storyblok helps you craft captivating digital experiences that'll leave your audience spellbound.

Umbraco logo

Umbraco

4.4 out of 5

  • Templating
  • Code editing
  • Back office usability

Umbraco is an open-source CMS that offers a robust and versatile platform for managing content. With an intuitive interface and extensive customization options, content management becomes straightforward and flexible. It caters to both small-scale websites and large-scale projects, accommodating various development needs. With multi-language support and a diverse range of tools, Umbraco provides the foundation for creating unique and engaging digital experiences. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a newcomer to CMS platforms, Umbraco offers a reliable and user-friendly solution for your web development needs.

Contentful logo

Contentful

4.2 out of 5

  • API-based cms
  • Much better than WordPress
  • Simple and customizable

Contentful, the versatile headless CMS that provides a cloud-based approach to managing content. Content wrangling becomes effortless, thanks to its intuitive interface and API-first design, suitable for both developers and content creators. Collaboration is seamless, with tools designed to promote teamwork and efficiency. Contentful's scalability allows it to accommodate growing needs, making it a reliable choice for the long haul. If you're seeking a powerful CMS for your digital journey, Contentful is definitely worth considering.

Strapi logo

Strapi

4.5 out of 5

  • Free
  • Open source
  • Self-hostable

Unleash the wild power of Strapi, the open-source headless CMS that's as versatile as a true-blue Aussie swiss army knife. With an easy-to-use admin panel, wrangling content is a doddle. Whether you're an adventurous developer or a content wrangler, Strapi's API-based architecture offers boundless customization possibilities. And here's the real beauty, it's completely self-hosted, givin' you the freedom to roam like a roving drover without being tied down. So, if you're ready to tame your content and let your creativity run wild, hitch up with Strapi, and let's make some digital magic!

Agility CMS logo

Agility CMS

4.4 out of 5

  • Starter templates
  • Free for developers
  • Next.js integration

Agility CMS: Get ready to leap and bound with Agility, the nimble and dynamic headless CMS that's tailor-made for a fast-paced digital world. With an intuitive interface, wrangling content becomes a breeze, even for the greenest of city slickers. Agile teams can collaborate effortlessly, like a synchronized dance under the stars. It's as versatile as a bushman's toolkit, with support for multiple platforms and technologies. Plus, you'll have the freedom to scale and evolve your digital presence, just like a kangaroo explorin' new territories. So if you're after speed, flexibility, and a CMS that'll keep up with your every move, Agility's got ya covered!

Yext logo

Yext

4.4 out of 5

  • Efficient Updates
  • SEO Insights
  • Enhanced UX

Yext: A top-notch platform to manage business info across the digital landscape. Keep listings consistent on search engines, maps, and more. Its Knowledge Graph simplifies updates for efficiency. Review Management feature helps monitor customer feedback. Whether small or big, Yext helps you shine online. Try it now and watch your digital presence soar!

Hygraph logo

Hygraph

4.6 out of 5

  • Intuitive and polished UI
  • Generous free plan
  • Granular webhooks

Hygraph's the real deal, a federated content platform that gives ya true composability of your whole stack. Wrangle all your services together with our one-of-a-kind content federation approach, and spread content from anywhere to everywhere using a single, ripper GraphQL API. It's like havin' a boomerang that brings everything together in a flash, makin' your digital journey smoother than a creek on a calm day. So, if you want a CMS that'll have your website singin' like a bush bird at sunrise, Hygraph's the way to go, no doubt about it!

Mura CMS logo

Mura CMS

4.5 out of 5

  • Mobile-Friendly
  • Feature-Rich
  • Flexible Options

Mura CMS is a robust and user-friendly content management system that's got the strength of an Aussie croc and the simplicity of throwin' a boomerang. With an intuitive interface and drag-and-drop capabilities, wrangling content becomes as easy as pie. Mura's flexible architecture allows developers to craft custom solutions, like a true-blue swagman building his own shelter. It's the perfect fit for businesses of all sizes, with scalable features that can handle anything from a tiny blog to a massive e-commerce site. So, whether you're a content creator or a seasoned developer, Mura CMS is the tool you need to create a website that'll impress even the toughest Outback critics!

Butter CMS logo

Butter CMS

4.7 out of 5

  • Intuitive interface
  • Multiple environments
  • Schedule posts

Butter CMS is a buttery-smooth headless CMS that takes the hassle out of content management. With its intuitive interface and simple setup, wrangling content becomes a piece of cake. It's designed for developers too, with easy-to-use APIs and SDKs to integrate with your favorite tech stack. Butter CMS is perfect for small to medium-sized projects, allowing you to focus on creating engaging content without getting bogged down in technical complexities. So, whether you're a content wrangler or a seasoned developer, Butter CMS spreads simplicity and efficiency throughout your web development journey.

Headless CMS: The Kangaroo Without a Head - Exploring the Pros and Cons in the CMS Outback with Paul

G'day mates! It's your trusty Aussie guide Paul, back at it again in the wild Outback of Content Management Systems (CMS). Today, we're setting our sights on a particularly interesting critter that's been making waves in the CMS billabong: the "Headless CMS." Now, don't worry. It's not as grim as it sounds. So, strap in, fill up your billycan, and let's dive right into it.

What on Earth is a Headless CMS?

Imagine, if you will, a kangaroo. The "body" (or back end) is where all the magic happens. It's where the kangaroo digests its food, builds muscle, and stores energy. The "head" (or front end) is where the kangaroo interacts with the world - eating, looking out for predators, and making those cute kangaroo noises.

In the world of traditional CMS platforms, like WordPress or Joomla, the head and body are connected. The back end is where you create and manage content. The front end is where that content gets displayed to your site visitors. Simple, right?

Well, a headless CMS is like a kangaroo that’s decided it doesn’t need its head to function. Wild thought, isn't it? In technical terms, it separates the back end (the body, where you create and manage content) from the front end (the head, where that content gets displayed). They exist independently, communicating through APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

Why Go Headless?

You might be thinking, "Paul, why would I want a headless CMS? Isn't that like a koala without eucalyptus?" Good question, mate. But in this era of expanding digital touchpoints – mobile apps, IoT devices, smartwatches, and even smart fridges – the traditional CMS setup can feel as restrictive as a croc in a kiddie pool.

A headless CMS gives you the freedom to publish your content anywhere, on any device. It doesn't dictate how or where your content should be displayed. That decision is left to the developers who can create a custom front-end (the head) that best suits your needs. This level of flexibility is as appealing as a waterhole in the dry season to businesses that need to deliver seamless content experiences across various platforms.

The Pros of Going Headless

Headless CMS platforms, like Contentful, Strapi, or Sanity, come with a swag bag full of benefits:

Flexibility: Like a wallaby bounding across the plains, a headless CMS is all about flexibility. With the presentation layer removed, developers have full control over how and where content is displayed.

Omnichannel Ready: A headless CMS is born ready for the omnichannel era. It allows you to deliver a consistent content experience across all your digital touchpoints – from your website and mobile app to your IoT devices.

Scalability: A headless CMS is as scalable as the Outback sky is wide. It can easily grow with your business, handling more traffic and content as needed.

The Cons of Losing Your Head

However, going headless isn't all shrimps and barbies. There are a few potential drawbacks:

Complexity: Implementing a headless CMS can be as complex as finding your way out of the bush without a compass. It requires a skilled development team to create and manage the front-end presentation layer.

No Front-End Preview: Without a built-in front end, a headless CMS doesn't offer a preview option. It's like trying to cook a snag on the barbie without being able to see if it's burned.

Cost: Developing and maintaining a custom front end can be costlier than using a traditional CMS, much like buying a new 4WD when your trusty Ute would have done the job.

In the end, choosing a headless CMS is like choosing the right boomerang. It all depends on your specific needs and the technical capabilities of your team. So, whether you choose to go headless or stick with the traditional CMS roos, remember that CMSHunter.com and your mate Paul are here to guide you through the CMS Outback.