List of the Top 25 Headless CMS Software for Freelancers in 2025

Storyblok serves as a Headless Content Management System designed to offer developers the necessary flexibility for crafting reliable and swift websites, while simultaneously empowering non-technical content creators to independently manage and modify content without the need for coding knowledge. Unlike traditional monolithic CMSs like WordPress, Storyblok’s headless architecture allows for content deployment across multiple platforms, including iOS and Android applications, as well as various other formats such as IoT devices, smartwatches, and AR/VR environments, through the use of Application Programming Interfaces. This capability enables teams to effectively narrate their stories and oversee content across diverse applications, including corporate websites, e-commerce platforms, helpdesk systems, mobile applications, and digital displays. Additionally, Storyblok features a Visual Editor tailored for the needs of developers, marketers, and content editors alike, enhancing overall usability. However, managing digital content with a headless CMS can present challenges, particularly in the absence of visual previews that often leave editors uncertain and seeking guidance for even minor adjustments. To address this issue, Storyblok combines the user-friendly experience of a page builder with a robust modern headless framework, providing developers with creative freedom while ensuring that editors benefit from an intuitive and self-explanatory interface, making the entire content management process more seamless and efficient.

The quickest method to establish the most sought-after websites is through speed and cost-efficiency. With more than 900,000 developers and businesses utilizing Netlify, it proves to be a go-to platform for managing web projects worldwide. There is no need for servers, complex devops, or hefty infrastructure costs. Netlify automatically detects any changes made in Git and initiates deployments without manual intervention. It provides a robust and adaptable build environment that enhances the development process. Publishing is done effortlessly, featuring instantaneous cache invalidation for optimal performance. Designed to integrate seamlessly into a git-based development workflow, you can operate sites globally with ease. Each change you make is deployed without delay. Modern web projects can be directly published from your git repositories, eliminating the need for setup and server maintenance. Our continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline caters specifically to web developers, enabling automated builds with every commit made to Git. Each push to the repository generates a complete preview site for review. You can deploy efficiently to our advanced Edge, a global multi-cloud content delivery network (CDN) that significantly enhances the performance of Jamstack applications and websites. Atomic deployments ensure that you can revert changes whenever necessary, providing peace of mind as you manage your web projects. This streamlined process empowers developers to focus more on creativity rather than infrastructure concerns.

Contentful stands as the premier content platform tailored for businesses that prioritize digital engagement. It offers enhanced speed and scalability compared to conventional CMS options, streamlining content management. By consolidating content into a singular hub, it allows for flexible structuring suitable for diverse digital platforms, while also effortlessly connecting with a multitude of other tools via open APIs. With Contentful, users can deploy their content across various channels using APIs, fully personalize their content architecture, and do so using the programming languages and frameworks they favor. This versatility makes it an invaluable asset for modern digital strategies.

Create a digital footprint, initiate a business, and relish the convenience of remote work. Ghost streamlines the content publishing process, allowing you to build an audience through email newsletters and generate revenue via premium memberships. You have the liberty to publish when and how you wish. Every component, encompassing design, content, and user interaction, is customizable, liberating you from the limitations of unpredictable algorithms or social media policies. This platform equips you to establish a membership-driven business, nurturing a direct relationship with your audience while earning a steady, recurring income from your creative efforts, all according to your preferences. Ghost is recognized as the premier open-source headless CMS based on Node.js, featuring a default administrative interface and frontend, which you can tailor with your own JAMstack solutions. With a variety of integrations at your disposal, you can boost your productivity, or you may opt to develop unique integrations using our open-source developer SDKs, ensuring your workflow is efficient and personalized. Seize the opportunity for creative expression and entrepreneurial growth that Ghost offers, and take control of your online path while exploring new possibilities for your future.

Optimizely stands as the world’s foremost authority in Progressive Delivery and Experimentation, enabling top-tier companies to effectively test and roll out new features and experiences for their clientele. By prioritizing data-driven insights, ongoing experimentation, and relentless innovation, it shapes digital experiences that revolutionize organizations. The Optimizely One platform is your gateway to unlocking your digital capabilities, emphasizing the importance of crafting human-centered digital interactions. Discover how to eliminate uncertainty and ensure every engagement is meaningful and actionable. In today’s digital commerce landscape, the focus extends far beyond mere products, catalogs, and transactions; it involves weaving narratives, stirring emotions, and fostering trust. Remember, business is not something you are entitled to; rather, it is earned through every single interaction you have. Ultimately, establishing genuine connections with customers is vital for long-term success.

Strapi is a versatile open-source content management system designed to empower businesses in the creation and administration of content across websites and mobile applications. With its built-in REST or GraphQL API, tech teams can accelerate project development, all while being fully grounded in JavaScript, which ensures seamless integration with contemporary tools. The platform allows for extensive customization, whether adjusting API endpoints or the admin dashboard, and supports the addition of plugins and integrations, giving users the freedom to tailor their experience without compromise. Editorial and marketing teams benefit significantly from Strapi, as they can autonomously generate and manage fresh content without relying on developers, leveraging custom components to swiftly construct new pages. This makes Strapi an ideal solution that blends the flexibility of custom development with the ease of use found in website builders. Supporting various media types such as text, images, videos, audio files, and PDFs, Strapi also facilitates the creation of multiple site or app versions in different languages. Moreover, it enhances security by allowing the configuration of distinct roles and permissions to control access to the admin panel. This capability makes Strapi an excellent choice for managing multiple websites or applications, delivering consistent content from a single source of truth to an unlimited number of channels, effectively simplifying the content management process. Additionally, Strapi's adaptability makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that teams can scale their content strategies as needed.

Craft significantly improves the entire creative process by providing users with an easy-to-navigate interface and a backend that can be tailored to ensure smooth interaction. Additionally, it offers various support packages and service agreements when needed, complemented by an active community ready to assist. Users can effortlessly connect Craft with marketing tools like Salesforce, Mailchimp, HubSpot, and many more. This platform allows for the straightforward translation and localization of content across an unlimited number of websites, languages, and regions. Supporting 25 languages and accommodating countless locales, Craft’s control panel is designed for global usability. By delivering a straightforward authoring experience, Craft empowers creators to focus on their primary skills. It serves as a foundational tool for design portfolios, international marketing sites, and everything in between. With Craft’s extensive Plugin Store and adaptable plugin architecture, the opportunities for innovation are limitless. Furthermore, users can collaborate with a vast network of agencies and thousands of developers around the globe, enhancing their collaborative capabilities. Craft ultimately emerges as a holistic solution that meets a wide array of creative demands, ensuring that users can achieve their vision without limitations.

Sanity is a dynamic content platform designed for active use, with the backing of prominent industry figures such as Nike, Sonos, Cloudflare, National Geographic, Eurostar, Invision, and Netlify. With a strong emphasis on customization, Sanity facilitates top-notch collaboration and ensures a scalable solution within a secure and compliant cloud environment. Features like real-time collaboration, version control with tracking and rollback, live previews, and multiplayer capabilities empower teams of various sizes to work efficiently. Renowned globally, Sanity stands out for its ability to create remarkable digital experiences that resonate with users everywhere. As it continues to evolve, Sanity remains committed to meeting the needs of modern content creators.

Contentrain is a versatile content management solution that merges Git architecture with Serverless Platforms for enhanced scalability. By leveraging Git, it simplifies collaboration and content management across various digital platforms, making it an ideal tool for both content creators and developers alike. The version control capabilities of Git facilitate smooth teamwork, while the integration with Serverless Platforms ensures real-time updates and adaptability to increasing demands. Contentrain excels particularly in managing Markdown-based websites filled with rich content, but it is also suitable for a wide range of applications. Among its many use cases, Contentrain is perfect for document-driven web projects, API documentation for both internal and external audiences, and comprehensive API references. It serves as an excellent platform for creating product overviews and engaging marketing campaign websites, as well as modern startup landing pages and Jamstack websites. Additionally, it accommodates multi-language websites, RFP portals, and knowledge bases, making it a versatile choice for diverse content needs. From progressive web applications to e-commerce sites, blogs, and mobile application content, Contentrain proves to be a robust solution for managing a variety of digital content efficiently.

The Liferay Digital Experience Platform (DXP) is crafted to seamlessly integrate with your current technologies and business operations, allowing for a tailored solution that addresses your unique requirements. By utilizing Liferay DXP, you can design exceptional user experiences that not only attract but also empower your audience. Engaging, personalized, and user-friendly experiences will ensure that your audience can access the information they seek swiftly and effortlessly. Moreover, facilitating easy self-service options can lead to a noticeable reduction in customer support expenses. Enhancing processes to enable customers to achieve their goals more quickly will not only elevate customer satisfaction but also boost operational effectiveness. Additionally, an optimized digital commerce platform can significantly enhance your online revenue streams. With a user-friendly system that simplifies transactions, you can streamline the ordering process, increase the average size of orders, motivate repeat purchases, and ultimately drive revenue growth online. Ultimately, Liferay DXP equips businesses with the tools necessary to thrive in a competitive digital landscape.

Revamp your strategy for managing content and digital assets with a flexible solution designed to speed up your capability to deliver customized, content-driven experiences. Adobe Experience Manager seamlessly combines powerful digital asset management with a sophisticated content management system, guaranteeing that your messaging remains not only coherent but also personalized for each individual customer via Adobe Experience Manager Sites. Implement automated tools that allow you to effortlessly expand and oversee your digital experiences across various channels, freeing up your time to focus on designing exceptional experiences instead of hunting for and adjusting content. With Adobe Experience Manager Assets, you gain access to smart automation features that empower you to quickly locate, modify, and distribute your assets to diverse audiences and platforms. Steer clear of the complexities associated with multiple point solutions by utilizing Adobe Experience Manager Forms, which offers an all-encompassing solution that simplifies your forms and communication workflows, ensuring that customers have a seamless experience from their first interaction to ongoing engagement. By embracing this integrated approach, you not only alleviate the workload on your IT department but also hasten your time to market. This shift not only boosts operational efficiency but also fosters greater customer satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately setting your brand apart in a competitive landscape. The result is a more streamlined process that aligns closely with both your business objectives and customer expectations.

CUE has been designed to support groundbreaking storytelling and is specifically suited for a fast-paced media landscape. This platform offers a publishing solution for imaginative storytellers, making it perfect for news organizations that want to engage their audiences through compelling narratives and top-notch content. Acknowledging the diverse needs of various news entities, CUE boasts an open architecture and grants continuous access to state-of-the-art tools, giving you the adaptability to craft a system that aligns with your specific operations. With CUE, the inconvenience of juggling multiple online tools and digital platforms throughout your editorial workflow is removed, as it combines all your essential tools into a single, intuitive interface. Unlike numerous other publishing systems that focus solely on either digital or print formats, CUE adeptly accommodates both, showcasing its flexibility across all mediums. This distinctive feature guarantees that your content remains relevant in today's competitive market, allowing you to maximize its potential. In addition, CUE is a scalable platform that is built to support you on your path to transformation, equipping you to navigate the continuous shifts in the media environment effortlessly. By embracing CUE, you not only elevate your storytelling but also significantly improve your overall publishing experience, setting the stage for future growth. Ultimately, this platform positions you to thrive amidst the challenges of modern media.

Directus serves as an Open Data Platform, enabling the management of content across various SQL databases. It boasts a robust API for developers while providing an easy-to-navigate application for users without technical expertise. Built entirely in JavaScript, mainly utilizing Node.js and Vue.js, Directus is both modular and adaptable, allowing for customization to fit unique project requirements. This versatility enables the platform to function effectively as a headless CMS, a database client that promotes information accessibility, or even a standalone web application designed for managing back-office tasks such as CRM, inventory tracking, business intelligence, and project management, thus enhancing overall operational efficiency. With its wide range of applications, Directus empowers organizations to streamline their processes and optimize their digital experiences.

DG1 is a comprehensive AI-driven E-Business Suite designed for small to medium enterprises that offers enterprise-level functionalities. Available as a SaaS solution in the cloud, it transcends traditional E-commerce by encompassing the complete E-Business experience. To maximize your digital sales, implementing an E-Business system is essential, as it helps in attracting new customers while ensuring their loyalty. This all-in-one Digital Growth System supports multiple sites through a single platform, eliminating the need for installations or maintenance. With the potential for your business to experience a remarkable 1000% growth within just a year, DG1 enhances your ability to engage and communicate with your clientele effectively. Additionally, DG1 ensures you retain ownership of the valuable big data generated through your E-Business activities. As your operations expand, you'll benefit from increased savings while staying connected to your evolving business landscape. With the endorsement of leading brands and industry associations, DG1 offers a fully integrated online shop featuring various promotional tools, the patented Flip Commerce(c) technology that significantly boosts sales, a one-click add to cart system, and an array of innovative features designed to streamline your online business operations. Moreover, the ease of use and robust capabilities of DG1 make it a preferred solution for businesses looking to thrive in the digital marketplace.

Your whole team can collaboratively design and enhance high-performance applications and websites. A developer-approved platform empowers the entire team with autonomy. Builder's platform simplifies the process of creating, managing, and refining digital experiences across any app or website. You can maintain your preferred applications and platforms, as Builder integrates effortlessly with both proprietary and third-party software. With Builder, anyone can craft engaging digital experiences. Use the drag-and-drop feature to customize, edit, and conduct A/B tests on your entire site. Websites and apps can be updated in real-time, and our visual editor facilitates page creation, generating a speed-optimized webpage with just a click of "Publish." Furthermore, you can effortlessly drag and drop to enrich your site with digital experiences without needing developer assistance. Builder's visual editor provides unparalleled flexibility, offering complete control of your layout and removing any constraints, which allows teams to innovate freely and rapidly. This level of control ensures that your digital projects can evolve swiftly in response to changing needs.

Flotiq is a content management platform designed with an API-first approach, compatible with various technologies, frameworks, and programming languages. It serves as a link between developers and content managers, enhancing collaboration and increasing productivity. By simply defining your data model, you can let Flotiq’s managed platform take care of the underlying complexities. You can quickly kick off projects with automatically generated APIs and SDKs, enabling faster launches. Notable Features: - API-First Architecture: Automatically creates RESTful APIs or GraphQL for effortless integration. - Customizable Content Models: Adjust data structures easily to fit any project requirement. - Multichannel Content Delivery: Share content seamlessly across websites, applications, and devices. - CDN Support: Ensure rapid and scalable media distribution. - Workflow Automation: Utilize webhooks to enhance efficiency. - Comprehensive SDKs & Integrations: Access tools tailored for popular programming languages. Flotiq enables a seamless collaboration between developers and content creators, providing a high-performance, scalable solution tailored for contemporary projects. Begin your development journey today and experience the advantages of streamlined content management!

Plasmic serves as an intuitive web-based visual builder that enables individuals without coding skills to design entire pages or specific sections. This platform empowers marketers and designers, thus alleviating developers from routine design tasks, which promotes quicker project timelines, improved iterations, and the delivery of superior products. Commonly utilized as a page builder or "visual CMS," Plasmic allows users to create and edit content effortlessly, facilitating seamless publishing to live sites without needing to involve developers. Additionally, it can be employed to construct frontends and web applications that cater to complex needs, extending its utility beyond simple website content. With its user-friendly interface, Plasmic strikes a balance between ease of use and the ability to maintain control over visual elements and underlying code, making it a versatile tool for various teams. Its capabilities ensure that both technical and non-technical members can collaborate effectively and contribute to the web development process.

Solodev is a comprehensive web experience software that enables the creation of remarkable online experiences. It empowers creators, marketers, and developers alike to design stunning websites while ensuring top-notch security and scalability. Additionally, Solodev seamlessly integrates with well-known business tools such as SugarCRM, Microsoft Dynamics, Mailchimp, and SalesForce, enhancing its functionality and versatility for users. With its robust features, Solodev stands out as a preferred choice for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence.

Our headless SaaS content management platform simplifies the processes of content creation, management, and maintenance, giving you the freedom to handle your content as you wish. Agility, an API-driven CMS, empowers your marketing team to independently create and manage landing pages without relying on developers. Built on the principles of JAMstack, Agility CMS effortlessly connects with contemporary, high-speed website frameworks, ensuring that you deliver top-notch digital experiences with optimal performance. This approach not only enhances your team's efficiency but also allows for a more streamlined workflow in managing your online presence.

ButterCMS serves as a versatile blog engine and content management solution that can be seamlessly incorporated into both new and existing web projects within a matter of minutes. Our Content API boasts impressive speed, seamlessly integrates with various tech stacks, and is favored by developers due to the absence of security patches and ongoing maintenance issues. Additionally, marketers appreciate our user-friendly content dashboard, which empowers them to manage every facet of their content, including intricate segments, with ease. This combination of developer-friendly features and marketer-focused tools makes ButterCMS an ideal choice for modern web projects.

Zesty offers an extensive array of solutions designed for enterprises looking to embrace headless technology, boost their online visibility, or find a harmonious blend between traditional and headless frameworks. Their expert team is ready to support you with a free migration service for your data and content, accommodating as many as 10,000 records. You can rest easy while we manage the data transfer, after which you can engage in our training sessions and ongoing assistance. Equipped with powerful development and visual editing tools, you can swiftly create, adjust, and publish your content with ease. By leveraging Zesty’s top-tier uptime, you can minimize customer attrition and improve user engagement significantly. The integrated solution from Zesty.io simplifies the website or application launch process by eliminating unnecessary steps. Through a hybrid-first approach, Zesty empowers you to code, launch, and enhance your projects directly on their platform, without relying on plugins or third-party services. Once your site is ready, managing it on Zesty.io only requires basic skills similar to writing a simple email, specifically in HTML, CSS, and Javascript, thus broadening accessibility for a wider audience. Additionally, as you evolve and refine your digital strategy, Zesty is committed to continuously providing the essential tools and support necessary for your sustained success, ensuring you remain at the forefront of technological advancements. Ultimately, Zesty stands as a reliable partner in your journey to elevate your business's digital landscape.

Apostrophe is a robust open-source CMS platform designed for enterprises, serving as an effective website building tool. It offers features such as in-context editing and dynamic design tools, along with support for multiple sites. The system is modular and extensible, making it suitable for deployment in a full-stack JavaScript environment. Moreover, it strikes a harmonious balance between the experiences of editors and developers. As a result, it fosters the growth of side projects and contributes to the success of businesses. This versatility makes Apostrophe a compelling choice for organizations looking to enhance their online presence.

Companies that succeed are built on strong and cohesive content strategies. With over 4,000 organizations utilizing DatoCMS, they can effectively create and manage their online content from a singular platform, distributing it seamlessly through APIs to a variety of digital channels. In today's fast-paced environment, where consumers demand immediate digital experiences and web standards are continually evolving, depending on outdated platforms like WordPress can severely impede your capacity to provide high-quality user interactions. The digital landscape is transforming, presenting new channels, varied markets, complex use cases, and an increasing need for quick iterations. To maintain a competitive edge, it is crucial to implement a reliable solution that can grow alongside your global expansion and facilitate flexibility throughout your development journey. A headless CMS plays a vital role in ensuring that all team members stay aligned by centralizing content storage, allowing for immediate edits and distribution across multiple platforms. This method supports effortless testing and iteration for any digital product being developed, without requiring complicated migrations or extensive IT support. Adopting such a solution not only enables organizations to swiftly adapt to shifting demands but also fosters a culture of continuous innovation, ultimately driving long-term success. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, investing in robust content management solutions becomes increasingly essential for future-ready businesses.

We streamline the management of distributed content. TakeShape provides a seamless, intuitive, flexible, and collaborative environment that supports JAMstack initiatives of any size, shape, or complexity. With features such as drag-and-drop fields and collaborative editing, your content can evolve alongside your ideas. You can integrate all your services into a unified system, ensuring that your essential tools work together seamlessly. Websites can be deployed through various methods, including web, continuous integration, or command line, facilitating the rapid creation and launch of sites that are efficient, secure, and ready for expansion. Leverage the frameworks you prefer, enjoying content that is instantly generated, endlessly useful, and always available. Experience the joy of crafting and updating your content through a sleek, modern interface that balances functionality with user satisfaction. The platform boasts powerful content modeling capabilities using intuitive drag-and-drop tools, allowing you to create a GraphQL API without writing any code, enabling developers to move quickly and effectively. You can utilize familiar technologies, such as the GraphQL API and Handlebars-style templates, while benefiting from a vibrant community that can further elevate your projects. This comprehensive approach empowers users to harness their creativity while ensuring that their content management experience is both efficient and enjoyable.

Kuroco operates as a headless CMS, enabling users to focus on providing personalized content and crafting an engaging front-end experience without the burdens of manual updates, language accuracy, or performance delays. This cutting-edge platform is built on the knowledge and technology derived from RCMS, a Japanese CMS that has been successfully developed and enhanced over the past twenty years. With Kuroco, you have the freedom to build applications independently of a fixed system, utilizing a robust headless CMS designed for enterprise needs. The backend-for-frontends (BFFs) architecture of Kuroco ensures a fluid user interface and experience, which is vital for improving customer satisfaction. Additionally, you can lower development costs by employing your preferred programming languages directly, sidestepping the backend complications that traditional system development often entails. The platform allows you to select and modify features according to your requirements without any limitations, fostering a truly flexible development environment. This autonomy not only encourages developers to unleash their creativity but also guarantees a superior user experience that meets evolving demands. Consequently, Kuroco stands out as a versatile solution for modern content management needs.