Strapi vs DatoCMS: which is better? Comparison 2026

By our public methodology Strapi scores 78 out of 100 and DatoCMS scores 74. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.

Best Headless CMS 2026: API-First Content Platforms Compared How we rank

1

Strapi

78/100
3

DatoCMS

74/100

Score breakdown

StrapiDatoCMS
Price4764
APIs100100
Editorial control100100
Control over data10040
Trust and reliability5975

Pros and cons

Strapi

  • Low price of the entry paid plan
  • Can run on your own server
  • Content can be stored in the EU
  • Audited security: SOC 2 or ISO 27001
  • No permanent free plan
  • Free plan for one person or none

DatoCMS

  • Has a permanent free plan
  • Content can be stored in the EU
  • Audited security: SOC 2 or ISO 27001
  • Custom roles or fine-grained permissions
  • Free plan for one person or none

Facts side by side

FactStrapiDatoCMS
Cheapest paid plan, per month$35.00 strapi.io$222.46 datocms.com
Price requires annual billingNo strapi.ioNo datocms.com
Free planNo docs.strapi.ioYes datocms.com
Users on the free plan0 docs.strapi.io2 datocms.com
GraphQL APIYes docs.strapi.ioYes datocms.com
REST APIYes docs.strapi.ioYes datocms.com
WebhooksYes docs.strapi.ioYes datocms.com
Custom roles and permissionsYes docs.strapi.ioYes datocms.com
Version historyYes docs.strapi.ioYes datocms.com
Self-hostingYes strapi.ioNot verified
Open-source licenceYes strapi.ioNot verified
Content stored in the EUYes docs.strapi.ioYes datocms.com
SOC 2 or ISO 27001Yes strapi.ioYes datocms.com
Uptime in a published SLA99.95% strapi.ioNot verified
Public status pageNot verifiedYes status.datocms.com
FoundedNot verified2015 datocms.com

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