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LessHeadCMS vs. Strapi

Last updated: October 2026Sources: see below

01In short

Strapi

Strapi is an open-source headless CMS built on Node.js and TypeScript. Content types are created in a visual Content-Type Builder, and Strapi provides REST and GraphQL APIs, a plugin marketplace and an optional hosted service, Strapi Cloud. Advanced features such as releases, content history, review workflows and audit logs are part of paid plans.

LessHeadCMS

LessHeadCMS is a free, open-source headless CMS written in PHP. It stores content in a single SQLite file, runs on standard shared hosting without Node.js, and generates database, REST API and editorial interface from a content model written as a PlantUML diagram. Roles, field-level permissions and approval workflows are included at no cost.

02Side by side

LessHeadCMS and Strapi compared by aspect
AspectLessHeadCMSStrapi
RuntimePHP 8Node.js (Active or Maintenance LTS versions only, currently v22, v24 and v26)
DatabaseSQLite (single file)PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB or SQLite
Hosting requirementsStandard shared hosting with PHP and SQLite; no root accessAn environment that runs a Node.js application (e.g. VPS, container platform) or Strapi Cloud
Installationcomposer create-project or upload via FTPnpx create-strapi@latest, then build and deploy the Node.js project
Content modellingPlantUML class diagram, kept as a text fileVisual Content-Type Builder in the admin panel; components and dynamic zones
APIREST, paginated, server-side sorting and filteringREST and GraphQL
Roles and permissionsPer role, group or individual user, down to single fields and actionsRole-based access control with unlimited roles in all plans
Editorial workflowsApproval workflows defined as text (states, transitions, permissions, assignments, actions), versioned alongside the content model; included at no costReview workflows in the Enterprise plan
Multilingual contentModelled in the diagram (language field + "translation of" relation)Built-in internationalisation (i18n), unlimited locales
LicenceGNU AGPL v3MIT (Community plan); paid plans under commercial terms
CostFreeCommunity plan free; Growth plan from $45/month incl. 3 seats; Enterprise on request
Hosted cloud offeringNone – runs on your own hostingStrapi Cloud (paid)

Strapi details according to strapi.io and docs.strapi.io, as of October 2026. Plans and prices may change – check the linked sources.

03Which one fits your project?

Choose Strapi if …

  • you need a GraphQL API in addition to REST.
  • your team works in JavaScript/TypeScript and wants to extend the backend with its own controllers, services and plugins.
  • you want PostgreSQL or MySQL as the database.
  • editors should compose pages from reusable components and dynamic zones.
  • you need a large plugin marketplace, a managed hosting option or enterprise features such as SSO, audit logs and vendor support.

Choose LessHeadCMS if …

  • your project has to run on standard PHP shared hosting, without Node.js, containers or root access.
  • you want to define the content model as a diagram you can discuss with clients, version as a text file and change with a reviewed schema diff.
  • you need field-level permissions and editorial approval workflows without a paid plan.
  • you prefer a single SQLite file that is easy to back up and move.
  • you build small to medium content projects where low hosting requirements matter more than a large ecosystem.

04Switching from Strapi

There is no automatic importer from Strapi. A typical path: recreate your Strapi content types as classes in a PlantUML diagram (components and dynamic zones usually become separate classes with relations), apply the model in LessHeadCMS, and transfer the content with a script that reads from the Strapi REST API and writes to the LessHeadCMS REST API. Plan extra time for GraphQL-based frontends, since LessHeadCMS provides REST only.

05Sources

The headless CMS for the rest of us

Download free
composer create-project elverdaderobutschito/lessheadcms