TessTess vs Strapi
Open-source headless CMS (Node.js)
The most popular open-source headless CMS, built on Node.js, with a REST API and a GraphQL plugin.
Side by side
| Criterion | Tess | Strapi |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | Single Rust binary | Node.js (TypeScript) application |
| Content models | Created at runtime in production (admin or API); the GraphQL schema is regenerated live | Content-Type Builder in development mode; models are saved as code files and deployed with the app |
| API | GraphQL generated from the models | REST by default, GraphQL through an official plugin |
| Databases | PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, MongoDB, DynamoDB, RocksDB | PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, SQLite |
| Review workflow | Per content type, in every edition | Draft & publish included; review workflows in paid plans |
| Plugins | Sandboxed WebAssembly modules installed at runtime | Node.js packages running in the app process, large marketplace |
| Localization | No per-field content localization yet | Built-in internationalization of content |
| Hosting | Self-hosted: Docker, VM, Kubernetes or AWS Lambda | Self-hosted or Strapi Cloud |
| License | Community (personal use) / Enterprise (commercial use) | MIT for the Community Edition; paid plans for enterprise features |
Choose Strapi if…
- You want a large plugin marketplace and community.
- You need localized content today.
- Your team prefers to customize the CMS itself in JavaScript/TypeScript.
Choose Tess if…
- Editors or admins must change models in production, without a redeploy.
- You want a GraphQL-first API on MongoDB, DynamoDB or an embedded database.
- You want a review workflow without a paid plan, or to run on AWS Lambda.
Moving from Strapi to Tess
Strapi types map closely to Tess: string/text → TEXT, richtext → MARKDOWN, blocks → JSON, enumeration → ENUM, relation → RELATION, media → RELATION to Asset, component → COMPONENT, dynamiczone → DYNAMIC_ZONE. Write your models in the tess-transfer YAML format and import them in one command, then copy the entries through the GraphQL API.
Facts checked on October 20, 2026 from Strapi's public documentation (strapi.io). Products change quickly: check the vendor's site for the latest features and pricing.