Payload CMS has excellent, developer-friendly documentation that makes it easy to get started and build fast. With the release of Payload 3.0, it now runs on Next.js, which significantly boosts development speed and pairs perfectly with Vercel for smooth, quick deployments. The system is highly extensible, making it simple to create reusable, templated projects that can be shared across multiple applications. Additionally, the community is very active and supportive in areas like the Payload Discord and GitHub, making it easy to find answers or get help when needed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

My experience with Payload has been great overall. If I had to nitpick, it would be the reliance on community-made plugins. While they're helpful, you have to keep in mind that if the original author might not be actively maintaining them—especially during major version updates—you may end up having to patch the plugin yourself or rework your solution entirely. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider when planning long-term projects. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.