While Payload CMS is gaining popularity as a flexible and developer-friendly headless CMS, it is not without its limitations. One of its primary drawbacks is its complex setup compared to SaaS alternatives like Contentful or Strapi. Since Payload CMS is self-hosted, developers must manage their own database (MongoDB), server, and deployment infrastructure, which can be a challenge for those unfamiliar with DevOps. Unlike SaaS-based CMS platforms that handle maintenance and scaling, Payload CMS requires manual configuration and updates, increasing the workload for development teams. Another drawback is its MongoDB dependency, which limits its adoption among developers who prefer relational databases like PostgreSQL or MySQL. While MongoDB is great for flexible schemas, it may not always be the best choice for structured, relational data. Additionally, Payload CMS is relatively new, meaning its community and ecosystem are not as large as more established CMS platforms, leading to fewer third-party plugins, limited documentation, and a smaller support network. These limitations make Payload CMS a great choice for teams that need full control over their CMS but a challenging option for those looking for a quick, plug-and-play solution.