# Payload Types (Staged vs. Non-Staged)

Staged payloads are tiny, and their single mission is connection. Then it transfers real stages, and Stages do real work.&#x20;

Non-Staged payloads like everything workers. Also, their size is bigger than Staged payloads.

{% embed url="<https://blog.rapid7.com/2015/03/25/stageless-meterpreter-payloads/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://buffered.io/posts/staged-vs-stageless-handlers/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://blog.cobaltstrike.com/2013/06/28/staged-payloads-what-pen-testers-should-know/>" %}


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