CMS comparison one of the first steps on the way to your own website is choosing the right system. While website construction kits are ideal for smaller websites, for larger projects with extensive amounts of data you should definitely use a so-called content management system (CMS), which forms the basis of your future website. In this post you will find everything you need to know about content management systems:
What is a CMS anyway? Which systems are the most popular?
1. What is a content management system?
1.1 Open Source vs. Proprietary
2. Types of CMS
2.1 Blog Platforms
2.2 Shop systems
2.3 Website Builders
2.4 Online Portal Systems
3. CMS Market Shares
4. CMS in detail
WordPress.org
Joomla
Drupal
5.FAQs
Which CMS is the most secure?
How do I find out which CMS a website is using?
What is a headless CMS?
1. What is a content management system?
At first glance, content management systems (CMS) sounds like a very complex IT term. Not even close. A CMS comparison is nothing more and nothing less than the basic system of a website, with which large amounts of data and, above all, multiple authors can be easily managed.cms comparison. The use of content management systems makes sense above all for websites with a lot of content or online shops with many products. One of the biggest advantages of such systems is their flexibility, because most popular CMS can be adapted to different needs with add-ons (also called plugins or extensions). For example, the most used and well-known representative, WordPress, has 60,000+ plugins available to you.
Open Source vs. Proprietary
Content management systems differ, among other things. between open source systems and proprietary systems. The meaning of both terms can be defined as follows: Open Source: The source code of the system is publicly available. Anyone can view or change the code. Most open source systems were developed by a community or are further developed by a community. Proprietary systems: The source code is not publicly available but is licensed and owned by a company.
There are usually monthly costs for operating such a system. but there is support for this. Which of the two systems is better? Sobering answer: It depends! Depending on your project, it may make sense to use a proprietary system (we’ll look at some representatives later). For example, if you don’t want to take care of things like updates, administration or security yourself. An open source system is the right choice if you want to be in control.
2. Types of CMS comprison
A content management system offers you absolute flexibility. However, the “jack of all trades” does not exist here either. That means: Every CMS has its strengths and weaknesses. In order to give you a first feeling for which representative can be the right choice for which project. we will first take a brief look at the 4 different types of CMS before we take a closer look at the individual representatives.
Blog platform
A blog is a very lively website that is regularly updated with new content and often has several authors working on it. If you want to start your own blog, you need a CMS comparison that is equipped with important blogging functions (categories, tags, multi-authors, comments, etc.) and that can easily handle large amounts of data. WordPress.org is perfect for this.
Shop systems
A good shop CMS is primarily based on a well thought-out merchandise management system. A secure payment system and ideally a direct connection to DHL, Hermes and Co. which are basically not specialized in online shops, can be equipped with these functions using plugins, there are also systems that are designed purely as online shop solutions. The top dogs in this area are Shopify and Magento.
Website Builders
Website builders play their trump cards when you don’t know anything about things like CSS or HTML code. But still want to create your own professional website within a few hours. Thanks to innovative editors, very attractive pages can be created in no time at all. On the other hand, the flexibility is often significantly reduced compared to classic CMS. The Wix platform performed excellently in our website construction kit test .
Online Portal Systems
If you want to develop your own online portal. You need a system that can handle gigantic amounts of data and helps you to display and organize a lot of content in a clear structure. Such a system is, for example, Typo3, which we will take a closer look at later.
3.CMS Market Shares
Since every CMS can score in different areas. One should assume that the market shares are distributed very fairly. Not even close. There is a system that outperforms all other representatives many times over.And is gaining even more market share year after year. WordPress. Just a look at Google Trends shows how far apart the 5 most commonly used systems are…
CMS comparison difference in the market share of each CMS is immediately apparent on Google Trends.
To supplement this graphic with current figures (source: Statista 2021). Here is an overview of the current market shares:
WordPress: 65.2%
Shopify: 6.6%
Wix: 2.9%
Squarespace: 2.7%
Joomla: 2.7%
Drupal: 2%
Bloggers: 1.5%
Reason enough, then, to start directly with the undisputed leader in our detailed report…
4. CMS in detail
In the chapters that follow. We’ll take a detailed look at 15 of the most popular content management systems…All with different approaches. In this way, we can give you a comprehensive insight into the market and finally support you in choosing the right system.
WordPress.org
WordPress.org is not only the most popular CMS. But also, in our opinion, the most user-friendly solution. The learning curve is a bit flat, especially at the beginning. But after just a few hours of work you will definitely feel. “At home” in the backend and be able to create a website according to your ideas.WordPress.org itself is free.
This means that only hosting and domain fees are incurred. But these are in the very low double-digit range per month. The system is incredibly flexible and changeable. Which is why it is often rightly described as the Swiss army knife of website creation.
The fact that some of the largest companies in the world, including Microsoft and Sony. Rely on this system shows how good WordPress.org really is.In short: You can’t go wrong with WordPress. The CMS can be downloaded free of charge and is installed in no time at all thanks to the “5-minute installation”.
There is also a huge community ready to help you in Facebook groups, forums and blogs. The additional available YouTube videos from many WordPress experts help with all conceivable problems. And make WordPress one of the best solutions for beginners.
advantages
Simple, uncomplicated and tidy backend
Free because open source
Can be expanded at will with tens of thousands of plugins
Suitable for both small and large pages
No programming skills required when using editors like Gutenberg, Elementor or Divi
Large community that is immediately available for questions
SEO optimized
Disadvantages
Very popular target of hackers
Bloody beginners need a few hours of learning time
Joomla
Joomla is also an open source CMS. But it has by no means achieved the popularity of WordPress. The system is based on the frequently used programming language PHP. But allows you to create high-quality pages without the relevant knowledge. Joomla’s biggest weakness is in the editor. Which at first glance resembles that of WordPress, but repeatedly has problems with complex formatting.
All in all, however, the system is ideal for beginners and impresses with a very tidy and simple backend. Of course, you can also adapt Joomla to your needs with the appropriate extensions. Even more: Many features such as multilingualism are already included in the standard installation. So that this system definitely has its unique selling points and is ideal for international sites. Joomla is suitable as a blogging platform. but can also be the basis for extensive websites.
advantages
Partly even more flexible than WordPress
free because open source
Fast entry possible for beginners
Large German-speaking community
Multilingual pages without additional plugins
No programming knowledge required
Disadvantages
Significantly fewer extensions than WordPress
Notepad a bit complicated
Drupal
Similar to WordPress and Joomla, Drupal is a great open source CMS, but its application is much more complex than the other two systems. In short: Drupal is definitely not the right choice for beginners who want to gain experience in building websites. Even the installation requires good computer skills, since numerous settings and changes have to be made to the system during
CMS comparison
However, if you are willing to deal with Drupal, you get a very reliable and comprehensive CMS that specializes in managing large amounts of data and can therefore easily cope with blogs, larger company websites or even social networks. The security of the system is also very positive. Successful hacker attacks are a rarity hereon the negative side, however, it is noticeable that Drupal is a free CMS, but many extensions are only available for a fee.
advantages
Free open source solution
High flexibility through a variety of extensions
Easily handles large amounts of data
High security standard
Disadvantages
Complex to use – not suitable for beginners
Many extensions are chargeable
Community rather small
Blogger.com
Blogger.com is a free platform for bloggers, operated by none other than Google itself. First of all: This CMS is really very limited in its range of functions, because the name says it all. You can really only run a very rudimentary blog here. This may be excellent for nice hobby projects, but less suitable for a professional company appearance. However, it would be unfair to criticize the slimmed-down range of functions negatively, because Blogger.com does not want to display an extensive CMS at all, but actually want to enable a simple and quick entry into the world of blogging.
And that is exactly what works so well! In a matter of seconds, you can create your own blog, which is then just waiting for you to fill it with content. Posts can be customized with images, videos, and even custom HTML code. However, changes to the main design of the website are not possible. Also very unfortunate is the fact that the blog can only be run on a subdomain (xxx.blogspot.com).Nevertheless, Blogger.com is ideal for beginners who want to take their first steps in the online world.
advantages
Fast entry possible
For free
Very uncomplicated and easy to use
Easy monetization via Google AdSense
Extensive statistics on visitors
Disadvantages
No options for individual design adjustments
Blog is on subdomain
Magento
Along with Shopify (more on that in a moment), Magento is one of the best-known shop systems in the world. It enables you to set up a professional e-commerce store within a very short time, through which you can sell your products internationally.One of the biggest advantages is the flexible adaptability of the CMS, because there are almost no limits to the plugins and extensions in Magento. Unfortunately, the large range of functions presents major hurdles, especially for beginners: While the installation is still quite simple to carry out, setting up a shop later requires a high level of expertise.
As a beginner you will definitely have a hard time here! Magento comes in two different plans:
free open source plan
Enterprise Edition by Adobe
Unfortunately, an exact price for the Enterprise Edition cannot be given, since Adobe calculates the prices individually on request.
Expect high costs here.
In return, there is a shop system that really leaves nothing to be desired and is described by many experts as the most comprehensive e-commerce solution in the world.
advantages
Gigantic range of functions
Can be expanded at will
Uncomplicated payment options
Excellent merchandise management
Open source version available
Disadvantages
Very complex
Enterprise version very expensive
Open cart
The system is completely free and can be adapted to your own needs with numerous extensions. The only downside: You have to be willing to invest some training time in the CMS, because you will need some time at one point or another to familiarize yourself with the backend and the development options.
However, if you are ready, a really great e-commerce system awaits you, with the help of which even large shops can be easily implemented. Open Cart impresses with a very well thought-out and extensive product management, which is in no way inferior to paid CMS like Shopify.
You get:
The ability to create an unlimited number of products
Various payment options
Shipping calculator for customers
Coupons and discounts
A comprehensive statistics tool
If you consider that only hosting and domain costs are incurred with Open Cart, this range of functions is really remarkable.
advantages
100% free and open source
Easy to use backend
Numerous plugins and themes to download
Integrated multilingualism
Extensive rating system for products
Big community
Disadvantages
Some training time required
Little to no marketing features
SEO friendliness could be better
Bitrix
Bittrex is one of the most complete CMS comparison in our test and clearly focuses on the areas of project management and CRM (customer relationship management).In short: Bittrex is not for your hobby blog. Rather, the CMS is an all-in-one software that, in addition to extensive tools for customer and project management, also makes it possible to create a website and / or an online shop.
cms comparison system is able to handle large amounts of data and a variety of tasks and workflows with ease. However, you should really only use this CMS if you also want to implement larger projects. You get Bittrex in a free tariff, which is only suitable for “trying it out”.cms comparison standard plan, which includes features like a website builder, employee collaboration features (HD video calls, calendar, etc.) or an online drive with 100 GB of storage, will cost you €60 per month.
advantages
Free plan available for trial purposes
Gigantic range of functions
Very good support
Webinars and training courses to learn all the features
Mobile app available
GDPR implementation seems seamless
Disadvantages
Server location in the USA
Premium plan very expensive
Presta Shop
Another shop system based on open source is Presta Shop , which should not be missing in this overview. The CMS is extremely clear, offers a great range of functions and is 100% free. Admittedly, the backend is significantly more demanding than that of WordPress or Shopify.
For this, Presta Shop offers a comprehensive installation wizard that guides you through all the important functions at the beginning and then introduces you to the backend step by step. If you are ready to take a closer look at the system, a CMS awaits you that lacks almost no online shop function. In addition to simple product creation or the automatic generation of Google Rich Snippets.
Cms comparison
there are professional tools such as affiliate programs, email marketing or voucher codes free of charge. The email marketing software in particular really got us excited. This is even equipped with numerous automation functions. Of course, the CMS also has various extensions that allow you to adapt Presta Shop to your needs. Even ready-made design templates are already integrated.
advantages
Free and open source
Design templates and add-ons
Awesome marketing tools
Easy product creation
Simple location management
Disadvantages
Training a bit complex
no free customer support
TYPO3
TYPO3 is an open source CMS, but it can hardly be compared to the other solutions already presented. Because the system is really only an option if you want to create a very elaborate and complex company website. The CMS is designed to cope with a large number of employees and large amounts of content, so that multilingual and international websites are not a real problem.
The catch: TYPO3 is very complicated. This is especially true for basic tasks such as design adjustments or creating the basic structure of a website. Knowledge of the TypeScript programming language is mandatory here, without which you simply will not be able to create a website with TYPO3. The high barrier to entry hardly makes it a viable alternative to WordPress for bloggers.
advantages
Open source and 100% free
Very professional and extensive system
Easily handles large amounts of data
Very well thought out employee management
Widespread in Germany – numerous agencies
Customizable with add-ons
Disadvantages
Shopify
Shopify gives you easy access to your own online store that lets you sell digital or physical products in no time. The system is geared equally to beginners and professionals, which makes the CMS an excellent partner for small and large shops. The great thing about Shopify is that as a beginner you are literally taken by the hand and accompanied from the start by knowledgeable experts and excellently structured instructions. This begins with the selection of the domain and the shop name and ends with processes such as branding.
Of course, your shop can also be flexibly adapted to your needs with hundreds of extensions. Extensive templates are also available so that you can quickly import a basic framework for your website. Unfortunately, GDPR and German sales law were not implemented so well. Although every shop can be adapted 100% to the legal requirements, some manual measures are necessary here first.
advantages
14-day free trial period
Excellent for beginners
Fast setup and installation
Large selection of payment providers
Expandable with hundreds of plugins
SSL certificate included
Manageable monthly costs
Disadvantages
Not automatically GDPR compliant
Not adjusted to German sales law (adjustments required)
No German support
No marketing integrated through email newsletters
wix
Wix is a kind of hybrid: Actually designed as a classic website construction kit, which is intended to appeal to inexperienced beginners who can quickly develop their own website thanks to the intuitive drag & drop builder.
also meets the requirements of a CMS due to its large range of functions. In fact, the system can be used to implement various projects such as a blog or your own online shop. WIX manages the balancing act between a beginner and a professional solution, so that you are not forced to change the system as your website becomes more popular. You get a wealth of ready-made designs that you can edit with a WYSIWYG editor. In addition, the website can be adapted to your needs with 200+ apps. Tools such as e-mail marketing or visitor analysis are also already integrated.
advantages
Good value for money
Free plan available for testing
Numerous ready-made templates
Intuitive drag-and-drop editor
Extensive blogging function
Expandable with 200+ apps
Disadvantages
Servers are located outside of the EU
Website limited to 100 subpages
No e-mail mailboxes integrated
Squarespace
Squarespace is another website builder that we definitely don’t want to keep from you in this list.In addition to classic websites, online shops and blogs cms comparison can also be easily implemented with Squarespace, with the latter in particular being particularly noteworthy with this provider. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that Squarespace’s blogging feature can certainly compete with WordPress.
For a fair price you get many useful features such as a free domain, an SSL certificate, any bandwidth, 24/7 customer support, statistics or SEO functions. Squarespace’s CMS is definitely worth a look if you’re a beginner starting your first online shop or blog and don’t want to deal with too many technical details. The template gallery in combination with a good WYSIWYG editor allows you to create professional pages in no time, even without programming knowledge.
advantages
Very good value for money
Many functions are already included in the cheapest tariff
Easy to use editor
Flexibly adaptable via apps
Extensive SEO functions
Professional blogging feature
Lots of built-in design templates
Disadvantages
Servers are located in the USA
No backups possible
Slow loading times
web flow
cms comparison The developers of the system follow the thesis that you don’t have to be a professional programmer to create your own website, but it would still not work entirely without HTML and CSS. Rudimentary knowledge of CMS and HTML is therefore required here.
At the same time, however, Webflow also offers a very innovative designer that allows you to add and customize elements to your page via drag-and-drop.Webflow is therefore a CMS and modular system in one.And the best part is: Both parts are completely free. You only pay for the hosting, which cms comparison you absolutely have to book via Webflow.
Content management systems
Two projects that are published on a Webflow subdomain are allowed here. If you want your own domain and other extras, there are additional costs. Web flow has deliberately not defined a target group, but wants to appeal to anyone who wants to create their own websiteTherefore, the CMS is equipped with important blogging as well as e-commerce functions.
These functions can be extended by plugins. In addition, ready-made templates await you, which you can easily import and change according to your ideas. All in all, we’re really impressed with Web flow, but wouldn’t recommend the system to absolute beginners. Webflow is the right choice if you already have a basic understanding of web design, HTML and CSS and would like to expand this knowledge.
advantages
Very extensive system with many functions
Almost every project can be implemented
Web flow University learning platform
Lots of SEO tools
E-commerce functions already integrated
Innovative drag and drop builder
Disadvantages
Prior knowledge required
Available in English only
Pricing not transparent
Weebly
Weebly is still a very young CMS that is definitely still in its infancy in many areas and needs to improve significantly in terms of loading time, data protection and data security. Nevertheless, this system also has its advantages and therefore cannot be missing from this list.
Weebly is a great way for beginners to get started building websites. Because the very easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor allows you to design an appealing page in seconds.At the same time, your website can be customized with 200+ apps.
content management
In addition to the free tariff, which is admittedly really only suitable for test purposes or hobby projects that are not meant to be taken seriously, the starter tariff starts at 5 euros per month, which is a really fair price considering the range of functions. An online shop can also be implemented with Weebly, although we would rather recommend one of the solutions already presented.
advantages
Good value for money
Easy entry
Very good drag and drop editor
Expandable with 200+ apps
Disadvantages
Support in English only
No email inboxes included
Jimo
You probably know Jimdo from TV commercials, because the website builder was one of the first of its kind and was very aggressively attracting attention until a few months ago.In recent years, the platform has constantly evolved, so that Jimdo has now matured into a really good and beginner-friendly CMS that impresses in particular with its really good drag-and-drop editor. Almost all projects can be implemented with the system, although we would prefer other CMS for pure blogs.
On the other hand, Jimdo is ideal if you are a local business or a small online shop that wants to sell products online and present your company at the same time. In short: Jimdo is a great solution for beginners who find neither the motivation nor the time to invest much effort in developing a website.
advantages
Free trial plan
Probably the best drag and drop builder out there
Great online shop function
Easy entry possible
Extensive templates
Disadvantages
Confusing pricing
Limited number of subpages
No backup option
Blogging feature could be better
5.FAQs
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about content management systems:
Which CMS is the most secure?
The security of a CMS depends on many different factors. Which is why this question cannot be answered in general. First of all, the market share of a system is decisive for its attractiveness in terms of hacker attacks. Logical, right? Logically, hackers look for vulnerabilities in the systems used by most websites. Millions of pages can be hacked with the same method through an unmasked security guard.
Cms comparison
This fact makes WordPress the most frequently attacked CMS worldwide. But this does not automatically mean. That WordPress is insecure. On the contrary: With the right security plugins, the system can be protected very well against attacks. In expert circles, however, Drupal is considered one of the most secure systems. Which is partly due to its small market share and partly to the structure of the system.
How do I find out which CMS a website is using?
The website whatcms.org provides the answer to this question. Here you simply enter the URL of the page you want to query. And you will receive a clear overview of all important information. Here using Blogmojo as an example…
What is a headless CMS?
The advantage is that content can be provided faster and, above all. More independently. A disadvantage. However, is that users no longer communicate with the backend and personalized content can no longer be provided in real time.
