WordPress powers hundreds of millions of websites.
But, when issues happen internally at WordPress raising uncertainty, the vulnerability of relying on one platform becomes apparent and the need to look for alternatives is a priority.
WordPress it is not the only content management system (CMS) option. There’s a diverse marketplace of publishing platforms for those seeking alternatives.
This review provides an overview of 24 leading WordPress alternatives across key website categories. We explore user-friendly website builders which offer drag-and-drop simplicity. And, we look at flexible open-source options for developers and tech-savvy users. We also cover blogging-focused options, web hosting providers, and community management tools.
For each alternative, we summarize the key features, benefits, and drawbacks to consider. Factors like budget, technical abilities, and website goals are examined to help identify the best fit based on individual needs. We also sifted through community feedback and reviews for each platform.
While WordPress powers a large share of sites, there’s no shortage of quality options for creating the perfect online presence.
24 Best WordPress Alternatives
1. Wix
Screenshot of Wix.com, November 2024
Wix is best suited for individuals, small businesses, and entrepreneurs who want to create a professional-looking website without extensive technical skills or a large budget.
The platform’s user-friendly drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for users to design and customize their websites, offering various templates and design elements suitable for multiple purposes.
As a hosted platform, Wix takes care of technical aspects like server maintenance and security updates, making it ideal for those who don’t want to deal with these issues.
Wix also offers a free plan, allowing users to create a website without cost, although with limitations such as Wix branding and a non-custom domain.
One nuance to remember when using Wix is that once you’ve chosen a template and started building your site, it can be challenging to switch to a different template without redesigning your content.
Wix User Comments And Reviews
The general consensus is that Wix is great for beginners and small businesses, but if you’re an advanced user or growing business, you might find that you outgrow the capabilities of the platform.
In its YouTube review, StartupWise said that Wix is “one of the best website builders out there, especially if you want a very professional-looking website without spending a lot of time or needing to know how to create a website.”
In a recent post on Reddit, commenters praised Wix for beginner-friendly interfaces with professional results but warned of a lack of flexibility, SEO features, and the ability to export.
“Wix works well for straightforward websites where you don’t need a lot of advanced features. It’s beginner-friendly and has improved its SEO tools over the years, but it still doesn’t match the flexibility of platforms like WordPress.
The biggest issue is migration—you can’t take your site with you if you switch.” Prize-Complex-453 on Reddit.
“Wix is a good choice if you’re new to website building. The templates are professional, and the drag-and-drop interface is beginner-friendly.
However, if you’re planning to focus heavily on SEO or might need more customization down the line, it could feel limiting.” WilliamILaird on Reddit.
Key Features:
Full hosting solution.
No software to self-install.
Drag-and-drop visual builder.
Extensions are available.
Optimized for mobile.
Blog module.
Ecommerce store.
Social media tools.
Pros:
All-in-one website builder and platform.
Free version available.
Premade designs and templates.
Free subdomain available for all plans.
Free custom domain available with paid plans.
Customer support.
Cons:
There is no option to retain complete control of your site as you can with WordPress.
No access to source code.
2. Squarespace
Screenshot of Squarespace.com, November 2024
Squarespace is best suited for creatives, bloggers, and small business owners who want to create visually stunning websites with minimal technical knowledge.
The platform is known for its sleek, modern templates, which showcase content beautifully and are optimized for mobile devices.
As an all-in-one platform, Squarespace includes hosting, domain registration, and various tools for managing your website.
While Squarespace offers a high degree of customization, it may not be as flexible as some alternatives. The platform has a specific structure and set of features, which can be limiting for those who require advanced functionality or integrations.
Nonetheless, for most users, Squarespace’s built-in features and integrations are more than sufficient.
One tip for getting the most out of Squarespace is to use its built-in SEO and marketing tools, such as custom meta descriptions, alt tags, and automatic sitemaps.
Squarespace User Comments And Reviews
Reviewers often praise how stylish and modern Squarespace is.
In its YouTube review, Cybernews said that while Squarespace is a little expensive and could have better technical performance, its award-winning designs are great for creatives, and its interface is great for beginners.
“I just love the Squarespace editor, it’s so minimalistic. … I can confidently recommend Squarespace for beginners.”
In its YouTube review, StyleFactory explained 5 pros and 5 cons of Squarespace, praising its ease of use and built-in ecommerce features but noting lack of some functionality in those same ecommerce features and connected apps.
Key Features:
Complete hosting solution (including video).
No software to self-install.
Drag-and-drop visual builder.
Extensions are available.
Optimized for mobile.
Blog module.
Ecommerce store.
Social media tools.
Pros:
All-in-one website builder and platform.
Free version available.
Premade designs and templates.
Free subdomain available for all plans.
Free custom domain available with an annual subscription.
Customer support.
Cons:
There is no option to retain complete control of your site as you can with WordPress.
No custom coding.
No access to source code.
No third-party extensions.
3. Google Sites
Screenshot of workspace.google.com, November 2024
Google Sites is best suited for individuals, educators, and small businesses who need a simple, easy-to-use platform for creating basic websites or intranets.
Its seamless integration with other Google tools, like Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive, makes it an excellent choice for those familiar with and heavily using these tools.
Google Sites also offers collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on the same website simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects or class websites.
However, it’s a relatively basic website builder compared to other alternatives, with limited features and customization options. It may not be the best choice for those needing advanced functionality or design flexibility.
Additionally, it lacks built-in ecommerce features, making it less suitable for online stores.
One tip for getting the most out of Google Sites is leveraging its integration with other Google tools, such as embedding Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides into your web pages or using Google Forms to collect visitor data.
Google Sites User Comments And Reviews
Users praise the ease of use Google Sites provides, but mention that it is nowhere near as flexible and customizable as WordPress.
“On the other hand, Google Sites is completely free and you can use it with a free subdomain from Google or your own custom domain name. The interface is much simpler and easier to use for a total beginner. No need to pay for hosting or worry about any server-side issues, updates, security, etc.
But Google Sites offers very limited options for your site’s design, and it’s much less customizable than WordPress.” ZGeekie on Reddit.
“I am loving the simplicity of Google sites, crafting a basic page with links to my Etsy and a newsletter signup within a couple of days.” Netty4 on Reddit.
Key Features:
The creator has complete control over page access and permissions.
Tools can be accessed anywhere.
It can be used as a basic project management program.
Plenty of web development and deployment options.
Real-time editing.
Uses website speed optimization tools to minimize loading times.
Pros:
Fast to get started and easy to use.
Free to use.
Integrated with other Google products.
Cons:
Limited functionality compared to other website builders.
It may not work with non-Google apps.
Limited customization options.
No SEO tools, and you can’t edit metadata.
It cannot integrate Facebook pixels.
4. Jekyll
Screenshot of jekyllrb.com, November 2024
Jekyll is best suited for developers, bloggers, and tech-savvy individuals who prefer a lightweight, flexible website creation platform. It’s particularly popular among the GitHub community, as it can be easily integrated with GitHub Pages for free hosting.
Jekyll requires specific technical knowledge, as users must be comfortable working with the command line and writing code. While Jekyll offers plugins and themes to extend its functionality, users may need to rely on their coding skills to customize their website fully.
One tip for getting the most out of Jekyll is to utilize its built-in blogging features, which offer a simple, intuitive way to create and manage blog posts using Markdown.
Another nuance to remember is that Jekyll generates static pages that may not be the best choice for websites requiring frequent updates or complex functionality.
Key Features:
No programming is involved.
SEO is built-in.
GitHub manages redirects.
Easy setup of custom domains.
Pros:
No server maintenance.
Very fast.
Secure.
Free hosting.
Free SSL certificate.
Works with GitHub as CMS.
Cons:
It can’t create contact forms.
No dynamic content options.
Posts cannot be scheduled.
Does not include image manipulation functionality.
5. Hugo
Screenshot of gohugo.io, November 2024
Hugo is best suited for developers, bloggers, and content creators who value speed, flexibility, and simplicity.
Its lightning-fast build times and static page generation make it ideal for those who frequently update their site or publish new content regularly.
While Hugo offers themes and templates to help users get started, creating a unique design may require coding skills.
One tip for getting the most out of Hugo is to leverage its built-in shortcodes, which allow users to easily add complex functionality to their web pages without writing extensive code.
Another nuance to remember is that, as a static site generator, Hugo may not be the best choice for websites that require dynamic features like user authentication or real-time data updates.
Hugo User Comments And Reviews
In his YouTube Video, Luke Smith explains why Hugo is so customizable and extendable.
Users on Reddit praise Hugo for security and customizability, but some users note that it is not a good choice for e-commerce.
“Learning curve is steep in comparison to WordPress, but once you understand static site generators the choice is easy: SSGs are fast, lightweight, need no updating and protecting whatsoever (a WordPress site on the other hand is very likely to get breached/hacked/Powned at one point, especially if you forget to update all components. And auto updates sometimes break functionality so that’s not a smart option)” iroQuai on Reddit.
Key Features:
Can build most websites in seconds.
Cross-platform with easy installation.
Allows you to host your site anywhere.
Customizable URLs.
“Minutes to Read” and “WordCount” functionality.
Integrated Google Analytics and Disqus comment support.
Pros:
It easily integrates with Google Calendar and other apps.
Easy to use with responsive customer service.
Multilingual capabilities are built-in.
Extendable as needed.
Cons:
It can’t create one-off tasks.
It can be confusing upon initial use, particularly in templating syntax.
No plugins are available.
Limited text formatting features.
6. Webflow
Screenshot of webflow.com, November 2024
Webflow is best suited for freelance designers and small agencies who want complete control over their website’s design without worrying about hosting, security, or performance.
One nuance of Webflow is that extending a site’s functionality is not as straightforward as installing a plugin like WordPress.
Users must either set up integrations between their Webflow site and other platforms using third-party tools like Zapier, or they can embed custom code blocks on pages to add features.
A key aspect to note about Webflow is its pricing structure. Building a site is completely free, and users only need to purchase a site plan and custom domain when they are ready to launch.
This makes it an attractive option for freelancers and small teams who want to design and prototype sites without upfront costs, paying only when they are ready to go live.
Webflow User Comments And Reviews
In his YouTube video, My First Website says:
“There is no tool virtually out there that allows you to have the same kind of customization without any programming knowledge. Simply put, on Webflow you can practically build anything. However, the whole experience does come at a pretty steep learning curve.”
On Reddit, users admit that Webflow can be difficult to use, but often say that the additional learning curve is worth it:
“I’d much rather pay for Webflow than encounter the frustrations of working on a platform like WordPress. I think coming from your design background you’ll very much appreciate the tools at your disposal.” Ok-Site-3047 on Reddit.
However, users don’t recommend Webflow for e-commerce:
“Quite frankly, it’s gotten to the point where if you are looking at Webflow as a potential solution for your ecom company’s needs because “it’s almost perfect”, and you’re thinking that the basic features you need will be there eventually, be wary. ” wherethewifisweak on Reddit.
Key Features:
More than 100 templates to choose from.
Design is prioritized, with animation, interaction, and parallax scrolling options.
Offers automatically generated sitemaps and customizable 301 redirects.
Multiple payment options for ecommerce sites and automatic tax calculation.
Pros:
Affordable plans range from free to $235 for top-tier ecommerce plans.
Free starter plan.
Numerous learning and help resources.
Good range of templates.
Good security.
Cons:
Steep learning curve.
Integration with social media can be frustrating.
Advanced capabilities aren’t built-in and require integration.
7. Joomla
Screenshot of joomla.org, November 2024
Joomla is best suited for creating social networking, community, and membership sites.
With its built-in multilingual support and advanced user and content management options, Joomla enables site owners to manage hundreds of users, create custom post types, and publish content in multiple languages.
One nuance of Joomla is that it has a steeper learning curve compared to a more beginner-friendly CMS like WordPress.
While Joomla aims to combine the power and flexibility of Drupal with the user-friendliness of WordPress, users with some web development experience will be better equipped to understand and take full advantage of Joomla’s built-in features and settings.
Users can choose from over 6,000 extensions available in the official directory to extend a Joomla site’s functionality. However, unlike WordPress plugins that can be installed with just a few clicks, Joomla extensions must be installed via the backend.
This process requires more technical know-how and may be challenging for beginners.
Joomla User Comments And Reviews
In its YouTube video, WebTech with Brett, the channel preferred the user experience of Joomla. In comparison to WordPress, found the two platforms almost equal in performance, giving an edge to Joomla for slightly faster loading times.
On Reddit, Joomla doesn’t seem to have a large community, but users say it does what it’s built to do well.
“WP has a much larger user base and therefore more themes, plugins, tutorials, and so on. It also makes it a larger target for security concerns.” donutjudgememe on Reddit.
Key Features:
Almost 6,000 extensions are available.
Traditional content editing (no drag-and-drop visual editor).
Optimized for mobile (depending on the template).
Blog module.
Ecommerce store.
Social media tools.
Pros:
Free, open-source software.
Premade designs and templates.
Access to source code.
Cons:
No free subdomains or custom domains are available.
No customer support.
Requires a PHP-enable server to run.
Fewer templates and extensions than WordPress.
8. Drupal
Screenshot of www.drupal.org, November 2024
Drupal is best suited for large corporations, government agencies, and universities with dedicated teams of developers.
With its extensive customization options and ability to handle large data and heavy traffic, Drupal is ideal for complex, high-performance websites.
One key nuance of Drupal is its steep learning curve. Drupal is designed for developers or users with a strong understanding of HTML, CSS, and PHP.
Customizing a Drupal site involves working with numerous modules and themes, which can be highly configurable but require technical expertise to set up and maintain.
For organizations with the necessary technical resources, Drupal’s flexibility and robustness make it a top choice for building highly secure and customized websites.
However, Drupal recently released Drupal 11, called Starshot, which is advertised as a more easily usable CMS. This could make the platform much more approachable and user-friendly for beginners.
Drupal User Comments And Reviews
On Reddit, users often note that Drupal is for advanced users with complex needs. If you don’t need to do the advanced functions it allows, then it may not be worth it to learn the code languages required.
“However, IF you have time, patience, and LOVE to learn, then go for it. I love Drupal … but it does come with a few headbanging on the keyboard moments .. lol…” Mangapink on Reddit.
“Drupal is not a good fit for static brochure and marketing sites and it’s probably not worth it for a blog either unless you already know what you’re doing. Drupal only makes sense when you need a lot of custom functionality that you won’t find as a feature in prepackaged solutions.” This_Bandicoot17 on Reddit.
However, Drupal does have a passionate and supportive community. Users note its power for advanced functions, structured data, and security.
“Learning Drupal can be great because in the process, you will also learn other tech that is highly marketable like • Front End: Twig, CSS, JavaScript and sometimes React • Back End: Symfony, YML, JSON and REST API, MySQL • DevOps: DDev, GitLab Pipelines, GitHub Actions, and sometimes Kubernetes, Terraform and Jenkins” tekNora on Reddit.
“Drupal is becoming stronger than ever. One of its major strengths is the integration of Symfony components. The community is driving innovation, resulting in impressive work that you won’t find in WordPress.” friedinando on Reddit.
Key Features:
Content management system (CMS).
Over 47,000 modules are available.
Traditional content editing (no drag-and-drop visual editor).
Optimized for mobile (depending on the theme you choose).
Blog module.
Ecommerce store.
Social media tools.
Pros:
Free, open-source software.
Premade designs and templates.
Access to source code.
Strong security and data encryption.
Cons:
No free subdomains.
No customer support.
Requires a PHP-enabled server to run.
9. DataLife Engine
Screenshot of dle-news.com, November 2024
DataLife Engine (DLE) is best suited for media companies, news websites, and blogs, prioritizing SEO, security, and performance.
The platform’s focus on handling high traffic levels with minimal server load makes it an attractive choice for websites that expect significant visitors and must ensure a smooth user experience.
DLE’s user-friendly interface and content management features suit organizations with multiple users involved in creating and publishing well-suited content.
The platform’s ability to track statistics and automatically filter words in comments can benefit media websites and blogs that need to moderate user-generated content and analyze audience engagement.
However, there are some nuances to consider when using DLE. The limited number of plugins and themes may restrict how much websites can customize their appearance and functionality compared to other CMSs like WordPress.
It’s also important to note that while DLE supports English users, they are considered a secondary focus.
Key Features:
Content management system (CMS).
Designed for multiple users.
SEO-focused.
Tracks statistics.
Automatically filters words in comments.
It supports an unlimited number of categories.
Low server load.
Allows plugins.
Pros:
Stores data using MySQL.
Excellent user experience
Websites load quickly, even on low-end servers.
Excellent for publishing news and blog posts.
Cons:
No free version. Licenses vary from $79 for basic to $199 for unlimited.
English users are a secondary focus.
A limited number of plugins and themes.
The lowest license doesn’t include customer support.
10. Sitefinity
Screenshot of www.progress.com/sitefinity-cms, November 2024
Progress’ Sitefinity is best suited for organizations that manage multiple websites, brands, or marketing channels from a single platform.
The CMS’s ability to sync assets across pages and sites makes it an attractive choice for companies with a diverse online presence. It streamlines content management and ensures consistency across various touchpoints.
One notable advantage of Sitefinity is its low-cost license compared to other CMS options, which may make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious organizations.
Additionally, the minimal coding required for integration and the flexible deployment time can help businesses reduce development costs and bring their websites to market faster.
However, Sitefinity setup and administration can be challenging. Organizations may need to invest time and resources into training their teams or hiring experienced professionals to ensure a smooth implementation and ongoing management of the platform.
Key Features:
Manage multiple sites from one location.
Sync assets across pages and sites.
It makes personalization simpler.
Integrated analytics and optimization.
Four versions include basic, marketing-focused, PaaS, and ecommerce.
Multilingual capabilities.
Pros:
Low-cost license compared to other CMS.
No setup fee.
Minimal coding is required for integration.
Flexible deployment time shortens time to market.
Options for marketing automation.
Cons:
Free trial, but no free version.
Setup and administration can be challenging.
No mobile interface.
11. HubSpot CMS Tools
Screenshot of www.hubspot.com/products/cms, November 2024
HubSpot’s free CMS is best suited for businesses that already use HubSpot’s marketing, sales, or service tools and want to integrate their website with their existing HubSpot ecosystem.
It combines the ease of use of a drag-and-drop website builder with the flexibility and performance of a CMS.
The CMS tools seamlessly integrate with HubSpot’s CRM platform, allowing businesses to create personalized content experiences, optimize marketing efforts, and streamline sales processes.
It also focuses on security and performance, with HubSpot handling website hosting, SSL certification, and CDN configuration.
However, while HubSpot offers customization options, it may not be as flexible as other CMS platforms like WordPress or Drupal, potentially limiting businesses with particular design or functionality requirements.
Additionally, HubSpot’s pricing model can be expensive compared to other CMS options, so companies must carefully consider their budget and weigh the benefits of its all-in-one approach.
Hubspot User Comments And Reviews
User on Reddit recommend Hubspot for situations where integration is a critical factor, but advise against using it if you won’t make full use of the features and integrations due to the expense and difficulty in development.
“It all depends on your goals with your website. If you’re just putting up a catalog/billboard website, then don’t pay for HubSpot CMS.
If you want to treat your website like the customer experience “home base” for the entire customer journey, serving up dynamic, value-focused experiences based on data, choose HubSpot.” profoundly_chris on Reddit.