Exploring the Best Open Source CMS Options for Your Website in 2025

Picking the right content management system (CMS) for your website in 2025 can feel like a big decision. There are so many options out there, and they all do slightly different things. Whether you’re a small business owner, a blogger, or part of a larger organization, finding a system that fits your needs without being overly complicated is key. We’re going to look at some of the top open source CMS choices available, talking about what makes them stand out and who they might be best for. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between features, ease of use, and future growth.

Key Takeaways

• WordPress remains a top choice for its flexibility and vast plugin ecosystem, making it suitable for many website types.
• Drupal is a strong contender for complex, enterprise-level sites needing high security and customizability.
• Strapi offers a modern headless CMS approach, ideal for developers needing API-first content management.
• Joomla provides a good balance, offering robust features for those who need more than a basic site but less complexity than Drupal.
• Ghost is excellent for publishers and content creators focused on writing and delivering content efficiently with built-in SEO.

1. WordPress

When you’re looking at content management systems, WordPress just keeps popping up, doesn’t it? It’s not really a surprise, considering it powers a huge chunk of the internet – like, over 40% of all websites. That’s a pretty wild statistic. It started out as a blogging platform, but man, has it grown. Now, you can build pretty much anything with it, from a simple personal blog to a massive online store or even a corporate site. It’s super flexible, which is probably its biggest selling point. You’ve got thousands of themes to change how your site looks and countless plugins to add all sorts of features you didn’t even know you needed. Need an online shop? There’s a plugin for that. Want to improve your site’s speed? Yep, plugin. It’s also gotten pretty good at the whole headless CMS thing, which is a bit more technical, but basically means you can use it to power different kinds of apps and front-ends. It’s a solid choice if you want a lot of control and access to a massive ecosystem of tools and help. You can really customize it to fit exactly what you need, and there’s a huge community out there ready to help if you get stuck. It’s a great option for getting a website up and running quickly, especially if you’re not a super-advanced coder, though you can get pretty deep into the code if you want to. It’s a really adaptable platform for all sorts of projects. You can find tons of themes and plugins to really make your site your own, and it’s a good way to get a handle on website customization .

2. Drupal

Drupal is a really solid choice if you’re building something that needs to handle a lot of different kinds of information or needs to be super secure. It’s been around for a while and has a reputation for being robust, which is why big organizations like NASA use it. It’s not the simplest system to get started with, but if you need fine-grained control over who can see and do what on your site, Drupal really shines. Plus, it’s great if you plan to have your website in multiple languages right from the start.

Key Features

• Security: Drupal has a strong focus on security, with regular updates and a dedicated security team. This makes it a good pick for sensitive data.
• Flexibility: You can build pretty much anything with Drupal, from simple blogs to complex enterprise applications. Its modular design means you can add or remove features easily.
• Scalability: It handles large amounts of content and high traffic volumes well, so it’s suitable for growing websites.
• Multilingual Support: Built-in features make it easier to manage content in several languages.

Pricing

Drupal itself is free and open-source. The costs you’ll run into are usually for things like web hosting, custom development, and any premium themes or modules you might want to add. So, while the software is free, the total cost depends on your specific setup and needs.

Best For

Drupal is a great fit for organizations that require advanced customization, top-notch security, and reliable performance, especially under heavy usage. If you’re building a complex site with specific data management needs, Drupal is definitely worth a look. You can find more details on setting up a site with Drupal by checking out this guide .

3. Strapi

Strapi is a really popular open-source headless CMS, and for good reason. It gives developers a ton of control over how they build things, letting them use their favorite tools and frameworks. Plus, it makes it pretty easy for content editors to manage and push content out everywhere it needs to go. This flexibility is a big deal for companies that need to scale their content management.

What really makes Strapi stand out is how customizable its API system is. You can build content structures that are exactly what your project needs, which is super helpful for businesses with unique content setups. The admin panel is also a nice balance – it’s straightforward enough for people just managing content, but it also has the advanced features developers appreciate.

Key Features

• Customizable Content Models: Tailor your content structures to fit any project.
• Self-Hosted: Keep full control over your hosting and data privacy.
• Automatic API Generation: Get REST and GraphQL APIs created automatically, with options to customize endpoints.
• Built-in Authentication: Manage user roles and permissions right out of the box.
• Plugin Ecosystem: Extend functionality with add-ons for media libraries, email, and more.
• Internationalization (i18n): Easily manage content in multiple languages.

Pros

• Highly Customizable: It’s open-source, so you can tweak almost anything.
• Strong Community: Lots of active development and support available.
• No Vendor Lock-in: Being open-source means you’re not tied to one provider.

Cons

• Requires Setup: You’ll need to handle the hosting and maintenance yourself.
• Fewer Out-of-the-Box Integrations: Compared to some SaaS options, you might need to build more integrations.
• Performance Varies: How well it runs depends a lot on your hosting setup.

Strapi itself is free to use. The costs come from hosting and infrastructure, depending on where you decide to set it up. If you want extra help, Strapi Cloud offers managed hosting plans. You can check out some Strapi case studies to see how others have used it successfully.

When you’re thinking about using Strapi, remember that its self-hosted nature means you’re responsible for keeping everything running smoothly. This includes security updates and performance tuning, which is a trade-off for the control you get.

4. Joomla

Joomla is a solid choice when you need a middle ground between WordPress and more developer-centric CMSs. It’s a long-standing open-source platform known for its flexibility and robust multilingual support. It offers a balance between simplicity and advanced customization, making it a versatile choice for developers working on community-driven websites, eCommerce platforms, or multi-language projects. Its modular architecture allows for extensive customization through extensions, plugins, and templates.

Key Features

• Built-in multilingual support: Easily manage content in multiple languages, which is great for global audiences.
• Advanced user permissions: Offers granular control over user roles and access, helping maintain consistent practices across large teams.
• Solid default security: Comes with good built-in security features to minimize downtime from potential hacks.
• Modular architecture: Use extensions, plugins, and templates for extensive customization and added functionality.
• SEO-friendly features: Tools to help optimize your content for search engines.

Pros

• Highly customizable with a wide range of extensions and templates.
• Strong access control and user role management.
• Open-source with no licensing costs.

Cons

• Steeper learning curve compared to WordPress.
• Fewer plugins and integrations compared to some other popular CMSs.
• Updates and maintenance can be time-intensive.

Best For

Joomla is best suited for developers building community-focused websites, multilingual platforms, or eCommerce applications that require advanced user management and custom workflows. If you have a business where multilingual support and built-in organization are essential, Joomla is a great option. You can find many extensions to add specific functionality, similar to how you might extend a Shopify store .

Pricing

Joomla itself is free and open-source. However, costs can arise from hosting, premium templates, and extensions. Hosting plans typically start at around $5–$10/month, depending on the provider.

5. TYPO3

TYPO3 is a serious contender for businesses that need a robust, enterprise-grade content management system. It’s known for its flexibility and ability to handle complex websites with multiple languages and distinct user groups. Think of it as a powerful engine for large corporate sites or organizations with a global reach. It’s not the simplest system to pick up and use right away, but if you have developers who can really dig in, the possibilities are pretty vast.

One of its standout features is how it manages multiple websites from a single installation. This is a huge plus for companies that have different brands or regional sites they need to keep organized. Plus, its built-in localization tools make publishing content in various languages much more manageable. The TYPO3 Content Types Team has had a productive first half of 2025, marked by international exchange and major feature releases. This suggests ongoing development and a commitment to keeping the platform current.

Key Features

• Multisite Management: Easily handle numerous websites from one TYPO3 instance.
• Localization: Strong built-in support for managing content in multiple languages.
• Extensibility: A wide array of extensions allows for custom functionality.
• User Roles & Permissions: Granular control over who can see and do what.
• Scalability: Designed to handle high traffic and large amounts of content.

Who is it for?

TYPO3 is best suited for medium to large enterprises, government bodies, and organizations that require a highly customizable and scalable solution. If your project involves complex workflows, multiple languages, or managing several distinct web presences, TYPO3 is definitely worth a closer look. It’s a platform that rewards investment in development talent.

TYPO3 vs. Others

Compared to something like WordPress, TYPO3 is generally considered more complex but also more powerful for enterprise needs. While WordPress excels in ease of use and a massive plugin library for smaller sites, TYPO3 offers deeper control and better scalability for large, intricate projects. It’s less about quick setup and more about building a tailored, long-term solution. For those needing a powerful, adaptable system, TYPO3 is a solid choice.

6. Ghost

Ghost is a really interesting option if you’re focused on publishing, especially if you’re a blogger or run a publication. It’s built with Node.js, which is pretty cool, and it’s designed to be fast and modern. What really sets Ghost apart is its focus on the writing experience. It feels less like a clunky website builder and more like a dedicated writing tool that also happens to power your website. I’ve found that the interface is super clean, which makes creating and organizing posts a breeze. It’s also got built-in SEO features, which is a big plus for anyone trying to get their content seen. Plus, it handles membership and subscriptions really well, which is great if you’re looking to monetize your content directly. It’s not as flexible for, say, a complex e-commerce store, but for content-first sites, it’s a strong contender.

Key Features

• Modern Publishing Focus: Built for bloggers and publishers, with a clean writing interface.
• Speed and Performance: Utilizes Node.js for fast loading times.
• Membership & Subscriptions: Integrated tools for monetizing content.
• SEO Friendly: Built-in features to help improve search engine visibility.
• Extensibility: While focused, it can be extended with integrations.

Who is Ghost Best For?

Ghost really shines for individuals and teams who prioritize content creation and audience engagement. Think bloggers, online magazines, newsletter creators, and anyone looking to build a community around their writing. If your main goal is to publish articles, manage subscribers, and perhaps offer premium content, Ghost is definitely worth a look. It’s less suited for businesses needing extensive e-commerce functionality or highly custom website designs that stray far from a publishing model. For those looking to optimize their site’s performance, focusing on server response time is key, aiming for a Time to First Byte (TTFB) under 200ms can really help enhance your e-commerce site’s SEO .

Ghost vs. Other CMS

Compared to something like WordPress, Ghost feels much more streamlined and focused. WordPress is incredibly versatile, but that often means a steeper learning curve and more potential for bloat. Ghost, on the other hand, is opinionated about how publishing should work, which can be a good thing if you agree with its philosophy. It’s also generally faster out of the box. If you’re comparing it to headless CMS options, Ghost offers a more integrated publishing experience, whereas headless platforms often require you to piece together your front-end and content management separately. It’s a different approach, and for pure publishing, Ghost often wins on simplicity and user experience for the writer.

7. Hygraph

Hygraph is a pretty interesting player in the headless CMS space, especially if you’re a developer who likes working with GraphQL. It’s built from the ground up with a GraphQL-first approach, which means the way you query and manage your content feels really natural if you’re already familiar with GraphQL. It’s designed to be flexible, letting you connect it to pretty much any frontend framework or technology you want to use. This makes it a solid choice for building custom websites and applications where you need a lot of control over how your content is delivered.

One of the things that stands out is how it handles content modeling. You can set up your content structures in a way that makes sense for your project, and the API reflects that structure. This makes fetching data straightforward, even for complex relationships between different pieces of content. Plus, it has features like content stages for managing drafts and published versions, which is handy for team workflows. They also offer advanced asset transformations, so you can tweak images and media right when you query them, which is a neat trick for optimizing performance.

Hygraph’s API-first design and GraphQL-native architecture really shine when you need to integrate content across various platforms and applications. It’s built for scalability, making it suitable for larger projects that might have complex content needs or high traffic volumes.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. If your team isn’t already comfortable with GraphQL, there’s a bit of a learning curve involved. Some users have also mentioned that the documentation could be more robust, especially when you’re trying to figure out more advanced use cases or troubleshoot issues. And while the free tier is decent, the costs can climb pretty quickly as your project grows, particularly if you need features like custom roles or more granular permissions, which are often locked behind higher-priced plans. It’s definitely something to consider if you’re working with a tight budget.

Here’s a quick look at some of its strengths and weaknesses:

• Strengths:
  • Intuitive GraphQL API that mirrors content structure.
  • Strong developer tooling and good documentation for core features.
  • Highly scalable for enterprise needs.
  • Flexible content modeling capabilities.
• Weaknesses:
  • Requires GraphQL familiarity for best results.
  • Pricing can become expensive for larger projects.
  • Documentation could be improved for advanced topics.

Overall, Hygraph is a powerful option for developers who want a flexible, API-driven headless CMS and are comfortable with or willing to learn GraphQL. It’s a great way to build modern web experiences, and you can find out more about its capabilities on the Hygraph website .

8. Adobe Experience Manager

Adobe Experience Manager, often shortened to AEM, is a pretty serious contender if you’re dealing with a large operation. It’s not really for the casual blogger or small business owner, but for enterprises that need a robust, integrated system, it’s definitely worth a look. One of its big draws is how it works with other Adobe products, especially Adobe Analytics. This integration gives you some really detailed insights into what people are actually doing on your site, which can help you figure out what content is working and what isn’t. It’s all about making data-backed decisions to improve your content strategy.

AEM is built for delivering content across different channels – think web, mobile apps, and whatever else you might be using. This means your brand message stays consistent everywhere. Plus, it has these advanced personalization tools that use AI to tailor content for individual users. The idea is to make each visitor feel like the content is made just for them, which can really boost engagement and, you know, get them to do what you want them to do, like making a purchase.

Key Features and Considerations

• Strong Governance: AEM has workflows built in that help keep your content consistent and error-free, even if you have lots of people working on it across different departments or regions. This is a big deal for maintaining brand integrity.
• High Scalability: If you have a massive amount of content or a really complex website structure, AEM can handle it without slowing down. It’s designed to grow with your business.
• AI-Enhanced Insights: Through integrations with Adobe Sensei, AEM can actually help you spot technical SEO issues and identify gaps in your content. It’s like having a smart assistant looking out for your site’s performance.

Pricing and Technical Needs

• Licensing Costs: Let’s be upfront, AEM isn’t cheap. The initial licensing fees are quite high, so it’s really only practical for big companies with a substantial budget for their digital platforms. You’ll need to contact Adobe directly for custom pricing based on your specific needs.
• Technical Expertise Required: This isn’t a drag-and-drop kind of system for beginners. If you want to tweak advanced settings, like custom indexing rules or complex integrations, you’ll likely need someone with developer skills on hand. It’s a powerful tool, but it demands a certain level of technical know-how to really get the most out of it. For those managing large-scale digital experiences, AEM offers strong performance and scalability .

While AEM is a powerhouse for enterprise-level content management, its complexity and cost mean it’s not the right fit for everyone. Smaller businesses or those with limited technical resources might find other options more suitable. It’s important to match the tool to the job, and for massive, complex digital ecosystems, AEM certainly fits the bill.

9. HubSpot CMS

HubSpot CMS Hub is a bit different from the others on this list because it’s built right into a larger CRM platform. So, if you’re already using HubSpot for marketing or sales, this makes a lot of sense. It’s not just about building a website; it’s about connecting your website content directly to your customer data. This means you can easily personalize what visitors see based on their past interactions or where they are in the sales funnel.

One of the standout features is the drag-and-drop page builder. It’s pretty intuitive, making it easy to create and update pages without needing a developer for every little change. Plus, it has built-in tools for SEO, which is always a plus. You can get real-time guidance on optimizing your content for search engines, which is handy. It also lets you create membership-only content, which is great if you have premium resources or a private community.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The pricing can get a bit steep as you add more features or contacts, and it might not be the best fit for really massive, complex e-commerce sites.

HubSpot CMS Hub really shines when your website needs to be tightly integrated with your marketing and sales efforts. It’s designed to help you manage leads and personalize experiences, which can be a big win for many businesses.

Here’s a quick look at some of its strengths:

• User-friendly drag-and-drop editor: Makes website updates much faster.
• Integrated CRM: Connects website activity directly to customer profiles.
• SEO guidance: Helps improve your site’s visibility in search results.
• Smart content features: Allows for personalized content delivery.

If you’re looking for a system that ties your website directly into your customer relationship management, HubSpot CMS Hub is definitely worth a look. It’s a solid choice for companies focused on inbound marketing and lead management, offering a unified approach to content and customer data. For businesses that want to streamline their marketing and content creation processes, it’s a good option to consider. You can explore how it compares to other platforms like Drupal and its flexibility for complex projects Drupal and HubSpot CMS cater to distinct business requirements .

10. Wix

Wix has really stepped up its game when it comes to SEO, making it a solid choice for many website owners in 2025. It’s super beginner-friendly, thanks to its drag-and-drop editor. You don’t need to be a coding whiz to get a site up and running. Plus, the Wix SEO Wiz tool actually gives you step-by-step help with things like meta tags and structured data, which is pretty neat for folks who aren’t SEO experts.

One of the big pluses is that Wix is a fully hosted platform. This means they handle a lot of the technical stuff behind the scenes, like security updates and making sure the site runs smoothly. It’s nice not having to worry about all that yourself.

Key Features

• App Market: You can add extra features like booking forms or contact forms to keep visitors engaged. This can also signal relevance to search engines.
• Regular Updates: Wix frequently rolls out updates that improve stability and performance, which is good for keeping your site ranking well.
• Template Library: They have a huge selection of templates, and many are designed with SEO in mind, making site organization and visibility easier.

Pricing

Wix offers a few different plans, and they also have a free option if you just want to test the waters. The paid plans start around $11 per month for basic sites and go up from there. For businesses, the Business Elite package is available for $159/month.

Pros

• Ease of Use: The drag-and-drop interface is incredibly intuitive.
• All-in-One Solution: Hosting, security, and updates are managed for you.
• SEO Guidance: The SEO Wiz tool provides helpful, structured advice.

Cons

• Customization Limits: If you have a really complex website in mind, Wix might feel a bit restrictive. It’s not as flexible as some other options.
• Growth Restrictions: As your business expands significantly, you might find Wix becoming a bottleneck. It’s best suited for freelancers, beginners, and small to medium-sized businesses that want a fast setup and easy maintenance. If you’re building an e-commerce store, you might want to explore options like Shopify for your needs .

Wix is a great starting point for many, especially if you value ease of use and don’t want to get bogged down in technical details. It’s a platform that lets you build a decent-looking site quickly, and their built-in SEO tools are a nice bonus for beginners.

Wrapping It Up: Finding Your Perfect CMS Fit

So, we’ve looked at a bunch of different content management systems, and honestly, it can feel a bit overwhelming with so many choices out there. But the main takeaway is that there isn’t really a single ‘best’ CMS for everyone. What works great for a small blog might not cut it for a huge online store, and vice versa. Think about what you actually need – like how much customization you want, if you’re comfortable with a bit of tech stuff, or if you need something super simple. WordPress is still a solid all-rounder, but platforms like Strapi are really shaking things up for developers needing flexibility. Ultimately, the right CMS is the one that helps you get your website goals met without causing a ton of headaches down the road. Take your time, maybe try out a few free versions, and pick the one that feels right for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CMS and why is WordPress so popular?

Think of a CMS as a tool that helps you build and manage your website without needing to be a coding expert. It’s like having a digital toolbox for your online presence. WordPress is super popular because it’s easy to use and has tons of add-ons to make your site do almost anything.

How do I choose the best CMS for my website?

When picking a CMS, think about what you want your website to do. Do you need to sell things online? Do you want a simple blog? Some CMSs are better for certain jobs. It’s important to choose one that fits your goals and how much technical help you have.

Are open-source CMS platforms completely free?

Many CMS platforms are free to use, but you might have to pay for things like hosting, special features, or if you need help from experts. It’s like getting a free game, but you might want to buy extra lives or cool outfits later.

Can a CMS handle a website that gets a lot of visitors?

Yes, many CMSs are designed to grow with your website. They can handle more visitors and content as your site becomes more popular. It’s good to pick a CMS that can keep up if your website becomes a big hit!

How do I keep my website secure with a CMS?

Security is really important! Good CMS platforms get updated often to fix any security holes. You should also make sure you’re using strong passwords and keeping your system updated to protect your website from bad actors.

Which CMS is the easiest for beginners?

Some CMSs are easier for beginners, like WordPress. Others, like Drupal or Strapi, might need more technical know-how but offer more power and flexibility. It really depends on how comfortable you are with technology and what you want to achieve.