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WordPress is probably the first name that comes to your mind when you think about building a website. It’s popular, powerful, and powers 43% of websites globally. But it’s not the only option.
For many people, WordPress can feel too complex. It often needs plugins, updates, and some tech knowledge. If that sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. There are easier, faster, and more beginner-friendly tools out there. And if blogging is your main goal, you might also want to check out our guide to the best blogging platforms.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the best WordPress alternatives. Our team tested numerous popular options and identified the top 10. Each of these platforms offers something unique. So, let’s have a look at them in detail.
The search for other platforms to replace WordPress will enable you to choose a platform that better fits the bill for your specific needs. Some of the most remarkable ones have features that match varying web needs:
Webflow combines a web design tool, CMS, and hosting into an all-in-one service. Designers can create responsive websites visually without needing to code. They also have the option to add custom code for more control when needed. Webflow’s CMS is designed for content-rich websites.
It makes it easy for both designers and developers to work with. It provides a smooth experience whether you’re building simple pages or complex sites.
Key Features:
Best For: Designers and developers seeking a visual design tool with the flexibility of custom code.
Pricing: Webflow offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $14 per month.
Wix is an easy website builder with a plethora of templates and even a drag-and-drop editor. Anyone with no technical knowledge can easily build a professional looking website. In addition to all of that, it glorifies the site’s utility through a range of different apps and integrations.
Key Features:
Best For: Individuals and small businesses looking for an easy-to-use website builder with extensive template options.
Pricing: Wix offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $17 per month.
Shopify is a full-featured eCommerce platform. It helps users build and run online stores. The platform offers customizable templates. It supports multiple payment options. These features make selling products easier for businesses. Inventory management, marketing, and analytics tools are also available through Shopify.
Key Features:
Best For: Businesses focused on establishing and growing an online store with robust eCommerce features.
Pricing: Plans start at $29 per month.
Squarespace is an all-in-one platform. It lets you build and host websites. It offers stylish, professional templates. The interface is easy to use. It works well with other services too. Squarespace has built-in online store features. These help small and medium businesses. They can sell products directly through their site.
Key Features:
Best For: Creatives and small business owners seeking a stylish, easy-to-manage website with integrated features.
Pricing: Plans start at $16 per month.
Drupal is a content management system that is open source and its advantages are flexibility, scalability, and security. You can customize it according to your needs which can perfectly handle suspicious complex websites for organizing content and user permissions assigned. It has its own strong-developer community that keeps feeding the modules library. If you’re exploring decoupled architecture, headless WordPress is another option worth considering alongside Drupal.
Key Features:
Best For: Organizations and developers needing a customizable and scalable platform for building secure websites.
Pricing: Free (open-source). However, costs may arise from hosting and development services.
Joomla is an open-source content management system that strikes a balance between ease of use and flexibility. It has powerful framework capabilities for developers and a very friendly interface for content creators. Various extensions and templates that Joomla supports allow extensive customization.
Key Features:
Best For: Users seeking a middle ground between simplicity and flexibility in a CMS.
Pricing: Free to use. Additional expenses may include hosting services and premium extensions or templates.
Weebly is a simple website-building tool meant for anyone wanting a bit of simplicity to set up their online persona. Although simple, Weebly offers various features like e-commerce options and several templates. However, customization and design functions are a bit limited as compared to other platforms.
Key Features:
Best For: Individuals and small businesses looking for an easy-to-use platform to create simple websites.
Pricing: Weebly offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $10 per month.
Google Sites is an absolutely free website builder that offers seamless integration with all other Google Services. With its user-friendly interface, the user can create basic websites without having the slightest knowledge of coding. Though it lacks advanced customization features, its simplicity makes it worth a try for basic informational sites and internal projects.
Key Features:
Best For: Users seeking a simple, no-cost solution for basic websites or internal company pages.
Pricing: Free to use with a Google account.
Duda develops a professional website builder aimed at giving web professionals tools for efficiently creating responsive websites. It also offers templates and drag-and-drop editors on the part of client management and team collaboration for robust analytics tools.
Key Features:
Best For: Web design agencies and professionals looking for a platform with client management and collaboration features.
Pricing: Plans start at $19 per month.
ExpressionEngine is a very flexible content management system that has been specifically developed for designers and developers requiring drastic amounts of customisation. It is loaded with high-end feature sets as well as creating bursts of really complex websites. However, it does possess a steeper learning curve as compared to many other user-friendly platforms.
Key Features:
Best For: Developers and designers seeking a highly customizable CMS for complex websites with specific requirements.
Pricing: Free core version. Pro version comes with a one-time fee of $249. Additional updates start at $49/year.
These WordPress alternatives offer something for everyone, from easy drag-and-drop builders to customizable platforms. To find the best one, you need to think about the reason that is pushing you towards choosing something else.
The best WordPress alternative depends on what you need your website to do.
Think about your goals (ease of use, design freedom, or advanced control) and choose the platform that fits your comfort level and needs.
Webflow and Duda provide very much high design flexibility with custom coding options and responsive design utilities. They grant more control over layout and animations than do drag-and-drop builders, such as Wix or Squarespace.
Drupal and Joomla are free-to-use CMS with great flexibility and customization. They suit users looking for access to advanced functionality who are comfortable with technical setups.
Almost all platforms including Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify provide migration tools or services. However, some design/functionality tweaks will require adjustments manually.
Different website platforms suit different needs. WordPress is popular but not always the best choice. Some alternatives prioritize ease of use, saving time on setup and maintenance. Others focus on flexibility, security, or specific features.
For simplicity, consider Wix, Squarespace, or Google Sites. For customization, try Drupal, Joomla, or ExpressionEngine. For eCommerce, Shopify and Duda offer ready-made solutions.
By evaluating specific requirements such as performance, security, and more you can choose the best platform. If you are looking to build a website that aligns with your project goals, contact us today!
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