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The Best Open Source CMS Systems for Your Project in 2025

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adrien
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Picking the right content management system (CMS) can feel like a big decision, and honestly, it is. We’ve all been there, trying to figure out which platform will actually make our lives easier and help our projects shine. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get lost in the details. This article is here to cut through the noise and give you a straightforward look at some of the best open source CMS systems available for your project in 2025. We’ll focus on what matters most for getting things done.

Key Takeaways

  • Open source CMS platforms are great for modern web projects, offering flexibility and room to grow.
  • Strapi leads the pack with its headless approach, perfect for managing content across different channels.
  • WordPress remains a popular choice for its ease of use and massive plugin library, though it’s not always the most scalable.
  • Drupal and Joomla offer robust features for more complex sites, but can have a steeper learning curve.
  • When choosing a CMS system, think about your project’s specific needs, your team’s skills, and how you plan to scale in the future.

1. Strapi

Strapi is a big deal in the open-source headless CMS world, and for good reason. It’s built for developers who want total control over how their content is structured and delivered. Think of it as a super flexible backend for your website or app, letting you build exactly what you need without being boxed in by pre-set templates.

What really makes Strapi stand out is its API-first approach. This means it’s designed from the ground up to serve content through APIs, making it perfect for modern, multi-channel experiences. Whether you’re pushing content to a website, a mobile app, or even an IoT device, Strapi can handle it. Plus, it’s self-hosted, so you own your data and have complete control over your hosting environment.

Here’s a quick look at why developers and content teams like it:

  • Customizable Content Models: You define your content types (like articles, products, or events) and their fields, so it fits your project perfectly.
  • Automated APIs: Strapi automatically generates RESTful or GraphQL APIs based on your content models, saving a ton of development time.
  • Built-in Permissions: Manage user roles and permissions easily, controlling who can see or edit what content.
  • Extensible Plugin System: Need a media library or email notifications? There’s likely a plugin for that, or you can build your own.
  • Internationalization: Built-in support for managing content in multiple languages makes global projects much simpler.

Strapi’s admin panel is pretty slick too. It’s intuitive enough for content editors to jump in and start managing content without a steep learning curve, while still offering the power and flexibility that developers appreciate for fine-tuning the system. It strikes a good balance between ease of use and advanced functionality.

While Strapi itself is free and open-source, remember that self-hosting comes with its own responsibilities. You’ll need to manage your server, updates, and security. For those who want a more hands-off approach, Strapi Cloud offers managed hosting plans, which can simplify things considerably, especially for larger teams or complex deployments.

2. WordPress

When you think of open-source content management systems, WordPress is probably the first one that pops into your head. And honestly, there’s a good reason for that. It’s been around for ages, powering a huge chunk of the internet – we’re talking over 40% of all websites, and even more if you only count sites that use a CMS. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of CMS platforms.

What makes it so popular? Well, it’s incredibly flexible. You can use it for a simple personal blog, a small business site, or even a big online store. The sheer number of plugins and themes available is staggering; if you can imagine a feature, there’s probably a plugin for it. This makes it super adaptable for pretty much any project you can think of.

Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

  • Vast Plugin and Theme Ecosystem: Over 58,000 plugins and countless themes mean you can customize your site endlessly.
  • Headless Capabilities: It can be used as a headless CMS, letting you connect it to modern front-end frameworks.
  • Multisite Support: Manage multiple websites from a single WordPress installation, which is handy for larger organizations.
  • Large Community: If you get stuck, there’s a massive community ready to help through forums, tutorials, and more.

WordPress is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a familiar, adaptable platform with a huge support network. It’s also quite budget-friendly to get started. While the software itself is free, you’ll need to factor in costs for a domain name and hosting. Basic hosting can start around $7.99 a month, sometimes even less with introductory offers.

While WordPress is incredibly powerful, its flexibility can sometimes be a double-edged sword. With so many options and add-ons, it can feel a bit overwhelming for absolute beginners. Plus, keeping all those plugins and themes updated is a must for security and performance, and sometimes, they can cause conflicts if not managed carefully.

3. Drupal

Drupal is a serious contender in the open-source CMS space, especially if you’re building something complex or need top-notch security. It’s not quite as beginner-friendly as some others, but that’s often because it’s so powerful. Think of it as a toolkit for developers and agencies who want to build custom sites that can handle a lot of information or a huge number of visitors.

Drupal is known for its robust security features and its ability to manage intricate content structures. It’s the kind of system that governments and large organizations trust, which tells you something about its reliability. Plus, if you’re dealing with multiple languages, Drupal has strong built-in support for that, making it a good choice for global projects.

Here’s a quick look at what makes Drupal stand out:

  • High Security: It’s built with security in mind, which is a big deal for many businesses.
  • Customization: You can really tailor it to your needs with modules and custom development.
  • Scalability: It handles large websites and high traffic well.
  • Multilingual Capabilities: Great for sites that need to serve content in different languages.
  • Granular Permissions: You can control exactly who can do what on your site.

While it might take a bit more effort to get started compared to simpler platforms, the flexibility and power you get with Drupal can be worth it for the right project. It’s definitely a platform that rewards a bit of technical know-how or the willingness to work with someone who has it.

Drupal’s strength lies in its adaptability for complex projects. While it has a steeper learning curve, its capacity for custom development and robust security makes it a solid choice for enterprise-level websites that require fine-grained control and scalability.

4. Joomla

Joomla is a pretty solid open-source CMS that’s been around for a while, first showing up in 2005. It sits in a spot that feels a bit more advanced than WordPress but not quite as developer-focused as some others. This makes it a good choice if you need a bit more power and flexibility without going completely custom.

One of its standout features is its built-in multilingual support. If you’re planning a site that needs to reach a global audience, Joomla handles multiple languages pretty smoothly right out of the box. It’s also known for its robust user and content management capabilities, which is great for sites with different user roles or complex content structures.

When it comes to customization, Joomla offers a decent range of extensions and templates. While it might not have the sheer volume of plugins that WordPress boasts, the available options are generally quite powerful. This means you can build community sites, e-commerce platforms, or even intranets with specific workflows.

However, it’s not always the easiest system to get started with. Beginners might find the learning curve a bit steeper compared to some other platforms. Updates and maintenance can also take a bit more time and technical know-how.

Here’s a quick look at what Joomla offers:

  • Flexible structure: Good for various website types.
  • Strong user management: Granular control over permissions.
  • Built-in multilingual support: Easier to manage content in different languages.
  • Extensible: Plenty of extensions and templates available.

Joomla 6.0 is looking to streamline things further by adding automatic core updates, making it easier to keep your site secure and up-to-date. This is a nice step forward for users who want to focus more on content and less on manual maintenance.

While Joomla is free to use, remember that costs for hosting, domain names, and potentially premium extensions or developer help can add up. It’s a powerful tool, but it’s best suited for those who have a bit of technical background or are willing to learn.

Overall, Joomla is a capable CMS for projects that require more than a basic setup, especially if you value its built-in multilingual features and strong access control. It’s a platform that rewards a bit of technical investment with significant flexibility.

5. Hygraph

Hygraph, formerly GraphCMS, is a headless CMS that really shines when you’re building with a GraphQL-first mindset. It’s designed to make managing and delivering content feel natural, especially if you’re already comfortable with GraphQL. The API is pretty intuitive, mirroring the content structure you set up, which makes fetching data straightforward, even for complex setups like multilingual sites or content with lots of connections.

What’s cool is that Hygraph works with pretty much any frontend framework or external tool you want to use. So, you’re not locked into a specific tech stack. It’s built for flexibility.

Here are some of the standout features:

  • GraphQL-first API: Makes querying and delivering content feel natural and powerful.
  • Localization: Easily manage content for multiple languages with fallback options.
  • Content Stages: Lets you work with draft and published versions of your content, with the ability to roll back if needed.
  • App Marketplace: Offers integrations to extend its functionality.

Hygraph really focuses on the developer experience, providing tools that simplify complex tasks. It’s a solid choice if you need a scalable solution that plays well with modern development workflows.

While Hygraph offers a free Hobby plan, which is great for personal projects, its paid plans can become a significant investment for smaller teams or businesses with tighter budgets. The pricing scales up, and for enterprise-level features, you’re looking at custom quotes that might be out of reach for some.

It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a powerful, flexible headless CMS that prioritizes a great developer experience and GraphQL integration.

6. Ghost

Ghost CMS interface with dark theme and clean layout.

Ghost is a bit different from some of the other options out there. It’s really built with publishing in mind, so if you’re looking to create a blog, an online magazine, or any kind of content-heavy site, it’s definitely worth a look. It’s often called a headless CMS, which sounds fancy, but basically means it doesn’t dictate how your content shows up. You can use it for your website, but that same content could also go to an app or somewhere else. If you’re just blogging, though, don’t let the tech talk scare you off.

The editor itself is pretty clean. You can write using Markdown, which is a simple way to format text with special characters. Think of it like using shortcuts to make things bold or italic without needing a bunch of buttons. It also uses a card-based system for content, kind of like WordPress’s blocks, making it easy to add different types of media and content.

One of the big pluses is that Ghost has SEO features built right in. You don’t need to hunt for plugins to help your content get found. Plus, if you’re thinking about making money from your content, Ghost makes it pretty straightforward to set up paid subscriptions.

While Ghost is free software, you’ll need to sort out your own domain name and web hosting. It’s not as widely supported by hosting providers as some of the bigger names, so you might need to look at specialized hosting or their own Ghost(Pro) service.

Here’s a quick look at what you might expect:

  • Built for publishing: Focuses on creating and distributing content.
  • Markdown editor: Simple text formatting for writers.
  • Built-in SEO: Helps your content get discovered.
  • Monetization options: Easy to set up paid subscriptions.
  • Headless capabilities: Flexible content delivery beyond just websites.

It’s not as flexible as something like WordPress for really complex, custom builds, and some users feel it’s gotten a bit more complicated as it’s added features like subscriptions. But for pure content creation and publishing, Ghost is a solid choice.

7. TYPO3

TYPO3 is a bit of a veteran in the open-source CMS world, first showing up way back in 1998. It’s really built for the big leagues, meaning enterprise-level stuff. Think large international companies that need to manage a bunch of websites, maybe even internal intranets, all in different languages. It’s not exactly a beginner’s tool, but if you’ve got complex needs and the technical chops (or a developer handy), it can handle a lot.

TYPO3 shines when you need serious multilingual capabilities and a framework that can be customized extensively. It’s known for its scalability, which is why big names like Daimler and BASF have used it for their corporate sites. It’s got a modular design that lets you build out specific features without breaking the core system.

Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

  • Enterprise-Grade Features: Built for complex content structures and high-traffic environments.
  • Extensibility: A vast library of extensions (over 6,000) allows for adding specific functionalities.
  • Multilingual Support: Robust capabilities for managing content across numerous languages.
  • Access Control: Granular control over user permissions and roles.

While it’s free to use, getting TYPO3 set up and running smoothly often requires a good deal of technical knowledge. The ecosystem for pre-made themes isn’t as massive as some other platforms, so you might find yourself needing custom design work. It’s a powerful system, but it definitely demands a certain level of technical investment.

TYPO3 is a solid choice for organizations that prioritize robust multilingual support, extensive customization, and the ability to scale across multiple websites and languages, especially within a corporate or enterprise setting. It requires a dedicated technical approach but rewards with deep control and flexibility.

8. HubSpot CMS

HubSpot CMS Hub is a bit different from the others on this list because it bundles a content management system with a customer relationship management (CRM) system. This makes it a really interesting option, especially if your main goal is to grow your business online through marketing and sales.

It’s designed to help you connect your website directly to your business goals, like getting more traffic and turning visitors into paying customers. You can keep track of both your content and your audience all in one place, which is pretty handy.

Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

  • Integrated Tools: Comes with built-in CRM, marketing automation, and sales tools. This means less juggling between different platforms.
  • Ease of Use: Features a drag-and-drop editor that makes building pages straightforward, even if you don’t have a lot of technical experience.
  • Smart Content: Allows you to personalize website pages for different visitors or groups, which can make your marketing efforts more effective.
  • Developer Friendly: For those who need to dig deeper, it offers serverless functions, flexible themes, and command-line tools for faster customization.

HubSpot CMS Hub handles hosting, security, and backups for you, taking a load off your plate. It also includes built-in security features like a global CDN and Web Application Firewall to protect your site.

While it’s great for lead generation and inbound marketing, it’s not the best fit for heavy e-commerce operations. You’d likely need to integrate it with a separate e-commerce solution. Also, compared to some other options, it can get a bit pricey, especially if you need more advanced features. It really shines when you’re using it within the broader HubSpot ecosystem.

9. Content Hub

Interconnected content blocks and data streams on a digital interface.

Content Hub is a bit of a different beast in the CMS world, and it’s really built for marketers and business owners who want everything tied together. What sets it apart is its deep integration with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Think of it as a CMS that doesn’t just manage your website content, but also keeps a close eye on your customers and how they interact with your site.

This all-in-one approach means you can track leads, manage marketing campaigns, and update your website all from one place. It’s designed to make sure your website is actively working to bring in more traffic and sales. For businesses that are serious about growing their customer base and streamlining their sales process, this integrated system can be a real game-changer. It’s not just about putting content online; it’s about using that content to drive business results.

Here’s a quick look at what makes it stand out:

  • Integrated CRM: Connects your website directly with your customer data.
  • Marketing Automation: Tools to help you run and track marketing efforts.
  • Sales Tracking: Monitor leads and conversions right from your CMS.
  • Easy Editing: A drag-and-drop editor makes website updates simple, even if you’re not a tech whiz.

While the integration is a big plus, if you’re not keen on using a CRM or already have a system you love, Content Hub might feel a bit restrictive. It really shines when you embrace its full suite of tools.

For companies looking to sync their web presence with their sales and marketing goals, Content Hub offers a pretty compelling package. It’s a platform that aims to simplify complex business processes by bringing them under one roof. You can find out more about how a content management system works in general to see how this fits into the bigger picture.

10. Wix Studio

Wix Studio is a bit different from the other options we’ve looked at. It’s basically a website builder, but it’s geared towards professionals, agencies, and businesses that need more control over their designs and want advanced features. Think of it as a step up from the basic Wix builder.

One of the cool things about Wix Studio is its built-in AI tools. These can help you automatically create layouts that look good on any screen size – phones, tablets, desktops, you name it. It also gives you more freedom with layout settings and lets you add custom code to connect with other services.

If you’re managing multiple client websites, Wix Studio has a dashboard that lets you handle them all from one place. Plus, you don’t have to worry about hosting, security, or updates; Wix handles all that behind the scenes.

Key Features:

  • Professional Design Tools: Get a lot of design flexibility without needing to write tons of code.
  • Client Collaboration: Built-in tools for getting feedback and working with clients directly.
  • Flexible Layouts: More advanced template and layout options than the standard Wix builder.
  • All-in-One Management: Keep track of all your websites and clients in one spot.

While Wix Studio offers a lot of creative freedom and handles the technical stuff for you, it does come with a learning curve. It’s not as straightforward as a simple drag-and-drop builder, and if you’re used to the complete control of something like self-hosted WordPress, you might find it a bit more restrictive when it comes to plugins and deep customization.

Pricing: Wix Studio has a free plan, but it’s pretty basic and includes Wix branding. Paid plans start around $19 per month for basic sites, with higher tiers offering more storage, marketing tools, and advanced features for business or e-commerce needs. There’s also an Enterprise plan for larger teams with custom pricing.

Wrapping It Up

So, picking the right content management system for your next project can feel like a big decision, and honestly, it is. We’ve looked at some really solid open-source options out there for 2025, from the super flexible Strapi to the ever-popular WordPress and the robust Drupal. Each has its own strengths, and what works for one project might not be the best fit for another. Think about what you really need – is it ease of use, deep customization, or maybe handling a ton of traffic? Don’t be afraid to try out a few demos or free versions. Getting hands-on is often the best way to figure out which platform feels right and will actually help you get things done without a headache. The goal is to find a system that grows with you and makes managing your content a whole lot easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an open source CMS?

An open source CMS is like a free software toolkit for building and managing websites. The code is open for anyone to see, use, and change. You get to install it on your own web space, and you only pay for the hosting, not the software itself. This gives you a lot of freedom to make your website just how you want it.

Why are open source CMS platforms so popular for businesses?

Businesses love open source CMS because they can be changed to fit exactly what they need. They can grow with the business, handle lots of visitors, and are often very secure. Plus, there’s usually a big group of people who help make them better, so they stay up-to-date.

Is it hard to use an open source CMS if I’m not a tech expert?

Some open source CMS platforms are easier to use than others. Many have simple interfaces that let you add and change content without needing to code. However, if you want to do really fancy things, you might need a developer. It’s good to pick one that matches your comfort level with technology.

What are the hidden costs of using a ‘free’ open source CMS?

While the software itself is free, you’ll need to pay for web hosting. Also, keeping the CMS updated, making sure it’s secure, and adding special features might cost money or take up your time. So, ‘free’ doesn’t always mean zero cost overall.

How do I pick the best open source CMS for my project?

Think about what you want your website to do. Do you need it to be super fast? Easy to update? Handle lots of different languages? Look at how easy it is to add new features, how good the support is from the community, and if it can grow with your needs. Trying out a few different ones is a good idea.

Can I move my website to a different CMS later if I need to?

Good open source CMS platforms usually make it possible to get your website data out. This means if you decide to switch to a different system down the road, you won’t lose all your content. Always check if the CMS you choose has tools for exporting your data easily.