5 best Content Management Software (CMS) systems of 2024: A complete guide

WordPress.com is one of the most well-known names in website builders and content management systems (CMS). It's important to note that there are two versions of WordPress: WordPress.com and WordPress.org, so understanding their differences is crucial. WordPress.com is an all-inclusive platform that provides web hosting, a user-friendly CMS, and various tools to help you build and promote your website. There’s even a free version to try out the service, with starting prices at $4 per month, making it one of the most affordable CMS options on the market. However, the lowest-priced plan is not ideal for businesses, as it lacks many advanced tools for content management. For more robust features, there are other plans available ranging from $8 per month to $65 per month (if billed annually), which are still quite affordable.

As a CMS, WordPress.com is immediately intuitive, even for beginners. You don’t need to know coding languages to create a blog, website, or online store. Depending on the plan you select, you get access to SEO tools, premium themes (pre-designed templates), and integrations for analytics and marketing. Plus, security is handled entirely by WordPress.com, so you don’t have to worry about it.

There are numerous compelling reasons to opt for Wix as your preferred CMS platform for both you and your business. With affordable pricing, user-friendly CMS interface (suitable even for novices), a plethora of templates to choose from, and comprehensive features, Wix offers everything necessary to effectively manage a website. While Wix is primarily known as a website builder, it functions effectively as a CMS too. It provides a content management system where users can create and store content required for their site. This includes collaborative features for managing blogs and media, as well as the ability to schedule posts and other content items like videos.

Starting at $17 per month (when paid annually), Wix offers various pricing options, including a free version. What sets Wix apart is its all-in-one solution approach, providing hosting, security features, and a custom domain name without the need to piece together different components for your site. Additionally, higher-tier plans offer additional features such as SEO and marketing tools, a shopping cart, and a loyalty program. Prices for other Wix plans range from $16 per month to $59 per month.

E-commerce businesses have unique requirements like shopping cart systems, payment processing, and robust security features. Shopify's CMS offers all necessary functionalities to run an online business seamlessly, eliminating the need for separate hosting or third-party providers. Businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, can easily set up and manage their online stores with Shopify without requiring developer assistance. While Shopify may be slightly more expensive than some other CMS systems, the monthly cost is justified by the comprehensive features it provides. Plans start at $39 per month and go up to $2000 per month when paid annually, with each plan offering different features to accommodate scaling businesses. Users can begin with a lower-tier plan and upgrade as their business grows.

In case a specific feature is missing, users can explore Shopify's app marketplace, though the options are somewhat limited (30-plus apps). Shopify's CMS simplifies the management of blogs, products, and orders, featuring a user-friendly interface that typically requires no external assistance. Moreover, Shopify offers 24/7 support to address any queries or concerns users may have, ensuring assistance is available at all times.

The primary reason to opt for Drupal as your CMS is if you intend to develop a sophisticated website with customized functionality. It's particularly well-suited for enterprises expecting to manage large and diverse collections of digital assets. Drupal, an open-source content management software, differs significantly from the more popular WordPress.org. While Drupal is free like other open-source CMS platforms, it requires more technical expertise to use effectively compared to out-of-the-box solutions. Users can utilize paid add-ons or plugins for SEO and marketing tools, or they can develop their own if they possess the necessary technical skills.

Despite its free usage, building on Drupal can be relatively costly. According to ADCI Solutions, a web development company, creating a comprehensive company website with multiple sections and pages can range from $20,000 to $43,000. Every aspect of Drupal necessitates hands-on attention. While it's one of the most secure CMS systems, with a dedicated security team consistently addressing vulnerabilities, users must regularly update to the latest core version to ensure optimal security. Managing content and digital assets may require a steeper learning curve compared to top website builders, but the comprehensive support documentation can assist users in familiarizing themselves with the interface and tools.

Joomla stands as one of the major open-source CMS platforms chosen by enterprises for website development. It strikes a balance between offering robust customization capabilities for content types while maintaining user-friendliness. Compared to the more complex Drupal, Joomla boasts a simpler interface, though proficiency in coding remains necessary for effective use. Joomla's primary strengths lie in its backend management and content presentation features. Users can configure permissions for different user groups, granting or restricting access to specific parts of the site. These permissions can be easily toggled within the CMS interface. Notably, updating the site's appearance doesn't require rebuilding the entire content structure, potentially saving both time and money.

While Joomla lacks an official template library, numerous developers have created thousands of premium templates for the CMS. Additionally, Joomla offers a visual editor akin to what one might expect from a website builder. Similar to other open-source CMS platforms, Joomla provides a plethora of extensions—over 6,000 in the directory—to customize the site's appearance and functionality.