Overview

Structure content once, reuse it everywhere.

Plug into your stack quickly with APIs, SDKs, and webhooks.
Streamline publishing with user roles and approval flows.
Manage multiple brands, regions, and languages from one CMS.
Drive search traffic with built-in SEO and fast-loading HTML.
Centralize media management and streamline delivery across digital touchpoints.
Speed up content creation with smart AI blocks and suggestions.
Reduce risk with CDN, APIs, version history, and access controls.

As you go through this selection of alternatives, remember to keep the following buying criteria top of mind:

Buying Criteria

Ease of core features– intuitive user interface designed to work with most programming frameworks. Technical support, if required, is readily available.

Speed of core features– out-of-the-box, executed quickly with minimal maintenance requirements.

Pricing– the variety of plans and budget feasibility.

Customizability– the ability to customize offered solutions according to the business or technical needs of the customer.

Non-core features– the availability of secondary features that enhance the usability and functionalities of the core CMS.

#1. ButterCMS

ButterCMS is a headless CMS that leverages APIs for composable, multi-channel content. It offers a clean and easy-to-use dashboard that brings all the content management features in one place. It’s developer-friendly and offers compatibility with multiple coding languages and frameworks, including JavaScript, Java, Python, Rails, Ruby, and many more. With flexible pricing models, ButterCMS suits enterprises of all sizes and niches.

Core Features

Blog Engine: Built-in blog engine for easy addition or migration of blogs.
Team Workflows: Collaboration features for content teams.
Localization: Support for content localization.
Robust Content Authoring: Fast content creation with drag-and-drop functionality.
Image Editor: Built-in image editor for modifications.
Custom Roles and Permissions: Granular access control for enterprise plans.

Strengths

Straightforward Interface: Intuitive, centralized dashboard for quick content modeling and publishing.
Out-of-the-box Blog Engine: Ready-to-use blog solution.
Speed to Launch: Starter kits and tools facilitate quick project launches.
Supports Multiple Frameworks and Languages: Compatibility with a wide range of programming frameworks.
Seamless Internationalization and Localization: API-first approach enhances content localization.

Weaknesses

No Built-In Analytics Tools: Lacks native analytics; requires third-party tools.
Simple Internal Content Search: Basic search capabilities.
Young Marketplace and Ecosystem: Fewer choices for specific functionalities compared to competitors.

Popular Integrations

Pricing

#2. XOOPS CMS

XOOPS is an open-source, object-oriented web CMS that stores content on a MySQL database. It’s fully modularized with an easy-to-maintain codebase.

Core Features

Database-Driven: Utilizes MySQL for flexible web applications.
Theme-based Skinnable Interface: Over 800 pre-built themes available.
Group Permissions System: Manage access by user groups.
Fully Modularized: Thousands of modules available for installation.
Multi-byte Language Support: Supports languages with unique characters.

Strengths

Easy Installation: Quick installation process.
Free Open-Sourced: Completely free to use and extend.
Large Repository of Installable Modules: Extensive selection of modules for varied website types.

Weaknesses

No Granular Permissions: Limited to group-level permissions.
Lacking Updates: Maintenance can be slow due to volunteer-based support.
Small Community: Fewer resources compared to more popular CMSs.

Popular Integrations (via Modules)

Pricing

XOOPS CMS is free to use, suitable for small to medium enterprises.

#3. Apostrophe CMS

Apostrophe CMS is an open-source, full-stack CMS ideal for building traditional websites and headless applications.

Core Features

Multisite: Central dashboard for managing multiple websites.
SEO: Meta fields and SEO page scan features.
Workflow: Manage drafts and approval processes.
Permissions: Fixed user roles for access control.
Design Editor: Tools for visual page editing.
Open-Source: Community-developed for tailored applications.
Modularity: Simplifies maintaining source code.

Strengths

Large Selection of Extensions and Integrations: Extensive repository available.
A Complete Website Builder: User-friendly for rapid website creation.
Public Project Roadmap: Strong community involvement and transparency.

Weaknesses

Limited Selection of Client SDKs: Fewer resources for getting started.
Widget Inconsistencies: Challenges in managing diverse widgets.

Popular Integrations

Pricing

Enterprise pricing

#4. HubSpot CMS

HubSpot CMS is focused on marketing with user-friendly tools.

Core Features

Drag and Drop Website Builder: Intuitive interface for easy page creation.
Website Themes and Templates: Extensive customization options.
Web Hosting: All-in-one solution.
Blog Maker: Simple tool for adding blogs without coding.
Custom Domain Connection: Align brands with domain choices.

Strengths

Easy-to-Use for HubSpot Suite Users: Seamless integration with HubSpot tools.
Marketer Focused: Designed for easy content management.
Low Barrier of Entry: Suitable for non-developers.
Built-in Analytics: Comprehensive analytics tools included.

Weaknesses

Lacks Flexibility: Limited plugin options outside HubSpot.
Platform Insularity: Primarily designed for HubSpot ecosystem users.
Not Developer-Friendly: Less flexibility compared to headless CMS options.

Popular Integrations

Pricing

Enterprise pricing

#5. Joomla

Joomla is a traditional CMS that combines an MVC framework with a user management system.

Core Features

Multilingualism: Supports over 70 languages.
One-click Updates: Simplified update process.
Front-End Editing: Inline editing capabilities.
Banner Management: Built-in component for managing ads.
Web Link Management: Streamlined link handling.

Strengths

Pricing: Free for anyone to use.
Advanced User Management: Granular control via an ACL system.
Out-of-the-Box Multilingual Support: No need for additional extensions.
Module & Plugin Extensibility: Flexible through extensions.

Weaknesses

No Dedicated Support Team: Reliance on community forums for help.
Difficult Upgrades: Issues may arise post-update.
Lack of Quality Extensions: Quality concerns with third-party offerings.
Shrinking Community: Decline in developer community size.

Popular Integrations

Pricing

Joomla is free for all users.

#6. Webflow

Webflow allows non-developers to create websites with an intuitive interface.

Core Features

Dynamic Content Filtering and Sorting: JavaScript-powered content sorting.
Dynamic Content Templates: Templates for easy reuse.
Fully Customizable Content Structures: Design flexibility.
RSS Feeds for CMS Collections: Enables content subscription.

Strengths

Large Selection of Templates: Over 2,000 available.
No Code Solution: Accessible for non-developers.
Visual Builder: Real-time page rendering view.

Weaknesses

Not Exactly a Drag-and-Drop Builder: Uses a box model instead of traditional drag-and-drop.
No Live Chat or Phone Support: Limited to email assistance.
Complicated Pricing: Various plan categories complicate choices.

Popular Integrations

Pricing

Contentful vs. Alternatives User Ratings Chart

A comparison of Contentful alternatives based on user ratings.

What Makes ButterCMS the Top Contentful Alternative?

ButterCMS is preferred due to its intuitive dashboard, robust security, and easy integration.

What’s the Difference Between Contentful and ButterCMS?

ButterCMS offers more collaborative features, compatibility with various technologies, and flexible pricing.

Determining Which Solution Is Best for You

Consider specific business needs when choosing between ButterCMS and Contentful.