Website Development Insights

Are WordPress Alternatives Worth It in 2025?

David Pottrell

David Pottrell

Hi! I’m a web developer and Head of Digital at Nebula Design who loves all things tech. When I’m not surrounded by code, I’m probably reading up on the latest development trends or on the pottery wheel.

I got my start in technology as a self-taught web freelancer, after studying at university and joining a small agency, Nebula Design was created. I specialise in both front-end and back-end development, typically around WordPress, I’ve also got expertise in Search Engine Optimisation, Ecommerce and various emerging tech standards.

Published on December 24th, 2024

WordPress has long been a powerhouse in the world of website software, powering an impressive 43% of the internet. Renowned for its versatility and reliability, it’s the go-to content management system (CMS) for millions of users.

That said, the WordPress ecosystem has seen its fair share of drama recently. While we won’t delve into the details here (it’s already been widely discussed), you can catch up on the latest developments over at WPBeginner.

With 2025 on the horizon, more businesses are exploring the rapidly growing world of alternative CMS platforms. The question is: are these alternatives worth considering for your website needs?

Let’s find out. 👇

Let’s quickly cover what exactly a CMS is

A CMS, or content management system, is software that helps you create, manage, and update the digital content on your website. Think of it as the backbone of your site, storing everything in a centralised database or flat file and allowing multiple contributors to shape how the site looks and functions.

Modern CMS platforms come packed with features such as content creation tools, digital asset management, and seamless integrations with marketing software. With so many options available, choosing the right CMS for your business can feel overwhelming.

For many, WordPress remains the go-to solution—a familiar and reliable choice. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only one worth considering.

How is WordPress performing in 2025?

Despite being a ‘classic’ in the CMS world, WordPress continues to evolve and thrive. It secured a spot on Forbes’ Best Content Management Software in 2024 list and remains dominant, with over 43% of all websites using it.

Here’s a quick snapshot of its appeal:

  • Open-source and free: While you’ll need to find your own hosting, WordPress itself doesn’t cost a penny to use.
  • Customisation galore: With thousands of plugins, themes, and integrations, WordPress can adapt to nearly any need.
  • Strong community support: Its massive user base means there’s an abundance of resources, tutorials, and forums to help troubleshoot issues.

However, there are a few downsides. Customisation often requires technical knowledge of HTML, CSS, or PHP, which can make it tricky for beginners. You’ll also need to find a secure and reliable hosting provider, as WordPress doesn’t handle hosting itself.

Exploring WordPress Alternatives

In recent years, the CMS market has blossomed, with new platforms emerging to meet specific needs. While these alternatives share many of the core features of WordPress, they each offer something unique, making them worth a closer look.

Drupal

Drupal is a powerhouse for large, complex websites with heavy traffic demands. It’s designed for scalability, making it a favourite among government agencies, media companies like BBC and MTV, and global organisations such as Amnesty International.

Key benefits of Drupal:

  • Robust security features, ideal for sensitive data.
  • Highly customisable for developers, with support for advanced integrations.
  • A strong focus on scalability, handling high-traffic websites with ease.

However, Drupal’s steep learning curve and developer-heavy approach mean it’s often better suited to large enterprises with a dedicated IT team.

With an emphasis on scalability, Drupal is ideal for large businesses requiring more complex websites. With 1.7 million websites running on Drupal, it’s used a little less than other CMS software, but the organisations that do use it have higher traffic; including over 2000 government sites, framework media companies (BBC, NBC, and MTV), and major organisations (Amnesty International and Oxford University).

Kirby CMS

Kirby CMS is a breath of fresh air for those who want a lightweight, simple solution. It operates as a flat-file CMS, meaning it doesn’t require a database—just files and folders.

Why choose Kirby CMS?

  • It’s incredibly fast and lightweight, ideal for smaller sites.
  • Simple setup: Drag and drop files into folders to update your site.
  • Minimal codebase: Kirby can achieve the same functionality as a WordPress site with just 10% of the code.

Kirby is perfect for small to medium-sized websites that don’t need the complexity of a database-driven CMS.

Craft CMS

Craft CMS is all about customisation. It offers developers a clean slate to create tailored experiences using modern PHP practices. Its customer base has grown steadily, with over 93,000 users by the end of 2023.

What makes Craft CMS stand out?

  • Intuitive content modelling for bespoke website design.
  • Built on the Yii framework, offering high performance and flexibility.
  • Strong integration with marketing tools like Mailchimp and HubSpot.

With support plans available, Craft CMS provides a strong balance of customisation and support, though it’s geared more towards developers and businesses willing to invest in professional assistance.

Ghost CMS

Ghost CMS is a sleek, modern platform built specifically for bloggers, content creators, and publishers. It’s optimised for speed and simplicity, offering a minimalist approach.

Highlights of Ghost CMS:

  • Built-in SEO tools and social sharing options.
  • Lightning-fast performance thanks to its lightweight design.
  • Fully managed hosting options available, simplifying setup.

Ghost is a brilliant choice for businesses focused on publishing content but might feel limiting for those needing more robust e-commerce or customisation features.

Statamic

Statamic blends the best of both worlds: it’s lightweight like Kirby but offers dynamic features like WordPress. It’s a flat-file CMS with a powerful control panel for managing content.

Why consider Statamic?

  • Perfect for small to medium-sized websites.
  • Great for developers, with modern tools and an extendable framework.
  • Active community support and regular updates.

Statamic’s simplicity and power make it a strong contender for businesses looking for a straightforward CMS without sacrificing functionality.

WordPress or Alternatives?

While it’s reassuring to know there are excellent alternatives out there, WordPress remains the best option for the majority of businesses. Its widespread use, extensive community support, and unmatched customisation options make it a reliable choice for everything from blogs to e-commerce giants.

That said, alternatives like Craft CMS, Drupal, Ghost CMS, Kirby CMS, and Statamic excel in niche areas. If you have specific needs—be it scalability, lightweight design, or streamlined publishing—these platforms could be worth exploring.

Let Nebula Guide You

Choosing the right CMS is only the first step. Whether you stick with WordPress or venture into new territory with an alternative platform, the key to success lies in making the most of your chosen software.

At Nebula, we specialise in helping businesses like yours thrive online. Whether it’s building a custom WordPress site or optimising an alternative CMS, we’ve got the expertise to take your website to the next level.

So, whether you’re diving into WordPress for the first time or considering a change, get in touch with us today. Let’s make 2025 the year your website truly shines.