Choosing the right CMS (Content Management System) can be overwhelming, especially when WordPress and Joomla dominate the landscape. Both platforms are powerful, but each excels in different areas, making the choice dependent on your specific needs and goals.
Explore Each CMS
As a web design expert with over 15 years of experience in both WordPress and Joomla, I’ve helped countless individuals and businesses make this decision. In this guide, I’ll break down:
- The key differences between WordPress and Joomla.
- Their strengths and weaknesses across ease of use, customization, SEO, and more.
- Tips for deciding which platform aligns best with your needs.
Bonus: Need Even More Help?
Download my free guide, “Choosing Between WordPress and Joomla: A Guide for Beginners,” to dive deeper into the decision-making process.
Let’s get started! For select reading, you can use the TOC (Table of Contents) below:
Table of Contents
What Is WordPress
WordPress started back in 2003 as a blogging platform, but over the years, it has evolved into a powerful CMS that now powers over 40% of the web. That’s a staggering number! What I love about WordPress is how beginner-friendly it is. From its simple dashboard to the endless themes and plugins, it’s designed to help the user—regardless of technical experience—get a website up and running quickly.
It’s a great choice for bloggers, small business owners, and anyone who wants an easy-to-use platform with plenty of options for customization. Whether you need a personal blog or a full-fledged e-commerce site, WordPress has tools to make it happen.
What is Joomla?
Joomla, on the other hand, is often seen as a true content management system.” Launched in 2005, it’s known for its flexibility and the level of control it offers users. If you’re the type of person who likes diving into technical details and fine-tuning your website’s features, Joomla might feel like home. Out of the few CMS platforms that I have used, it's the content editing experience that I like.
I’ve always found Joomla to be great for websites that need advanced structures, such as membership sites or multilingual capabilities. It comes with powerful features like user management and built-in SEO tools right out of the box, which can save you time if you know how to use them.
Both platforms are free and open source, but they serve slightly different audiences. Understanding what each one does best is the first step to making the right choice.
Key Comparisons: WordPress vs Joomla
Ease of Use
- WordPress: If you’re new to building websites, WordPress is probably the easiest place to start. Its interface is clean and intuitive, and you can create pages or posts without much technical knowledge. However, it’s worth noting that WordPress has been evolving significantly in recent years. What started as a simple blogging platform with a classic editor has now transformed into a modern page builder with a block editor (Gutenberg). WordPress is also pushing forward with Full Site Editing (FSE), which lets users edit their entire website, including headers and footers, directly on the front end. While this offers incredible flexibility, it does mean the classic WordPress experience is being phased out.
- Joomla: Joomla, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve. Its interface is more complex, and it uses technical terms that can be intimidating at first. However, if you’re willing to spend some time learning, Joomla offers a lot of flexibility and control over your site’s features. If I remember correctly, I believe it took me around three months to get familiar with it. The key is to spend a little time in the administrative back-end each day.
Customization Options
- WordPress: One of the things I love about WordPress is its extensive library of themes and plugins. No matter what kind of site you’re building, there’s a plugin or theme out there to make it happen. And many of them don’t require any coding knowledge at all! Later, I will talk about page builders in another article and how they are used to create a variety of layouts.
- Joomla: Joomla also has a library of templates and extensions, but the selection is smaller compared to WordPress. However, what Joomla lacks in quantity, it makes up for in flexibility. If you’re comfortable tweaking settings, you can get very specific about how your site looks and functions. Everything that Joomla has in features, each one would require third-party plugins to be installed in WordPress.
Content Management
- WordPress: WordPress shines when it comes to managing content. Its block editor makes it easy to create and format posts or pages, even if you’ve never done it before. For me, this simplicity is one of WordPress’s biggest strengths. You can even move blocks of content around within the same page or post.
- Joomla: Joomla offers more advanced options for organizing your content. Its category and menu systems are incredibly powerful, but they require more effort to set up. If you need complex structures, Joomla is worth considering. Where WordPress has categories, posts, pages, and widgets, Joomla has articles, categories, and modules.
SEO Features
- WordPress: With plugins like Yoast, AIOSEO, or Rank Math, WordPress makes SEO easy for beginners. You can optimize your posts for keywords, check readability scores, and even preview how they’ll appear in search engines. Of the three plugins mentioned, I have used Yoast and AIOSEO—the latter being my favourite.
- Joomla: Joomla has built-in SEO tools, which is a nice touch. You can customize meta tags, create your own SEF (Search Engine Friendly) URLs, and manage other SEO settings without needing extensions. However, it’s not as beginner-friendly as WordPress plugins. If you want even more robust features, you will want to check out RSSeo.
Security
- WordPress: Because WordPress is so popular, it’s also a bigger target for hackers. While there are excellent security plugins available, you’ll need to be proactive about keeping your site safe. I strongly recommend that you install a security plugin before you begin building your website.
- Joomla: Joomla is known for its strong built-in security features, which include two-factor authentication and user access controls. For those willing to handle updates and configurations, Joomla can feel like a safer choice out of the box. Like WordPress, you can also install third-party security extensions.
Cost
- WordPress: The core software is free, but premium themes, plugins, and managed hosting can add up. Still, you can build a fantastic site on WordPress without breaking the bank. Of course, this will depend on what commercially priced plugins you decide to get. They can add up to a lot of money. For example, I found that plugins from Awesome Motive are some of the most expensive.
- Joomla: Like WordPress, Joomla is free, but you may end up spending more on extensions or developers if you need specific features. It’s worth considering if you’re planning a more complex site. Remember that support is also a key feature you want, whether it's for WordPress or Joomla, make sure you have premium support!
Community and Support
- WordPress: With such a massive user base, WordPress has an incredible community. Whether you’re looking for free tutorials, forums, or paid support, there’s no shortage of help. Running over 40% of the websites on the web, you are guaranteed resources to help you out.
- Joomla: Joomla’s community is smaller but highly dedicated. I’ve found that the available resources tend to cater to more technical users, which can be a challenge if you’re just starting out. Either way, there is enough available to give you a starting point in learning and managing Joomla! I should also take this moment to let you know that I am working on creating a series of tutorials. They will guide you through "every" feature of Joomla and more!
Comparison Table
Below is a quick reference comparison of the two platforms:
Feature | WordPress | Joomla |
---|---|---|
Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly, intuitive | Steeper learning curve, technical terms |
Customization | Extensive themes/plugins | Flexible, more technical |
Content Management | Simplifies content creation | Advanced tools for complex structures |
SEO | Requires 3rd party plugins like Yoast | Built-in SEO support features |
Security | Relies on plugins for advanced security | Strong built-in features |
Cost | Free with optional Paid Plugins | Free with optional paid extensions |
Community | Massive, lots of free resources | Smaller but highly dedicated |
Who Should Use WordPress?
WordPress is a fantastic choice for many types of users, but it’s especially suited for those who want simplicity and flexibility. From my experience, here’s who will benefit most from using WordPress:
1. Beginners Who Want a Quick and Easy Setup
If you’re new to creating websites, WordPress is one of the easiest platforms to get started with. The setup process is straightforward, and the interface is intuitive, making it ideal for users who don’t have a technical background. With just a few clicks, you can install WordPress, choose a theme, and start adding content right away.
2. Bloggers and Content Creators
WordPress started as a blogging platform, and it still excels at this today. Its block editor allows you to create and format posts effortlessly, while plugins like Yoast help optimize your content for SEO. If sharing your ideas, stories, or expertise is your main goal, WordPress is a natural fit. No other blogging platform comes close to WordPress.
3. Small Business Owners
For small businesses, WordPress provides a range of tools to create professional-looking websites without hiring a developer. Whether you need a simple informational site or an online store, WordPress offers plugins like WooCommerce to handle e-commerce functionality. Plus, there’s a theme for almost every niche industry, so you can easily find one that suits your brand. This includes both free and commercial-based themes.
4. Users Who Want Customization Without Coding
One of WordPress’s biggest strengths is its extensive library of themes and plugins. These allow you to customize your site’s look and functionality without needing any coding skills. From design tweaks to advanced features, you’ll find a plugin or theme for almost anything. Although, if you have a basic understanding of HTML and CSS, you can expand on your customization needs.
5. Those Who Value a Large Community
As I previously mentioned, WordPress powers over 40% of the internet, so you’re never alone when you run into questions. Whether you turn to forums, tutorials, or online communities, there’s always someone who can help. This extensive support network is a lifesaver, especially when you’re just starting.
Is WordPress Right for You?
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use platform with endless possibilities for customization, WordPress is likely a great fit. It’s perfect for individuals and small businesses alike.
Who Should Use Joomla?
Joomla is a powerful platform that offers a lot of flexibility for those willing to dive a little deeper into the technical side of things. From my experience, here’s who will benefit most from using Joomla:
1. Users Who Want More Control
If you like having full control over your website’s structure and functionality, Joomla is a great choice. It’s designed for users who aren’t afraid to mess around with settings and get into the finer details. Joomla’s robust configuration options allow you to fine-tune almost every aspect of your site.
2. Websites with Complex Structures
One of Joomla’s biggest strengths is how well it handles complex site structures. If you’re building a site with multiple categories, subcategories, or complex navigation menus, Joomla’s advanced content management system can make it easier to organize everything effectively.
3. Multilingual Websites
Unlike WordPress, where you often need plugins to manage multiple languages, Joomla comes with built-in multilingual support. If your website needs to cater to different audiences in multiple languages, Joomla can save you time and effort.
4. Organizations with Membership or User Roles
Joomla’s user management system is one of the best I’ve seen. It allows you to create and manage different user roles with specific permissions, which is especially useful for membership sites, online communities, or organizations that require different levels of access. I would consider this to be one of Joomla's strongest features.
5. Users Who Prioritize Security
While all CMS platforms require maintenance, Joomla’s built-in security features provide a strong foundation. If you’re comfortable handling updates and configurations, Joomla can be a great option for creating a secure website. Compared to WordPress, you don't have to install a security plugin—although, I would still recommend it.
6. Businesses or Projects Needing Custom Functionality
If you’re working on a unique project that requires a lot of customization, Joomla’s extensions and flexibility to override templates, make it a great choice. While the library of extensions isn’t as large as WordPress’s, the quality of available tools is high, and they’re designed for advanced customization. The reason for this is due to the fact extension developers have to adhere to Joomla core specifications.
Is Joomla Right for You?
If you’re comfortable with a more hands-on setup and need a platform with robust user management, multilingual capabilities, or complex site structures, Joomla is a strong choice. It’s perfect for users who want advanced control and aren’t afraid to dig into the details. I'm using Joomla for this website!
Pros and Cons of WordPress and Joomla
When deciding between WordPress and Joomla, it helps to weigh their strengths and weaknesses side by side. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you see how each platform stacks up.
WordPress Pros
- Beginner-Friendly: Its intuitive dashboard and user interface make it easy for anyone to get started. However, the block editor is more on the intermediate level.
- Large Ecosystem of Themes and Plugins: You’ll find endless options to customize and enhance your site without coding.
- Massive Community Support: From forums to tutorials, there’s a wealth of free resources to help you troubleshoot and learn.
- SEO-Friendly Plugins: Tools like Yoast, AIOSEO, and Rank Math simplify search engine optimization, even for beginners.
- Fast Setup: With most hosting providers offering one-click WordPress installs, you can have your site up and running in minutes.
WordPress Cons
- Security Vulnerabilities: Its popularity makes it a frequent target for hackers, so you’ll need to stay on top of updates and use security plugins.
- Reliance on Plugins for Advanced Features: While plugins offer flexibility, they can lead to compatibility issues if not carefully managed.
- Limited Multilingual Capabilities Out of the Box: You’ll need to use plugins like WPML for multilingual sites, which adds to the learning curve.
Joomla Pros
- Flexibility and Control: Joomla offers advanced customization options, making it ideal for users with technical knowledge.
- Built-In Multilingual Support: No plugins required—Joomla includes tools to manage multiple languages natively.
- Advanced User Management: With robust role-based access controls, Joomla is perfect for membership sites and other projects requiring different permission levels.
- Strong Built-In Security Features: Features like two-factor authentication and customizable permissions provide a secure foundation.
Joomla Cons
- Steeper Learning Curve: The backend can feel overwhelming to beginners, and its terminology is more technical than WordPress.
- Smaller Ecosystem: While Joomla has a good library of extensions, it’s not as extensive as WordPress’s plugin repository.
- Fewer Pre-Made Themes: Finding and customizing templates often requires more effort or technical expertise.
- Requires More Maintenance: Joomla’s advanced features demand a more hands-on approach to updates and site management.
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the best platform for you depends on your goals, technical skills, and website requirements.
Quick Tips:
- Choose WordPress if you want simplicity, quick setup, and extensive customization options.
- Choose Joomla if you value advanced control, multilingual capabilities, and robust user management.
A Few Things to Think About
Both WordPress and Joomla are powerful platforms, and each excels in different areas. WordPress is perfect for those seeking simplicity, speed, and a wide range of customization options. Joomla, on the other hand, shines when you need advanced features, technical control, or multilingual capabilities.
If you’re still unsure, take a moment to think about your needs:
- What’s your technical skill level?
- What kind of website are you building?
- Do you prefer simplicity or flexibility?
Once you’ve answered those questions, the decision should become clearer.
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