Drupal Alternatives: Best CMS to Migrate to (2025)

Drupal is a powerful, open-source CMS known for its architecture, which is flexible, scalable, and robust. 

It’s a popular choice for complex websites, including large enterprises, government portals, and educational institutions, due to its ability to handle extensive content, intricate workflows, and custom functionalities.

However, Drupal's strengths also bring challenges. Its complexity and steep learning curve can be daunting for users without technical expertise, often requiring dedicated developers for setup, customization, and ongoing maintenance. 

With the end of life for Drupal 7, many users are now facing the need to migrate to newer versions or explore other platforms altogether, which can be resource-intensive and time-consuming.

In this article, I will explore user-friendly and versatile CMS alternatives to Drupal, helping businesses and individuals find the best solution that fits their needs without compromising functionality or growth potential.

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#1 Webflow — The Best for SMBs and Enterprises

Webflow is a visual development platform that seamlessly combines design, development, and hosting in one integrated environment. Originally known as a tool for designers, Webflow has evolved into a robust CMS that is highly customizable and competitive in the market, making it much more than just a design tool. It has become the ultimate tool for marketers to create websites and manage content on them.

Its visual approach empowers users to build sophisticated websites with little to no code, positioning it as a powerful alternative to traditional CMS platforms.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop design interface
• Visual CMS with advanced content management capabilities
• Built-in SEO tools for easy optimization
• Responsive design capabilities to ensure sites look great on all devices
• Integrated hosting for streamlined deployment and maintenance
• Gives the most freedom to marketers

Pros:

• Visual design with no coding required
• CMS can function as headless, offering flexibility in data management
• CMS supports a wide range of functionalities, from simple blogs to dynamic content-driven sites
• Fast design iterations and live previewing make the design process efficient
• Excellent for marketing teams needing agile content management
• Strong support for animations and interactions, enhancing user experience

Cons:

• Not as robust for highly complex backend applications or e-commerce
• Can be costly, especially for higher-tier plans and advanced CMS features

Best For:
Designers, marketers, small to medium businesses, and enterprises seeking a fast, visual development process and a robust CMS with the flexibility to support a wide range of web projects.

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#2 WordPress — Best for Personal Portfolios, Small Blogs, and E-Commerce

Overview:
WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system, renowned for its flexibility, vast plugin ecosystem, and strong community support. Originally launched as a blogging platform, WordPress has evolved into a powerful CMS that powers over 40%+ of websites globally, ranging from personal blogs to complex enterprise sites.

Key Features:

• Extensive plugin library for added functionalities
• Thousands of themes for design customization
• High level of customizability for content, design, and functionality
• Built-in SEO optimization tools and plugins
• Ease of content management with a user-friendly interface

Pros:

• Highly customizable to meet a wide range of needs
• Large community with abundant resources, tutorials, and support
• A range of plugins for a variety of website features
• Continuous updates and improvements due to its open-source nature
• The basic version is open-source and free to use

Cons:

• Can become complex and hard to manage with too many plugins
• Security vulnerabilities if not properly maintained and updated
• Costs can increase when the site scales (plugins, hosting, etc)

Best For:
Bloggers, personal portfolios, and all kinds of eCommerce sites

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#3 Joomla 

Joomla is a robust, open-source CMS that strikes a balance between flexibility and user-friendliness, positioning itself between WordPress and Drupal in terms of complexity and capabilities. 

It offers powerful features that make it suitable for a wide range of websites, from simple blogs to complex portals, making it a versatile option for developers and users alike.

Key Features:

• Strong content management system with advanced categorization
• Multilingual support built into the core, allowing for easy global reach
• Extensive extensions library for added functionality
• Advanced user management with customizable access levels and permissions

Pros:

• Well-suited for complex and large-scale websites
• Strong community support with plenty of resources and forums
• More user-friendly than Drupal while maintaining powerful capabilities
• Built-in multilingual support without needing additional plugins

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve compared to WordPress, especially for non-technical users
• Fewer plugins and themes available compared to WordPress, which can limit customization options
• More complex to customize and manage, often requiring developer expertise

Best For:
Portals, eCommerce sites, community platforms, and websites that need advanced user management and multilingual capabilities

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#4 Squarespace

Squarespace is a popular all-in-one website builder celebrated for its stunning templates and ease of use. 

It offers a user-friendly platform that combines design, content management, and hosting, making it a go-to choice for individuals and businesses looking for a quick and aesthetically pleasing web presence without dealing with complex backend setups.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop builder for easy, code-free website creation
• Beautiful, professionally designed templates optimized for visuals
• Integrated eCommerce features, including product management and payment processing
• Built-in marketing tools, including email campaigns and social media integration

Pros:

• Extremely easy to use, with a guided, intuitive interface
• Visually appealing designs that help create professional-looking websites quickly
• Excellent customer support with 24/7 assistance
• Tiered pricing options to fit various needs and budgets

Cons:

• Limited customizability compared to open-source platforms like WordPress or Joomla
• Fewer plugins and third-party integrations available, restricting additional functionalities
• Not ideal for complex or highly customized sites, especially those needing advanced backend capabilities

Best For:
Creatives, small business owners, freelancers, and personal websites that prioritize design and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for those who want a polished, professional website without extensive technical effort.

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#5 HubSpot CMS

HubSpot CMS is a powerful content management system integrated with HubSpot’s suite of marketing, sales, and CRM tools, making it a standout option for businesses focused on inbound marketing. Designed to streamline marketing and content efforts, HubSpot CMS provides a cohesive platform where content creation, optimization, and lead management work seamlessly together.

Key Features:

• Built-in SEO recommendations to enhance search engine visibility
• Personalized content capabilities to deliver tailored experiences to different audiences
• A/B testing tools to optimize content and improve conversion rates
• Strong security features, including built-in SSL and web application firewall
• Robust analytics that provide insights into website performance and user behavior

Pros:

• Seamless integration with HubSpot’s marketing, sales, and CRM tools, providing a comprehensive all-in-one solution
• Great for marketers, offering tools specifically designed to drive traffic, leads, and conversions
• Strong security features that protect user data and ensure reliable performance

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to many other CMS options, especially for premium features
• Limited design flexibility and customization compared to platforms like WordPress or Webflow
• Less suited for developers seeking full control over design and backend functionalities

Best For:
Marketing teams, businesses focused on inbound marketing, and companies looking for an all-in-one solution that combines content management with powerful marketing automation tools.

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#6 Wix

Wix is a beginner-friendly website builder that offers drag-and-drop functionality and a vast collection of templates, making it accessible for users with no coding experience. 

Known for its ease of use, Wix allows anyone to quickly create a professional-looking website with minimal effort, positioning itself as a great option for personal projects, small businesses, and freelancers.

Key Features:

• AI-driven website creation with Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) to build a site in minutes
• Extensive template collection across various categories
• Integrated eCommerce features, including product management and payment gateways
• Built-in SEO tools to help improve site visibility and search rankings

Pros:

• Very easy to use, with an intuitive drag-and-drop builder perfect for beginners
• Quick setup allows for fast website launches
• Affordable pricing plans make it accessible for individuals and small businesses
• Great for small-scale websites that need straightforward functionality

Cons:

• Limited scalability, making it less ideal for businesses looking to expand significantly
• Less flexibility for customization compared to open-source platforms
• Not suited for large, complex sites or those needing advanced backend control

Best For:
Small businesses, freelancers, and personal sites that need a simple, cost-effective solution for building and maintaining a professional web presence without the complexity of more advanced CMS platforms.

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How I Picked the Best Drupal Alternatives

Choosing the best Drupal alternative isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. 

Migrating from Drupal to another CMS depends on the unique needs of your business or individual requirements, such as technical expertise, budget, and the specific goals of your website. However, to help narrow down the options, I evaluated each CMS and website builder based on several key aspects:

1. Ease of use: How user-friendly is the platform, especially for non-technical users? This includes the learning curve, the availability of drag-and-drop features, and overall usability.
2. Customization and flexibility: The level of control you have over your site’s design, layout, and functionality, as well as the availability of themes, plugins, and integrations that allow you to tailor the site to your needs.
3. Scalability: How well the CMS can grow with your business, handling increased traffic, content, and additional features over time without compromising performance.
4. Content management capabilities: The strength of the CMS in managing and organizing content, including support for complex content types, multilingual needs, and advanced user management.
5. Security: The platform’s ability to protect your site from vulnerabilities, including built-in security features, regular updates, and community or professional support for troubleshooting.
6. SEO and marketing tools: The built-in tools or integrations available for search engine optimization, content marketing, and analytics that help drive traffic and measure site performance.
7. Cost: The overall cost of the CMS, including subscription fees, hosting, and any additional costs for plugins, themes, or maintenance.

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Why Migrate from Drupal to Another CMS?

Here are several key reasons why businesses and individuals might consider making the switch:

1. Drupal 7 end of life: One of the most pressing reasons is the end of life for Drupal 7, which means no more security updates, bug fixes, or official support from the Drupal community. This puts websites at risk and necessitates a migration to either a newer version of Drupal or an alternative CMS that better suits current needs.
2. Complexity and maintenance: Drupal’s powerful and flexible architecture comes with a steep learning curve and can be challenging to maintain, particularly for those without technical expertise. Regular updates, patches, and the need for developer involvement can make Drupal cumbersome compared to more user-friendly alternatives.
3. Cost of development and upkeep: Maintaining a Drupal site often requires specialized developer skills, which can drive up costs. The need for custom development, security audits, and ongoing maintenance makes Drupal a costly choice for many businesses, especially when compared to more affordable, self-managed platforms.
4. Lack of modern features: While Drupal is highly customizable, implementing modern web features like advanced SEO, personalized content, and marketing integrations often requires additional modules or custom code, which can slow down development and impact site performance.
5. Performance and scalability challenges: As websites grow, Drupal can become resource-intensive, requiring robust hosting solutions and technical optimization to maintain performance. Other CMS platforms offer built-in optimization tools that can handle scalability more efficiently.
6. Easier alternatives available: Many CMS platforms and website builders now offer easier, more streamlined solutions that can achieve similar results with less effort. Visual builders, drag-and-drop interfaces, and integrated hosting options make it simpler to create and manage websites without extensive technical know-how.

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Final Thoughts

While you won’t find a 1:1 replacement for Drupal, you should definitely consider several options and find the CMSs that can give the best outcome for your content, marketing, and, ultimately, business goals.

I mentioned that there’s no one-size-fits-all for any business, so consider these suggestions a starting point for further research. 

If you think migrating to Webflow might be a good path for your business — schedule a call with our professionals. We will assess your website and tell you if we can help migrate to Webflow or suggest a more suitable alternative.

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