Top 10 Drupal Alternatives for 2024
Storyblok is the first headless CMS that works for developers & marketers alike.
Drupal is an open-source monolithic CMS with highly customizable features that make it a popular option. However, it's not without its downsides. Some users struggle with the lack of real-time visual preview, security issues, and a steep learning curve. And as support for Drupal 7 draws to a close in January 2025, even some current users are reconsidering their investment.
If these challenges have you looking for a Drupal alternative, look no further. Here are ten options to help you kick-start your search for the perfect CMS.
1. Storyblok
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Storyblok's new and improved Visual Editor features a real-time visual preview, making it an ideal Drupal alternative for users missing the feature.
Storyblok is a modern CMS designed for creating cutting-edge content experiences. It's frontend agnostic, so it's compatible with any frontends, frameworks, and third-party tools you may want to use. That's all thanks to the composable architecture, which enables seamless integration and reuse of content across an unlimited number of different platforms. The type of frontend doesn't matter – websites, mobile apps, smartwatches, AR/VR, and more – if you can link it with APIs, you can share your content to it.
While Storyblok's headless architecture is quite the departure from Drupal's monolithic style, it also opens up a whole world of possibilities. Learn more about what headless is and if it's right for your organization in our full guide, Headless CMS Explained.
In addition to the architecture, Storyblok is also a powerful Drupal alternative because it doesn't require a long list of plugins to achieve peak functionality. Third-party modules require individual updating and present unique security concerns. Storyblok avoids this by offering a powerful suite of native features, including (but not limited to):
- Powerful Visual Editor with a live preview
- Granular SEO optimization tools
- Localization features and scale-ready structure
- Multiple and custom workflows
- Advanced Digital Asset Manager (DAM)
You can also use the App Directory to find more fine-grained functionality to add to your tech stack. Still don't see the specific features you need? No worries: you can create your own custom App and integrate it into your system seamlessly, or connect any tech that you want to work with through APIs.
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Storyblok's DAM allows for efficient management and organization of digital assets.
Storyblok is also a leading Drupal alternative thanks to how easy it is to use. Developers can take advantadge the intuitive and simple setup that makes setting up a new global site possible in just 8 weeks.
Less technical users such as marketers aren't forgotten. With the Visual Editor, making changes is as easy as clicking and editing. Collaboration is also a breeze thanks to the Google-docs like commenting and discussion features directly within the app.
Moreover, Storyblok avoids the problem of troublesome upgrading altogether. Because it's a Software as a Service (SaaS) product, clients or partners never have to perform any upgrades or updates. They happen automatically and are held to the same high security standards as the rest of Storyblok tech.
This applies to your tech stack as well. Since Storyblok is composable, you can easily replace any part of your tech stack at any time with minimal friction. No worrying about if a slight change will crash the whole system. Thanks to the power of APIs, Storyblok is totally future-proof. No matter what the future brings, you'll be able to customize your tech to your exact standards.
Mindvalley struggled with the constraints of monolithic CMSs like Drupal – until they switched to Storyblok. Read more about it in the Mindvalley case study
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Thanks to the similar setup, WordPress is a common Drupal alternative.
WordPress is a popular choice for its user-friendly interface and extensive plugin support, making it a good Drupal alternative. It’s also a long-established monolithic option, so it’s similar to Drupal in a lot of ways. However, that means it also suffers from the same downsides: it may lack the robustness required for complex web applications and is prone to security vulnerabilities due to its widespread usage.
3. Joomla
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The homepage for Joomla.
Joomla offers flexibility and a range of extensions, making it particularly suitable for medium-sized websites. Yet, its scalability limitations make it a less favorable Drupal alternative. Some users also report a complex learning curve that's difficult or overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the CMS.
4. TYPO3
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The app preview for TYPO3.
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Craft CMS's homepage.
Craft CMS excels in content modeling and user experience. Nevertheless, its limited plugin ecosystem and higher licensing costs pose challenges. Users may also encounter difficulties with complex website setups that require extensive custom development in exchange for a large degree of flexibility.
6. Sitecore
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The homepage for Sitecore CMS.
Sitecore is known for enterprise-level personalization and marketing automation, which can be helpful at a large scale. However, gaining these features also means contending with high expenses and specialized training requirements. As such, it's an overall less accessible Drupal alternative for many smaller organizations.
7. Wix
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Wix is a page builder Drupal alternative that leans into ease of use.
As a page builder, Wix offers simplicity and a wide template selection that ideal for an quick start. By the same token, this setup also puts strict limits on customization and scalability. Users who are willing to make this sacrifice but prefer a more style-forward option may want to consider Squarespace.
8. Squarespace
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Squarespace is another page builder Drupal alternative. It offers a more design-forward focus than Wix.
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The Umbraco CMS homepage.
Umbraco's ASP.NET framework appeals to .NET developers looking for a Drupal alternative in particular. This makes it an attractive choice for those already proficient in the .NET ecosystem, offering a smoother transition. However, its limited features can be a drawback for projects requiring advanced capabilities out of the box. It also has a smaller community than Drupal, which can present obstacles in terms of finding solutions to issues.
10. Strapi
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Strapi's homepage.
Strapi's customizable headless CMS solution appeals to developers. Its open-source nature and modular architecture allow for extensive customization. However, leveraging Strapi effectively requires a deep understanding of its technical intricacies, demanding a considerable investment of time and expertise.
Conclusion: what's the best Drupal alternative?
Every organization has unique requirements. To discover the optimal Drupal alternative for your specific needs, experimentation is key. Utilize free trial offers or request tailored demonstrations. The better you understand your CMS options, the better the odds are of finding the perfect fit.
