Craft CMS vs Strapi: What are the differences?

Introduction

Craft CMS and Strapi are both popular content management systems that can be used to build websites and manage content effectively. While they have some similarities, they also have distinct differences that set them apart. In this comparison, we will explore the key differences between Craft CMS and Strapi.

1. Architecture and Technology Stack: Craft CMS is a PHP-based content management system that follows a traditional architecture, where the backend and frontend are tightly coupled. On the other hand, Strapi is built using Node.js and offers a headless CMS approach, separating the backend from the frontend. This allows developers to use any front-end framework of their choice.

2. Ease of Use and Learning Curve: Craft CMS provides a more user-friendly and intuitive interface for content editors and non-technical users. Its powerful and customizable control panel allows for easy content creation and management. Strapi, although it offers great flexibility, has a steeper learning curve due to its more technical setup and configuration.

3. Flexibility and Customization: Craft CMS is renowned for its flexibility, as it offers incredible customization capabilities. It provides a robust set of built-in features, along with extensive plugin options, resulting in highly tailored websites. Strapi, on the other hand, also offers customization but focuses more on developer experience, providing a broader set of APIs and tools for customization.

4. Community and Support: Craft CMS has a strong and supportive community, known for its helpfulness and regular updates. With a dedicated team behind it, Craft CMS offers comprehensive documentation and excellent customer support. Strapi, although growing rapidly, has a relatively smaller community and may have fewer resources available when it comes to community support and documentation.

5. Pricing Model: Craft CMS operates on a proprietary license model, where users need to purchase a license to access and use the software. This pricing model may be suitable for businesses that require additional security and support guarantees. Strapi, on the other hand, is an open-source CMS and is completely free to use, making it an attractive option for startups and small businesses with limited budgets.

6. Hosting Options: Craft CMS offers a hosted version called Craft Cloud, which takes care of infrastructure and hosting for users. This offers convenience and ensures optimal performance. Strapi, being a self-hosted CMS, gives users the flexibility to choose their own hosting provider, which can be advantageous for organizations that have specific hosting requirements or prefer to have full control over their hosting environment.

In summary, Craft CMS provides a flexible and user-friendly content management system, with a strong community and dedicated support, while Strapi offers greater technical flexibility and a cost-effective solution with its open-source nature and headless CMS approach. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the project at hand.