ExpressionEngine vs Ghost: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this comparison, we will outline the key differences between ExpressionEngine and Ghost, two popular content management systems used for website creation.

1. Customization and Flexibility: ExpressionEngine offers more flexibility and customization options compared to Ghost. With ExpressionEngine, developers have greater control over the design and functionality of the website due to its flexible structure and extensive template tags. On the other hand, Ghost is more focused on simplicity and ease of use, offering less customization options for developers.

2. User Interface and User Experience: Ghost is known for its clean and minimalist user interface, which makes it easier for non-technical users to create and manage content. On the contrary, ExpressionEngine has a more complex and feature-rich admin interface, which may require a learning curve for beginners. Ghost prioritizes user experience by providing a simple and intuitive interface, while ExpressionEngine caters more towards developers looking for advanced features and customization.

3. Cost and Licensing: ExpressionEngine is a paid CMS, requiring users to purchase a license for each site they build. In contrast, Ghost is an open-source platform that offers a free self-hosted version, making it more cost-effective for users with budget constraints. The pricing model of ExpressionEngine may be a barrier for small businesses or individuals looking to build websites without additional costs.

4. Community Support and Resources: ExpressionEngine has a smaller community compared to Ghost, which means users may have limited access to online resources, plugins, and templates. Ghost, being an open-source platform, has a larger community of users and developers contributing plugins, themes, and support forums. This difference in community size can impact the availability of resources and support for users of both CMS platforms.

Summary

In summary, ExpressionEngine provides more flexibility and customization options at the cost of a complex user interface and paid licensing, while Ghost emphasizes simplicity, user experience, and cost-effectiveness with its open-source model and minimalist design.