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ExpressionEngine vs WordPress: What are the differences?
Key Differences Between ExpressionEngine and WordPress
ExpressionEngine and WordPress are both popular content management systems (CMS) used for creating and managing websites. However, they have significant differences in terms of flexibility, customization, security, support, complexity, and cost.
1. Flexibility: ExpressionEngine offers greater flexibility than WordPress as it allows developers to create custom fields and templates, making it suitable for complex websites that require unique content structures. WordPress, on the other hand, has a more rigid structure and is better suited for simpler websites with standard content types.
2. Customization: ExpressionEngine provides extensive control over the website's design and functionality, allowing for more detailed customization. WordPress, although it offers a wide range of themes and plugins for customization, may have limitations in terms of specific design and functionality requirements.
3. Security: ExpressionEngine has a strong security reputation, with security updates frequently released to address any vulnerabilities. WordPress, due to its popularity and extensive third-party plugin ecosystem, is more prone to security risks if not regularly maintained and updated.
4. Support: ExpressionEngine offers official support through EllisLab, including documentation, forums, and direct support options. WordPress has a vast community of users, but official support is limited to WordPress.org forums. However, the large user base often results in quick solutions through community support.
5. Complexity: ExpressionEngine is generally more complex and requires more technical expertise to set up and manage compared to WordPress. WordPress, being user-friendly and widely used, is relatively easier to learn and navigate, making it accessible to beginners with limited technical skills.
6. Cost: ExpressionEngine is a commercial CMS that requires a license fee, which can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the site's size and complexity. WordPress, on the other hand, is an open-source CMS available for free, with optional costs for hosting, themes, plugins, and other premium features.
In summary, ExpressionEngine offers greater flexibility, customization options, security, and official support, making it suitable for complex websites but requiring more technical expertise and a cost involved. WordPress, on the other hand, is more user-friendly, cost-effective, and accessible to beginners but may have limitations in terms of customization and security if not properly maintained.
So many choices for CMSs these days. So then what do you choose if speed, security and customization are key? Headless for one. Consuming your own APIs for content is absolute key. It makes designing pages in the front-end a breeze. Leaving Ghost and Cockpit. If I then looked at the footprint and impact on server load, Cockpit definitely wins that battle.
10 Years ago I have started to check more about the online sphere and I have decided to make a website. There were a few CMS available at that time like WordPress or Joomla that you can use to have your website. At that point, I have decided to use WordPress as it was the easiest and I am glad I have made a good decision. Now WordPress is the most used CMS. Later I have created also a site about WordPress: https://www.wpdoze.com
Pros of ExpressionEngine
Pros of WordPress
- Customizable415
- Easy to manage366
- Plugins & themes354
- Non-tech colleagues can update website content258
- Really powerful247
- Rapid website development145
- Best documentation78
- Codex51
- Product feature set44
- Custom/internal social network35
- Open source18
- Great for all types of websites8
- Huge install and user base7
- Perfect example of user collaboration5
- Open Source Community5
- Most websites make use of it5
- It's simple and easy to use by any novice5
- Best5
- I like it like I like a kick in the groin5
- Community4
- API-based CMS4
- Easy To use3
- <a href="https://secure.wphackedhel">Easy Beginner</a>2
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Cons of ExpressionEngine
Cons of WordPress
- Hard to keep up-to-date if you customize things13
- Plugins are of mixed quality13
- Not best backend UI10
- Complex Organization2
- Do not cover all the basics in the core1
- Great Security1