Which CMSs are popular for websites in 2025

World web development is constantly evolving, and with it, the requirements for content management systems (CMS) are changing. In 2025, website owners are looking not just for a platform to host content, but for a tool that provides easy management, high speed, security and flexibility. The choice of CMS was a strategic decision affecting business development, SEO results and user experience.

Artificial intelligence technologies, Process automation and integration with marketing tools are becoming essential features of modern CMSs. For example, many platforms offer built-in solutions for SEO-optimisation, adaptive design and user behaviour analysis. There is also a growing demand for headless CMS - systems that allow content to be used on different platforms (websites, mobile applications, IoT devices) without being tied to a specific frontend.

Which CMSs remain at the top of popularity, and which new technologies are conquering the market? Let's get to the bottom of it.

Choosing a content management system (CMS) is one of the key steps in building a website. In 2025, the popularity of different platforms is changing based on convenience, flexibility, and functionality. Let's understand which CMS are leading the market and why.

Comparison of WordPress, Joomla, Shopify and others

There are many CMS, but each of them is suitable for certain tasks. Let's consider the most popular ones and their features.

• WordPress remains the absolute leader among CMSs, occupying more than 40% of the market. It is a universal platform suitable for blogs, corporate websites and online shops. Thanks to thousands of plugins and themes, you can create a site of any complexity, but for maximum efficiency it is important to keep an eye on security and optimisation.
• Joomla is suitable for more complex projects that require a flexible structure and advanced user management. It is a good solution for portals, social platforms and news sites, but it requires a bit more technical skills.
• Shopify - is a popular SaaS platform for online shops. It provides a complete set of tools for online sales without having to worry about hosting or technical aspects. Shopify is ideal for quick business startup, but customisation options are limited compared to open source CMS.
• Drupal is more often used for large projects, government portals and sites with special security requirements. This platform is highly flexible, but requires professional knowledge in development and administration.
• Wix и Tilda - website builders that are gaining popularity among small businesses and creative industries. They allow you to quickly create a website without technical skills, using ready-made templates and inbuilt tools. However, the advanced features and integrations of such platforms are limited.

How to choose a CMS for your project

The choice of CMS depends on the goals and specifics of the project. For content sites and blogs, WordPress is best suited, for online shops - Shopify or WooCommerce. Corporate sites are well implemented on WordPress or Joomla, and complex and large-scale projects require the capabilities of Drupal. If speed of launch and ease of management are important, it is more convenient to use SaaS solutions like Wix or Tilda.

It is also worth considering such factors as platform scalability, availability of technical support, security and budget. If the project involves long-term development, it is important to choose a CMS that can adapt to growing business requirements.

Pros and cons of SaaS platforms

SaaS platforms (Shopify, Wix, Tilda) offer a ready-made solution without having to worry about servers and updates. They are convenient, easy to learn and allow you to focus on business rather than technical details. However, such solutions are less flexible than open source CMS and depend on platform terms and conditions, including monthly payments and functionality limitations.

Choosing a CMS is an important step that affects the usability of the site and its development. In 2025, WordPress remains the one-stop solutionShopify is the best for e-commerce, and SaaS platforms are suitable for a quick start. The main thing is to consider the project goals, technical capabilities and growth prospects to choose the best solution.