Backdrop CMS vs Bludit
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted content management systems options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Bludit
Simple flat-file CMS for fast websites and blogs
| Feature | Backdrop CMS | Bludit |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 83 · Excellent | 83 · Excellent |
| Category | Content Management Systems | Content Management Systems |
| License | GPL-2.0 | MIT |
| Language | PHP | PHP |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 512 MB | 128 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal, source | docker, bare-metal, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 1,046 | ★ 1,469 |
| First released | 2015 | 2015 |
| Replaces | WordPress, Drupal | WordPress, Wix |
What are Backdrop CMS and Bludit?
Backdrop CMS
Backdrop CMS is an open-source content management system forked from Drupal 7, aimed at small to medium organizations. It keeps Drupal's power while focusing on lower cost and easier use.
- Drupal-derived power
- Configuration management
- Lower hosting requirements
- Layout system
Bludit
Bludit is a lightweight flat-file CMS that stores content in JSON files, requiring no database. It is aimed at users who want a quick, simple website or blog without complex setup.
- No database needed
- Plugin and theme support
- Markdown editor
- Quick installation
Backdrop CMS vs Bludit: key differences
Both projects are written in PHP. Licensing differs — GPL-2.0 for Backdrop CMS versus MIT for Bludit. Bludit is the lighter option, starting around 128 MB of RAM against 512 MB for Backdrop CMS.
Why pick each one
Choose Backdrop CMS if…
- Cheaper to run than Drupal
- Familiar to Drupal users
Watch out for
- Smaller community
- Fewer modules than Drupal
Choose Bludit if…
- Very easy to set up
- Easy to back up
Watch out for
- Not suited to large sites
- Smaller ecosystem
Frequently asked questions
Is Backdrop CMS or Bludit better?
Bludit is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Backdrop CMS if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are Backdrop CMS and Bludit free and open-source?
Yes. Backdrop CMS is licensed under GPL-2.0 and Bludit under MIT. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Backdrop CMS and Bludit with Docker?
Backdrop CMS: yes. Bludit: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, Backdrop CMS or Bludit?
Bludit has the smaller minimum footprint at 128 MB of RAM, compared to about 512 MB for Backdrop CMS. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.