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Backdrop CMS vs MODX Revolution

A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted content management systems options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.

Not the right match-up?
BA Backdrop CMS Comprehensive CMS forked from Drupal for smaller sites VS MO MODX Revolution CMS and application framework with creative freedom
FeatureBackdrop CMSMODX Revolution
Deploy effortUnder-an-hour setupUnder-an-hour setup
Health score83 · Excellent80 · Excellent
CategoryContent Management SystemsContent Management Systems
LicenseGPL-2.0GPL-2.0
LanguagePHPPHP
Setup difficultyMediumMedium
Min. RAM512 MB512 MB
Deploymentdocker, bare-metal, sourcedocker, bare-metal, source
GitHub stars★ 1,046★ 1,411
First released20152005
ReplacesWordPress, DrupalWordPress, Drupal

What are Backdrop CMS and MODX Revolution?

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

Read the full Backdrop CMS guide →

MODX Revolution

MODX Revolution is an open-source content management system and web application framework that imposes no constraints on markup or design. It is used to build custom websites and applications.

  • Complete design freedom
  • Flexible templating
  • Extensible with packages
  • Granular permissions

Read the full MODX Revolution guide →

Backdrop CMS vs MODX Revolution: key differences

Both projects are written in PHP. MODX Revolution is the more established project (first released 2005), while Backdrop CMS arrived in 2015.

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
Backdrop CMS details

Choose MODX Revolution if…

  • No markup constraints
  • Good for custom builds

Watch out for

  • Steeper learning curve
  • Smaller community
MODX Revolution details

Frequently asked questions

Is Backdrop CMS or MODX Revolution better?

Neither is universally better. MODX Revolution has the larger community; both share a medium setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.

Are Backdrop CMS and MODX Revolution free and open-source?

Yes. Backdrop CMS is licensed under GPL-2.0 and MODX Revolution under GPL-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.

Can I run Backdrop CMS and MODX Revolution with Docker?

Backdrop CMS: yes. MODX Revolution: yes.

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