Backdrop CMS vs WordPress
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?
Backdrop CMS
Comprehensive CMS forked from Drupal for smaller sites
VS
WordPress
The most popular content management system in the world
| Feature | Backdrop CMS | WordPress |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Content Management Systems | Content Management Systems |
| License | GPL-2.0 | GPL-2.0 |
| Language | PHP | PHP |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 512 MB | 512 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal, source | docker, bare-metal, one-click |
| GitHub stars | ★ 1,044 | ★ 21,316 |
| First released | 2015 | 2003 |
| Replaces | WordPress, Drupal | Wix, Squarespace, WordPress.com |
Why pick each one
Choose WordPress if…
- Unmatched ecosystem and documentation
- Easy for non-technical users
Frequently asked questions
Is Backdrop CMS or WordPress better?
WordPress 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 WordPress free and open-source?
Yes. Backdrop CMS is licensed under GPL-2.0 and WordPress under GPL-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Backdrop CMS and WordPress with Docker?
Backdrop CMS: yes. WordPress: yes.