ImpressPages vs SPIP
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted content management systems options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
SPIP
CMS with a focus on collaborative edition and multilingualism
| Feature | ImpressPages | SPIP |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Read-the-docs project |
| Category | Content Management Systems | Content Management Systems |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0-or-later |
| Language | PHP | |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 256 MB | 50 MB |
| Deployment | bare-metal, docker | bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 500 | — |
| First released | 2012 | 2023 |
| Replaces | WordPress, Wix | Blogger, Coldfusion, Wix |
What are ImpressPages and SPIP?
ImpressPages
ImpressPages is an open-source PHP content management system featuring an intuitive inline editor with drag-and-drop layout building. It targets users who want a simple, visual way to manage small to medium websites.
- Inline drag-and-drop editing
- MVC architecture
- Plugin and theme support
- Beginner friendly
SPIP
CMS with a focus on collaborative edition and multilingualism.
ImpressPages vs SPIP: key differences
Licensing differs — GPL-3.0 for ImpressPages versus GPL-3.0-or-later for SPIP. SPIP is the lighter option, starting around 50 MB of RAM against 256 MB for ImpressPages. ImpressPages is the more established project (first released 2012), while SPIP arrived in 2023. ImpressPages lists first-class Docker deployment; SPIP does not.
Why pick each one
Choose ImpressPages if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Written in PHP
Watch out for
- Maintenance has slowed
- Smaller ecosystem
Choose SPIP if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0-or-later license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- Tiny footprint — runs in 50 MB RAM
Frequently asked questions
Is ImpressPages or SPIP better?
Neither is universally better. ImpressPages has the larger community; both share a easy setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are ImpressPages and SPIP free and open-source?
Yes. ImpressPages is licensed under GPL-3.0 and SPIP under GPL-3.0-or-later. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run ImpressPages and SPIP with Docker?
ImpressPages: yes. SPIP: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, ImpressPages or SPIP?
SPIP has the smaller minimum footprint at 50 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for ImpressPages. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.