Craft CMS vs WordPress: Which One Should You Use in 2025?

When choosing a content management system (CMS) in 2025, two popular options stand out: Craft CMS and WordPress. While both platforms offer powerful tools for website development, they cater to different audiences and use cases. This article compares their features, advantages, and drawbacks to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

1. Ease of Use

WordPress

Known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to beginners.
Offers a visual editor (Gutenberg) and various page builder plugins like Elementor and WPBakery.
Requires minimal coding knowledge, making it easy to launch a site quickly.

Craft CMS

Designed for developers and experienced users who prefer full customization.
Uses a flexible and intuitive control panel but has a steeper learning curve than WordPress.
Requires familiarity with Twig templating language for custom theme development.

Winner: WordPress is easier for beginners, while Craft CMS offers more control for developers.

2. Customization & Flexibility

WordPress

Boasts an extensive library of over 60,000 plugins and thousands of themes.
Ideal for users who want to extend functionality without coding.
However, reliance on third-party plugins can lead to compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities.

Craft CMS

Built with customization in mind, offering a clean, modular structure.
Provides Matrix fields for complex content layouts.
Does not rely on plugins as heavily as WordPress, ensuring a more stable environment.

Winner: Craft CMS for developers who want full control; WordPress for users who need pre-built solutions.

3. Performance & Security

WordPress

Performance varies depending on hosting and plugins.
Frequent plugin and theme updates can introduce security risks.
Requires additional security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri.

Craft CMS

Lighter and faster by default due to its streamlined architecture.
Security-focused, with built-in measures reducing the need for third-party security plugins.
Offers native CSRF and XSS protection.

Winner: Craft CMS for better performance and security.

4. SEO Capabilities

WordPress

Extensive SEO plugins like Yoast SEO and Rank Math make optimization easy.
Customizable permalinks and structured content help boost rankings.

Craft CMS

SEO-friendly by design but lacks built-in tools.
Requires third-party plugins like SEOmatic for advanced optimization.

Winner: WordPress for built-in SEO tools; Craft CMS for cleaner code and structured content.

5. Cost & Licensing

WordPress

Open-source and free, but costs can add up with premium themes, plugins, and hosting.
Best for budget-conscious users who need a functional website quickly.

Craft CMS

Requires a one-time licensing fee ($299 for Pro version) plus additional costs for plugins.
Ideal for businesses willing to invest in long-term stability.

Winner: WordPress for affordability; Craft CMS for premium, high-end projects.

Conclusion: Which CMS Should You Choose?

Feature	WordPress	Craft CMS
Ease of Use	✅ Best for beginners	❌ Requires developer skills
Customization	✅ Extensive plugins	✅ Flexible, code-driven
Performance	❌ Can be slow	✅ Optimized for speed
Security	❌ Requires plugins	✅ Built-in protection
SEO	✅ Yoast & Rank Math	✅ SEOmatic
Cost	✅ Free with optional costs	❌ Paid license

Choose WordPress if:

You are a beginner or need a website up and running quickly.
You rely on plugins for additional functionality.
You prioritize cost savings.

Choose Craft CMS if:

You are a developer or working on a high-end project.
You need full customization without plugin dependencies.
You prioritize security and performance.

Both CMS platforms have their strengths, but the best choice depends on your needs. WordPress is perfect for ease of use and plugin-driven customization, while Craft CMS is ideal for professional developers who demand a clean, flexible, and secure environment.