A recent legal squabble between WordPress and WP Engine has impacted WP Engine customers. As a result, they are unable to update plugins and themes, leading to security concerns. This dispute has sparked conversations about businesses moving away from WordPress.
The question is: are people actually leaving WordPress? If so, where are they going?
This analysis provides some CMS alternatives, along with some expert insights on which platforms are gaining traction.
WordPress Alternatives: Why Businesses Are Exploring Other CMS Options
Despite recent issues, WordPress remains a dominant force in website management. Some businesses continue to stick with it due to its flexibility and industry presence.
Why Some Businesses Are Staying with WordPress
WordPress’s many long-standing advantages mean it’s still a popular choice for businesses.
“Even with the WP Engine issue, there are still many reliable hosts that work with WordPress, and the system itself is still ahead in performance,” says Steve DiMatteo, CEO at Cleveland Vintage Shirts.
Some of the main benefits of WordPress include:
- Extensive plugin ecosystem: Users can enhance their websites by integrating extra features and functionalities through this feature.
- Flexibility and customization: These make it easy for users to change the style of their website and scale to meet increased user demand.
- Developer support: On-hand expert assistance helps users quickly resolve issues and make custom updates.
Together, these advantages contribute to WordPress’s long-standing relevance.
The Drawbacks Pushing Users Away
Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer of Helium SEO, says that the recent WP Engine debacle has “created widespread concern among users who depend on managed hosting solutions.” But this may just be the tip of the iceberg.
Over the years, many users have faced additional challenges, including:
- Security vulnerabilities: WordPress is widely used, making it a prime target for attackers. It allows users to download third-party plugins and themes, which may include security loopholes. While WordPress regularly schedules updates to address security vulnerabilities, these updates can sometimes cause issues. “The problem is that even when updates roll out to fix security flaws, they sometimes break existing plugins or themes,” says Daniel Vasilevski, Director and Owner of Bright Force Electrical.
- Plugin dependencies: Some plugins rely on others to function properly. If a required plugin is removed or deprecated, it could cause the dependent plugin to become ineffective.
- Technical maintenance: WordPress websites require frequent technical maintenance to make sure they work as they should. That includes tasks such as regular backups, fixing plugins, and fixing broken links, which can be time-consuming.
These challenges highlight the need for ongoing attention to maintain a smooth user experience.
WordPress Alternatives: Top CMS Platforms Gaining Popularity
Some businesses are reconsidering their CMS choices and moving to platforms that offer better security, ease of use, or improved performance.
Webflow vs. WordPress: A Flexible, No-Code Alternative
As a WordPress alternative, Webflow allows users to create and customize websites without coding. It also eliminates the need for plugins or third-party integrations. These features are helping it gain traction for businesses that want design control without backend complexity.
“As our business grows, we need a CMS that offers more flexibility and scalability without the constant need for plugins and third-party integrations,” says Eli Itzhaki, CEO and Founder at Keyzoo. After a lot of research and testing, his organization decided to move to Webflow.
“It’s a platform that gives us more control over design and functionality without requiring heavy backend development,” he says. “The biggest pain point with WordPress has been the reliance on plugins for even basic features, which sometimes results in compatibility issues or security vulnerabilities. Webflow’s all-in-one approach eliminates a lot of that hassle.”
Khunshan Ahmad, CEO and Founder at EvolveDash, also highlights Webflow as a popular WordPress alternative. “It has ecommerce functionality and custom code integration,” he says. “The built-in SEO tools are helpful for website optimization. It also offers customizable templates and allows for smooth collaborations.”
Ghost: Prioritizing Speed and Security
Ghost has become another appealing option for businesses feeling frustrated with WordPress security issues. As an open-source platform, it enables users to build a newsletter subscription list and manage a membership business.
“With its lightweight architecture and lightning-fast performance, Ghost provides the simplicity and speed that businesses need without compromising on control,” says Gary Hemming, Owner and Finance Director at ABC Finance.
Ghost has become an especially popular option for publishers who want to grow a business around their content. “Its intuitive editor is a hit with content creators, while its focus on SEO and scalability ensures long-term growth,” says Hemming.
WordPress Alternatives for Small Businesses: Wix vs. Squarespace for Business
When choosing the best CMS for B2B websites, many organizations look for options that require minimal technical expertise but still deliver a professional web presence. As a result, many find themselves torn between using Wix vs. Squarespace for business.
Why B2B Companies Are Adopting Squarespace
Squarespace has become a popular option among small businesses and consultants. Its user-friendly interface and built-in features make it one of the best CMSs for B2B websites.
Examples of this include ecommerce capabilities, SEO tools, and analytics. With this capability, users can connect CRM systems and email marketing platforms to enhance functionality.
“Squarespace especially catches eyes within the B2B space. Those clean templates and zero-fuss interface let companies launch fast and nail their content,” says Kacper Rafalski, Demand Generation Team Leader at Netguru. “It fits agencies and consultants beautifully – they can showcase their work with style without drowning in backend complexities.”
Wix’s Growing Appeal for Businesses
Wix is also attracting B2B brands thanks to its advanced tools and enhanced customization options. Brooke Webber, Head of Marketing at Ninja Patches, describes Wix as a “serious contender” for B2B businesses searching for a WordPress alternative.
“Advanced tools, like Wix Velo, make it easy to integrate databases, run server-side code, and build custom applications without the hassle of complex infrastructure,” she says. “Businesses are drawn to its balance of power and simplicity, allowing them to scale without getting bogged down in technical maintenance.”
Alex Vasylenko, a Tech Entrepreneur and Founder at The Frontend Company highlights the usefulness of Wix’s drag-and-drop builder for small and medium-sized businesses. “At the same time, some B2B companies in event management, e-commerce, and digital marketing use it to create polished, effective websites with less complexity than traditional CMS platforms like WordPress,” he adds.
Other WordPress Alternatives for B2B Businesses
While Squarespace and Wix are typically ranked as the best CMS for B2B websites, they’re not the only options. Tracie Crites, Chief Marketing Officer at HEAVY Equipment Appraisal, points out that other platforms, such as HubSpot CMS and Duda, are becoming popular with B2B companies.
“HubSpot CMS offers a combination of website management and built-in marketing tools, making it ideal for businesses that prioritize lead generation. Duda, on the other hand, is well-suited for companies looking for a fast and simple way to create professional, responsive sites,” says Crites.
“One standout example is a B2B logistics provider using HubSpot CMS to integrate their website with CRM tools, allowing them to track leads directly from their site traffic,” she adds.
The Future of WordPress Alternatives and CMS Trends
WordPress is still widely used, but competitors are gaining traction. The future of CMS platforms will be shaped by usability, security, and performance demands.
Will WordPress Adapt to Stay Competitive?
WordPress continues to offer notable advantages, including unparalleled customization through thousands of themes and plugins. That means it can be tailored to fit any need, whether you’re building a business website, a portfolio, or an ecommerce website.
Despite its strengths, WordPress has lost some of its default status and must evolve to retain its market position. “The change reflects a rising demand for scalable, customized solutions that don’t need constant troubleshooting,” says Shawn Plummer, CEO at The Annuity Expert.
He also recommends Craft CMS for businesses looking for a high-performance, fully customizable website without the headaches of constant plugin maintenance.
Choosing the Right CMS for Your Business
Many businesses are sticking with WordPress because they know it well. “I work in an industry where a lot of brands are comfortable with WordPress, so I don’t see a mass exodus,” says Wesley Littlefield, Marketing Manager at Anglers.
Vasylenko agrees that the increased discussion of alternative platforms isn’t necessarily “indicative of a mass exodus.” Rather, he suggests that WordPress “remains at a vantage point owing to its flexibility, large plugin base, and other support-based aspects.” However, he says it’s clear that a section of users — especially small businesses and startups — are looking for alternatives that are more user-friendly and have lower maintenance.
When choosing the right CMS for your business, consider its most important factors. Some key factors to assess include ease of use, scalability, security, and SEO capabilities. You should also consider upfront and ongoing costs and compatibility with your organization’s critical business tools.
Weighing up WordPress Alternatives
WordPress remains dominant, but issues like the recent dispute between WordPress and WP Engine are pushing its users towards alternatives.
When choosing a CMS and considering WordPress alternatives, your business should consider factors such as security, usability, and customization.
Is WordPress still the right choice for your business, or is it time to explore alternatives?
About the author
Aimee Pearcy is a tech journalist and a B2B SaaS copywriter with over five years of experience. Check out her writer profile to learn how her experience can help level up your content strategy: Aimee Pearcy.