There are dozens, if not hundreds, of content management system (CMS) platforms available today, each catering to a different audience. Some are built to help non-developers create websites without writing code. But as a developer, that’s not the goal.
For developers, the focus is different—and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why so many CMS options exist, each designed to tackle specific challenges. The key is knowing what you need and exploring the top CMS platforms, like in this post, to find the best fit for your project.
As the saying goes, “You can read about swimming all you want, but you’ll never learn until you jump in the water.” This is why many platforms offer free trials or demos. The best way to find the right CMS is to get your hands dirty, experiment, and test until you feel confident enough to commit.
Let’s look at what developers should consider when choosing a CMS in 2025 and review our top eight picks.
#Considerations when choosing a CMS for developers
Choosing the right CMS as a developer is a strategic decision. It’s not just about what works now but also what will scale and adapt as your projects evolve.
Here are some key considerations based on real-world challenges developers often face:
- Flexibility: As developers, we need tools that bend to our needs—not vice versa. A CMS without flexibility can quickly become a roadblock. Imagine starting a project with a predefined data structure that doesn’t match the unique requirements of your application. You’ll either spend hours hacking workarounds or, worse, scrap the project halfway through to start over. A flexible CMS allows you to define content models, customize APIs, and handle edge cases without feeling boxed in.
- Scalability: It’s easy to underestimate how quickly projects can grow. What starts as a small blog can morph into a multi-region application with thousands of users. A CMS that doesn’t scale with your needs can cause performance bottlenecks or force you to rebuild from scratch when your database or infrastructure can’t keep up. I’ve seen projects halt because the CMS couldn’t handle traffic spikes or failed to integrate with distributed content delivery systems.
- Developer experience: A CMS with a poor interface, messy documentation, or an over-reliance on GUI-based configurations can frustrate developers. Imagine you’re debugging an API issue, and you spend hours piecing together incomplete docs or navigating obscure error messages. Developer experience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a productivity multiplier. Tools that prioritize clear documentation, intuitive APIs, and robust error handling save you time and let you focus on building.
- Integration options: Modern projects rarely exist in isolation. You might need to connect your CMS to eCommerce platforms, analytics tools, or custom microservices. A CMS with limited integration capabilities will lock you into rigid workflows and create bottlenecks when your tech stack evolves. I’ve worked on projects where the CMS dictated which third-party services we could use, resulting in an inflexible system that cost us time and money.
- Content modeling: I’ve learned the hard way that poorly structured content models can create massive headaches down the road. If your CMS doesn’t allow you to model content around your app’s specific needs, you’ll end up with awkward workarounds or bloated, redundant data. A good CMS empowers you to design content structures that are easy to query, maintain, and extend.
- Collaboration: When working with teams, the CMS needs to support seamless collaboration. Without features like versioning or user roles, you’ll end up in situations where overwritten content or mismanaged permissions cause delays—or worse, break production systems. I’ve seen teams waste hours juggling shared spreadsheets and poorly integrated tools just to manage simple workflows. A CMS that streamlines collaboration saves time and reduces frustration.
- Cost and Maintenance: Free isn’t always free. Self-hosted, open-source CMSs might seem budget-friendly, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of maintenance, updates, and security. On the other hand, SaaS options can quickly get expensive at scale, especially if they charge based on API calls or user limits. I’ve been in situations where the “cheaper” option turned into a long-term liability because the maintenance demands ate into developer hours.
- Longevity: Finally, you have to think about the future. A CMS that doesn’t keep up with modern technologies or has an inactive community is a risk. I’ve worked with once cutting-edge tools that became outdated, leaving us scrambling to migrate to something else. Choosing a CMS with a strong track record of updates and community support reduces this risk.
Ultimately, the “best” CMS for developers depends on the context of your project. But the lessons are universal: prioritize tools that give you freedom, adapt to change, and help you stay efficient. Over time, you’ll thank yourself for the extra thought you put into this choice.
#Top 8 best CMS for developers in 2025
Having worked with many headless CMS platforms, I’ll share my experiences with some of the best. Whether you need flexibility, an all-in-one solution, or a mix, here are the top eight CMS platforms you should consider as a developer in 2025.
1. Hygraph
Hygraph is a standout in the world of headless CMSs. It offers a GraphQL-first approach that makes content management and delivery intuitive and powerful. Its API feels natural to use, even for developers new to GraphQL, as it mirrors the content structure you define.
This makes querying data seamless and self-explanatory, whether fetching multilingual blog posts or working with complex relationships between content types.
It works with any frontend, framework, or third-party solution, meaning you can build anything and integrate it with any tech stack. Some key Hygraph features include:
- GraphQL-first API for intuitive and powerful content querying and delivery
- Localization for seamless management of multi-language content with fallback support
- Advanced asset transformations to easily generate thumbnails and manipulate media at query time
- Polymorphic relations enabling flexible content modeling using GraphQL union types
- Content stages for managing draft and published versions with rollback options
- Extensibility through a growing app marketplace for seamless integrations
- Programmatic schema management for creating and modifying schemas via code with the Management SDK
Pros:
- Seamless GraphQL integration with intuitive naming conventions.
- Robust developer tooling and detailed documentation.
- Highly scalable for enterprise-grade applications.
Cons:
- Requires some familiarity with GraphQL for optimal use.
- Pricing can be steep for smaller teams or budget-conscious projects.
In my experience, Hygraph has redefined how I approach content management. Its GraphQL Content API feels intuitive, even for developers new to GraphQL, while providing immense power for more complex use cases. For a multilingual eCommerce platform I built, its ability to handle localized content effortlessly saved me hours of manual work. The developer experience (DX) is unparalleled, thanks to its self-documenting API and tools like the GraphQL Playground integrated directly into the Studio.
Hygraph offers a free Hobby plan for personal projects, including 2 locales, 3 seats, unlimited asset storage, and live preview features. The Growth plan, starting at $199/month, is designed for small businesses and offers more seats, increased limits, and email support. For enterprise needs, custom plans provide advanced features like SSO, multitenancy, custom limits, dedicated infrastructure, and 24/7 support tailored to mission-critical operations.
2. Strapi
Strapi is an open-source headless CMS that gives developers complete control over content models, APIs, and the overall project architecture. Designed to be self-hosted, Strapi offers unmatched flexibility for developers who want a fully customizable CMS while retaining ownership of their data.
Some key features include:
- Customizable content models to match unique project requirements
- Self-hosted for complete control over hosting and data privacy
- Automatic generation of REST and GraphQL APIs with customizable endpoints
- Built-in authentication and permissions system for user role management
- A plugin ecosystem to extend functionality with tools like media libraries and email providers
- Internationalization (i18n) for seamless multilingual content support
- Rich developer tools, including a CLI and comprehensive documentation library
Pros:
- Fully customizable and open-source.
- Strong community support with active development.
- Free to use with no vendor lock-in.
Cons:
- Self-hosting requires setup and ongoing maintenance.
- Limited out-of-the-box integrations compared to SaaS CMSs.
- Performance can vary based on your hosting infrastructure.
Strapi is open-source and free to use. Hosting and infrastructure costs depend on your chosen setup, such as AWS, Azure, or DigitalOcean. For businesses seeking additional support, Strapi Cloud offers managed hosting plans, with options like the $99/month plan for developers or the $499/month plan for larger needs, depending on your requirements.
3. Sanity
Sanity is a headless CMS that prioritizes collaboration and flexibility. Known for its real-time editing capabilities, it enables content teams and developers to work together seamlessly. Sanity’s structured content approach allows developers to build highly scalable and dynamic applications, focusing on APIs and extensibility.
Sanity’s key features include:
- Real-time collaboration for simultaneous content updates by multiple team members
- Structured content modeling for flexible and scalable schemas
- Customizable Sanity Studio, built on React, to tailor the interface to your needs
- Multiple API options, including REST, GROQ, and GraphQL for versatile querying
- Portable text format, giving developers full control over rich text presentation
- Built-in integrations with third-party tools like Slack, Shopify, and Google Analytics
- Edge-cached APIs for low latency and high global performance
Pros:
- Real-time collaboration for dynamic teams.
- Highly extensible and customizable.
- Excellent documentation and active community support.
- Scalable for projects with complex data requirements.
Cons:
- Pricing can escalate with higher usage or API calls.
- GROQ, while powerful, may have a learning curve for developers familiar with GraphQL.
Sanity offers a free plan with generous features, including access to its Studio and basic API usage. Paid plans start at $15/month, scaling based on API usage, custom datasets, and enterprise features.
4. Contentful
Contentful is a headless CMS designed for enterprise-grade projects and multi-platform content delivery. Its API-first approach ensures that content can be seamlessly delivered to websites, mobile apps, and other digital channels. Contentful’s emphasis on scalability and performance makes it a popular choice for large-scale applications.
Some key features of Contentful include:
- API-first architecture for delivering content via REST and GraphQL APIs
- Streamlined localization support for managing multilingual content
- Flexible content modeling for defining and structuring complex content types
- Efficient rich media management for handling images, videos, and other assets
- Webhooks and seamless integrations with tools like Slack, Netlify, and analytics platforms
- Global CDN for low latency and high availability in content delivery
- Enterprise-grade features such as advanced role-based permissions and audit logs for large teams
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade scalability and reliability.
- Strong API performance with excellent documentation.
- Powerful localization and media management features.
- Supports integration with a wide array of third-party services.
Cons:
- Expensive for smaller teams or budget-conscious projects.
- Some features, like advanced roles and workflows, are locked behind higher-tier plans.
- Content modeling can feel rigid compared to open-source alternatives.
Contentful is best suited for large-scale or enterprise-level projects that demand robust localization, global scalability, and seamless multi-channel content delivery. It’s a great fit for eCommerce platforms, global brands, and media-rich applications. Pricing starts with a free plan for 10 users, while paid plans begin at $300/month, scaling to custom enterprise options with unlimited API calls and advanced security features.
5. Storyblok
Storyblok is a hybrid headless CMS that combines the flexibility of headless architecture with a user-friendly visual editor. It empowers developers to create modern, API-driven applications while enabling content teams to manage content visually. Storyblok’s unique block-based approach to content structuring makes it highly reusable and scalable.
Some key features include:
- Visual editor for an intuitive content management experience combined with headless CMS power
- Component-based content modeling for creating reusable and scalable content blocks
- API-first approach with REST and GraphQL APIs for flexible content delivery
- Built-in multilingual support for managing localized content efficiently
- Extensibility through a growing app marketplace and webhook support for integrations
- Collaboration tools, including workflows, role-based permissions, and versioning for seamless team projects
Pros:
- Reusable content blocks reduce redundancy and streamline development.
- Strong support for multilingual projects.
- Easy integration with modern frontend frameworks like Nuxt.js, React, and Angular.
Cons:
- The proprietary interface may feel limiting for developerswho are used to fully custom solutions.
- Some advanced features require higher-tier plans.
Storyblok is ideal for teams working on projects where both developers and content managers need to collaborate effectively. It’s a great choice for agencies, eCommerce platforms, and multi-language websites that require structured content and a user-friendly editing experience.
They offer a free Community plan for small projects with one user seat included. Paid plans start at €99/month (Entry plan) with five user seats, 500GB traffic, and advanced features. The Business plan, at €849/month, scales to 20 user seats and 1TB of traffic. Custom Enterprise plans are available for large-scale needs with SSO and tailored limits.
6. Craft CMS
Craft CMS is a highly customizable CMS that blends the flexibility of headless CMSs with the familiarity of traditional platforms. Built on PHP, it offers developers granular control over their projects, making it an excellent choice for bespoke websites and applications. Its user-friendly interface and powerful templating engine make it appealing for both developers and content managers.
Some key features of Craft CMS include:
- Customizable content models to tailor your CMS to your project’s unique needs
- Powerful templating with Twig for building dynamic, custom designs
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for adding functionality and integrations
- Matrix field for modular content creation and flexibility
- Headless mode to use Craft CMS as a backend-only solution for API-driven projects
- Built-in localization support for managing multilingual and localized content
- Strong developer community with active forums and resources for support and inspiration
Pros:
- Intuitive interface for content managers.
- Strong plugin ecosystem to extend functionality.
- Ideal for developers comfortable with PHP.
Cons:
- Requires PHP knowledge, which might not suit all teams.
- Less scalable for large-scale, headless applications compared to dedicated headless CMSs.
- Paid licensing may deter budget-conscious projects.
Craft CMS is perfect for developers building custom websites or applications that require a tailored approach to content and design. It’s an excellent choice for creative agencies, designers, and teams looking for a balance of flexibility and user-friendly tools.
Craft CMS offers a free Solo plan for personal projects or small-scale websites, including features like advanced previewing and multi-site localization. Paid plans start at $279/project (Team plan) for up to five users, while the Pro plan at $399/project provides unlimited users and advanced branding options. Updates for paid plans cost $99/year after the first year. Enterprise pricing is custom and includes premium support, SSO, and tailored licensing agreements.
7. WordPress
WordPress is the world’s most popular CMS, powering over 40% of websites globally. Traditionally known as a monolithic CMS, it has evolved to support modern headless setups via REST and GraphQL APIs. WordPress offers unparalleled flexibility with its vast library of plugins and themes, making it a go-to solution for projects ranging from blogs to enterprise applications.
Key features of WordPress include:
- Flexible content management for everything from simple blogs to complex websites
- REST and GraphQL APIs for enabling modern headless CMS setups
- Extensive plugin ecosystem with over 58,000 options for extending functionality
- Custom themes and templates for creating tailored designs and layouts
- Multisite support for managing multiple sites within a single installation
- A massive community offering tutorials, forums, and third-party integrations for support and inspiration
Pros:
- Extremely versatile with plugins and themes for almost any use case.
- Large, active community for support and troubleshooting.
- Headless capabilities enable integration with modern frameworks.
- Free to use with open-source flexibility.
Cons:
- Legacy architecture can lead to performance challenges.
- Plugins can cause conflicts and require regular updates.
- Security vulnerabilities if not properly maintained.
WordPress is ideal for developers seeking a familiar platform with a vast ecosystem or those looking to implement a hybrid headless CMS. It’s great for small blogs, eCommerce sites, and medium-scale projects where quick setup and flexibility are key.
WordPress itself is free and open-source, but costs can arise from hosting, premium themes, and plugins. Managed hosting options like WordPress.com start at $25/month for advanced features, while self-hosting costs depend on the provider and setup.
8. Joomla
Joomla is a solid choice when you need a middle ground between WordPress and more developer-centric CMSs. It is a long-standing open-source CMS known for its flexibility and robust multilingual support. It offers a balance between simplicity and advanced customization, making it a versatile choice for developers working on community-driven websites, eCommerce platforms, or multi-language projects.
Its key features include:
- Built-in multilingual support for managing content in multiple languages
- Modular architecture with extensions, plugins, and templates for extensive customization
- Advanced access control with granular user management permissions
- SEO-friendly features for optimizing content for search engines
- Active community and forums providing robust support and resources
- Compatibility with popular e-commerce extensions like VirtueMart for online stores
Pros:
- Highly customizable with a range of extensions and templates.
- Strong access control and user role management.
- Open-source with no licensing costs.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to WordPress.
- Fewer plugins and integrations compared to more popular CMSs.
- Updates and maintenance can be time-intensive.
Joomla is best suited for developers building community-focused websites, multilingual platforms, or eCommerce applications that require advanced user management and custom workflows.
Joomla is free and open-source, but costs may arise from hosting, premium templates, and extensions. Hosting plans typically start at around $5–$10/month, depending on the provider.
#Conclusion
Choosing the right CMS as a developer is not just about picking a tool—it’s about finding a platform that aligns with your workflow, scales with your project’s growth, and empowers you to build efficiently.
Each CMS on this list has unique strengths, but if you’re looking for a GraphQL-first CMS that redefines how content is managed, Hygraph leads the pack with its robust features and forward-thinking approach.
Ready to see how Hygraph can transform your development experience? Request a demo today and explore the possibilities firsthand.
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