Side by side
Contao vs Drupal
Both stand on content management systems. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
Contao offers a broad set of publishing, access-control and search tools for self-hosted websites. Check the server requirements before choosing it, and consider whether community or partner support fits your needs.
Visit Contao Free plan APILinuxMac+3
Drupal CMS provides a ready-to-use starting point with content tools and room for extension. It requires self-hosting and technical setup, and users should account for its update model after installation.
Visit DrupalThe facts
| Contao | Drupal | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Contao | Drupal |
| Website | contao.org | drupal.org |
| On content management systems | #10 of 165 | #6 of 165 |
Contao: what it does well
- One installation can run multiple websites.
- Includes editorial workflows and custom user roles.
- Core includes calendar, news, blog and newsletter modules.
- Offers passkeys or two-factor authentication.
- Community forum support is free.
What to know first
- Requires a web server with current PHP and MySQL.
- Documentation recommends PHP 8.4 or later.
- Long-term support versions receive four years of support.
Drupal: what it does well
- Free open-source software with no licensing fees
- Includes media management and SEO tools
- Supports multilingual content and editorial workflows
- Thousands of modules, themes, and distributions
- Temporary browser-based trial sites are available
What to know first
- Self-hosting and technical setup are required
- Windows is not supported for production hosting
- Drupal CMS itself is not updated after setup
Alternatives to Contao Alternatives to Drupal The whole list