Side by side
DNN vs LocomotiveCMS
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 Self-hostedWebWindows
DNN combines site management, editorial workflows, and extensibility for Microsoft-stack environments. Check its hosting requirements and analytics limitation before choosing it.
Visit DNN Free plan APILinuxMac+3
LocomotiveCMS combines developer tooling with an editor-focused back office, reusable sections, and custom content modeling. Its free tier and monthly paid plans cover different hosting limits, while self-hosting remains an option.
Visit LocomotiveCMSThe facts
| DNN | LocomotiveCMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted, Web, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Personal: $19 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Maker | DNN | Not published |
| Website | dnncommunity.org | locomotivecms.com |
| On content management systems | #34 of 165 | #30 of 165 |
DNN: what it does well
- Free, open-source platform under the MIT License.
- Supports multilingual localization and editorial approvals.
- Runs multiple sites on one host.
- Provides page- and module-level permissions.
- APIs and extension points support custom modules and themes.
What to know first
- DNN Platform 10 requires Windows with IIS.
- Requires .NET Framework 4.8 or later and SQL Server or Azure SQL.
- No built-in analytics solution; extensions are needed.
LocomotiveCMS: what it does well
- MIT license permits modification and resale
- Reusable sections support flexible page building
- Custom content types need no SQL
- Built-in multilingual and SEO tools
- Free plan available
What to know first
- Free accounts use a locomotive.works subdomain path
- Paid plans limit sites, storage, and pageviews
Alternatives to DNN Alternatives to LocomotiveCMS The whole list