One of the biggest issues for new bloggers today is choosing the right CMS platform. There are numerous CMS options (content management software), and WordPress and Joomla are the top choices.
Both are excellent for developers and professionals but cater to different needs and skill levels. For example, a beginner may not find one of the platforms easy to use, and that’s why I’m here to help all newbies starting their blogging journey.
I’ll review both platforms from the users’ point of view and share which platform is the best and most user-friendly. Let’s dive into the discussion of Joomla Vs WordPress!
Joomla Vs WordPress – An Overview
WordPress and Joomla are open-source content management platforms. WordPress was released in May 2003, and Joomla in September 2005. Each platform offers unique features designed for different needs and skill levels.
In my experience, WordPress is easier to use because of its extensive plugin library and simple interface, making it a top choice for beginners. Joomla is also a good choice; it offers extensions and modules, but it’s not easy to use, especially when customizing the pages.
Furthermore, Joomla’s library is not as vast as WordPress’s, and the community is small. Still, both are good options; you need to understand which one meets your requirements.
For example, Joomla is the go-to choice if you’re looking for a platform that lets users use different templates on one site, not just one theme. While WordPress is the best option for individuals looking to create a website with free plugins and themes, as it has an extensive library.
| Why Should You Use Joomla? | Why Should You Use WordPress? |
| Comes with extensions and modules Built-In multilingual support Allows the customization of the site Good security and customer support | User-friendly interfaceExtensive plugin library Large community support Allows you to customize the site easily Secure platform |
Quick Comparison of Joomla and WordPress Features
| Features | Joomla | WordPress |
| Ease of Use & Set Up | Easy-to-use dashboard but requires some training to understand the features. | User-friendly, with drag-and-drop features and real-time editing. Easy theme and plugin installation from the dashboard. |
| Customization Features | Good with 8000 extensions and modules, but less variety compared to WordPress. | It has a big library with over 59,000 free plugins, including various customization tools and builders like Elementor. |
| Security Features | Regular updates and security extensions. | Excellent in terms of updates and security plugins. |
| Customer Support | Good support with documentation, forums, and chat, but it has a smaller community compared to WordPress. | Excellent support with a large community, extensive documentation, forums, and numerous unofficial help groups. |
| Cost | Free platform; additional costs for hosting, domain, themes, and maintenance. | Free platform; additional costs for hosting, domain, themes, and maintenance. |
Joomla Vs. WordPress – Detailed Comparison!
Below, I’ll compare the features of Joomla and WordPress in detail. Make sure to read the comparison carefully. You can skip to the comparison table (in case you’re in a hurry) and check the differences quickly.
1. Ease of Use & Set Up
Setting up WordPress and Joomla is easy. Many hosting providers, such as Hostinger, offer 1-click installation for both platforms, making the setup process much more manageable.
However, regarding user-friendliness, I think WordPress is a winner. It has a simple dashboard and an easy way to create content. The drag-and-drop builder and real-time editing features make the work easy for non-technical users.
You can also download a free theme from the WordPress dashboard, which isn’t possible with Joomla.
In Joomla, you first need to download the theme and then upload it to the “extension” section in the setting. But there’s also a positive side: Joomla allows you to use multiple templates on your site. While WordPress only lets you stick with one theme.
2. Customization Features
WordPress and Joomla are both good for customization. WordPress has over 59,000 free plugins in the library for almost all tasks, such as SEO or customizing websites with editors like Elementor, Beaver Builder, and more.
Joomla is also quite capable, offering a wide range of extensions (8000 extensions) and different modules. However, WordPress takes the lead in terms of variety and ease of use. Its vast plugin ecosystem allows users to add functionality to their site with just a few clicks.
With WordPress’s built-in editor, you can change anything on the page by just clicking on the “customize” option. It lets you click on the text on the page and change it according to the requirements. In contrast, Joomla provides a sidebar for editing the page content and design.
3. Security Features
In terms of security, Joomla and WordPress are almost the same.
Both platforms are regularly updated to address vulnerabilities and offer countless security plugins and extensions for protection. But remember, the overall security of your site depends on several factors beyond the platform you choose.
Maintaining your site correctly and using reliable hosting services and installing only safe plugins, themes, and extensions are essential. These aspects play a significant role in keeping the website safe.
4. eCommerce Support
Both WordPress and Joomla offer eCommerce solutions. WordPress users typically rely on WooCommerce, a powerful plugin, and Joomla also has VirtueMart and HikaShop. They’re feature-rich plugins and extensions.
However, I think Joomla requires more technical know-how to set up an online store, making WordPress a winner.
5. Customer Support
Considering the official support Joomla and WordPress provide, they’re equally good. They offer documentation, help desks, chat support, and forums.
However, WordPress is a winner due to its larger community. You can easily find help from the official site and numerous unofficial groups (that are too many).
In this regard, Joomla has a smaller community, and you may not be able to find good resources to get help other than the official support team.
Joomla Vs WordPress – Differences In Costs
The Joomla and WordPress platforms are entirely free, but there are costs associated with creating a website. For example, you may have to invest in hosting, domain, premium themes, security plugins, and ongoing maintenance.
In short, the total cost will depend on your website’s specific needs. If you’re starting a simple blog, you can start with free themes and plugins available for WordPress and Joomla.
But as your site grows or you need more advanced features, you might need to invest in premium themes, plugins, or other services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do people still use Joomla?
Yes, many individuals still use Joomla for its flexibility and advanced features. It has around 100 million downloads, which shows its popularity and trust among website creators.
What are the disadvantages of Joomla?
Here are some of the disadvantages of Joomla:
- Not user-friendly for beginners
- Offers limited extension options
- Has a smaller user community
Is Joomla suitable for beginners?
Beginners can use Joomla, but as per my experience, it’s less beginner-friendly than WordPress. It requires more technical knowledge, making it better suited for users with some experience.
Final Words
Joomla Vs WordPress, both platforms are good, but it’s important to understand our specific needs and skill levels before choosing one. Take your time to think it through and choose the one that fits your needs best.
WordPress is likely the better option if you value ease of use, an extensive library of plugins and themes, and a large community. In contrast, Joomla is the best choice if you’re not afraid of using advanced features with a small library of extensions and modules.
