10 Content Management System Tools for every kind of project

Ever launched a website only to realize halfway through that your CMS is holding you back? You’re not alone. Picking the proper content management system tools (CMS) is like choosing the right car engine, it must match your project’s size, speed, and destination. A blog for your bakery? A global eCommerce store? A developer-focused SaaS platform? Each demands a different tool.

That’s why I’ve tested a lot of popular CMS platforms for this guide - no jargon, no fluff. You’ll find everything here: old-school website builders your marketing team will love, headless content management systems like BCMS that developers swear by for Svelte and Astro projects, and even AI-powered tools like Framer for whipping up landing pages in minutes.

The goal? The goal is to help you skip the guesswork. Whether you’re a startup founder, a freelance designer, or an enterprise developer, there’s a CMS here that’ll feel like it was built just for you. After testing 20+ CMS tools for client projects, here are the 10 that stood out.

Let’s cut to the chase, no two projects are the same, and neither are these CMS tools. Below, I will unpack 10 platforms, from no-code classics to headless powerhouses, so you can find your perfect match.

Here's the complete content management system tools list with key features:

The granddaddy of CMS platforms, WordPress powers over 40% of the web. It’s open-source, endlessly customizable, and perfect for anyone who loves plugins (there are over 60,000 of them).

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Weaknesses:

Learn more at: Why developers love to hate WordPress

Best for: Business websites, blogs, and anyone who wants total control without coding.

Imagine Figma and WordPress had a baby. Webflow’s visual editor lets you design responsive sites pixel-perfectly with no code required.

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Best for: Designers and marketers who want agency-quality sites without developers.

The “I just need a website yesterday” tool. Wix’s drag-and-drop editor is so simple that even a baby could build a site (I think so, but you get the point).

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Best for: Small businesses, community sites, and side hustles.

If Apple made a CMS, it’d be Squarespace. Sleek templates, intuitive editing, and a vibe that screams “I have my life together”.

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Best for: Creatives, bloggers, and anyone prioritizing looks over code

Quirky, artsy, and unapologetically niche. Cargo is where designers go to build portfolios that don’t look like everyone else’s.

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Best for: Freelancers, photographers, and anyone allergic to generic templates.

A headless content management system built for devs who love Svelte, Astro, and modern stacks. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife for SaaS and startup projects.

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Best for: Startups, enterprise apps, and teams that want to “build it their way.”

Shopify’s headless content management system for brands ready to ditch cookie-cutter storefronts. Built for developers who want to customize every pixel of a shopping experience.

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A self-hosted headless CMS software for devs who hate vendor lock-in. Strapi is like the rebellious sibling of WordPress: open source, self-hosted, and 100% customizable. It lets you own your codebase and connect it to literally anything.

Strengths:

Weakness: It is self-hosting.

Best for: Budget-conscious teams building custom apps or APIs.

Let an AI design your site? Framer’s AI tools generate copy, layouts, and even animation which is perfect for marketers in a hurry.

Strengths:

Weakness: It feels “generic” if you don’t tweak the AI’s output.

How to use AI in your favor, check out here: How to outsmart AI as a developer: Tricks & tips to win 

Best for: Launching MVP landing pages or testing campaign ideas.

I am mentioning BCMS twice because it’s a beast. BCMS also dominates enterprise projects, think Fortune 500 companies that need bulletproof security and universal compatibility for frontend frameworks.

Strengths:

Weaknesses: You’ll want a dedicated developer to tame its power.

Best for: Enterprise platforms and scaling startups that outgrow WordPress.

Not all CMS platforms are created equal, and that’s a good thing. The key is matching the tool to your project’s unique needs. Below, I’ve paired each CMS with the scenarios where it truly shines.

Here are some of the most common CMS use cases:

WordPress is the Swiss Army knife of CMS tools. With its endless plugins (like WooCommerce for shops) and beginner-friendly editor, it’s perfect for businesses that need a reliable, content-heavy site. Think local restaurants, consulting firms, or blogs that plan to scale.

If you’re building an online store but want to ditch the cookie-cutter template look, Shopify Hydrogen combines Shopify’s e-commerce muscle with headless flexibility. Developers love it for crafting custom storefronts that load at lightning speed.

Cargo is the CMS equivalent of a minimalist art gallery. Its bold, grid-free templates let photographers, illustrators, and designers showcase work without distractions. Bonus: No coding skills are required.

Startups move fast, and BCMS keeps up. Built for modern frameworks like Next and Astro, it’s a developer’s dream for building landing pages, dashboards, or web apps. Plus, its API-first approach scales as your startup grows into an enterprise (more on that below).

Wix isn’t just for small business websites. Its built-in membership tools, forums, and payment integrations make it a sneaky-good choice for niche communities: think yoga studios, book clubs, or Patreon-style subscription hubs.

Yes, BCMS makes the list twice, because it’s that versatile. Enterprises juggle complex tech stacks and security needs, and BCMS delivers with granular permissions, multi-team collaboration, and compatibility with modern frameworks like React or Vue.

Strapi is the DIYer’s CMS. Open-source and self-hosted, it’s ideal for developers who want full control over their codebase. Use it for niche projects like IoT dashboards or custom API-driven apps.

Need a landing page yesterday? Framer AI’s drag-and-drop editor and AI-generated copy help you brainstorm, design, and publish in hours—no developer required.

Squarespace’s sleek templates and built-in SEO tools make it a no-brainer for bloggers, influencers, or brands that prioritize aesthetics. Just avoid it if you need heavy customization.

Webflow is Figma’s cousin turned CMS. Designers adore its pixel-perfect control over animations and layouts. Use it for marketing sites, interactive portfolios, or prototypes that need to feel “real.”

Choosing a CMS isn’t about finding the “best” tool, it’s about finding the right one. A photographer’s portfolio has wildly different needs than a Fortune 500 company’s app, and that’s okay.

The beauty of today’s CMS landscape is that there’s a perfect fit for every project, whether you’re coding in React, dragging-and-dropping with no-code tools, or letting AI brainstorm your landing page copy.

Before committing, ask yourself:

Who’s using this? Developers, marketers, or both?

Where’s your content going? One website, ten apps, or a smart fridge?

How fast do you need to move? Launch tomorrow or build a decade-proof platform?

And if your site is more than just a blog, say, a full-blown content hub, make sure your CMS supports structured content and multi-channel delivery.

Tools like BCMS (for startups and enterprises craving modern tech stacks) or WordPress (for businesses that need simplicity) exist to solve specific problems - not to be everything to everyone. So ditch the FOMO, pick the CMS that aligns with your project’s DNA, and start creating.

P.S. If you’re building with Svelte, Astro, or another modern framework, give BCMS a try. Its developer-first approach might just save your team hundreds of coffee-fueled hours.

Bookmark this guide for your next project - your future self will thank you.