BCMS Logo

Looking for a Magnolia alternative?

Try BCMS. Build faster, manage content smarter without the bloat.

BCMS vs Magnolia: Headless CMS comparison

  • Key features
    Magnolia
    BCMS

  • Content modeling

    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • Multisite & localization

    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • Visual modeling (no config files)

    Requires YAML / Java modules
    BCMS includes this

  • Marketing modules

    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS doesn't include this

  • Global search

    Magnolia doesn't include this
    BCMS includes this

  •  Automatic TypeScript types

    Magnolia doesn't include this
    BCMS includes this

  • Built-in serverless functions

    Magnolia doesn't include this
    BCMS includes this

  • Widgets embedded in free text

    Magnolia doesn't include this
    BCMS includes this

  • Nested folders

    Magnolia doesn't include this
    BCMS includes this

  • Starter projects included

    Magnolia doesn't include this
    BCMS includes this

  • Granular permissions

    Magnolia doesn't include this
    BCMS includes this

8 things BCMS can do as a Magnolia alternative

This is what BCMS does better:

  • Visual modeling (no config files)

    • BCMS: Create content models and templates visually in the dashboard, no YAML or Java configuration required.

    • Magnolia: Relies on backend modules and configuration files to define models and structures.

  • Global search

    • BCMS: One global search across templates, entries, and media.

    • Magnolia: Enterprise search exists, but it’s scoped more to content and federated sources, not all CMS entities in one view.

  • Built-in serverless functions

    • BCMS: Run custom serverless functions directly inside the CMS.

    • Magnolia: Custom logic requires building Java modules or external services.

  • Automatic TypeScript support

    • BCMS: Auto-generates TypeScript definitions for templates, entries, and widgets.

    • Magnolia: No built-in type generation for developers.

  • Starter projects

    • BCMS: Ships with starter kits for Next.js, Nuxt, Astro, Svelte, and more.

    • Magnolia: Provides examples and modules but not ready-made starter projects.

  • Widgets embedded in free text

    • BCMS: Insert structured widgets (embeds, galleries, custom blocks) directly into rich text flows.

    • Magnolia: Uses components and WYSIWYG, but not arbitrary widget embedding inside text fields.

  • Nested folder structures

    • BCMS: Organize both entries and media in nested folders.

    • Magnolia: Provides content trees, but not fully flexible nested foldering for all media and content entities.

  • Granular permissions

    • BCMS: Fine-grained access control at the field, entry, and action level.

    • Magnolia: Roles and permissions exist, but not with the same granularity.

Summary: 8 Things BCMS can do better than Magnoli

BCMS offers a streamlined, headless-first experience that prioritizes speed, collaboration, and developer tools, including visual modeling, global search, serverless functions, automatic TypeScript typing, widget embedding, nested folders, starter projects, and granular permissions. For teams prioritizing simplicity and flexibility over heavy enterprise modules, BCMS is a powerful Magnolia alternative.

It takes a minute to start using BCMS

Start free with GitHub
Start free with Google
Gradient

BCMS vs Magnolia: Complete feature comparison

Editor experience

  • Key features
    Magnolia
    BCMS
    Compare more

  • Multilingual Dashboard

    The CMS supports multiple languages for a globally accessible interface.
    Only for "Magnolia users"
    BCMS doesn't include this

  • Multilanguage Content

    Create and manage content in multiple languages for global audiences.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • Scheduling & Releases

    Schedule content to publish automatically at a chosen date and time.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS doesn't include this

  • Content Versioning

    Track and manage content changes with the ability to revert to earlier versions.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • Autosave

    Changes are saved automatically to prevent data loss from unexpected issues.
    Magnolia doesn't include this
    BCMS doesn't include this

  • Preview Content

    View content as it will appear live before publishing
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS doesn't include this

  • Multiple Environments

    Manage content across development, staging, and production to safely test before going live.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • Workflow

    Define approval steps for content: writers submit, editors review, and only approved content gets published.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS doesn't include this

  • Customizable UI

    Customization of CMS interface to fit your brand and specific workflow requirements.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS doesn't include this
Source: www.bejamas.com

BCMS vs Magnolia: Complete feature comparison

Team Management

  • Key features
    Magnolia
    BCMS
    Compare more

  • User Roles

    Predefined roles (like admin, editor, viewer) with specific permissions.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • Custom User Roles

    Define user roles with custom permissions to fit your organization’s requirements.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • Organization Management

    Manage user groups and control access levels across your CMS.
    N/A
    BCMS includes this
Source: www.bejamas.com

BCMS vs Magnolia: Complete feature comparison

DEV experience

  • Key features
    Magnolia
    BCMS
    Compare more

  • REST API

    Interact with the CMS using standard HTTP requests following REST principles.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • GraphQL API

    Fetch precisely the data you need with a flexible and efficient GraphQL interface.
    Available as a module in the marketplace
    BCMS doesn't include this

  • Images API

    Upload, process, and retrieve images through a dedicated API for media management.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • Content Management API

    API for managing content, including creating, updating, and deleting content items.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • Field Types

    Different types of data fields available for content, such as text, number, date, media, etc.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • Custom Field Types

    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS doesn't include this

  • Webhooks

    Send real-time updates to other systems when events like content publishing occur.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • CLI

    Command Line Interface tools that allow developers to perform tasks and manage the tool via the command line.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • SDK

    Developer tools and code snippets to easily integrate the CMS into your project.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this
Source: www.bejamas.com

BCMS vs Magnolia: Complete feature comparison

Free tier

  • Key features
    Magnolia
    BCMS
    Compare more

  • Free Plan Available

    Try the CMS with a free plan that includes limited features.
    N/A
    Free trial

  • Team Members

    The number of users (team members) that can be added to the CMS.
    N/A
    2

  • Locales

    The number of different languages and regional settings the CMS supports for content creation and management.
    N/A
    Unlimited

  • Projects

    Support for managing multiple projects within the same CMS account.
    N/A
    BCMS includes this
Source: www.bejamas.com

BCMS vs Magnolia: Complete feature comparison

Security & Compliance

  • Key features
    Magnolia
    BCMS
    Compare more

  • Two-factor authentication

    N/A
    BCMS doesn't include this

  • Team Logs

    Monitor user actions in the CMS to maintain visibility and accountability.
    N/A
    BCMS includes this

  • GDPR

    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this

  • SOC2

    N/A
    BCMS doesn't include this

  • ISO27001

    Magnolia doesn't include this
    BCMS doesn't include this
Source: www.bejamas.com

BCMS vs Magnolia: Complete feature comparison

Other

  • Key features
    Magnolia
    BCMS

  • Extensions

    Additional plugins or add-ons that can enhance the functionality of the platform.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS doesn't include this

  • Built-in Backups & Restore

    Features that automatically back up content and settings, allowing easy restoration in case of data loss.
    Magnolia includes this
    BCMS includes this
Source: www.bejamas.com

It's time...

It takes a minute to start using BCMS

Start free with GitHub
Start free with Google
Gradient

What you should know about Magnolia CMS

Quick answers to the most common questions about Magnolia CMS, explained simply.

What is Magnolia CMS?

Magnolia CMS is an open-source Java-based content management system. Magnolia offers a low-code, file-based configuration system, making it easy to build and deploy complex digital experiences without heavy coding.

What are Magnolia CMS modules?

Magnolia uses a modular architecture, where each feature or function is represented as a module.

  • Maven Modules: built in Java for complex backend features.

  • Light Modules: file-based and written in YAML, perfect for Jamstack and front-end developers.

Is Magnolia CMS free?

Magnolia offers two pricing plans:

  1. Community Edition: Free and open source.

  2. DX Core (Enterprise Edition): Custom-priced for enterprises.

Magnolia CMS pros and cons?

Pros:

  • Customizable layout and modular architecture

  • Built-in multilingual and multi-site management

Cons:

  • Initial setup can be time-consuming

  • Complex layout for non-technical users

  • Enterprise features are behind a custom pricing wall

It takes a minute to start using BCMS

Start free with GitHub
Start free with Google
Gradient
Start free with GitHub
Start free with Google