While Drupal and WordPress are both types of content management systems (CMS), they differ in terms of functionality and the services they’re able to provide users.
Both platforms allow for the creation of websites for a variety of different purposes, but one of the main distinctions that sets them apart of who they’re ideal for and what their usability is like.
If you’re looking to build a website, whether you’re a developer not wanting to go the HTML route or an amateur hoping to get it done in-house, using a platform like Drupal or WordPress can be the way to go. Not only does it allow you to create a site that is professional and offers exceptional functionality, but it also functions as a full CMS for extended usage.
So, let’s break down the main features of both platforms so that you can decide which one best suits your needs, capabilities and preferences.
Comparing Drupal and WordPress at a Glance
While both are open-source platforms that provide pretty decent content management systems, these two platforms are designed with different types of users in mind.
The general feeling is that WordPress is ideal for businesses that are looking to set up a fairly simple yet functional website themselves without spending an arm and a leg or needing serious technical ability.
Drupal, on the other hand, is great for businesses that are committed to building a website with more extended, complex capabilities, although this tends to require a bit more expertise and know-how.
Drupal Vs. WordPress: A Direct Comparison
It’s easy to say that one platform is better than another for a general reason, but there’s a lot more that goes into it than just a single feature.
Here are some specific features and considerations that set Drupal and WordPress apart, making one ideal for some users and the other better for different types of users.
SEO Tools
SEO tools are becoming an increasingly important tools for these types of CMS platforms, so it’s no surprise that you’ll have access to SEO tools with both.
WordPress has SEO tools built into its offerings, so users can access the tools quickly and easily without any fuss.
With Drupal, users can also make use of SEO tools, but they’ll need to purchase an add-on via PathAuto to do so.
Options for E-Commerce
The one thing that both platforms provide users in a fairly similar way is e-commerce services that can be used by all types of businesses.
WordPress has a full rage of built-in e-commerce services via WooCommerce that allow business to build online stores, add products and install additional e-commerce plugins to boost the site’s capabilities.
WordPress also makes it easy to collect payments via subscriptions by means of automated payments, credit/debit payments or one-click payments.
Drupal also allows website users to develop e-commerce sites, and it provides access to a set of core features, including different order types, a dynamic range of products, a variety of fun types of offers, order management services and a solid payment system.
Templates and Themes
Generally speaking, WordPress is known for giving users access to loads of templates and customisable themes that are super easy to use and can help amateurs create really professional-looking websites. The platform offers both free and paid options, and users can also choose to purchase plugins to extend features.
Drupal is quite different in the sense that it doesn’t have the same type of variety of ready-made themes of third-party page builders, so it can be a bit more difficult to get started. Normally, users will need a developer to help them get started.
Indeed, both platforms allow for the development of really great looking websites, but Drupal is more about doing it from scratch and WordPress makes it a bit easier.
Customer Support
Drupal’s customer support is very limited, and users find that they’re most likely to receive assistance via forums.
Meanwhile, WordPress has an active and dedicated customer service channel that provides assistance 24/7. In addition, there are also loads of forums available to users.
Blogging Capabilities
Both Drupal and WordPress provide blogging capabilities, but WordPress includes a whole lot of extra features the Drupal doesn’t – ultimately, Drupal’s blogging features are quite simple.
WordPress, in addition to allowing users to do basic blogging tasks, allows users to make use of things like categories, post scheduling, comment moderation, tagging and more.
Cost
Drupal is a free, open-source platform that has been designed and built by a committed community. WordPress, on the other hand, offers a few options. It has a free service as well as a paid service, depending on what you need, and on top of that, users can also purchase plugins if they need more.
Drupal or WordPress?
As with any platform or CMS in particular, it all comes down to the individual or business in question – what you’re looking for, what your capabilities are, how much you’re happy to spend and more.
