Head-to-head · Content Management Systems
DNN vs Concrete CMS
DNN leads on 0 checks, Concrete CMS on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreDNN · 4.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresDNN · 6 of 6
DNN scores higher on our rubric for content management systems: 4.4 against 4.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #45 and #49.
On platform type, Concrete CMS gives you Hybrid where DNN offers Self_hosted.
DNN is the better fit for windows-based multisite and portal publishing. Concrete CMS is the better fit for visual editing for small-to-midsize sites.
- DNN fits best
Windows-based multisite and portal publishing
- Concrete CMS fits best
Visual editing for small-to-midsize sites
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | DNN 4.4/10 Visit ↗ | Concrete CMS 4.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 4.4 | 4.0 |
| Ranking | #45 in Content Management Systems | #49 in Content Management Systems |
| Best for | Windows-based multisite and portal publishing | Visual editing for small-to-midsize sites |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features DNN 6/6 · Concrete CMS 5/6 | ||
| Editorial workflows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom user roles | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Multilingual content | ✓ | ✓ |
| SEO tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Media library | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom content types | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platform type | Self_hosted | Hybrid |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | DNN Platform is an open-source content management system for websites, intranets, member portals, multisite networks, and data-driven web applications. It is designed for site administrators, content editors, developers, and designers… Read the review → |
Concrete CMS is a web content management system for creating, editing, organizing, and publishing websites. It is aimed at site owners, content teams, agencies, and developers who need visual editing alongside structured content… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
DNN — where it wins
- Free open-source platform with inline editing and workflows
- Granular permissions, localization, versioning, and content rollback
- Multi-site management with digital assets, search, modules, and APIs
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires platform administration
- Its platform focus centers on Microsoft technologies
- Extensible modules and APIs may require developer involvement
Concrete CMS — where it wins
- In-context editing with drag-and-drop reusable blocks
- Structured page types, permissions, approvals, and multilingual content
- Free, MIT-licensed self-hosted CMS with optional managed hosting
Where it doesn't
- Integration coverage is limited to popular CRMs
- Starter includes one site editor
- Advanced custom codebase support requires the Custom SLA plan
- DNN4.4/10 · Free plan
A free, self-hosted CMS for Windows-based multisite and portal publishing.
Visit DNNFull verdict → - Concrete CMS4.0/10 · Free plan
A flexible CMS for teams that need visual editing plus structured content controls.
Visit Concrete CMSFull verdict →
All content management systems comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update