Head-to-head · Content Management Systems
DNN vs Neos CMS
DNN leads on 0 checks, Neos 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
DNN scores higher on our rubric for content management systems: 4.4 against 4.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #45 and #47.
DNN is the better fit for windows-based multisite and portal publishing. Neos CMS is the better fit for visual, multilingual multi-site publishing.
- DNN fits best
Windows-based multisite and portal publishing
- Neos CMS fits best
Visual, multilingual multi-site publishing
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Side by side
| Feature | DNN 4.4/10 Visit ↗ | Neos CMS 4.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Ranking | #45 in Content Management Systems | #47 in Content Management Systems |
| Best for | Windows-based multisite and portal publishing | Visual, multilingual multi-site publishing |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted, Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, Windows | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs | Email, Live chat, Community, Tickets |
| Integrations | 2 integrations | 13 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features DNN 6/6 · Neos CMS 6/6 | ||
| Editorial workflows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom user roles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multilingual content | ✓ | ✓ |
| SEO tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Media library | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom content types | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platform type | Self_hosted | Self_hosted |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
Neos CMS is a free, GPL-licensed, open-source content application platform for website owners, editors, and developers. It is designed for teams that need visual inline editing alongside structured custom content elements, multilingual… 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
Neos CMS — where it wins
- Inline visual editing directly on published website pages
- Multilingual dimensions, fallbacks, translations, and review workspaces
- One installation can manage multiple websites and domains
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires a web server and SQL database
- Smaller integration ecosystem than leading CMS platforms
- Hosting, implementation, and support are handled separately
- DNN4.4/10 · Free plan
A free, self-hosted CMS for Windows-based multisite and portal publishing.
Visit DNNFull verdict → - Neos CMS4.2/10 · Free plan
A visual, self-hosted CMS for multilingual teams managing structured content across sites.
Visit Neos 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