Squidex vs dotCMS

Squidex9.0Visit dotCMS8.6Visit

Higher score Squidex #4 in Headless CMS 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Squidex

vs

dotCMS #8 in Headless CMS 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit dotCMS

• Squidex fits best

  Developers wanting open-source deployment options

• dotCMS fits best

  Multi-site teams wanting a free CMS option

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Side by side

Feature	Squidex 9.0/10 Visit ↗	dotCMS 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.0	8.6
Ranking	#4 in Headless CMS	#8 in Headless CMS
Best for	Developers wanting open-source deployment options	Multi-site teams wanting a free CMS option
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web	Web
Support	Docs	Email, Community, Docs
Compliance	GDPR	SOC 2, ISO 27001, SSO/SAML, 2FA
Integrations	15 integrations	6 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Squidex 4/4 · dotCMS 4/4
Content localization	✓	✓
Webhooks	✓	✓
Content preview	✓	✓
Asset transformations	✓	✓
Specs
API types	Both	Both
Role permissions	Custom	Custom
Our review
Pros	Self-hosting with Docker or Kubernetes deployment options REST and GraphQL APIs with structured schemas and localized content Fine-grained permissions, previews, version history, and image processing	Free BSL plan includes unlimited users and unlimited content REST and GraphQL APIs support flexible content delivery Localization, permissions, previews, and multi-site management are included
Cons	Self-hosted deployments require Docker or Kubernetes operations Usage limits vary across API, traffic, storage, and contributor tiers The platform may exceed the needs of teams seeking a simpler CMS	Commercial plans require a pricing request Free BSL use has revenue and licensing conditions The free plan provides basic workflows rather than advanced governance
Our verdict	Squidex is an open-source headless CMS for teams managing structured content, assets, schemas, workflows, and localized entries. Developers can deliver content to websites, mobile applications, and other digital products through REST and… Read the review →	dotCMS is a headless content management platform for enterprises managing websites, portals, intranets, and other digital experiences. It suits multi-site teams that need structured reusable content, visual editing, multilingual entries,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Squidex — where it wins

  • Self-hosting with Docker or Kubernetes deployment options
  • REST and GraphQL APIs with structured schemas and localized content
  • Fine-grained permissions, previews, version history, and image processing

  Where it doesn't

  • Self-hosted deployments require Docker or Kubernetes operations
  • Usage limits vary across API, traffic, storage, and contributor tiers
  • The platform may exceed the needs of teams seeking a simpler CMS

• dotCMS — where it wins

  • Free BSL plan includes unlimited users and unlimited content
  • REST and GraphQL APIs support flexible content delivery
  • Localization, permissions, previews, and multi-site management are included

  Where it doesn't

  • Commercial plans require a pricing request
  • Free BSL use has revenue and licensing conditions
  • The free plan provides basic workflows rather than advanced governance

• Squidex9.0/10 · Free plan

  A flexible headless CMS for teams that want open-source or hosted deployment.

  Visit SquidexFull verdict →
• dotCMS8.6/10 · Free plan

  A multi-site CMS with free access, flexible APIs, and governance controls.

  Visit dotCMSFull verdict →