CMSimple
CMSimple: A lightweight, self-hosted CMS for small sites that can work without a database. Ranked #25 of 25 in Web Content Management Software by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for solo publishers and small sites with simple workflows.
At a glance
- Editor score6.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSolo publishers and small sites with simple workflows
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Visual page editorYes
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Stores content in files, so no database is required
- Supports multiple sites in subdirectories from one installation
- Offers multilingual support and customizable per-page templates
Where it doesn't
- No user-rights management for granular editorial permissions
- Plugins and integrations offer less breadth than larger CMS platforms
- Export options are limited
Our verdict on CMSimple
CMSimple is a PHP-based content management system for publishing websites, aimed at solo publishers and small organizations with straightforward editorial needs. It stores content in the file system rather than a database and is self-hosted, giving site owners control over where it runs. A visual editor and basic content workflow support routine publishing, while the absence of user-rights management makes it a poor fit for teams that need differentiated editorial permissions.
Its file-based approach shapes both the appeal and the tradeoff. Multiple independent or connected websites can run in subdirectories from one installation, and transferring an installation to another server is described as downloading and uploading it via FTP. Templates can be customized, including on a per-page basis, and a plugin manager handles extensions. Available plugin types include blogs, comments, photo galleries, multimedia and member areas. These options extend a small site without changing the product's simple publishing orientation, but the stated integration breadth is limited compared with a CMS chosen for a larger ecosystem.
CMSimple is open source and has a free plan, so it may suit a small site where avoiding a database and keeping the publishing setup simple matter more than advanced controls. Multilingual installations and language menu support help with sites that publish in multiple languages. The project provides documentation and community support. Choose it for a compact, self-hosted site with modest workflow needs; choose another CMS if multiple editors require granular access rights, broader integrations or more extensive export options.
Your product? Our editors can test CMSimple in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
CMSimple pricing
CMSimple fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Visual page editor | Yes |
| Editorial workflow | Basic |
| Multilingual publishing | Yes |
| Included users | Not verified |
| Custom domains | Not verified |
| Content export | Limited |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | cmsimple.org |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to CMSimple
- OpenText Web CMSA broad enterprise CMS combining authoring, personalization, headless delivery, and journey analytics.9.4
- Progress SitefinitySitefinity combines content management, headless delivery and experience tools for larger teams.9.3
- Xperience by KenticoAn integrated CMS for teams coordinating content, marketing, personalization, commerce, and AI.9.2
See all CMSimple alternatives →
Used CMSimple? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used CMSimple for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
CMSimple is listed in our Web Content Management Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/cmsimple/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/cmsimple.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Last updated · How we research and update