Orchard Core
Orchard Core: A free, self-hosted .NET CMS for structured, multilingual, multi-tenant content. Ranked #43 of 164 in Content Management Systems by our editors (4.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for .NET teams needing headless multi-tenancy.
At a glance
- Editor score4.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best for.NET teams needing headless multi-tenancy
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Editorial workflowsYes
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- No-code modeling for content types, parts, and fields
- Built-in workflows, permissions, localization, SEO, and media management
- GraphQL API and multi-tenancy support headless, isolated sites
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires .NET tooling, Docker, or source code
- Listed integration options are limited to GraphQL and OpenID Connect
- Configuration can be substantial for teams wanting a managed CMS
Our verdict on Orchard Core
Orchard Core is an open-source content management system and modular application framework built on ASP.NET Core. It suits .NET teams creating content-driven websites, headless applications, and custom solutions that need control over hosting and architecture. Its core covers no-code content modeling, media management, localized content versions, role-based permissions, visual workflows, SEO metadata, GraphQL, and multi-tenancy for isolated sites on one installation.
The published pricing model is open source, with a free plan and no paid tier. That makes Orchard Core a fit for teams that prefer to host and operate their own CMS rather than select among managed subscription levels. Its platform coverage includes web, Linux, API, and self-hosted deployments. The feature set is broad for a free CMS, particularly where custom post types, editorial workflows, custom roles, multilingual content, media libraries, and SEO controls are required.
Integration and deployment choices point toward a developer-led environment. GraphQL provides the content API, while OpenID Connect is listed as an integration; the product is delivered as a project that teams create, configure, run, and host using .NET tooling, Docker, or source code. That flexibility benefits organizations building tailored .NET applications, but it also places setup and operational responsibility on the team. Choose Orchard Core when self-hosting, multi-tenancy, and deep .NET customization matter more than a managed onboarding experience or a broad catalog of listed integrations.
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Orchard Core pricing
Orchard Core fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Platform type | Self_hosted |
| Editorial workflows | Yes |
| Custom user roles | Yes |
| Multilingual content | Yes |
| SEO tools | Yes |
| Media library | Yes |
| Custom content types | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web |
| Compliance & security | 2FA |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | orchardcore.net |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Orchard Core
- DrupalA mature CMS for complex content, editorial control, and custom digital architectures.9.4
- Webflow CMSA hosted visual CMS for structured content, dynamic pages, and integrated publishing workflows.9.3
- HubSpot Content HubA hosted CMS for teams that want personalization, localization, and marketing workflows together.9.2
See all Orchard Core alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Orchard Core is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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