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PublicCMS

Freemium#14 of 17 in Java CMS

PublicCMS: A self-hosted Java CMS with static generation, editorial workflows, and multilingual content. Ranked #14 of 17 in Java CMS by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source teams needing multilingual publishing.

7.6/10Editor score

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PublicCMS7.6 Visit PublicCMS

At a glance

Editor score
7.6 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Open-source teams needing multilingual publishing
Free plan
Yes
Headless delivery
Yes
Founded
2015
Facts checked
24 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Generates full-site static output and supports SSI
- Includes multilingual content, metadata, and category support
- Provides editorial workflows, collaboration history, and HTTP interfaces
Where it doesn't
- Organizations need a commercial license; free use is for individuals
- Commercial authorizations differ by duration and domain scope
- Multilingual support is described in a development-branch update

Our verdict on PublicCMS

PublicCMS is an open-source, self-hosted Java content management system for building and maintaining websites. It suits teams that want visual site maintenance and configurable templates alongside control over their deployment. Individuals can use current versions for free; organizations need a commercial authorization. The product is distributed as an executable Java application or source code, and its Java requirements vary by release: V4.0 requires Java 8+, V5 requires Java 17+, and V6 requires Java 21+.

Its publishing toolkit combines customizable front-end templates and fields with full-site static generation and SSI support. Search includes full-text search and customizable field search. Editorial teams get collaboration and history records, plus configurable workflows with assigned review steps. Multilingual metadata, categories, content, and data dictionaries broaden its fit for localization work, though that support is described in a development-branch update, so teams should check the release they intend to deploy. HTTP interfaces expose CMS functions and methods, making API-oriented integration possible.

Commercial plans are organized around authorization duration and domain scope. The permanent single-domain authorization covers one domain or LAN, while the three-year authorization covers unlimited domains; both are listed at CNY 1,980 one-time. A permanent unlimited-domain option and a multi-level organization single-domain authorization are also listed, but no price is stated here for those options. PublicCMS is a fit for teams prepared to self-host and manage Java version compatibility, especially where static publishing and editorial control matter. Organizations seeking a free license, or teams that require confirmed multilingual support in a specific stable release, should consider alternatives or verify the release and authorization terms before committing.

Your product? Our editors can test PublicCMS in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

PublicCMS pricing

Plans Free planFreemium A usable free plan; paid tiers unlock the limits above. Prices checked 24 Sep 2026.

See plans on publiccms.com

All 4 PublicCMS plans and prices →

PublicCMS fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Not verified
Headless delivery	Yes
Deployment	Self_hosted
Content workflow	Yes
Localization	Yes
Java version support	V4.0: Java 8+; V5: Java 17+; V6: Java 21+
Content APIs	Rest
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan (source)
Website	publiccms.com
Facts checked	24 Sep 2026

Alternatives to PublicCMS

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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used PublicCMS 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.

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Featured on iTechGuides

PublicCMS is listed in our Java CMS directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update