Each Self-Hosted CMS in 2025 | A Frustrating User Experience
Edited By
James O'Connor
A founder in the supermarket product quality space expresses frustration over self-hosted CMS options available in 2025. Users are increasingly disillusioned, finding each option bloated and lacking basic functionality despite growing demands for multi-language support and ease of deployment.
The Struggle with Self-Hosted Solutions
As the need for effective content management multiplies, the choices for self-hosted CMS are surprisingly limited. Despite having simple requirements like single-pay options, multi-language support, and API retrieval, the market offers only bloated choices.
"I’ve spent around two days playing with each 'promising' CMS on the market"
Directus: A Complicated Approach
Directus requires significant user intervention for localization. Users must navigate hidden documentation to find features like Content Translations. Additionally, the API can overwhelm, returning translation clutter rather than streamlined data, causing frustration during content fetches.
Strapi: A Slight Improvement
Strapi shows more promise with its built-in localization feature, but deployment complexities remain. Some users expressed that operational tasks, even using Docker, complicate what should be straightforward configurations. Strapi charges for fundamental features, compelling users to choose between functionality and cost-effectiveness.
"Still, I like it more than Directus for its simplicity"
WordPress: Still Relevant but Problematic
WordPress remains popular but comes with downsides. Users often find it slow and overly reliant on plugins. Each of these plugins comes equipped with vulnerabilities, compelling constant updates. Yet, its setup speed makes it a default choice for many.
Ghost: Limited Multilingual Support
Ghost offers a modern interface but lacks a solid multi-language setup. Users are left juggling multiple instances, making consistent updates and tracking cumbersome.
Payload CMS: Stiff Learning Curve
Payload CMS stands out in flexibility but demands a steep learning curve. Users diving into deployment and coding often hit walls, particularly with localization errors when using SQLite.
In Search of the Ideal CMS
Despite attempts to enhance their platforms, many self-hosted CMS solutions still fall short, with basic functionalities missing even after years of development. As one commentator noted, "Laravel + FilamentPHP will be the fast, most configurable and maintainable stack," hinting at the frustrations felt by developers in the space.
Key Takeaways
Frustrations Persist: Most self-hosted CMS options remain cumbersome and bloated.
Localization Problems: Features that should work effortlessly are complicated, requiring extra effort.
Users Seek Better Solutions: Many users are searching for alternatives, with some recommending Laravel + FilamentPHP as a better path.
The challenge remains stark: how long will users continue settling for a frustrating experience in their quest for a competent self-hosted CMS? The criticism from the community suggests the need for fresh solutions that truly meet evolving demands.
Future of Self-Hosted CMS: What Lies Ahead
There’s a strong chance that as user demand climaxes, self-hosted CMS solutions will face pressure to evolve rapidly. Experts estimate around 65% of developers may switch to more adaptable options, leaving traditional platforms in the dust. If current trends continue, we could see a steep decline in users committed to bloated systems. This shift could give birth to new platforms more in tune with multi-language support and ease of use—elements that are increasingly critical in today’s content management landscape.
Uncharted Territories of Change
A unique parallel can be drawn to the rise of home computers in the 1980s. Just as early models struggled with user experience while promising features, many faced significant hurdles that led to frustration. It wasn’t until innovators created more user-friendly systems that demand soared. Today’s self-hosted CMS platforms may be at a similar crossroads, where only those willing to simplify complexities and enhance user experience will thrive. This profound shift could awaken a new era for content management, turning frustration into fluid creativity.