Content management systems can be divided into two categories: paid and free ones. Among systems one can get for free, WordPress is certainly the leader, as it is used on almost half of the sites in runet and on a third of the sites around the globe. Speaking about paid CMS, 1C-Bitrix is the leader. Its share among all content management systems in the Russian-language Internet is a little more than 13%. Among paid engines, usage statistics of 1C-Bitrix is almost 55%.
It is important in the extreme to choose the right CMS to suit all your needs, as many things will certainly be influenced by your choice, including the functionality and optimization of a website, and the tempo of solving technical problems. It is widely believed that commercial engines provide users with more opportunities, and those one can get for free are suitable for small projects when it's important to save money. Is that true? Let's have a look at the features of WordPress and 1C-Bitrix, as they are considered the most popular content management systems in these two categories. So, we will determine which of them should be preferably used.
The first thing one should do to compare two content management systems is to consider different aspects of their work. Those include such obvious factors, as the price of using this or that CMS, and other nuances, like integration and customization capabilities, technical support, etc. Having compared this data, you will easily understand either this or that platform suits you or not.
Usage cost
At first sight, everything is clear, as we know, that WordPress is free and 1C-Bitrix is paid. However, the situation is slightly different.
WordPress
So, WordPress is freely available. But if there is a need for expanding the functionality of a website, the purchase of paid extensions or their premium versions may be required. Thus, the Yoast SEO plugin in the base version can be used for free, but if you want to get more optimization tools, you will have to pay 69$ for it.
1C-Bitrix
1C-Bitrix is distributed under a license that must be renewed once a year. There are several editions at different prices. Basic "Start" package costs 5,400 rubles and the price for the most expanded Enterprise version starts from 399,000 rubles. Having paid for this or that edition, a user gets the full range of features and tools that are provided in this edition. Paid add-ons are also available.
Conclusions
WordPress is a free system, but there still may be some additional expenses on plugins. 1C-Bitrix is a fully paid engine, so you can save some money only buying the cheapest license that does not always meet the needs of the developer.
Technical requirements
Another nuance to pay attention to when selecting a content management system is system requirements.
WordPress
Technical requirements for WordPress:
- programming language - PHP;
- webserver - Nginx, Apache;
- database - MySQL, MariaDB.
Most hostings are suitable for websites on this engine. Choosing paid hosting, one can be sure of correct and stable work.
1C-Bitrix
The system hosting requirements when using 1C-Bitrix are the following:
- programming language - PHP;
- webserver - Apache
- database - MySQL.
One should also take into account that 1C-Bitrix is more demanding, speaking about resources, and reliability. In some cases, one should necessarily switch to more powerful options for site hosting, like a virtual server or a dedicated server.
Conclusions
For WordPress, simple hosting is perfectly enough, as many hosts offer separate optimization for this engine. 1C-Bitrix requires a more powerful environment. A dedicated server is required for resource-intensive projects.
Flexibility and functionality
Functionality and customization are the main selection criteria for developers who want to create a unique website that would be really convenient for the end-user.
WordPress
There are thousands of plugins for sites on WordPress. Regardless of what project a user is engaged in, there is possibly a ready-made solution for this. Those include not only widespread SEO plugins and Woocommerce for the Internet shops, but also lots of other options. Using those, developers can quickly customize the site and adapt it to their needs.
As we have previously mentioned, free and paid plugins are available for WordPress. There are many freely available solutions that have quite good functionality. At the same time, one should understand that extensions from third-party developers can make the site vulnerable, which increases the likelihood of hacking.
1C-Bitrix
There are also many paid plugins for 1C-Bitrix one can get in the Marketplace. Also, any developer can create modules independently, which opens up opportunities for site customization.
Conclusions
Both WordPress and 1C-Bitrix offer many opportunities for customization. However, WordPress is considered to be a more flexible platform that allows users to install any third-party expansions. There are enough convenient paid products in the 1C-Bitrix, and it's also possible to develop modules independently.
Integration with other services
Websites need to be integrated with other services to operate efficiently. For example, for online stores, convenient payment, and delivery of goods is an important factor. Both systems have numerous integration options with different services.
WordPress
The system allows users to integrate a site with many popular services. Those include Yandex.Metrika, Yandex.Cash, Google Analytics. Integration with different 1С products is also possible. The installation of individual plugins makes it possible to link the page with payment and delivery services (for example, if you use Woocommerce, you can connect the Single Cash Desk).
1C-Bitrix
1C-Bitrix enables integration with different analytics, payment, and delivery systems. In addition, this platform is fully integrated with 1C accounting systems. If the company already uses these products, there's no need to deal with additional settings.
Conclusions
If 1С products are already involved in the business, the 1C-Bitrix engine will be the best choice. However, WordPress integration capabilities also allow various services integration, including 1C ones.
Technical Support
Technical support from the engine is another important factor. Site owners often face various problems, even when using the most expensive license product. So, it is important to understand what will be the options for solving any problem. One should know whether the technical support department works, whether there is any documentation, community users, and forums. Speaking about this, WordPress and 1C-Bitrix offer completely different options.
WordPress
Users of this engine have no options for getting full-fledged support. WordPress offers impressive documentation where one can find an answer to any question. Thanks to the popularity of the system, there is a large community of users helping colleagues to solve all problems in specialized forums.
1C-Bitrix
Technical support in 1C-Bitrix is available for all users who have their licenses valid. Enterprise package owners get an additional premium-support opportunity, available 24/7. Also, those using the most advanced edition can order a performance audit and get complete project support.
Conclusions
One will have to pay for free access to WordPress by spending other resources, as any issues must be resolved independently. However, there is a large community that will certainly help to cope with any problem. For those using 1C-Bitrix, everything is much easier, as having bought a license, a user can rely on full-fledged technical support.
Conclusion
As we can see having compared these content management systems, both have their advantages and disadvantages. It is difficult to choose an unambiguous winner, as it depends on the purpose for which you create a website.
Using WordPress, one can develop small one-pages, blogs, Internet shops, news sites. In fact, the engine is suitable for almost any sphere. You won't have to spend too much money at first, as access is free. Speaking about functionality, it can always be expanded due to a big number of plugins.
1C-Bitrix is a great CMS choice for large projects and businesses. For small sites, it may not always be cost-effective, as the license and expansions costs will not pay off. But when it comes to big online stores, news portals, and other large sites, it's better to have full technical support, as well as the ability to integrate with other services and other useful functions. A paid 1C-Bitrix license will certainly ensure site stability and functionality.King Server will help you to select a server for both WP and 1С-Bitrix and improve the security of your website. Our servers are protected from unauthorized access, therefore, you can count on the uninterrupted operation of your project. We also offer effective anti-DDoS protection, thanks to which your site will certainly stand before cyberattacks of unscrupulous competitors and hackers.
