WordPress is the world’s leading content management system, and millions of webmasters rely on it for easy development and management. However, just because it’s the most popular in terms of numbers, it doesn’t mean that it’s the perfect platform for every scenario.
Magento could be a viable alternative for your business, and comparing the two options will help you to decide which way to go.
Similarities Between WordPress and Magento
Both WordPress and Magento are built on open source platforms. WordPress is used for 30% of websites online today. Its popularity is due to low cost and a high level of user friendliness.
Magento is also open source software, but it’s not quite as widespread as WordPress. This is because Magento is specialized for online stores, whereas WordPress can be used for almost anything with the right plugins and design.
Magento makes it easier if the prime focus is on ecommerce, and that’s the reason why it’s trusted by over 150,000 merchants today. It is customizable like WordPress, and it is Search Engine Optimization friendly. Magento can be used for free, just like WordPress, but there is a paid solution available for businesses that want expert support and powerful extensions to build an ecommerce site.
WordPress, while completely free to use, will usually require professional development investment if it were to be primarily used for ecommerce.
When it comes to real operating cost, both platforms are very similar.
Magento Excels in Specific Ecommerce Scenarios
WordPress can be used for ecommerce with plugins like Woo Commerce. However, that was not the original intention of the platform.
Magento has been built from the ground up to be an ecommerce solution, so it has better features and adaptability in a number of scenarios. Magento will comprehensively outperform WordPress in scenarios where multiple vendors will offer items through the same website/marketplace. It’s also much better for maintaining a database when hundreds of physical products are being offered. For companies that offer services and product tiers, Magento is also better suited.
Think of WordPress as being a great solution for very small sales volumes and simple site structures, whereas Magento will do everything that WordPress can, while also having the extra flexibility to scale to larger businesses, more complex marketplaces, or businesses that offer hundreds or thousands of products.
Which is Easier to Use?
From a user friendliness perspective, both platforms offer a fairly intuitive interface, although this will depend on the perception of the user. Someone that is used to WordPress will have a learning curve to get used to the terminology and functions of Magento (the same can be said for the reverse situation).
For someone coming in with no experience on either platform, the learning curve will be comparable for both.
There are some instances where WordPress will be easier to use, such as when creating templates or widgets. Some will find that Magento requires a few extra steps to perform a similar function, which can be difficult for someone who is used to the way that WordPress works.
While there are some slight differences and a few extra steps involved in Magento development, both platforms should be considered comparable when it comes to ease of use. For online merchants, this will end up being a moot point, because a professional developer will be utilized for much of the development and maintenance work.
What is the Price Difference Between Them?
A Magento is likely to cost five to ten times as much. If price is an important consideration, wordpress may be the right solution for you. If you are willing to pay for some of the additional eCommerce capabilities of Magento, you may choose Magento instead.