Final verdict
Drupal and SITE123 both offer unique advantages, catering to different user needs and preferences.
-
Drupal (Overall Grade: 6.4/10)
is a powerful open-source CMS known for its flexibility and extensibility. It is ideal for developers and businesses looking to create complex websites with custom functionalities. Drupal excels in design functionalities, security, and AI capabilities, making it a versatile choice for various types of websites, from personal blogs to corporate and government sites. However, its steep learning curve and the need for technical expertise can be challenging for beginners. -
SITE123 (Overall Grade: 6.5/10)
is a user-friendly website builder that simplifies the process of creating professional-looking websites without any coding or design skills. It is perfect for individuals and small businesses seeking an easy-to-use platform with a wide range of customizable templates and drag-and-drop functionality. SITE123 stands out in ease of use, customer support, and hosting quality, making it a great choice for users who prioritize simplicity and efficiency.
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Design functionalities & templates |
7.8 |
7.2 |
|
Ease of use |
5.4 |
8.1 |
|
Ecommerce |
7.5 |
7.0 |
|
Website Editors |
7.5 |
7.0 |
|
Product testing options |
7.1 |
6.4 |
|
Price |
5.7 |
6.2 |
|
Hosting quality |
0 |
7.0 |
|
Website speed optimization |
6.4 |
5.8 |
|
Plugins and integrations |
8.6 |
7.1 |
|
Marketing features |
8.0 |
6.0 |
|
Customer support |
6.7 |
7.3 |
|
Security |
8.3 |
7.5 |
|
AI capabilities |
7.5 |
2.8 |
|
User Management |
9.1 |
6.3 |
Best for ecommerce
7.5
7.0
Verdict
: Drupal is ideal for complex and customizable ecommerce needs, while SITE123 is better suited for small businesses and individuals seeking simplicity.
-
Drupal
: Known for its flexibility and extensibility, Drupal is a powerful open-source CMS that excels in creating complex ecommerce websites. With the Drupal Commerce module, it offers a range of features such as advanced product management, payment gateway integration, and detailed customization options. However, when comparing Drupal vs SITE123, Drupal may require more technical expertise to fully leverage its capabilities. -
SITE123
: This user-friendly website builder is perfect for individuals and small businesses looking to start selling online without needing technical skills. SITE123 offers a variety of customizable templates and essential ecommerce features, making it easy to set up and manage an online store. However, it may not provide the same level of customization and scalability as Drupal.
Best for informational & business websites
7.5
7.4
Verdict
: When it comes to creating informational and business websites, Drupal and SITE123 each have their own strengths. Drupal, with its flexibility and extensive customization options, is ideal for users who need a highly customizable and scalable platform. SITE123, on the other hand, is perfect for those who prioritize ease of use and quick setup.
-
Drupal
: Drupal is a powerful open-source CMS that excels in flexibility and customization. It offers a vast array of modules and themes, making it suitable for complex and highly customized informational websites. However, its steep learning curve can be a challenge for beginners. With a score of 7.5, Drupal is a strong choice for those who need advanced features and are willing to invest time in learning the platform. -
SITE123
: SITE123 is a user-friendly website builder that allows for quick and easy creation of professional-looking websites. It offers a wide range of customizable templates and features, making it suitable for small businesses and individuals who need a straightforward solution. With a score of 7.4, SITE123 is ideal for users who prioritize ease of use and efficiency over extensive customization options. When comparing Drupal vs SITE123, SITE123 stands out for its simplicity and accessibility.
Detailed comparison
Design functionalities & templates
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
7.8
7.2
🏆
Winner: Drupal.
If you’re looking for a platform that offers more creative control and a wide array of design features, Drupal is the preferred choice.
Drupal, as a highly flexible and powerful content management system, offers a vast array of templates and designs to cater to virtually any website need. With thousands of themes available, users can choose from minimalist designs, industry-specific layouts, and highly customizable multipurpose themes. These templates are designed to be responsive, ensuring that websites look great on any device. Moreover, the Drupal community continuously contributes new designs and templates, expanding the options for users to keep their websites modern and engaging.
Compared to Drupal, SITE123 offers a wide variety of templates and designs for their website builder, with over 180 options to choose from. Their templates are organized by industry and category, making it easy to find the perfect design for your website. SITE123 also allows for customization of templates, giving users the ability to make their website unique and tailored to their brand. Additionally, SITE123 offers mobile-responsive designs, ensuring that your website looks great on any device.
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Ease of use
Ease of useReflects the platform’s overall user-friendliness.Score
Components:
- Learning curve (40%): Quickness and ease of getting started.
- Interface design (30%): Simplicity and intuitiveness of layout.
- User guidance (20%): Quality of tutorials and support.
- Flexibility (10%): Adaptability to various user skills.
5.4
8.1
🏆 Winner: SITE123
. With a score of 8.1, SITE123 is known for its simplicity and user-friendliness, making it ideal for individuals and small businesses. Drupal, scoring 5.4, is a powerful platform for building complex websites and applications, but its steep learning curve can be challenging for beginners. If ease of use is a priority, SITE123 is the clear winner in this category.
Learning Resources
🏆 Winner: Drupal
. Both platforms offer solid learning resources, but Drupal goes a step further with its extensive official documentation, vibrant community forum, and a variety of online courses and tutorials, making it easier for users to learn and adapt.
For ecommerce
EcommerceMeasures the platform’s effectiveness in supporting online business activities.Score Components:
- Ecommerce themes and templates (20%): Variety and design of templates.
- Product management (25%): Ease of managing and organizing products.
- Payment options (25%): Variety and convenience of payment methods.
- Ecommerce features (20%): Features for managing an ecommerce store.
- Integration (10%): Compatibility with external e-commerce tools and services.
7.5
7.0
When it comes to ecommerce, both Drupal and SITE123 offer a range of features to help businesses sell products online. However, Drupal, with its Drupal Commerce module, provides a more flexible and customizable solution, making it suitable for complex ecommerce needs. On the other hand, SITE123’s user-friendly ecommerce features make it a good choice for individuals and small businesses looking to start selling online without needing technical expertise.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Ecommerce themes and templates |
7.8 |
6.5 |
|
Product page customization |
8.3 |
6.8 |
|
Payment processing and commissions |
7.5 |
6.0 |
|
POS capabilities |
5.5 |
5.0 |
|
Payment gateways |
7.7 |
7.0 |
|
Product numbers |
7.0 |
6.0 |
|
Additional ecommerce features |
8.0 |
6.5 |
Drupal ecommerce features:
- Shopping Cart and Checkout Process
- Payment Gateway Integration
- Order Management and Invoicing
- Tax Calculation and VAT Support
- Shipping and Fulfillment
- Promotions and Discounts
- Reporting and Analytics
- Security and Compliance
SITE123 ecommerce features:
- Product Management
- Payment Gateways
- Shipping and Tax Configuration
- SEO tools
- Analytics
- Social Media Integration
Ecommerce themes & templates
Drupal offers a wide array of ecommerce themes designed to cater to different types of online stores, from clean and simple designs to more sophisticated and feature-rich options. These themes are built with responsiveness in mind, ensuring that stores function seamlessly across various devices. On the other hand, SITE123 offers a variety of ecommerce templates suitable for various types of businesses. These templates are designed to be professional and user-friendly, ensuring that your products stand out and that customers have a seamless shopping experience.
Product page customization
Drupal offers extensive customization possibilities for product pages through its modular architecture, allowing for detailed content types, flexible displays with Views, and theme customizations. The Drupal Commerce module enriches e-commerce functionalities, enabling tailored product management, checkout flows, and payment systems. SITE123 offers extensive customization options for ecommerce product pages, suitable for both physical and digital goods. Adding products is streamlined through the Website Editor, under the ecommerce (Store) page within the Pages section.
Payment processing
Drupal supports a wide range of payment gateways through third-party modules, including popular ones like PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.Net. While Drupal itself does not charge any commissions or transaction fees, the individual payment gateways integrated with it do have their own fee structures. SITE123 supports various payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Amazon Pay, enabling seamless online transactions without charging sales commissions. Users can expect payment processing fees around 3%, which are standard across ecommerce platforms.
Website Editors
Website EditorsEvaluates the platforms’ website building and editing capabilities.Score Components:
- Customization tools (40%): Range and power of editing features.
- Editor usability (30%): User experience within the editor.
- Design flexibility (20%): Freedom in layout and design changes.
- Update and maintenance ease (10%): Simplicity of updating and maintaining the site.
7.5
7.0
🏆
Winner: Drupal
. Drupal, with a score of 7.5, offers a wide range of features tailored for content creation and management. It supports rich text editing, enabling users to format text, insert links, images, and media, as well as create tables and lists with ease. The editor is highly customizable, allowing administrators to configure toolbars and options according to the needs of their site. Furthermore, it integrates seamlessly with Drupal’s content management system, supporting features like automatic content saving, version control, and access control, making it a powerful tool for building and managing diverse web content.
SITE123’s editor, scoring 7.0, is a straightforward and user-friendly website builder designed for individuals without coding or design expertise, emphasizing ease of use and efficiency in creating and customizing websites. It offers a selection of ready-made templates, mobile responsiveness, free hosting, and SEO tools, alongside ecommerce capabilities for users willing to subscribe to higher plans. However, customization is somewhat limited due to the inability to access template source codes or integrate external templates, and advanced features may incur additional costs.
Mobile editor/app
0
5.5
🏆
Winner: SITE123
. Neither Drupal nor SITE123 offer a dedicated mobile editor app. However, SITE123 allows users to edit their websites on a mobile browser, providing some level of mobile editing capability. On the other hand, Drupal does not provide any mobile editing capabilities, making SITE123 the winner in this category by default.
Product testing options
Product Testing OptionsAssesses the options for trying out platform features before commitment.Score Components:
- Trial quality (40%): Extent and usefulness of the trial or free version.
- Feature accessibility (30%): How many features are available to test.
- Trial duration (20%): Length of the trial period.
- Ease of transition (10%): Smoothness of moving from trial to paid plans.
7.1
6.4
Overall Result
:
Drupal Wins
. Drupal scores 7.1 in product testing options, slightly higher than SITE123’s 6.4. Drupal, being an open-source CMS, offers a free version but no trial version or premium features testing. On the other hand, SITE123 offers a free version and the possibility to test premium features during a 14-day refundable period, but it doesn’t offer a trial version or a money back guarantee.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free Plan |
Yes (open-source software) |
Yes |
|
Trial Duration |
No | No |
|
Testing Premium Features |
No |
Yes, during 14-day refundable period |
|
Money Back Guarantee |
No payments required |
No |
Price
PriceLooks at the cost-effectiveness and value for money of each platform.Score Components:
- Plan value (40%): What each pricing tier offers.
- Transparency and clarity (30%): Clearness of pricing structures.
- Flexibility of plans (20%): Range of options to suit different budgets.
- Hidden costs (10%): Additional expenses not included in the plan.
5.7
6.2
Drupal is a free open-source platform, but requires separate purchases for domain, hosting, and website builder subscriptions. SITE123, on the other hand, offers a free plan and a premium plan with more features.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free |
No offering at this amount. |
Free ($0/month): 250 MB storage, 250MB bandwidth, SITE123 branding, basic SEO for homepage. This plan allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. It offers hosting with 250MB storage and bandwidth. However, it does not offer ecommerce features, has limited templates and does not have AI website builder. |
|
$0+ |
No offering at this amount. |
Premium ($7.8/month): 3 GB storage, 3 GB bandwidth, connect your domain, remove SITE123 floating tag. This plan allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. It offers hosting with 3GB storage and bandwidth. However, it does not offer ecommerce features, has limited templates and does not have AI website builder. Value for Price: 6.5 |
location. As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their
websites.
Hosting quality
Hosting
qualityExamines the reliability and performance of the hosting solutions.Score Components:
- Uptime (40%): Consistency and reliability of website availability.
- Speed (30%): Loading times and performance.
- Bandwidth and storage (20%): Sufficiency of resources provided.
- Data centers (10%): Quality and distribution of hosting infrastructure.
0
7.0
🏆
Winner: SITE123
SITE123 offers managed hosting with a 99.9% uptime guarantee. However, it does not provide detailed information about their hosting solutions or data centers. On the other hand, Drupal does not offer hosting services directly, and its hosting quality depends on the chosen hosting provider.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Do they offer hosting? |
No |
Yes |
|
Data Centers: |
Depends on hosting provider |
Not disclosed |
|
Type of hosting: |
Depends on hosting provider |
Managed Hosting |
|
Uptime: |
Depends on hosting provider |
99.9% |
|
Uptime Guarantee: |
Depends on hosting provider |
Yes, 99.9% |
Website Speed Optimization
Website Speed OptimizationEvaluates optimization of website loading timesScore Components:
- PageSpeed Score (30%): Google’s score indicating performance optimization.
- Loading Time (30%): The average time until a website is fully interactive.
- Mobile Optimization (15%): Optimization effectiveness for mobile devices.
- Resource Optimization (15%): Optimizing images, scripts, and other heavy resources.
- CDN Usage (10%): Use of CDN to enhance speed across geolocations.
6.4
5.8
🏆 Winner: Drupal
Both Drupal and SITE123 have their own strategies for speed optimization, but Drupal’s open-source nature gives it an edge as it allows users to optimize almost all aspects of their website.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Focus |
User-driven optimization |
CDN, Image Optimization, Caching |
|
Performance Tools |
User-driven |
Minification of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML |
|
Key Strategies |
User-driven optimization |
CDN, Image Optimization, Caching, Minification, Asynchronous Loading, Database Optimization |
|
Load Times |
Varies depending on optimization and website complexity |
Varies depending on the optimization and user’s location |
|
Page Speed Scores Range |
Varies depending on optimization and website complexity |
Varies depending on the optimization and user’s location |
|
Core Web Vitals Improvement |
Depends on users |
Not disclosed |
Drupal, being an open-source CMS, allows users to optimize almost all aspects of their website. The load times and PageSpeed scores vary depending on the level of optimization and the complexity of the website. The improvement of Core Web Vitals also depends on the users, as they have the freedom to optimize their website as they see fit.
On the other hand, SITE123 uses various strategies for speed optimization, including CDN, Image Optimization, Caching, Minification of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML, Use of Asynchronous Loading, and Database Optimization. However, both the load times and PageSpeed scores vary widely, depending on the level of optimization and the user’s location. SITE123 does not disclose any information about Core Web Vitals improvements.
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Plugins and integrations
Plugins and integrationsMeasures the range and effectiveness of additional plugins and integrations.Score Components:
- Variety of options (40%): Range of available add-ons.
- Integration smoothness (30%): Ease of integrating plugins into the site.
- Quality of plugins (20%): Functionality and reliability of the options.
- Custom integration capabilities (10%): Support for custom or third-party integrations.
8.6
7.1
🏆 Winner: Drupal.
With a score of 8.6, Drupal outperforms SITE123, which scores 7.1. Drupal’s strength lies in its vast array of over 51,000 modules, which are predominantly free and open-source. These modules extend Drupal’s capabilities beyond its core features, enabling functionalities like advanced SEO tools, e-commerce solutions, and custom content types and fields. Key integrations like Commerce for online stores, Views for content display management, and Google Analytics for web traffic analysis exemplify Drupal’s adaptability.
On the other hand, SITE123 offers over 250 apps, allowing for functionalities such as social media integration, ecommerce capabilities, and SEO optimization. It also boasts a robust integration with over 6,000 apps through Zapier. However, compared to Drupal’s extensive module library and customization options, SITE123 falls short.
Marketing Features
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
8.0
6.0
🏆
Overall Winner: Drupal
. Drupal stands out for its flexibility and extensibility, enabling developers to create complex websites with custom functionalities. SITE123, on the other hand, is a user-friendly website builder that allows individuals and businesses to create professional-looking websites without any coding or design skills.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
SEO Tools |
Yes, with SEO modules such as Yoast SEO |
Yes |
|
Email Marketing |
Yes, but with third-party extensions, such as MailChimp |
Yes, can be enhanced with third party integrations |
|
Blogging |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Social Media Integration |
Yes |
Basic linking with accounts, enhanced through app integrations |
|
Analytics and Reporting |
Yes, basic built-in features, and Google Analytics integrations through modules |
Basic analytics provided, with more detailed insights on higher plans |
|
Ads and Promotions |
Yes, but with third-party extensions |
Limited direct marketing tools, with some promotional features available on premium plans |
Customer Support
Customer supportEvaluates the quality and availability of support options.Score Components:
- Response time (40%): Speed of support responses.
- Support quality (30%): Effectiveness and helpfulness of the support.
- Availability (20%): Range of support channels (phone, chat, email).
- Resource richness (10%): Quality of self-help and educational materials.
6.7
7.3
🏆 Winner: SITE123
. In the Drupal vs SITE123 comparison, SITE123 takes the lead in customer support with its 24/7 online support chat available in English and additional support in 16 other languages during business hours. This extensive language support ensures that users from various regions can receive assistance in their preferred language, making it a versatile choice for a global audience.
Drupal, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive range of support options, including community support through forums and documentation on Drupal.org, and professional 24/7 support services via providers like Drupal Connect. While Drupal’s support system is robust, it relies heavily on community-driven assistance and third-party providers, which may not be as immediate or consistent as SITE123’s direct support channels.
Security
SecurityLooks at the platforms’ security measures and data protection.Score Components:
- Data protection (40%): Safeguards for user and customer data.
- SSL and encryption (30%): Implementation of secure connections.
- Compliance (20%): Adherence to industry security standards.
- Regular updates (10%): Frequency of security updates and patches.
8.3
7.5
🏆
Winner: Drupal
. Drupal’s security measures are comprehensive and robust, offering a wide range of features to protect both the website and the data it handles. It includes built-in mechanisms for preventing common web vulnerabilities, supports advanced security features like two-factor authentication, and provides extensive access control capabilities. Drupal’s proactive security approach is bolstered by a dedicated security team that continuously works on identifying and fixing vulnerabilities.
Although it may not offer the same level of specialized security features as Drupal, SITE123 is committed to maintaining a secure platform for all types of websites. This includes SSL/HTTPS encryption and modern firewalls. It provides free domain privacy protection to shield registrants’ personal information from public internet access. However, compared to Drupal, SITE123’s security measures are not as extensive, which is reflected in its lower security score.
AI Capabilities
AI capabilitiesMeasures the effectiveness of AI-driven features and tools.Score Components:
- Automation efficiency (40%): Impact of AI on streamlining processes.
- Personalization (30%): AI-driven customization for users or customers.
- AI-Assisted design (20%): Role of AI in website design and functionality.
- Data analysis (10%): Use of AI in interpreting user data and analytics.
7.5
2.8
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
AI Builder |
Drupal does not have an AI website builder |
SITE123 does not have an AI website builder |
|
AI Ecommerce features |
AI-enhanced chatbots, content creation, marketing automation |
|
|
AI Content Generation |
AI Connect module for content generation and SEO optimization |
AI-powered content generation for SEO-friendly content |
|
Additional AI Features |
AI-based search enhancements, content personalization |
Limited additional AI capabilities |
🏆 Winner: Drupal
. Despite not having an AI website builder, Drupal’s AI capabilities are more comprehensive, particularly in enhancing e-commerce and content creation. Its AI integrations also provide advanced features like AI-based search enhancements and content personalization. On the other hand, SITE123’s AI capabilities are limited, mainly focusing on AI-powered content generation.
User Management
User ManagementAssesses the platforms’ capabilities in managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility.Score Components:
- Role Customization (40%): Flexibility in creating and defining user roles and
permissions. - Ease of Management (30%): User interface and tools for managing users.
- Access Control (20%): Effectiveness of access control measures for different user
levels. - Scalability (10%): Ability to manage a growing number of users efficiently.
9.1
6.3
🏆 Winner: Drupal
. Drupal’s flexible permission and role system allows for an unlimited number of users to manage and edit a website, only constrained by server capacity and practical management considerations. Administrators can create various roles, such as “Editor” or “Administrator”, each with customized permissions. There’s no inherent limit in Drupal on the number of users with administrative or editing capabilities, enabling extensive collaboration and content management possibilities. On the other hand, SITE123 allows multiple users to have two different roles: Admin and Contributor, each with its own set of permissions. However, there is no mention of limitations on the number of users who can edit the website on Site123.
Drupal User Roles and Access Levels:
| Role | Description | Access Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Editor | Users responsible for content creation, editing, and publishing. | Can create, edit, delete, and publish content; can also manage comments. |
| Moderator | Users focused on site moderation, including comment and user management. | Can approve or delete comments, block users, and manage reported content. |
| Administrator | Users with full access to all administrative features of the site. | Can change site configuration, manage all content, users, permissions, and install modules/themes. |
Additional Features
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
SSL Certificate |
|
|
|
Custom Domain |
|
|
|
Free Custom Domain Included |
|
|
|
International Domains |
|
|
|
Mobile Responsive |
|
|
|
Page Speed |
|
|
|
Website Builder Mobile App |
|
|
|
Convert a Website To An App |
|
|
|
Website Analytics |
|
|
|
Multilingual Sites |
|
|
|
Multiple Users |
|
|
User Feedback
Users appreciate Drupal for its ease of use, security, and flexibility as an open-source CMS, highlighting its ability to scale and support a variety of websites and applications with modern technology tools. The community and documentation are frequently mentioned positives, providing ample support and resources. However, criticisms include a relative lack of plugins and themes compared to competitors like WordPress, the learning curve for customization without coding, and some challenges with installation and updates. The platform is praised for its robust content management capabilities, enabling users to manage content and user access efficiently. Overall, feedback underscores Drupal’s strength in creating secure, customizable, and scalable web solutions, despite some desires for more intuitive UI and easier setup.
SITE123 seems to offer a user-friendly platform with drag-and-drop features, making website building quick and easy. Users appreciate its wide library of free images and templates, mobile responsiveness, and excellent customer support. However, some users find its customization options limited, especially in the free version, and wish for more robust features like additional plugins and payment methods tailored to different regions. Overall, SITE123 appears beneficial for those seeking to create professional-looking websites without extensive coding knowledge, though it may lack certain advanced functionalities for more specialized needs.
The making of this blog
We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.
FAQ
Which platform is better for complex websites, Drupal or SITE123?
Can I use SITE123 for ecommerce?
Is Drupal easy to use for beginners?
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