KeystoneJS vs ModX

KeystoneJS and ModX are both popular content management systems used for building websites and web applications. KeystoneJS is a modern Node.js-based CMS known for its flexibility and ease of use, while ModX is a PHP-based platform that offers extensive customization options and a strong community support.

General information

KeystoneJS
ModX
Introduction :
KeystoneJS is a powerful open-source content management system and web application framework that was launched in 2013. It is popular for its flexibility, ease of use, and robust features such as database management, authentication, and dynamic routing. KeystoneJS is widely used for building dynamic websites and web applications, making it a popular choice among developers looking for a scalable and customizable platform.
Introduction :
ModX is an open-source content management system that was launched in 2004. It is known for its flexibility and scalability, making it a popular choice for developers and designers looking to create custom websites. ModX allows for easy customization and management of content, making it a versatile platform for a wide range of projects. Its robust features and active community support contribute to its popularity among users.
Advantages :
  • Easy to use and customize
  • Built-in user authentication and access control
  • Flexible content modeling with schemas
  • Active community and support
  • Scalable for large projects
Advantages :
  • Highly customizable and flexible design options
  • Robust security features to protect websites
  • Easy to use and navigate for beginners
  • Extensive plugin library for added functionality
  • Strong community support for troubleshooting and guidance
Disadvantages :
  • Limited theme options
  • Steeper learning curve compared to some
  • Less community support than WordPress
  • Not as customizable as other platforms
  • Limited plugins and extensions available
Disadvantages :
  • Steeper learning curve than some platforms
  • Limited number of available plugins and extensions
  • Less user-friendly interface for beginners
  • Requires more technical knowledge for customization
  • Limited community support compared to other platforms
Website users : Thousands
KeystoneJS is used by thousands of websites worldwide, making it a popular choice among developers for building dynamic web applications.
Website users : Hundreds of thousands
ModX is used by hundreds of thousands of websites worldwide, making it a popular choice among content management systems.
๐ŸŸก Difficulty : Average.
KeystoneJS requires some familiarity with Node.js and MongoDB, making it average in terms of ease of getting started compared to other CMS platforms.
๐ŸŸก Difficulty : Average.
Moderate learning curve with basic web development skills required. Resources available for beginners, but may take time to fully grasp.
Year launched : 2013
KeystoneJS was launched in 2013, positioning it as a relatively newer option compared to other content management systems.
Year launched : 2005
ModX was launched in 2005, making it one of the older content management systems available for website development.
Official website : https://keystonejs.com/
Official website : https://modx.com/


Commercial details

KeystoneJS
ModX
๐ŸŸข Open source : Fully.
KeystoneJS is fully open source and written in JavaScript, allowing for complete customization and community contributions.
๐ŸŸข Open source : Fully.
ModX is fully open source and written in PHP. The entire platform can be customized and extended by the community.
โšช Free option : Unknown.
KeystoneJS offers a free option, but the specifics regarding limitations or features of the free plan are unclear.
โšช Free option : Unknown.
There may be free options available for ModX, but further research is needed to confirm the details and limitations.
๐ŸŸข Paid option : Yes.
KeystoneJS offers a paid option for additional features, hosting, and support, providing users with more comprehensive and tailored solutions.
๐ŸŸข Paid option : Yes.
ModX offers a paid option for users looking for advanced features, additional support, and a more robust hosting solution.


Platform details

KeystoneJS
ModX
๐ŸŸข Hosted : Yes.
KeystoneJS offers a hosted option through various third-party vendors, providing users with the convenience of managed hosting services.
โšช Hosted : Unknown.
Hosted options may be available through third-party vendors, but direct hosting by ModX is unclear. Further research is needed for confirmation.
๐ŸŸข Self host : Yes.
KeystoneJS can be self-hosted on various 3rd party vendors, giving users flexibility and control over their hosting environment.
๐ŸŸข Self host : Yes.
ModX offers a self-host option, allowing users to choose their own hosting provider for more control and customization.
๐ŸŸก Headless CMS : Supported via plugin.
KeystoneJS supports headless features via its API, allowing for decoupled front-end development and content management capabilities.
๐ŸŸก Headless CMS : Supported via plugin.
ModX does not natively support headless architecture but can be achieved through plugins and API integrations for headless features.
๐ŸŸก Static content generation : Supported via plugin.
Static content generation is possible in KeystoneJS through plugins, offering flexibility for users to generate static content if needed.
๐ŸŸก Static content generation : Supported via plugin.
Static content generation can be achieved in ModX through popular plugins, offering flexibility and customization options for users.


Key features

KeystoneJS
ModX
๐ŸŸข Content management : Support natively.
KeystoneJS excels in content management with its native capabilities, offering robust tools for creating, editing, and organizing content efficiently.
๐ŸŸก Content management : Supported via plugin.
ModX offers robust content management capabilities through plugins, but may require additional customization for comprehensive content management functionality compared to native platforms.
๐ŸŸก Blogging : Supported via plugin.
KeystoneJS can be used for blogging with the help of plugins like keystone-blog, offering basic blogging functionality but may require additional customization.
๐ŸŸก Blogging : Supported via plugin.
While ModX can support blogging with plugins, it is not its primary focus. Consider platforms like WordPress for a more robust native blogging experience.
๐Ÿ”ด E-commerce : Not supported.
KeystoneJS is not specifically designed for e-commerce, lacking native features for online stores. It may require extensive customization or integration with third-party plugins.
๐ŸŸก E-commerce : Supported via plugin.
ModX can be used for e-commerce with the help of popular plugins like SimpleCart or Commerce, offering flexibility and customization options.
๐ŸŸก Community forum : Supported via plugin.
KeystoneJS can be used for a community/forum with the help of third-party plugins/extensions, offering flexibility and customization options.
๐ŸŸก Community forum : Supported via plugin.
ModX can support a community/forum with plugins like SimpleCart and SimpleForum, but it may require additional setup compared to platforms with native forum features.
๐ŸŸก Content subscription : Supported via plugin.
Content subscriptions/paywalls can be implemented using third-party plugins/extensions in KeystoneJS, enhancing its functionality in this area.
๐ŸŸก Content subscription : Supported via plugin.
ModX does not natively support content subscriptions/paywalls but can be enhanced by popular third-party plugins/extensions.


Other features

KeystoneJS
ModX
๐ŸŸก Multi-site : Supported via plugin.
Multi-site functionality can be achieved in KeystoneJS through the use of third-party plugins or extensions.
๐ŸŸก Multi-site : Supported via plugin.
ModX does not support multi-site natively but can be enhanced by popular third-party plugins/extensions for multi-site functionality.
๐ŸŸก Multi-language : Supported via plugin.
Multilingual support can be achieved via plugins like keystone-multilingual or keystone-localisation, enhancing native capabilities.
๐ŸŸก Multi-language : Supported via plugin.
Multi-language support in ModX is typically achieved through the use of third-party plugins/extensions, offering robust options for creating multilingual websites.
๐ŸŸก XML Sitemaps : Supported via plugin.
XML sitemaps can be implemented through a popular 3rd party plugin or extension, enhancing the SEO capabilities of KeystoneJS.
๐ŸŸก XML Sitemaps : Supported via plugin.
Support for XML sitemaps can be enhanced by popular third-party plugins/extensions in ModX.


When choosing between KeystoneJS and ModX, consider your technical expertise and project requirements. KeystoneJS is ideal for developers looking for a modern and flexible CMS, while ModX is a great choice for those who need advanced customization options and a supportive community. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.