Contao vs TYPO3 CMS

Contao is a free, open-source content management system for professional websites and scalable web applications. One installation can operate multiple websites and multilingual sites. Editors can work in TinyMCE, change multiple records together, and restore earlier versions. Administrators can assign permissions to individual backend fields for users or groups, while editorial workflows, custom roles, custom content types, a media library, and multilingual content support organize publishing. The core includes calendar, news and blog, newsletter, form-generation, and full-text-search modules. SEO features include schema.org data and generated XML sitemaps, with stated WCAG 2.1 AA support. Passkeys or two-factor authentication and account locking address access security. Contao runs on web servers with current PHP and MySQL, and can be installed through Contao Manager or Composer. It is based on Symfony and extendable through its directory or Packagist.

TYPO3 CMS is a free, open-source content management system for websites and digital projects, available as self-hosted software. It supports multilingual, multi-domain platforms, custom content types, media management, SEO tools, and editorial workflows. Role and permission controls are designed for editor groups and decentralized teams. The maker lists security-by-default features including encrypted passwords, multifactor authentication, IP- and role-based access, and file storage outside the web root. TYPO3 also describes configurable data retention and tools for handling data export, correction, and deletion requests. Its stated audience ranges from small websites and intranets to complex online applications and multinational enterprises. LTS versions receive three years of free official support, with ELTS available for up to four additional years. TYPO3 14 requirements include PHP 8.2–8.5, supported database options, and modern browsers. The CMS plan is free; self-hosted system requirements apply. TYPO3 v12 ELTS is listed at €3,200 a year per single license before discounts, with that price applying from April 2026; year four is reserved for TYPO3 Partners.