I've long been an enthusiastic advocate of ExpressionEngine. Even though I've had numerous clients who've opted for EE over other free, open-source CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, the price tag of EE's commercial CMS used to pose challenges when negotiating EE implementations.
But times have changed! With the introduction of the Core pricing option, ExpressionEngine has become an even more attractive solution for most small to medium-sized companies.
For years, ExpressionEngine has stood as a favourite among website creators, known for its robust capabilities and flexibility. Despite its merits, the cost of ExpressionEngine's commercial CMS has often presented a challenge for those seeking its use, especially in comparison to free open-source CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla. However, times have changed with the advent of ExpressionEngine 7.
ExpressionEngine 7 has revolutionized the landscape with a pricing structure designed to suit teams of all sizes. This new approach breaks down barriers, offering transparency and simplicity. The three pricing options are as follows:
This option caters to projects with minimal requirements and allows users to access a powerful CMS for free. It's an ideal choice for those seeking unlimited features and is perfect for solo operators or small teams with one control panel user.
With the Pro plan, users gain access to a world of possibilities. For $249, they receive one year of updates, with subsequent updates available starting at $49 per year. This option is perfect for those who need unlimited features and wish to invite an unlimited number of control panel users, ideal for more extensive and collaborative projects.
Like the Pro plan, the Additional MSM Site option provides one year of updates for $49, with additional updates available at $39 per year. It also allows for unlimited features and control panel users, making it a fitting choice for those with multiple projects and extensive demands.
ExpressionEngine 7's pricing is refreshingly straightforward, free from hidden fees or long-term commitments. You can now choose a plan that aligns perfectly with your project's requirements, whether it's the solo entrepreneur with the Core plan or the large collaborative team with the Pro and Additional MSM Site options.
But, let's not forget the journey that brought us here. ExpressionEngine has seen several transformative phases over the years:
Most recently, ExpressionEngine 7 refined the CMS with a modernized control panel and an updated pricing structure, making it more accessible to a broader audience.
Performance, security, and an intuitive interface drove the development of ExpressionEngine 6.
Speed, security, and developer-friendliness took centre stage with the open-source ExpressionEngine 5.
A pivotal moment came in 2018 when ExpressionEngine went open source, fostering community collaboration.
More enhancements followed with ExpressionEngine 4, building on the foundation set by its predecessor.
A revamped control panel and third-party integrations marked ExpressionEngine 3's pursuit of user-friendliness.
ExpressionEngine 2 emerged as a modular, extensible solution, though it remained a commercial product.
In 2007, EllisLab took the helm, guiding ExpressionEngine's growth and popularity.
Born in 2002 as a commercial content management system (CMS) by pMachine, ExpressionEngine began its journey.
As ExpressionEngine continues to evolve, its commitment to innovation and adaptability remains a hallmark of its success. Now, with ExpressionEngine 7, it's easier than ever to harness its power for your web projects, regardless of your team's size.