Concrete CMS is a free, open-source content management system that lets people edit pages directly on the website rather than through a separate admin panel. It is best suited to small businesses, charities, schools and teams that want an easy visual editing experience, controlled layouts and the option to self-host without paying a software licence.
What is Concrete CMS?
Concrete CMS is a PHP-based CMS for creating, managing and publishing websites. Its main difference is that you edit content in context, on the page itself. Instead of navigating through a complex dashboard, you can select a text area, image or content block and make changes where visitors will see them.
The system combines page editing with reusable blocks, responsive layouts, forms, media management, version history, permissions and publishing workflows. This makes it suitable for organisations where several people contribute content but not everyone has technical experience.
As of 2026, the self-hosted software remains free to use. You pay for hosting, maintenance and any optional add-ons rather than a standard per-user CMS licence. Managed hosting is also available, although the listed prices are shown in US dollars and may change.
| Option | Listed price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted CMS | $0 software licence | You provide hosting and manage the installation |
| Starter hosting | $4.99 per month, billed annually | One site editor, managed upgrades, backups and 2GB storage |
| Business hosting | $19 per month, billed annually | Five editors, CDN, SSL, DDoS protection and 20GB storage |
| Custom SLA | Contact provider | Bespoke infrastructure, development and support |
5 Best Features of Concrete CMS
- Edit pages directly in context
The visual editor is the platform’s strongest feature. You can click on a page element, change the copy, replace an image or adjust a block without constantly switching between the front end and a separate back-office screen. This is useful for owners who want to make routine updates without asking a developer to change every detail.
- Flexible blocks and layouts
Pages are built from content blocks and defined areas. Depending on the theme and permissions, you can rearrange sections, add images, create calls to action and structure content without writing code. The approach provides more control than a basic text editor while helping protect the overall design.
- Version control and rollback
Concrete CMS keeps previous versions of pages, allowing authorised users to compare changes and restore an earlier version. This gives a small team a safer way to edit important pages, particularly when several people are reviewing content before publication.
- Detailed permissions and workflows
Administrators can assign different roles and permissions to users and groups. One person might draft content, another might review it, and a third might approve it for publication. Permissions can be applied at a detailed level, which is valuable for schools, charities, membership organisations and businesses with several departments.
- Useful features built into the core
Forms, file management, search tools, SEO settings, responsive layouts and page management are included in the wider platform rather than being dependent on a long list of extensions. This can make a site easier to manage because fewer separate add-ons need to be selected, updated and checked for compatibility.
Concrete CMS in Action: 3 Examples
- A local professional services website
Example scenario: A small consultancy has a five-page website with service pages, team profiles, a contact form and a regularly updated insights section. The owner can change service descriptions and add new articles directly on the relevant pages, while a colleague reviews the copy before it goes live.
- A charity with several content contributors
Example scenario: A charity has separate staff members responsible for fundraising, volunteering and news. Each person can be given access to the sections they manage. A central editor can then check tone, accessibility and accuracy before approving publication.
- An organisation with a structured information site
Example scenario: A training provider needs to publish course information, downloadable documents, event details and frequently asked questions. Reusable blocks and consistent page layouts help the team add new information without creating a different design for every page.
These are illustrative scenarios, not claims about specific Concrete CMS customers. The platform can support larger and more complex websites, but the value is clearest when ease of editing and controlled collaboration matter as much as design freedom.
3 Things That Could Be Better
- The wider ecosystem is smaller
Concrete CMS has a marketplace of themes and add-ons, but its ecosystem is not as large as WordPress. That may mean fewer ready-made integrations, tutorials or available specialists for unusual requirements. Before committing, check that the add-ons you need are actively maintained.
- Self-hosting still requires responsibility
Free software does not mean a free website. With a self-hosted installation, you remain responsible for hosting, backups, security updates, PHP compatibility and troubleshooting. Zest City Web Hosting can reduce the technical burden, but you should still understand who manages updates and what support is included.
- Costs can rise for advanced requirements
The core platform has no standard licence charge, but premium add-ons, bespoke development and managed hosting can affect the total cost. The custom SLA option is priced individually, so larger organisations will need a direct quotation before calculating their full budget.
Top 2 Alternatives to Concrete CMS
- WordPress: WordPress offers a much larger theme, plugin and developer ecosystem. It is often the easier choice when you need a wide range of integrations, publishing tools or e-commerce extensions, although maintaining a plugin-heavy site can require more care.
- Drupal: Drupal is aimed more at complex content structures, advanced permissions and large-scale digital projects. It can be highly flexible, but it usually has a steeper learning curve and may require more specialist development than Concrete CMS.
Both WordPress and Drupal are included in Zest City’s 79-app library in the CMS category, so they are worth comparing before you choose an installation.
Our verdict: 4.2/5. Concrete CMS is a strong choice for a small organisation that values visual editing, version control and user permissions. It is less compelling if your main priority is the largest possible plugin marketplace or if you want a fully managed platform with completely transparent enterprise pricing.
3 Tips to Get More From Concrete CMS
- Plan your content structure before building pages
List your main services, audiences, calls to action and frequently updated content before creating the site. Decide which sections need separate permissions and which elements should become reusable blocks. A simple structure will make the site easier to navigate and maintain.
- Create a design system rather than styling every page separately
Set consistent rules for headings, buttons, spacing, colours and image sizes. If you need a bespoke theme or want to improve an existing website’s user experience, Zest City’s website design services can help turn your content structure into a clear, responsive design.
- Establish an editorial and maintenance routine
Decide who can draft, review and publish content. Schedule checks for outdated pages, broken links, form submissions, image quality, backups and software updates. If you use the Zest City install option through 20i, confirm which elements are managed for you and which remain your responsibility.
Free with Zest City Web Hosting
Concrete CMS is one of 79 apps available free with Zest City Web Hosting : included on every shared hosting programme and platform we offer, with genuine 1-click installation (no server admin, no manual setup, live in minutes). No extra licence fees, no separate app-store account.
Zest City Web Hosting is suitable for site owners who want a simpler route from choosing a CMS to getting a working website online. Hosting performance, backups, SSL, security and support still matter, so compare the service around the application rather than looking only at the software licence price.
FAQs
Is Concrete CMS free?
Yes. The self-hosted Concrete CMS software is open source and does not require a standard licence fee. You still need to pay for hosting, domain registration, maintenance and any premium extensions or professional development you choose.
Is Concrete CMS good for beginners?
It can be a good option for beginners because the editor works directly on the page and uses visual content blocks. Beginners may still need help with hosting, site structure, security and more advanced configuration, particularly if they are managing the installation themselves.
Can I edit pages directly with Concrete CMS?
Yes. Direct, in-context editing is one of its defining features. Depending on your permissions, you can select page content, edit text, replace images and manage blocks from the page view rather than relying only on a separate administration screen.
What is Concrete CMS used for?
Concrete CMS is used to build and manage business websites, charity sites, education websites, membership platforms, intranets and information-rich organisational websites. It is most useful where several people need to update structured content while retaining control over layouts and approvals.
Not sure Concrete CMS is the right fit : or want to see the other 78 apps you get free? Talk to Zest City about your web hosting and we’ll help you pick the right app, the right hosting plan, and show you what else we can do for your site, from design to ongoing support.
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