We've built countless WordPress-based websites over the years. Yet lately, we prefer working with Statamic—and we think our clients will love using it, too. Here’s an in-depth comparison between an old familiar industry giant and a new kid on the CMS block.
Introduction
Statamic stores files and data in text files and folders rather than a database.
Statamic takes a different approach to content management by storing files and data in text files and folders rather than relying on a database.
WordPress, powering around 40% of the web, uses a database at its core to store, retrieve, and display all content. Meanwhile, newer flat-file CMSs like Statamic—built on Laravel—eliminate the need for a database altogether.
The Key Battles
1. Security
95% of the hacked websites run on WordPress, largely due to vulnerabilities in plugins and SQL injection attacks. Since Statamic is database-free, there’s no risk of SQL injection.
Moreover, WordPress depends on plugins for many features, and each plugin introduces potential security flaws. Statamic, on the other hand, includes most core functionality out of the box, minimizing risk. Built on Laravel, widely regarded as one of the most secure PHP frameworks, Statamic has a strong foundation in security.
Verdict: Statamic EASILY wins this round (Statamic 1 - Wordpress 0).
2. Data storage
Statamic data can be stored as flat file or the CMS can be adapted to store your data in any database configuration.
WordPress requires a database—typically MySQL—where SQL queries handle data storage and retrieval. Statamic’s file-based approach allows for version control, making it easy to roll back content without requiring a separate revision plugin.
If a database is ever necessary, Statamic can be adapted to store your data in any database configuration.
Verdict: Another point for Statamic (Statamic 2 - Wordpress 0).
3. Plugins ecosystem and broad target audience
60,000+ Wordpress plugins vs 100+ Statamic add-ons, 10,000+ Wordpress themes vs 50 Statamic starter kits. The numbers don't lie.
WordPress boasts an extensive library of plugins and themes, making it the go-to choice for a wide audience—from DIY enthusiasts building their first website to professional development agencies creating complex, custom solutions. Its unmatched appeal lies in its ability to cater to both beginners, seasoned professionals, and any web agencies.
Statamic, while growing, its ecosystem is smaller, it prioritizes quality over quantity.
Verdict: Wordpress wins 1 point (Wordpress 1 - Statamic 2).
4. Performance and Speed
Statamic’s flat-file architecture, combined with multiple caching layers, results in blazing-fast websites right out of the box. Static caching is a highlight—delivering pages instantly.
There is nothing faster on the Internet than static web pages.
Most of your web pages and most sections of a single page are informative content. Only a few parts of your page content are dynamic, such as web forms, listings from a data source or randomized/geo-targeted section. Statamic leverages static page caching to cache all those static content and loads them from the cache. The CMS also use application cache to store queries, data, and the results of resource intensive operations for pre-defined lengths of time. All of these are CORE features.
WordPress, with its reliance on a database and numerous plugins, often requires caching plugins (like WP Rocket or Redis Object Cache) to improve speed.
Verdict: Statamic wins for effortless performance (Statamic 3 - Wordpress 1).
5. Content Editing and User Experience
WordPress is familiar to many, with multiple ways to edit content—Gutenberg blocks, Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), page builders, and the classic editor.
Statamic, however, has a more intuitive, streamlined experience. Content modeling is built into the CMS core, making it feel more natural. And like we always said before every training session with our clients who made the switch to Statamic: if you are familiar with Wordpress, you gonna love Statamic and its clean, simple, built-from ground up approach for the admin panel, the backend intensive search and filter systems, organizing assets to sub-directories, the list goes on ....
Verdict: A tie, as familiarity plays a key role (Statamic 4 - Wordpress 2).
6. Core features and scalability
WordPress often requires plugins for essential features, which can introduce bloat and slow down the backend.
Statamic is lightweight out of the box but highly scalable. Built on Laravel, it allows for custom solutions without reliance on third-party plugins. Since we specialize in Laravel development, we prefer crafting bespoke solutions rather than installing plugins that offer features we may only need a fraction of.
Verdict: Statamic takes another win (Statamic 5 - Wordpress 2).
Final Verdict: Statamic Wins 5 - 2.5
We’re giving WordPress an honorary 0.5 points for its long history and undeniable impact on web development. Many of our clients’ sites still run on custom-built WordPress themes, and we continue to support them.
However, since our first integration with Statamic, our trust in—and love for—the platform has only grown. Security, scalability, and a dedicated support team are why our development team prefers Statamic. Website performance and a great user experience are why we recommend it to our clients.
For now, Statamic is our easy winner.
What CMS Best Suits Your Website?
We love working with both WordPress and Statamic, and we’re here to help you find the best fit for your business. Let’s chat about how a CMS can align with your company’s unique needs. We would love to hear from you!
✌🏼By the way, we are the ONLY Statamic certified agency partner in Canada ✌🏼.