Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Duda · 🧱 website builders
Duda vs Concrete CMS
In-page editing, reusable blocks, permissions and workflows; hosting and client support are no longer bundled. Here is how Concrete CMS ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Duda ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Concrete CMS
$0.00/mo · MIT
Duda vs Concrete CMS Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Duda (Paid) | Concrete CMS (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source MIT |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hostedself-host, real ops |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 850 (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Duda to Concrete CMS
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Concrete CMS lacks Duda's agency-first white-label dashboard, client billing/handoff workflow and managed hosting.
How to deploy Concrete CMS
Release ZIP to PHP hosting, create a MySQL/MariaDB database, then finish the browser installer
What it takes to run
PHP hosting, a database, writable directories, and responsibility for updates, backups and outbound mail
Where your data lives
Pages, users, settings and block data in SQL; uploaded assets in the server file manager or a configured remote storage location
Why fork Concrete CMS instead of vibe-coding a Duda clone?
The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For Duda, build and manage one client-ready responsive site from reusable sections. The hard boundary is agency workflow, white-labeling, hosting, client permissions, and support, plus editor polish, hosting, templates, and ecosystem.
Duda vs Concrete CMS FAQ
Is Concrete CMS a good free alternative to Duda?+
Yes. Concrete CMS is a verified open-source (MIT) replacement for Duda. In-page editing, reusable blocks, permissions and workflows; hosting and client support are no longer bundled.
What is the catch when switching from Duda to Concrete CMS?+
Concrete CMS lacks Duda's agency-first white-label dashboard, client billing/handoff workflow and managed hosting.
How much do you save switching from Duda to Concrete CMS?+
Duda costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas Concrete CMS is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Concrete CMS instead of Duda?+
Install: Release ZIP to PHP hosting, create a MySQL/MariaDB database, then finish the browser installer. Setup: PHP hosting, a database, writable directories, and responsibility for updates, backups and outbound mail