The world of content management systems has undergone a major update. On May 20, 2026, the official release of WordPress 7.0 “Armstrong” introduced artificial intelligence integration into the system core along with a redesigned administration panel. At the same time, the Joomla 6 series continues to evolve rapidly (the major 6.1 update was released in April 2026 following the launch of the sixth branch in autumn), with its primary focus on enhanced security, faster performance through plugin lazy loading, and improved support for child templates. Details below by WebBuilding.
Both platforms aim to attract developers and business owners, but they offer fundamentally different approaches to website development. Let’s take a closer look at which CMS is better suited to your needs in 2026.
Feature Comparison: WordPress 7.0 vs Joomla 6.1
| Comparison Criteria | WordPress 7.0 (“Armstrong”) | Joomla 6 (including version 6.1) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus of the Release | AI infrastructure, real-time collaboration, redesigned administration interface. | Performance optimization (lazy loading enabled by default), enhanced security, improved handling of child template language files. |
| Recommended PHP Version | PHP 8.3 or higher (minimum supported version is PHP 7.4). | PHP 8.1 / 8.2 or higher. |
| Built-in Features | Enhanced Gutenberg block editor with advanced block design tools. | Built-in multilingual support, flexible Custom Fields, improved Media Manager. |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Deep integration of AI infrastructure directly into the system core. | AI integration via MCP servers (currently implemented through components rather than deeply integrated into the core). |
WordPress 7.0: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- AI and automation: Built-in artificial intelligence simplifies content generation, automatic tagging, and initial SEO optimization.
- Modernized workspace: The redesigned administration panel significantly improves the workflow for content teams and authors.
- Extensive plugin ecosystem: The largest marketplace of ready-made solutions allows you to quickly extend website functionality for virtually any purpose.
Disadvantages:
- Compatibility challenges: Upgrading to version 7.0 requires careful testing of older plugins, as support for outdated PHP 7.2 and 7.3 has been discontinued.
- Dependence on third-party extensions: Creating complex data structures or multilingual websites still requires additional plugins such as WPML or Advanced Custom Fields.
Joomla 6: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Excellent performance out of the box: Default plugin lazy loading introduced in Joomla 6.1 significantly reduces server load and improves Core Web Vitals.
- Powerful data architecture: Built-in tools make it possible to create complex catalogs, portals, and multilingual websites without relying on numerous third-party extensions.
- Clean code and easier updates: The new child template language file system allows developers to customize designs without losing localization after system updates.
Disadvantages:
- Steeper learning curve: Joomla 6 remains more complex for non-technical content managers compared to WordPress.
- Smaller selection of ready-made templates: The ecosystem of modern Joomla 6 themes is still smaller than WordPress, often requiring developers to build custom designs or rely on large frameworks such as Helix Ultimate.
Conclusion: Which CMS Should You Choose?
So WordPress 7.0 Joomla 6.1 If your priorities include blogging, corporate websites, fast AI integration, and easy day-to-day content management, WordPress 7.0 is the clear choice. However, if you are building a complex web portal, a large-scale catalog with custom data structures, or a project where security and minimal dependence on third-party extensions are critical, Joomla 6.1 provides a more reliable platform for long-term development.
