Admin Panels and Content Management Systems We Love

Welcome to our overview of our preferred admin panels and content management systems (CMS). As developers, we prioritize understanding our client's needs, particularly their desire for easy website or app management. While we appreciate admin panels and CMS for their empowering functionalities, finding user-friendly solutions is an ongoing quest. We constantly hunt excellent CMS solutions that strike the right balance between functionality and usability. In this article, we'll share our subjective insights on our favored panels, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and showcasing their user interfaces.


In this article, we will delve into the following admin panels and content management systems:

1. Django Admin
2. Laravel Filament
3. Django Wagtail CMS
4. Ghost CMS

Django Admin Panel

Django is a popular web framework built on the Python programming language, making it a widely favored choice for website development. Known for its simplicity and rapid development capabilities, Django offers exceptional security features by default and high performance. One standout feature is the automated Django admin panel, generated simultaneously with the underlying database structure. This feature makes it a cost-effective solution for basic website management. While it may require some customization for a cleaner and more intuitive interface, Django admin provides an excellent option for trusted users who need to make frequent edits to their website. Various themes are available to enhance its visual appeal and user-friendliness.

Key points:

• Built on Python, Django is a leading web framework.
• Renowned for fast development, strong security, and optimal performance.
• Automated Django admin panel is cost-effective and simplifies website management.
• Customization options available for a modern and user-friendly interface.

Laravel Filament Admin Panel

Laravel Filament based on PHP language presents a modern alternative to Django admin, boasting active development and a contemporary tech stack. Built on top of cutting-edge technologies such as Tailwind CSS, Alpine JS, Laravel, and LiveWire, it stands as a versatile admin builder with immense potential. Following a component-based approach, Filament extends its utility beyond an admin panel, enabling the use of admin forms and component systems directly within your Laravel projects. It seamlessly transitions between being a user-friendly admin panel and a robust content management system, excelling in advanced form building. The availability of numerous plugins and easy styling through Tailwind CSS contributes to making Filament one of the most aesthetically pleasing admin solutions in the market today.

Key points:

• Laravel Filament: a modern, developer-friendly admin panel.
• Built on contemporary tech stack including Tailwind CSS, Alpine JS, Laravel, and LiveWire.
• Versatile, component-based system for flexible usage and integration.
• Offers advanced form building capabilities and supports various plugins.
• Easily styled using Tailwind CSS, contributing to a visually appealing interface.

Django Wagtail CMS

When it comes to robust solutions for content-heavy websites within the Python realm, Wagtail CMS stands as the most prominent choice. Unlike the plug-and-play nature of platforms like WordPress or Ghost, Wagtail CMS is extension tailored for constructing elegant and high-performing CMS on top of Django. Recently updated with a sleek new look, Wagtail emphasizes a user-friendly interface. Ideal for content-rich websites, Wagtail offers unparalleled creative freedom, albeit with a steeper learning curve for developers. One of its standout features is streamfield editing, enabling editors to craft content through freeform page editing using a variety of customizable widgets. Wagtail effectively manages entire website structures, facilitates multilevel navigation, and seamlessly integrates vanilla Django models within the CMS. Its strength lies in handling content-intensive websites, including multilingual content, custom layouts, and the creation of bespoke functionality.

Key points:

• Wagtail CMS: a robust Django extension for content-rich websites.
• Offers creative freedom with a focus on elegant UI/UX.
• Streamfield editing enables versatile content creation using customizable widgets.
• Efficiently manages website structure, multilevel navigation, and vanilla Django model integration.
• Exceptional for content-intensive websites, multilingual content, custom layouts, and bespoke functionality.

Ghost CMS

Ghost is a cutting-edge, modern solution built on JavaScript (NodeJS). Initially emerging as a direct competitor to WordPress, which has evolved into a multi-purpose CMS over time, Ghost adheres to a mission of simplicity and excellent user experience. While it may be more limited compared to the previously mentioned admin panels and CMS solutions, Ghost compensates with exceptional features that are rare to find in the industry. It particularly excels for bloggers, publishers, magazines, podcasts, and anyone seeking an easy-to-use platform for online content creation and publication. Key strengths of Ghost include an attractive marketplace offering a variety of templates, an integrated newsletter system with a dedicated newsletter editor, and the capability to lock content, granting access only to subscribers. These attributes position Ghost as an invaluable business tool for creators and companies.

Key points:

• Ghost CMS: a modern, JavaScript-based content management solution.
• Focuses on simplicity, clean design, and exceptional user experience.
• Ideal for bloggers, publishers, podcasts, and content creators looking for ease of use.
• Offers a marketplace with templates, built-in newsletter features, and content access control.
• An excellent business tool for creators and companies seeking to manage and distribute content.

In conclusion, selecting the right admin panel or content management system is a crucial decision that significantly impacts the efficiency, functionality, and user experience of a website or application. Whether it's the versatility of Django Admin, the modernity of Laravel Filament, the robustness of Django Wagtail CMS, or the simplicity yet power of Ghost CMS, each solution has its own unique strengths and is tailored to cater to specific needs.

At our development agency, we value the importance of choosing the right tool for the right project. Our experience with these admin panels and CMS solutions has enriched our understanding of what works best in various scenarios. We hope this overview provides you with valuable insights to make informed decisions for your upcoming projects.

Remember, the technology landscape is ever-evolving, and staying updated with the latest advancements and trends is essential. Whichever solution you choose, the key lies in harnessing its potential to create exceptional digital experiences.

If you have any questions or need further assistance in choosing the right admin panel or CMS for your project, feel free to reach out. Happy developing!