Overview
Kirby is a file-based PHP CMS that stores all content as plain text files in a folder structure, eliminating the need for a database. It provides a clean panel admin UI, a flexible content model with custom fields, image processing, multi-language support, and a REST API for headless use. Kirby uses a commercial per-site license while the source code is publicly available. Deploy on any PHP-capable web host.
Where it falls short of Squarespace
- Commercial per-site license required; cost adds up for agencies managing many sites
- File-based storage does not scale well for high-traffic sites with many content editors writing simultaneously
- No built-in e-commerce, memberships, or newsletter functionality
- Plugin ecosystem is smaller than WordPress; fewer pre-built integrations available
We list the gaps honestly so you can decide if the trade-off is worth owning your data.
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