10 Best Adobe Experience Manager Alternatives (2024)

Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is a well-established content management solution within the larger Adobe brand ecosystem. However, it also has a reputation for inflexibility. Its complex system, steep learning curve, and requirements to pay for features you may not even want has led to some users seeking an Adobe Experience Manager alternative.

If you're looking for a system that has AEM's strengths but not its struggles, you have plenty of options. Here are the ten best adobe experience manager alternatives for 2024.

1. Storyblok

Storyblok is a cloud-native CMS built to power the next generation of revolutionary content experiences. Unlike AEM, which follows a hybrid approach, Storyblok is a truly headless system. That means you don't have to do any extra work to get the benefits of headless – it follows MACH principles and allows for the integration of best-of-breed technologies right from the beginning. It also features extensive documentation and developer tutorials for an easier start.

Storyblok isn't just for developers, though. It's been designed to be a seamless content management experience for users across all teams and of any skill level.

A huge part of this is the intuitive Visual Editor. With the help of developer-made content blocks, marketers and editors can effortlessly edit and publish content without having to rely on their tech teams.

There's also Storyblok's new Ideation Room. With AI-powered content generation and collaborative editing, the Ideation Room allows teams to create digital experiences like never before.

Finally, for users who struggle with AEM's unpredictable pricing and vendor lock-in, Storyblok is one of the best Adobe Experience Manager alternatives. That's because our pricing is designed to be flexible and transparent. You'll know exactly how much you're paying in exchange for the product and its impressive 582% ROI.

2. Kentico

Kentico can be a good Adobe Experience Manager alternative due to its cost-effectiveness. Many users feel like they get robust features at a lower price point. However, Kentico may fall short with its less comprehensive support for large-scale enterprise needs. Additionally, other CMSs may provide more advanced marketing tools and integrations, so teams with complex digital marketing requirements may want to look elsewhere.

3. Content Hub

Another popular AEM alternative is Content Hub. As a product of HubSpot, Content Hub poses strong digital asset management capabilities from a well-known brand, making it ideal for organizations focused on efficient content storage and retrieval. However, Content Hub has been seen to lack extensive content personalization features, which are crucial for creating tailored user experiences.

4. Sitecore

Thanks to powerful personalization capabilities, Sitecore is a popular CMS. Its features allow businesses to deliver tailored content and experiences to users, similar to what Adobe Experience Manager can offer. However, just like with AEM, Sitecore's complexity can be a significant drawback: it often requires extensive training and expertise to manage effectively, which can be a barrier for teams without dedicated resources. 

5. Optimizely

Optimizely (formerly Episerver) offers exceptional A/B testing and experimentation features. As the name suggests, this allows businesses to continuously improve customer engagement and digital experiences. However, Optimizely may not match offer the most comprehensive digital asset management capabilities, which can be a limitation for organizations with extensive content libraries requiring sophisticated organization and retrieval.

6. WordPress

WordPress can be a good Adobe Experience Manager alternative due to its ease of use and accessibility, allowing even non-technical users to quickly set up and manage websites with a wide range of themes and plugins. However, WordPress may not be suitable for large enterprises needing robust scalability and security features, as it can be more vulnerable to security threats compared to composable CMSs with enterprise-grade security protocols.

7. Sanity

Sanity is a compelling alternative to AEM due to its flexible, developer-friendly approach to content management. It’s designed for tech teams, and can provide highly customizable and scalable solutions tailored to specific business needs. However, getting to that point requires a lot of customization. Being developer-first also means some non-technical users may face a steep learning curve, so it may not be the best Adobe Experience Manager alternative for companies looking to closely involve their marketing teams.

8. Bloomreach

Bloomreach offers AI-driven search and personalization capabilities. Both features can enhance customer experiences by delivering highly relevant content. However, Bloomreach might not match AEM's comprehensive digital asset management features, which are essential for organizations with vast and diverse content needs. It may also require additional tools and integrations to achieve the same level of functionality as other more “out of the box” CMS solutions.

9. Contentstack

Contentstack is another headless CMS option. This architecture offers remarkable flexibility and scalability, enabling companies to deliver content seamlessly across multiple channels and platforms. However, Contentstack may not match AEM's extensive built-in marketing and personalization tools, which are essential for creating tailored customer experiences and executing sophisticated marketing strategies.

10. Contentful

Contentful is a a good Adobe Experience Manager alternative thanks to its technological, API-powered flexibility and developer-friendly enviornment. This allows for agile content management. Nevertheless, users who are seeking built-in features for large-scale enterprise needs might find that Contentful is not the most “quick-start” option available to them.

Key takeaways: what is the best Adobe Experience Manager alternative?

Ultimately, the best Adobe Experience Manager alternative depends on your company's specific needs and priorities. Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness, ease of use, robust digital asset management, or seamless integration with other tools, each alternative offers unique strengths and limitations.

It's essential to thoroughly evaluate these options in the context of your business requirements. Embracing free trials and personalized demos can provide invaluable insights, allowing you to experience firsthand how each platform meets your needs. By exploring these options, you can make a well-informed decision that best supports your company's digital strategy and goals.