Unveiling the Core Web Vitals Champions: Open Source vs. Proprietary Platforms
The Great Web Performance Debate: Open Source vs. Closed Source
In the world of content management systems (CMS), a heated debate has emerged. The Core Web Vitals Technology Report, crafted by the open-source HTTPArchive community, has revealed a surprising trend. While open-source platforms have long been favored for their flexibility and community support, the November 2025 data paints a different picture. The top performers in Core Web Vitals (CWV) are all closed-source, proprietary platforms, leaving open-source systems trailing behind.
Why Core Web Vitals Matter
Core Web Vitals are Google's metrics to assess the speed, stability, and responsiveness of websites. A fast and smooth user experience keeps visitors engaged and boosts sales, reads, and ad impressions. On the other hand, slow and unresponsive sites frustrate users and hinder business goals. CWV scores offer a glimpse into the real-world performance and user experience of websites.
Unraveling the Data
The CWV Technology Report combines two public datasets: the Chrome UX Report (CrUX) and the HTTP Archive. CrUX uses data from Chrome users who voluntarily share performance stats, providing a real-world perspective. The HTTP Archive conducts lab tests to analyze site architecture and performance best practices.
Together, these datasets offer a comprehensive view of CMS performance on Core Web Vitals.
Ranking the Core Web Vitals Champs
Duda: The Undisputed Leader
Duda takes the top spot, with an impressive 84.87% of sites passing the Core Web Vitals test. It's the only platform where over 80% of sites achieve a good CWV score. Duda has consistently dominated the CWV rankings for years.
Wix: A Close Second
Wix follows closely with 74.86% of sites passing CWV. While it trails Duda, it's still ahead of the third-place CMS.
Squarespace: Holding Strong
Squarespace ranks third with 70.39%. Its CWV pass rate positions it between Wix and Drupal, solidifying its place among the top publishing platforms.
Drupal: A Surprising Fourth
Drupal, an open-source CMS, ranks fourth with 63.27% of sites passing CWV. This places it below the private label site builders, raising questions about its performance.
Joomla: Steady but Behind
Joomla ranks fifth with 56.92%. While it passes the CWV test for over half of its sites, it lags behind the top performers.
WordPress: Bringing Up the Rear
WordPress, the popular open-source CMS, ranks last with only 46.28% of sites passing Core Web Vitals. This is a significant gap compared to Joomla, highlighting WordPress's struggle with CWV.
The Impact of CWV Scores
The difference in CWV scores translates to a noticeable user experience. Top-ranked platforms deliver faster and more stable experiences, while lower-ranked ones expose users to slower, less responsive pages. The gap between Duda and WordPress is a staggering 38.59 percentage points.
Blame Game or Reality Check?
Some argue that WordPress's low CWV scores are due to its vast ecosystem of plugins and themes. However, the fact remains that WordPress is at the bottom of the rankings. Perhaps it's time for WordPress to take a proactive approach, setting performance standards for themes and plugins to improve overall performance.
Do CMS Choices Impact Search Rankings?
The choice of CMS has been a topic of discussion. While some believe WordPress's plugins and flexibility make it easier to rank in Google, private platforms like Duda, Wix, and Squarespace have proven their worth with competitive SEO functionalities. These platforms automate various technical SEO tasks, making them a strong choice for search engine optimization.
The Role of CWV in Rankings
While Core Web Vitals are a minor ranking factor, they significantly impact user experience and conversions. The November 2025 HTTPArchive Technology Report highlights the importance of CMS performance, offering valuable insights for web developers and businesses.
Accessing the Report
You can find the HTTPArchive report here: Report Link. However, this report will soon be replaced, and the new version lacks a date constraint feature. Stay tuned for updates!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock/Red Fox studio
