Episerver (Optimizely) vs. Drupal: DXP Platforms Compared
Last updated: March 2026 · Reading time: 5 minutes
Episerver was a Scandinavian CMS provider that merged into Optimizely in 2021. The platform combines content management, e-commerce, personalization, and A/B testing in a proprietary suite. Drupal covers many of these functions — with the difference that the source code is open and no license fees apply.
Episerver and Drupal in Direct Comparison
License costs. Optimizely charges annual license fees in the five-figure range. Drupal is open source — no license costs, no dependency on a single vendor.
Flexibility. Optimizely dictates features and architecture. Drupal can be adapted precisely to your requirements with over 50,000 modules. Custom developments belong to you.
Community. Drupal is developed by a global community of over 100,000 developers. Optimizely depends on the product decisions of a single company.
Migration from Episerver to Drupal
Many companies evaluate the switch when Episerver license contracts come up for renewal. The migration encompasses content transfer, template redevelopment, and redirect mapping. The effort pays off when saved license costs flow into feature development.
Since 2012, arocom has completed over 160 Drupal projects, including migrations from proprietary platforms. The Drupal Future Check (Audit) clarifies upfront whether and how a switch makes sense.
Evaluate a platform switch?
arocom analyzes your existing platform and shows whether Drupal is the better choice. Get in touch for a conversation.
What is Episerver?
Episerver is a proprietary Digital Experience Platform (DXP) from Scandinavia that has operated under the name Optimizely since 2021. It offers CMS, e-commerce, and personalization in a single suite.
Is Drupal an alternative to Episerver?
Yes. Drupal covers many DXP functions as an open-source CMS — without license costs. Personalization, e-commerce, and A/B testing are available through modules.
What does a migration from Episerver to Drupal cost?
That depends on the scope of the existing platform. arocom offers the Drupal Future Check (Audit) as a structured analysis for decision-making — from 2,500 euros plus VAT.
Read more - Why Drupal — The arguments for open source - Drupal Future Check — Have your platform analyzed - Relaunch — When a fresh start makes sense
Discover a random article
Questions about this topic? We'd love to help.
GEO & SEO Guide
Guide: How to optimize your website for search engines and AI systems.
Was this article helpful?