---
title: "Episerver (Optimizely) vs. Drupal: DXP Platforms Compared"
lang: en
type: knowledge
canonical: https://www.arocom.de/en/knowledge/seo-geo/episerver
alternate: https://www.arocom.de/wissen/seo-geo/episerver
author: "Laura Murgia"
last_updated: 2026-07-29
---

# Episerver (Optimizely) vs. Drupal: DXP Platforms Compared

Episerver has operated under the name Optimizely since 2021 and positions
itself as a proprietary Digital Experience Platform (DXP). Drupal offers
comparable functionality as an open-source CMS, without license costs and
vendor lock-in. Since 2012, arocom has built enterprise platforms with Drupal
and advises companies switching from proprietary systems like Episerver to
an open ecosystem.

## Episerver (Optimizely) vs. Drupal: DXP Platforms Compared

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.

- [Request consultation](https://www.arocom.de/en/contact)

**From arocom projects:**

- We structure [haustec.de](https://www.arocom.de/en/references/haustec) at article level with FAQPage schema and executive-summary blocks, after 4 months the site regularly appears in ChatGPT and Perplexity answers to building-physics questions.
- Aqua Römer sells mineral water regionally and needs a site that stays visible in local search. We set up Drupal 10 with schema markup, clean redirects, and a newsletter loop, the brand stays in the local top results without requiring constant marketing intervention.

### 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](https://www.arocom.de/en/why-drupal): The arguments for open source
- [Drupal Future Check](https://www.arocom.de/en/future-check): Have your platform analyzed
- [Relaunch](https://www.arocom.de/en/knowledge/development/relaunch): When a fresh start makes sense