Compare · Content management system
Alternative to Contao
Contao is a popular content management system. Hoila is something else: an assistant that looks after your website. You write what should change — in the app, by e-mail or on WhatsApp — and Hoila makes the change as a draft, shows it to you and only publishes it when you say yes.
What Contao is good at
Contao is an open-source content management system from Germany, known for accessible websites and a clear back end.
- A focus on accessible, standards-friendly websites.
- Many features built in, without lots of extensions.
- Popular with agencies in German-speaking countries.
When Contao is the better choice
- An agency maintains your Contao site and knows it inside out.
- You need Contao modules that your site is built around.
When Hoila is the better choice
- You want to change texts, photos and hours yourself, without the back end.
- You want changes by e-mail or WhatsApp, with a voice message if you like.
- You want Hoila to look after the site and check it regularly.
Contao and Hoila side by side
| What you compare | Contao | Hoila |
|---|---|---|
| How you make a change | In the admin area | Write a message: in the app, by e-mail or on WhatsApp |
| Starting with your current website | Move it there or rebuild it | Keep it: Hoila works with it or copies it |
| Draft, preview and undo for every change | Depends on the tool and setup | Always, nothing goes online by surprise |
| Where your website is hosted | Your choice of hosting | In Europe, or stays with your own host |
| Technical skills needed | Some, more for custom work | None: you write in your own words |
| Updates and upkeep | You or your agency | Done by Hoila, with undo |
| Your own web address | Yes | Yes, registered in your name (paid plans) |
| Taking your website with you | Yes, it is open source | Yes: download everything, with every version |
Moving from Contao to Hoila
Your website can stay where it is: Hoila connects with the FTP or SFTP login of your hosting and changes the files safely, as drafts. Or Hoila copies your website as it is — pages, images and forms — so you can change it by message from day one.
Questions about Contao and Hoila
Can Hoila work with my existing site?
Yes. Hoila connects with your hosting's FTP or SFTP login and changes the files as drafts, or it copies the website as it is. Your web address can stay.
Does an accessible site stay accessible?
Hoila keeps your pages as they are and describes photos for screen readers. Its check-up also looks for missing image descriptions.
Can I try Hoila for free?
Yes. The free plan includes one website or app. You can upgrade or cancel any time, and take everything with you.
Who makes the changes in Hoila?
An AI assistant (Claude, made by Anthropic) does the work, and you decide what goes online. Every change is a draft first, and every earlier version is kept, so you can always go back.
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Contao and the other names on this page are trademarks of their owners. This page compares kinds of tool, not every feature, and reflects our understanding at the time of writing.
Try Hoila for free
Change your website by sending a message: in the app, by e-mail or on WhatsApp. Nothing goes online until you say yes.