Umbraco, a trusted open-source CMS, continues to innovate with the release of v14. This quick breakdown highlights the key differences between v13 and v14, helping you choose the version that best suits your project's needs: stability (v13) or cutting-edge features (v14).

June 16, 2024

 

Umbraco has long been a trusted name in the world of content management systems (CMS), known for its flexibility, open-source nature, and ease of use. With the release of Umbraco v14, the platform takes significant strides in innovation, building on the solid foundation of v13. This article explores the key differences between Umbraco v13 and v14, highlighting the advancements and what they mean for users.

Umbraco V13 Main Features:

  • Latest Microsoft .NET Technology: Runs on .NET 8 and ASP.NET Core 8, with C# 12, providing the latest performance benefits.
  • Customized Headless Delivery: Built-in headless features like Content Delivery API and Webhooks, supporting both headless and hybrid approaches.
  • Structured Blocks in the Rich Text Editor: Incorporates structured data blocks directly within the Rich Text Editor.
  • TinyMCE Integration: Enhanced Rich Text Editor with the latest TinyMCE version and premium plugin access.
  • Customizable Maintenance Page: Fully customizable for professional maintenance displays.
  • EF Core Support: Entity Framework Core available for extensions and custom integrations.

 

Support:

  • Long-Term Support (LTS): Known for its stability and long-term support (End of life: Dec 14, 2026) Umbraco 13 is a popular choice for websites prioritizing reliability. 

 

Umbraco v14 Main Features:

  • New Management API: A RESTful API that improves communication and expands headless capabilities.
  • Modernized Backoffice: Rebuilt with Web Components, TypeScript, and the Umbraco UI Library for a future-proof, customizable interface.
  • Extension-First Approach: Designed for easy customization and seamless integration with enterprise systems.
  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Redesigned backoffice for improved user experience and workflow efficiency.
  • Robust Stability and Improved Performance: Enhanced backend processes for better performance and security.
  • Enhanced Scalability and Reliability: Improved testing and API stability for reduced downtime.
  • Reduced Maintenance Costs: Focus on a maintainable and efficient codebase.
  • Prepared for Future Growth: Planned features like improved caching for future scalability.

 

Support:

  • Short-Term Support (STS): As the latest version, Umbraco 14 offers the most up-to-date features and potential performance improvements.(End of life: May 30, 2025)

 

Conclusion: Choosing Between Umbraco v13 and v14

Both Umbraco v13 and v14 offer robust and flexible content management solutions, but the choice between them depends on your specific business needs:

  • For Stability and Long-Term Support: Umbraco v13 is ideal for organizations seeking a stable, long-term support environment with minimal disruptions and consistent reliability until Q4 2026.
  • For Cutting-Edge Features and Future-Proofing: Umbraco v14 is suited for businesses looking to leverage the latest technological advancements, ready to adopt frequent updates, and prepared for future scalability. For more details on Umbraco v14, check out our comprehensive Umbraco v14 Release article.

 

By understanding the strengths and unique features of each version, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and technical requirements. Both versions of Umbraco deliver exceptional performance and flexibility, ensuring that whichever you choose, your content management needs will be met with precision and efficiency.