How ShortStack vs. Joomla vs. Instapage stack up against each other

Compare Instapage with ShortStack and Joomla to create high-converting landing pages. With personalization, optimization, and collaboration tools, Instapage helps you deliver experiences that drive results.

Get started
1200+ reviews from
Hello fresh
Honey
Zendesk
Vimeo
Garthner
Master class

See how Instapage stacks up against
the competition

Features that set us apart from ShortStack and Joomla.
Feature Instapage Other builders
Drag-and-Drop Tools
Conversion-optimized templates
Manual and AI-powered A/B Tests
AI content suggestions
Popups and sticky bars
Canvas and grid blocks
Reusable and global elements
Form and popup builders
Built-in Heatmaps
Central analytics dashboard
Ad-to-page personalization and collections
Contacts, lists, and email
Dedicated, full-service CRO experts
Enterprise-ready platform

Leading the way in building high-performing landing pages

Grid Leader - Summer 2025
Best Est. ROI Enterprise - Summer 2025
Most Implementable Enterprise - Summer 2025
Fastest Implementation Enterprise - Summer 2025
High Performer - Summer 2025
Swytch shifts into high gear with Instapage

Autopilot exceeds conversions goals with personalized landings

Autopilot exceeded its growth goals by sending people to a keyword message-matched post-click landing page built with Instapage versus a generic tour page.

Swytch shifts into high gear with Instapage

Vita escalate lead generation efforts and client engagement with Instapage

Vita is a full-spectrum professional brokerage firm in the employee benefits industry

Swytch shifts into high gear with Instapage

CFI Financial Group invests in personalization with Instapage

CFI Financial Group integrates Instapage into their technology stack and dramatically increases page conversions

Review platform 1
4.3/5
472+ real reviews
Review platform 2
4.5/5
363+ real reviews
Review platform 3
4.5/5
363+ real reviews
Review platform 4
7.7/10
56+ real reviews

Why Instapage is the smarter choice for your campaigns

Get everything you need to build, scale, and optimize high-converting landing pages—without coding.

Instapage offers a flexible and seamless page creation experience with a library of 500+ conversion-focused layouts, Instablocks®, a drag-and-drop builder, and AI content generation. With technologies like Thor Render Engine®, you can create on-brand, mobile-responsive landing pages that load quickly and start converting during initial visitor clicks.

Easier page building without coding

Instapage offers a flexible and seamless page creation experience with a library of 500+ conversion-focused layouts, Instablocks®, a drag-and-drop builder, and AI content generation. With technologies like Thor Render Engine®, you can create on-brand, mobile-responsive landing pages that load quickly and start converting during initial visitor clicks.

Instapage lets you see in detail how each landing page experience and variation is performing so you can make targeted changes that boost page conversions. Use heatmaps for a better understanding of on-page activities, run A/B tests and AI-assisted experiments, and then track and evaluate results within robust analytics dashboards.

More insights — better results

Instapage lets you see in detail how each landing page experience and variation is performing so you can make targeted changes that boost page conversions. Use heatmaps for a better understanding of on-page activities, run A/B tests and AI-assisted experiments, and then track and evaluate results within robust analytics dashboards.

Instapage lets you quickly create high-performing landing pages tailored to each of your ad campaigns. Deliver personalized experiences for distinct audiences using dynamic text replacement. Effortlessly align specific advertisements to unique pages with AdMaps. Monitor audience-level metrics using our advanced data tools.

More personalized experiences

Instapage lets you quickly create high-performing landing pages tailored to each of your ad campaigns. Deliver personalized experiences for distinct audiences using dynamic text replacement. Effortlessly align specific advertisements to unique pages with AdMaps. Monitor audience-level metrics using our advanced data tools.

Instapage collaboration capabilities bring your entire team together to speed up the process of landing page review, approval, and launch. No more frustrating and unnecessary revisions or edits scattered across emails. Provide instant feedback, conduct real-time page edits, and securely share your pages with outside stakeholders.

Built-in collaboration

Instapage collaboration capabilities bring your entire team together to speed up the process of landing page review, approval, and launch. No more frustrating and unnecessary revisions or edits scattered across emails. Provide instant feedback, conduct real-time page edits, and securely share your pages with outside stakeholders.

Invest time into business growth, not busy work. Launch landing pages faster with reusable forms and templates. Build once, reuse forever.

Free up time for your business

Invest time into business growth, not busy work. Launch landing pages faster with reusable forms and templates. Build once, reuse forever.

Explore all integrations
Easier page building without coding
More insights — better results More insights — better results sidebar
More personalized experiences More personalized experiences sidebar
Built-in collaboration
Free up time for your business

Easier page building without coding

Instapage offers a flexible and seamless page creation experience with a library of 500+ conversion-focused layouts, Instablocks®, a drag-and-drop builder, and AI content generation. With technologies like Thor Render Engine®, you can create on-brand, mobile-responsive landing pages that load quickly and start converting during initial visitor clicks.

More insights — better results

Instapage lets you see in detail how each landing page experience and variation is performing so you can make targeted changes that boost page conversions. Use heatmaps for a better understanding of on-page activities, run A/B tests and AI-assisted experiments, and then track and evaluate results within robust analytics dashboards.

More personalized experiences

Instapage lets you quickly create high-performing landing pages tailored to each of your ad campaigns. Deliver personalized experiences for distinct audiences using dynamic text replacement. Effortlessly align specific advertisements to unique pages with AdMaps. Monitor audience-level metrics using our advanced data tools.

Built-in collaboration

Instapage collaboration capabilities bring your entire team together to speed up the process of landing page review, approval, and launch. No more frustrating and unnecessary revisions or edits scattered across emails. Provide instant feedback, conduct real-time page edits, and securely share your pages with outside stakeholders.

Free up time for your business

Invest time into business growth, not busy work. Launch landing pages faster with reusable forms and templates. Build once, reuse forever.

Explore all integrations
“Instapage gives us the ability to tailor our landing page content and layout to tell a unique story for each geographical target. The platform also enables us to create different variations with content that performs well for each unique channel. Every marketing team needs this!”
User review
Tamar Friedland, Sr. Director of Global Paid Marketing
"Instapage has truly maximized our digital advertising performance by enabling us to offer matching, personalized experiences for every ad and audience. Now we can scale our landing page experiences as efficiently and effectively as we scale the ads themselves."
User review
Darren Lepke, Marketing Director
"If we have to wait on a developer, our creative velocity plummets. But Instapage has made it possible for us to exponentially grow our advertising programs and convert more customers"
User review
Alex Kracov, Head of Marketing

Get started with Instapage in a few steps

  1. Create your Instapage account

    Start with Instapage by signing up via Google or your email. You'll get access to a free 14-day trial to discover Instapage capabilities. Feel free to cancel anytime during the 14-day trial if you decide that our product is not suitable for your business.
  2. Build and personalize your page

    Create your first landing page from scratch or choose a template from 500+ customizable layouts. Use the drag-and-drop builder to add page elements, fonts, and backgrounds, refine content with AI, or add custom HTML, Javascript, and CSS.
  3. Review and make edits

    Collaborate on page designs and streamline review processes. Invite your team members and stakeholders to review, edit, and provide feedback on your landing page. Collaborate knowing your page is confidential and only accessible to authorized users.
  4. Publish and track page performance

    Publish your page to a domain or custom URL. Connect your pages to the ads you've created and track page performance within the analytics dashboard, run A/B tests and AI experiments, analyze results, and continuously optimize your landing page to maintain high conversions.

Instapage vs. ShortStack vs. Joomla – Who Comes Out on Top?

Choosing the right landing page builder is akin to picking the right strategy for a game of chess. Each tool brings its unique strengths and tactics to the table, influencing the outcome of your marketing efforts. In this article, we will dissect how Instapage, ShortStack, and Joomla measure up against one another in the quest for creating high-converting landing pages. By the end, you'll have all the insights you need to make an informed decision for your brand's marketing strategy. Like battling superheroes, each contender has its inherent abilities that cater to different needs, allowing marketers to reduce costs, grow conversions, and deliver relevant landing page experiences. This not only increases brand trust but also fosters customer loyalty, leading to improved conversion rates. (min:200 words,add the small paragraphs in this paragraph.)

Meet the Heavyweights of Landing Page Creation

Here we have three formidable contenders stepping into the ring to battle for your attention and business. Instapage, known for its robust features aimed at conversion rate optimization, allows marketers to create tailored landing page experiences. ShortStack shines in its versatility for running campaigns and contests, which can engage audiences and capture leads effectively. Joomla, a content management system with broad capabilities, provides greater flexibility for users who need a comprehensive web solution. These platforms have carved out niches in the crowded space of landing pages, each asserting their own methods to help marketers reach their goals. Understanding the nature and strengths of each option will help guide your decision-making process. (min:200 words,add the small paragraphs in this paragraph.)

Round One - Feature Smackdown

Template Selection and User-Friendliness Under the Microscope

Diving into the key features, let's start with template variety and ease of use. ShortStack offers a myriad of pre-designed templates suitable for various campaign types. However, while they excel in providing ready-to-launch designs, customization options may feel somewhat limited for advanced users seeking personalized touches. Instapage, on the other hand, impresses with its extensive library of customizable templates, designed specifically for high conversions. This allows marketers to tweak elements without the need for coding expertise, making it approachable for novices and appealing to seasoned professionals alike. Joomla brings its own flair with templates that boast flexibility and diverse functionalities. Although the learning curve can be steep for beginners, those who invest the time can create impressive, complex designs. (min:200 words,add the small paragraphs in this paragraph.)

Instapage: Your Go-To Solution for Personalization and Conversion Success

Now, let’s shine a spotlight on Instapage. Its commitment to customization is unmatched in the industry, offering features like A/B testing, heatmaps, and customizable CTAs designed to maximize conversion rates. Instapage empowers marketers to craft landing pages that aren't just visually appealing, but also aligned with their unique brand narratives. Its collaboration tools further elevate the user experience, allowing teams to collaborate effectively on landing page designs while maintaining version control. As a partner in your marketing success, Instapage facilitates a seamless experience, ensuring that every page created is primed for optimal performance. (min:200 words)

Round Two - Speed and Efficiency Showdown

Speed is a critical aspect when it comes to landing pages. Think of it as waiting for that delicious cup of coffee – slow service can lead to impatience, and ultimately, a customer who turns away. This round will examine how the platforms stack up in terms of loading times and overall performance, ensuring users don’t lose potential leads due to lag.

Strengths of Instapage:

  1. Instapage utilizes optimized hosting for faster load times that improve user experience.
  2. The platform features a built-in AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) capability to ensure mobile speed.
  3. With its lightweight coding, Instapage helps reduce bounce rates caused by slow-loading pages.
  4. Smart caching mechanisms reduce load time for repeat visitors, leading to improved engagement.

Strengths of ShortStack:

  1. ShortStack offers quick template load times designed for campaign effectiveness.
  2. Their reliance on cloud-based technology ensures speed doesn't sacrifice performance.
  3. With responsive designs, ShortStack guarantees optimal loading across devices.

Strengths of Joomla:

  1. Joomla boasts a highly customizable ecosystem that, when optimized correctly, delivers swift performance.
  2. Utilizing caching extensions can significantly speed up loading times.
  3. The platform supports multiple content types, which can enhance load management.
  4. Joomla users have the added benefit of a vast community for troubleshooting performance issues.

In the battle of speed and performance, while all platforms show strengths, Instapage emerges as the pace leader, ensuring quick loading pages that translate to increased user satisfaction and reduced barriers to conversion.

Round Three - User-Friendliness and Learning Curves

User-friendliness remains a key concern for many marketers. In this round, each platform welcomes newcomers while ensuring that seasoned users have the tools they need to excel. Instapage shines with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, reducing the learning curve significantly for new users. For those familiar with design principles, ShortStack's learning curve is manageable, although its campaign-focused approach might need some getting used to. Joomla requires a more time-intensive effort, as its comprehensive features come with a somewhat steeper learning curve. Nonetheless, its vast capabilities reward users willing to invest the time to master them. Overall, each platform provides ample support to ease new users into navigating their interfaces. (min:200 words,add the small paragraphs in this paragraph.)

Round Four - Customer Support Allies

Customer support can often be your saving grace when navigating a new tool. Instapage backs its users with an array of support options, including live chat, extensive knowledge base articles, and email support services. ShortStack also provides solid customer service, featuring live chat and email assistance, alongside community forums to troubleshoot collaboratively. Joomla, given its community-driven nature, shines with an extensive user forum and documentation, though direct customer support might not be as immediate compared to the others. Personalizing these support experiences can make a world of difference, ensuring that help is always within reach. (min:200 words,add the small paragraphs in this paragraph.)

Round Five - Evaluating Pricing Models

Understanding pricing is essential in deciding which platform is right for you. Instapage's pricing structure offers various tiers aimed at businesses of different sizes, enabling scalability as your needs evolve. ShortStack stands out with its flexible plans that cater to different campaign requirements, offering pay-as-you-go credits that can be judiciously utilized. Joomla, being an open-source platform, allows users to enjoy its core features for free, but additional functionalities, security, and hosting can incur costs. Each pricing structure reflects the respective strengths and target markets of these platforms, ultimately providing diverse options for budget-conscious marketers. (min:200 words)

In conclusion, selecting the optimal landing page builder is largely dependent on your specific requirements, such as features, support, and price. While all three platforms have their strengths, Instapage stands out in its ability to empower marketers to craft tailored landing page experiences that enhance brand trust and drive conversions. Take a moment to consider what is most crucial for your campaigns, and explore the possibility of giving Instapage a try with its free trial option.

FAQs

Try the most advanced landing page platform today