WordPress vs Custom for a B2B Website in Berlin in 2026

The verdict in three sentences

For a B2B site with frequent editorial content and a non-technical team, WordPress at 4,000-9,000 EUR remains the pragmatic, fast choice. For a strategic site where performance, security and integration are critical, a custom Next.js front-end at 9,000-22,000 EUR delivers better Core Web Vitals and a far smaller attack surface. The real divide is the full cost of security and performance over 3 years, not the purchase price.

WordPress vs custom: head to head

WordPress powers a huge share of the web thanks to its plugin ecosystem and editorial ease. A custom front-end (Next.js, decoupled architecture) bets on speed, security and control. The right choice depends on your real priorities.

WordPress wins on entry price and immediate editorial autonomy. Custom wins on performance, security and the cost of complex changes. An editorial brochure site leans WordPress; a B2B platform with integrations and speed requirements leans custom.

The 3-year break-even

Let us bring everything onto 36 months, hosting and maintenance included, for a 10-15 page B2B site with a resources hub.

In raw cost, WordPress stays cheaper over 3 years. But if your site generates revenue, the conversion gap tied to speed (a fast site converts noticeably better) and the avoided security risk often flip the calculation. Tipping point: once the site drives more than ~50,000 EUR of influenced revenue per year, custom becomes profitable.

Security, the underestimated line item

An IT director also measures a site's cost by its exposure. WordPress concentrates most web attacks via outdated plugins and exposed admin areas. A static custom front-end drastically reduces the surface: no publicly exposed database, no third-party plugins to patch in emergency. A single incident (defacement, injection, downtime) can cost several thousand euros in remediation and reputation.

Mini case study

Karim, IT director of a logistics SMB in Berlin, ran a WordPress with 12 plugins. Over 18 months: two security incidents (3,100 EUR total remediation), a mobile CWV of 48/100 and a form conversion rate of 1.9%. Migration to a custom Next.js front-end for 16,000 EUR. Result over 12 months: zero incidents, CWV at 91/100, conversion rate up to 3.1%. On 40,000 visits/year, that conversion gain means about 480 extra leads: at a 4% signing rate and 2,800 EUR margin, roughly 53,000 EUR of additional annual margin. The investment is absorbed in under six months.

FAQ

Is WordPress inherently less secure? Not inherently, but its popularity and plugin model make it the most attacked target. Serious security maintenance at 80-200 EUR/month is essential; neglecting it is the real risk.

Is custom harder to update? No, with a headless CMS your team edits content as easily as on WordPress. Only structural changes need a developer, as everywhere.

When does WordPress remain the best choice? For a tight budget, a high editorial cadence and no extreme performance or integration requirement. It is excellent value in that setting.

Does custom lock you into the vendor? Not if the code is yours and documented. Demand repository ownership and hosting access in the contract to stay free.

What performance gain can I expect? In practice, moving from 48 to 90+ mobile CWV improves SEO and conversion. A fast site also reduces bounce, which compounds with rankings.

Let's scope your project. Tell us your traffic volume, your integrations (CRM, ERP, booking) and your security requirements: we will say whether WordPress or a custom front-end maximises your 3-year return. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.