ExpressionEngine
Packet Tide LLC develops ExpressionEngine, an open-source PHP-based CMS serving web developers, agencies, and global brands (Nike, Disney, Toyota, Garmin) with flexible multi-site content management, paid Pro licensing, tiered support subscriptions, and an add-on marketplace.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersOrmond Beach, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What ExpressionEngine does
Packet Tide LLC, headquartered in Ormond Beach, Florida, develops and owns ExpressionEngine, an open-source PHP-based content management system licensed under Apache 2.0 and first released in 2004. The product organizes content through flexible channel-based data containers with 20+ custom field types, templating via HTML/JS/PHP and ExpressionEngine Tags, a Multi-Site Manager for running many sites from one installation, front-end editing via The Dock, built-in forum, GDPR and cookie consent tooling, and an extensible add-on architecture. Current generation ExpressionEngine 7 (released August 2022) is the LTS version and folds former Pro features — Pro Search, Pro Variables, front-end editing, entry cloning, and member permissions — into the core for single-user installs. The company has expanded its product surface through the 2024 acquisition of CartThrob and Expresso Store e-commerce add-ons from FosterMade, the release of Coilpack 2 (a Laravel integration), and a marketplace of third-party add-ons including Carson (a third-party AI content assistant).
ExpressionEngine serves web developers and agencies as its primary customer segment, alongside non-profit organizations and enterprise end-customers that include Nike, Disney, Starbucks, Toyota, Garmin, Whole Foods, Pizza Hut, BMI, CBC, and United Way. Revenue is generated through three streams: one-time Pro licenses ($249 per site with $49/year renewal or $59 single-year renewal) for multi-user installs, tiered annual support subscriptions (Emerald $950, Sapphire $1,910, Diamond $4,790, plus Enterprise SLAs), and commissions from a third-party add-on marketplace. Distribution combines direct self-serve downloads (PLG freemium), a 20+ global partner network of Silver, Gold, and Platinum agencies that handle professional services and referrals, and direct enterprise support sales. The go-to-market is community-led, anchored by official Slack, forums, GitHub, ExpressionEngine University, and the annual EEConf conference. The company is privately held by Packet Tide LLC, has no disclosed venture funding, and operates with a small team from a single Florida location.
ExpressionEngine firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ExpressionEngine
- Legal name
- Packet Tide LLC
- Website
- https://expressionengine.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Packet Tide LLC develops ExpressionEngine, an open-source PHP-based CMS serving web developers, agencies, and global brands (Nike, Disney, Toyota, Garmin) with flexible multi-site content management, paid Pro licensing, tiered support subscriptions, and an add-on marketplace.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ExpressionEngine industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Content Management System
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Web Content Management (WCM) & Experience Platforms (Content Services) (HDAEAGAK)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Low-Code/No-Code Application Platforms (HDAEAKAA)
Keywords
Where ExpressionEngine is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ormond Beach
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
ExpressionEngine business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- ExpressionEngine Pro Licenses: One-time purchase of Pro licenses ($249) for unlimited control panel users, includes 1 year of updates. Renewals available at $49/year subscription or $59 single-year renewal. MSM additional sites priced at $49/site with $39/year renewal.
- Technical Support Subscriptions: Tiered support plans: Emerald ($950/year or $99/month), Sapphire ($1,910/year or $199/month), Diamond ($4,790/year or $499/month). Sapphire and Diamond include private Slack channels and varying response time guarantees.
- Third-Party Add-Ons: ExpressionEngine add-on store features third-party add-ons for extending functionality including SEO tools, e-commerce, forms, analytics, and more. Vendors can become ExpressionEngine vendors to sell add-ons.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | ExpressionEngine Core - Free tier for single user |
| Subscription | Annual | ExpressionEngine Pro - Full-featured CMS for multi-user sites |
| Subscription | Annual | MSM Additional Sites - Pro for Multi-Site Manager |
| Subscription | Annual | Emerald Support - Small Agencies & Freelancers |
| Subscription | Annual | Sapphire Support - Small Agencies & Busy Sites |
| Subscription | Annual | Diamond Support - Agencies & Mid-Sized Teams |
| Freemium | Monthly | Non-Profit Free Pro License |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
ExpressionEngine product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ExpressionEngine is an open-source content management system (CMS) built on PHP and licensed under Apache 2.0. It provides flexible channel-based content management, custom templates with ExpressionEngine Tags, 20+ custom fieldtypes, multi-site management from a single installation, front-end editing, and a modular add-on architecture. The platform is offered as a free Core version for single-user sites and a paid Pro license ($249) for multi-user sites, supplemented by tiered technical support subscriptions and a marketplace of first- and third-party add-ons including e-commerce (CartThrob, Expresso Store) and Laravel integration (Coilpack).
Product overview
ExpressionEngine is an open-source content management system (CMS) developed by Packet Tide. The product portfolio consists of a free open-source core (ExpressionEngine Core, licensed under Apache 2.0) and a premium Pro tier ($249/year for multi-user sites). ExpressionEngine 7 is the current long-term support (LTS) version, which bundles all Pro features including front-end editing, entry cloning, Pro Search (formerly Low Search), and Pro Variables (formerly Low Variables). ExpressionEngine 6 remains the previous LTS until legacy transition at end of 2025. The ecosystem includes first-party add-ons like CartThrob and Expresso Store (acquired e-commerce platforms), Coilpack (Laravel integration), and community-built add-ons available in the ExpressionEngine Add-Ons marketplace. Support is available through community forums, Slack, and paid support tiers (Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, and Enterprise). Educational resources include official documentation, ExpressionEngine University, and the official forums. The platform is extended by an official partner network of Silver, Gold, and Platinum tier development agencies worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ExpressionEngine Pro: Premium paid tier of ExpressionEngine CMS that includes front-end editing, the Dock, add-on Prolets access, member permissions, custom dashboards, white labeling, Low Variables, and Low Search. In v7, Pro features are included in the core for single-user sites, with multi-user sites requiring a paid license.
Products and services
- ExpressionEngine Core
- ExpressionEngine 7
- ExpressionEngine 6
- ExpressionEngine Pro
- CartThrob
- Expresso Store
- Coilpack
- Emerald Support
- Sapphire Support
- Diamond Support
- Enterprise Support
- ExpressionEngine Partner Network
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% customer satisfaction rating in last 60 days, never below 98%
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use ExpressionEngine
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
ExpressionEngine technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
AI capability2 records
Feature13 records
ExpressionEngine partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, platinum, gold and silver.
- FosterMadecoreFosterMade developed CartThrob and Expresso Store e-commerce add-ons for ExpressionEngine. Packet Tide acquired both products in 2025, making them first-party add-ons under ExpressionEngine's ownership.
- StripecoreThird-party payment processor used for ExpressionEngine Pro license purchases. Payment card details are not stored on ExpressionEngine servers.
- Look North Inc.platinumPlatinum partner specializing in ExpressionEngine upgrades, web design, and development. Based in US with 6-10 employees. Partner since 2023.
- Creative ArcplatinumPlatinum partner based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Over 20 years in business providing custom web design, development, and ecommerce. Partner since 2018.
- tripleNERDscoregoldGold partner building websites and apps on ExpressionEngine and WordPress. Specializes in SEO-focused websites, indie apps, and automation. Partner since 2021.
- mithra62goldGold partner founded by Eric Lamb in 2011. Previously CTO of VITY and lead developer for CartThrob. Provides custom programming and add-on development. Partner since 2025.
- Jub Jub InteractivegoldGold partner since 1997 providing web design, development, hosting, and internet strategy services. Over 800 projects completed. Partner since 2020.
- W3care TechnologiessilverSilver partner with 17+ years of ExpressionEngine experience and 500+ ExpressionEngine projects completed. 51+ staff in India. Partner since 2024.
- Revision RoadsilverSilver partner specializing in ExpressionEngine upgrades, web strategy, design, and development. 15+ years experience helping hundreds of businesses. Based in US.
- RydesilverSilver partner - award-winning web design agency based in UK. Specializing in premium UX and design-led ExpressionEngine builds for clients across UK and Europe.
- PedrerasilverSilver partner with full-time US developers since 2009. Provides complete website builds, upgrades, maintenance, custom development, and eCommerce. 5-star rating on Google and Clutch.
- SolspacegoldGold partner with over 20 years of ExpressionEngine experience. Creates and maintains Freeform (form builder) and Calendar add-ons. 11-50 employees. Partner since 2024.
- Climbing Turn LtdsilverSilver partner based in Hertfordshire, UK. Building ExpressionEngine sites since 2012. Specializes in B2B businesses selling parts and accessories, upgrades, and API integrations.
- Pad MediasilverSilver partner - UK-based ExpressionEngine agency with 20+ years experience. Specializes in API integrations, bespoke add-ons, SaaS products, e-commerce, and AI solutions.
- IC360silverSilver partner based in Warminster, UK. Established 1999, using ExpressionEngine since 2008. Provides websites, ecommerce with CartThrob, and custom dashboards.
- cre8silverSilver partner - Chicago-based boutique dev shop. Specializes in ExpressionEngine upgrades (EE2/EE3 to EE7), performance, accessibility, and B2B/regulated organization sites.
- EmtwosilverSilver partner - been with ExpressionEngine since the beginning (18 years). Specializes in upgrades, site optimizations, and working with nonprofits and service-based businesses.
- Imp Designs, LLCsilverSilver partner based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Building ExpressionEngine sites since 2005. Small firm providing upgrades and full site redesigns.
- EE-websites.eusilverSilver partner - Pan-European network of developers throughout UK, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, and Italy. Specializes in upgrades and maintenance.
- Hop StudiossilverSilver partner - certified B Corp since 2001. Built hundreds of sites with ExpressionEngine including clients like UC Berkeley, CBC, UCLA, and General Mills. Known for Webby awards.
- Noble Web DevelopmentsilverSilver partner delivering ExpressionEngine solutions since 2010. Covers new builds, legacy upgrades, maintenance, and custom development. Direct communication focus.
- Aquarian Web StudiosilverSilver partner - woman-owned business with 40+ years collective experience. Specializes in complex upgrades, CartThrob upgrades, and performance-based upgrades.
- EE-ForgesilverSilver partner since 2019. Crafting custom ExpressionEngine websites since 2014. Specializes in e-commerce and subscription-based websites.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ExpressionEngine competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ProcessWire: Open-source PHP/MySQL CMS favored by developers for highly customized content modeling, a niche peer to ExpressionEngine's flexible Channels and custom fieldtype architecture with a similar self-hosted developer/agency target market.
- Joomla: Long-standing open-source PHP CMS under GPL, comparable to ExpressionEngine as a self-hosted, free-core CMS targeting developers, agencies, and SMB-to-mid-market organizations building content-driven websites.
- Drupal: Open-source PHP CMS targeted at more complex enterprise websites, comparable to ExpressionEngine's positioning for developers and large organizations needing flexible content modeling and multi-site capabilities.
- WordPress: The dominant open-source CMS under GPL license. Directly competes with ExpressionEngine in the same PHP-based content management category, with a self-serve free core plus paid extensions, themes, and hosting—serving the same developer/agency SMB-to-enterprise customer base.
- Craft CMS: Commercial PHP/MySQL CMS with a free Solo tier and paid Pro license ($299/yr), closely mirroring ExpressionEngine's freemium-plus-paid-Pro pricing model and targeting the same developer/agency segment building custom content-driven sites.
- Statamic: Flat-file CMS built on Laravel with a freemium Pro license, directly comparable to ExpressionEngine's recent Coilpack Laravel integration and similar customer base of developers building bespoke CMS-driven sites.
Emerging players
- Ghost: Modern open-source publishing platform (Node.js) with paid hosted subscriptions, comparable to ExpressionEngine as a content-focused platform serving professional publishers and content-driven sites, but with a newer stack and different go-to-market.
- Contentful: Headless CMS API used by enterprise developers for omnichannel content delivery, comparable to ExpressionEngine as a CMS for brand websites (Disney, Garmin-type customers) but representing the modern headless architecture ExpressionEngine is moving toward via Coilpack.
Broad incumbents
- Sitecore: Enterprise digital experience platform with CMS, personalization, and commerce capabilities, comparable to ExpressionEngine's enterprise positioning for complex multi-site brand websites but operating at much higher price points and account sizes.
- Adobe Experience Manager: Enterprise content management platform within Adobe's Experience Cloud suite, comparable as an enterprise-grade WCM option that competes with ExpressionEngine for large brand websites (similar customer logos such as Nike, Toyota) but at vastly larger scale and price point.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ExpressionEngine social profiles
Digital presenceExpressionEngine compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
ExpressionEngine financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ExpressionEngine leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
ExpressionEngine subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
ExpressionEngine funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ExpressionEngine M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ExpressionEngine
What does ExpressionEngine do?
ExpressionEngine is an open-source content management system (CMS) built on PHP and licensed under Apache 2.0. It provides flexible channel-based content management, custom templates with ExpressionEngine Tags, 20+ custom fieldtypes, multi-site management from a single installation, front-end editing, and a modular add-on architecture. The platform is offered as a free Core version for single-user sites and a paid Pro license ($249) for multi-user sites, supplemented by tiered technical support subscriptions and a marketplace of first- and third-party add-ons including e-commerce (CartThrob, Expresso Store) and Laravel integration (Coilpack).
Is ExpressionEngine a public or private company?
ExpressionEngine is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was ExpressionEngine founded?
ExpressionEngine was founded in 2004.
Where is ExpressionEngine based?
ExpressionEngine is headquartered in Ormond Beach, United States, in the North America region.
How does ExpressionEngine make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. ExpressionEngine Pro Licenses are the primary driver. The others are technical Support Subscriptions and third-Party Add-Ons.
Who are ExpressionEngine's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ProcessWire, Joomla, Drupal, WordPress, Craft CMS and Statamic. Emerging players are Ghost and Contentful. Broad incumbents are Sitecore and Adobe Experience Manager.
Does ExpressionEngine have an API?
No public API is recorded for ExpressionEngine.
What industry is ExpressionEngine in?
ExpressionEngine's product category is Content Management System. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAEAGAK, Web Content Management (WCM) & Experience Platforms (Content Services), with a secondary code of HDAEAKAA, Low-Code/No-Code Application Platforms. Its NAICS code is 5132 and its SIC code is 7372.