Popular site building platform Joomla has gained a reputation for being user-friendly and versatile. 

Used by millions of individuals and organizations around the world, Joomla has proven to be a reliable choice for building everything from simple personal blogs to complex ecommerce sites. 

With a wide range of templates and extensions available, you can customize your website to suit your unique needs and preferences. 

This review will explore the various aspects of Joomla and see why it has become a popular choice among web developers and website owners alike.

What is Joomla CMS? 

Joomla CMS is an open-source content management system used to create and manage websites. It is written in PHP and relies on a MySQL database to store website content and configuration. 

Joomla provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to create, edit, and organize content, manage users and permissions, and customize the website's appearance. It also supports the use of extensions and plugins to extend the functionality of the CMS. 

Joomla is widely used for various types of websites, and its open-source nature enables you to modify and distribute its source code freely.

Features

As a user of Joomla, I'm really impressed with its range of features. One of the things I love is the frontend editing option. It allowed me to make changes to my test website directly from the front end, without having to go through the admin panel. 

This saves time and makes the editing process much more convenient. The content management feature is also fantastic. With the WYSIWYG editor, I can create and edit my test website's content easily. You don't need any technical knowledge or coding skills to make your website look professional and engaging.

Joomla's built-in search tool is a game-changer. It helps my visitors find the information they're looking for quickly and effortlessly. Managing contacts is a breeze with Joomla's contact management tool. You can add multiple contacts, departments, and categories to your site, making it easy for visitors to get in touch with you. It streamlines communication and enhances the user experience.

The media manager is a great asset for organizing and managing my test site media files and folders. I uploaded and organized images, videos, and other media effortlessly on my site. It also keeps websites visually appealing and well-structured.

Monetizing my website is simple thanks to Joomla's banner management feature. With this feature, you can easily add advertising and generate revenue from your website. It's a seamless way to turn your online presence into a profitable venture.

Joomla's multilingual support is outstanding. It's one of the most widely supported open-source multilingual CMS platforms available, offering support for over 70 languages. This feature allows you to reach a global audience and cater to different language preferences.

Joomla’s SEO feature is crucial for maximizing your website's visibility and attracting organic traffic. Also, it's mobile-friendly, ensuring that your website looks great and functions well on various devices.

The unlimited design options in Joomla are remarkable. I was able to customize my test website and created a visually stunning online presence. These gave me the freedom to unleash my creativity and design a website that truly stands out. Flexibility and extensibility are key strengths of Joomla. I was able to integrate third-party extensions and plugins to enhance the functionality of my test website. 

Managing user permissions is a breeze with Joomla's multi-user permission levels feature. I have full control over who can access and edit my website's content. It ensures that my website remains secure and that only authorized individuals can make changes.

Performance 

Joomla offers several extensions that can significantly enhance the performance of your website. One such extension is JCH Optimize, which optimizes the HTML page to improve web vitals like First Contentful Paint (FCP), Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), Speed Index (SI), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) measured by PageSpeed Insights.

Another useful plugin I find useful is jQuery Easy, which helps resolve issues that may arise when using instances of jQuery alongside the Mootools libraries, ensuring smooth compatibility between different libraries.

JSpeed is a powerful Joomla performance plugin that automatically applies various improvements recommended by Google PageSpeed best practices. It implements unique technologies like Adaptive Contents, allowing the generation of a lightweight version of the website without sacrificing functionalities, thereby boosting the page speed score.

Cache Cleaner is a handy extension that I used to clean the cache of my test website with just one click, ensuring optimal performance by removing unnecessary cached data.

Mootools Enabler/Disabler is a plugin that allows saving up to 600KB per page load by selectively enabling or disabling the Mootools libraries based on your website's needs.

JS CSS Control, another useful extension, provides control over the loading of JS and CSS files globally and specifically in Joomla, allowing you to optimize the loading process and reduce unnecessary file requests.

For image optimization, ImageRecycle image optimizer offers automatic compression for both new and existing images and PDF files. It also allows you to run background optimization of all your images and notifies you when the process is completed.

JSLazyLoading is a lightweight and performance-oriented plugin that enables lazy loading and multi-serving of images. This technique improves website loading speed by loading images only when they are needed, reducing initial page load time.

These extensions, among others, contribute to optimizing the performance of your Joomla-powered website, allowing you to deliver a faster and more efficient user experience.

How easy is Joomla to use? 

Joomla is relatively easy to use as it provides a straightforward process for signing up and creating an account. On the Joomla website, you will find options such as "Download Joomla", "Launch Joomla," and "Use Joomla" These options give you various ways to access and utilize the platform.

Once you have signed up and created an account, you can navigate to the Cloud Control Panel (CCP) dashboard. The dashboard offers a menu with different options to customize and set up your website with Joomla. Some of these menu items include CCP Home, Shop, Import Site, Support, Training, Billing, New Options, My Account, Development Services, Affiliate System, and Logout.

This menu provides you with a range of tools and resources to tailor your website to your specific needs and preferences. From managing your account settings and accessing support resources to exploring additional services and features, Joomla's menu options give you the flexibility to configure your website according to your requirements.

Pricing 

Joomla offers a range of pricing options to cater to different needs, starting with a free plan that allows you to try out the service, although it does come with certain limitations on the availability of features. 

If you are looking for more advanced features and support, Joomla offers premium plans including the Personal plan, priced at $99 per year, which provides access to all extensions, making it an ideal choice for personal websites. The business plan, priced at $199 per year, offers support for up to five Joomla websites, along with access to all extensions, Joomlatools Connect, Joomlatools Dashboard, and premium support, making it a suitable option for small businesses with multiple websites. For developers and integrators who require more extensive capabilities, the Agency plan is available at $399 per year, allowing unlimited Joomla websites, access to all extensions, Joomlatools Connect, Joomlatools Dashboard, VIP support. 

This plan is specifically designed for those reselling Joomla extensions to their customers, providing a comprehensive solution for their business needs. By offering these pricing options, Joomla aims to accommodate a wide range of users, from individuals to businesses and developers, ensuring that they can select the plan that aligns best with their requirements and budget.

Customer support 

Joomla, unfortunately, does not offer live chat, email, or phone support on its website. However, it provide alternative avenues for customer support through it extensive community resources, ticket and user guides.

One of the primary support options available is the Joomla Community Portal. This portal serves as a hub for Joomla you to connect, interact, and seek assistance from fellow users and experts. It provides a platform where you can ask questions, share knowledge, and engage in discussions related to Joomla and its various aspects.

Also, Joomla organizes events that bring together the Joomla community, including developers, designers, and users. These events offer an opportunity to network, learn, and get hands-on experience with the platform. Attending these events can be beneficial for users seeking support and guidance, as they can interact with experienced individuals who can provide valuable insights and solutions.

User groups are another valuable resource offered by Joomla. These groups consist of local communities of Joomla enthusiasts who meet regularly to discuss Joomla-related topics, share experiences, and provide support to each other. Joining a user group can be advantageous for you if prefer face-to-face interactions and personalized assistance.

Forums play a crucial role in the Joomla support ecosystem. Joomla's official forum allows you to post your queries, seek advice, and receive answers from the community. It serves as a platform for users to share their knowledge, troubleshoot issues collectively, and discover solutions to common problems. The forum is often monitored by knowledgeable individuals who actively participate in resolving user queries.

In addition to these interactive support channels, Joomla offers a comprehensive user guide and documentation. The user guide covers various topics, including installation, configuration, customization, and advanced features of the Joomla platform. It serves as a valuable resource for users seeking self-help and step-by-step instructions on using Joomla effectively.

Lastly, Joomla provides a ticket. The ticket support channel allows you to contact Joomla team of experts for assistance.

Is Joomla right for you? 

If you are considering whether Joomla is the right choice for you, it's important to consider several factors. Firstly, Joomla lacks traditional customer support options such as live chat, email, and phone support. However, it compensates for this by offering an extensive community support portal where you can find assistance and guidance from other users. It also offers ticket supports as well. 

One of the notable advantages of Joomla is that it is an open-source platform, meaning you have the freedom to modify and distribute code without worrying about licensing fees. This flexibility can be advantageous if you have specific customization needs or if you want to contribute to the development of the platform.

Joomla also provides several extensions allowing you to manage your products and content in a unified manner. If you are planning to create an ecommerce site, Joomla can be a suitable choice due to its available features and functionality in this area. When it comes to content and structure flexibility, Joomla offers an intuitive editing experience that resembles working with a Word document. This user-friendly approach can make it easier for you to update and manage your website's content without feeling overwhelmed.

However, it's worth noting that Joomla has a smaller module marketplace compared to WordPress. Finding and maintaining additional modules and add-ons for your site may be more challenging with Joomla. The limited availability of customization options in the marketplace can be a drawback if you require specific functionality that is not readily available. If you are a beginner in website designing, Joomla may not be right for you as it has steep learning curve. However, if you already have experience on website designing, then Joomla is right for you.

• Here's a list of the best free website builder services on the market

TCL’s 6-series TVs have presented a low-cost option for those in the US seeking the brightness benefits of mini-LED backlighting along with the color benefits of QLED. For 2023, the company is positioning its new Q7 class models as the successor to the 6-Series, although this time around there’s no mini-LED backlight. To get that feature, you’ll need to step up to the QM8 class, which is TCL’s flagship TV series for 2023. Q7 class sets are either available now or coming soon depending on the screen size.

I recently had an opportunity to see the full range of new TCL TVs and later perform a quick hands-on test of an 85-inch Q7 class model. During the same session, I was also able to evaluate an 85-inch QM8 at greater length and in more favorable viewing conditions – the space where the Q7 was set up had relatively bright lighting, and the clock was ticking fast during my hands-on. Even so, I was able to run a few key tests and get a good sense of the Q7’s basic performance.

Q7 class TVs come in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch screen sizes with prices ranging from $799.99 to $2,199.99. The 65-inch model sells for $999, which is the same price as last year’s same-size 6-Series. The Q7 uses the Google TV smart platform – the company has not announced a Roku version – and features a regular LED backlight with up to 200 local dimming zones. TCL specifies peak brightness at 1,000 nits. Q7 class sets use the same AIPQ Engine Gen3 processor found in the QM8 class, but unlike with the QM8, there’s no anti-glare screen coating.

Q7 TVs come with reversible feet that can be adapted for a range of stand and soundbar options. They have a native 120Hz display panel with 144Hz VRR support for gaming, and a Game accelerator 240 feature for 240Hz VRR gaming at lower resolution. HDR format support includes the Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats, and they are also IMAX Enhanced certified.

You’ll find four HDMI inputs including one with 4K 120Hz support and a second with 4K 144Hz support, along with an antenna input for the TV’s ATSC 1.0 digital TV tuner. Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X audio formats are supported and there’s a built-in 2 x 15-watt speaker system. A Bluetooth output provides an additional audio option for late-night viewing.

Each Q7 class TV comes with a backlit remote control. They also work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, and both AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are onboard for streaming from a phone or tablet.  

Bright enough, or is it?

Performing some run-and-gun light output measurements using a 10 percent white test pattern with the set in HDR mode, I confirmed that the 85-inch Q7 was capable of hitting 900-nit peaks in the default Vivid preset and 876 nits in the default Movie preset. That result is below, but within range of, TCL’s 1,000 nit peak brightness specification for the Q7 series. More interesting, it’s well below last year’s model, which yielded 1,317 nits in our TCL 6-series Roku TV (2022) review.

Checking out the montage sequences from the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD HDR test Blu-ray disc, the Q7 delivered rich colors and good contrast. HDR highlights notably lacked the visual punch of the QM8 model I had tested earlier, but image quality overall was quite good given the less-than-optimal lighting conditions in the space where I was viewing.

The relatively bright lighting also resulted in some screen glare, as you can see in the above image. The same image shows the set’s average off-axis performance, with color saturation and picture contrast fading when viewed from an off-center position.

With the same AIPQ Engine Gen3 processor as the QM8, the Q7’s handling of motion and noise was similarly impressive as that step-up model. I would have liked more time to evaluate and make a call on the TV’s local dimming performance, but time constraints prevented me from doing so.

At $2,199.99, TCL’s 85-inch QLED TV offers a great range of features and good overall performance for the price. It does lack the impressive HDR brightness of the step-up TCL QM8 class, which will run you an extra $600 for a set with the same screen size. 

Does the added brightness the QM8’s mini-LED backlight brings justify the extra cost? That will depend on your environment – brighter is always better for well-lit rooms and daylight viewing of sports – and your expectations for added dynamic punch in movies with HDR. But with the company’s brighter 6-Series TVs still available to buy at a similar price, the Q7’s main competition appears to be TCL itself.

Shopping for a new big-screen TV? Check out our guide to the best 85-inch TVs to find other options.

LG OLED Flex: Two-minute review

It’s easy to overlook the LG OLED Flex when you’re searching for a new gaming monitor. Being one of the first of its kind – by that, I mean bendable gaming monitors – it’s very expensive, and most consumers can’t quite grasp its full potential just yet. There’s also the fact that some people just aren’t willing to be early adopters in general, seeing as many new tech come with more than their share of growing pains.

After spending quite a bit of time with this bendable display from LG, however, it’s truly hard for me to go back to non-bendable displays. One of the best monitors right now, it’s not just a breathtakingly impressive gaming display that comes with a whole lot of features. LG has also done a fantastic job of implementing its bending capabilities, you’d think we’re already living in the future. And, while it does put a massive dent on your credit card, it’s worth it if you can afford it, especially since it moonlights as a smart TV and a monitor for productivity.

There’s a lot to unpack here, in fact, that I honestly say that I wouldn’t be able to cover everything in this review. That said, I will do my best.

The one thing you’ll need to own the LG OLED Flex – apart from a king’s ransom, of course – is a big desk. This isn’t just a 42-inch display, after all. This is a 42-inch display that has a massive footprint thanks to its massive6 stand and that requires a bit of clearance in front for its up to 900R curvature. If you’re looking for a more svelte gaming monitor, this isn’t going to be it.

It is also very heavy so setup isn’t the easiest, especially next to the Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240, another bendable gaming display that rolled out around the same time. At least its sizable stand already comes attached so there’s very little to do. However, taking the whole thing out of the box is a two-person job. Once it was out of the box, I did manage to haul it up on my desk on my own, but doing so was quite a workout. 

Despite being heavier and taking up more space than the Xeneon Flex, it does have its share of advantages over its rival. It offers better ergonomics because it’s much more adjustable – you can tilt the screen 10 degrees forward or 5 degrees backward and adjust the height up to 140mm, and it comes with four Fusion Lighting-enabled RGB strips in the back to give you customizable ambient lighting with Sound and Video Sync. Both just add to your immersion, especially when you’re gaming or watching movies.

The biggest difference between this and the Xeneon Flex, however, is the bending implementation. The Xeneon Flex is what you’d expect an early model of a fresh new tech to look – it’s fantastic as a gaming display but the bending process, which is done manually, is clunky and rudimentary. The LG OLED Flex is what you’d expect when that tech is already a year or two old, and manufacturers have refined it considerably – bending that panel from its flat position to a curved one is automated, and all you need to do is press a button (more specifically, the curvature button on the remote).

A few other mention-worthy design aspects here are the great selection of ports (there’s no USB-C, but the four HDMI 2.1 ports make up for it), voice command capability, multi-view mode, and an easily-accessible mouse, keyboard, headset, and microphone hub that will let you use the same peripherals whether you’re on PC mode or on TV mode. 

Speaking of TV mode, you can not only enjoy your favorite streaming apps directly on the display (without the help of your PC) but also watch live TV, and enjoy content via the LG channels on hand. Just make sure it’s connected to your network or hooked up to your cable connection.

There are many more extra frills here, but these are the ones that really add to its value and make it more than just any old gaming monitor.

Of course, it’s the LG OLED Flex’s auto-bending capability that really makes it a more elegant choice over Corsair’s offering, if you are looking to be an early adopter of this bendable tech. The curvature button on the remote gives you quick access to four curvature presets as well as all 20 levels for curvature (from flat to 100%) when you press the arrow down. Having spent time with the Xeneon Flex and being terrified every time I had to manually change its curvature, this is a nice and welcome change.

I also like the fact that it automatically flattens when you turn off the display and then automatically reverts to its last curvature setting when turned back on. Now, I don’t know anything about the effects of leaving your bendable display in a curved position for a long time, if there’s even any, but this thoughtful detail makes me appreciate just how well LG designed it. I just wish it would automatically turn on when I turn on my computer – or even immediately switch to the first active input. Sadly, you still have to turn the LG on manually, as well as press the input button to switch, every time you want to use your PC. If there’s a place in the OSD menu to change this, I couldn’t tell you as I haven’t found it.

This is a 42-inch 4K display so it does require a bit of muscle to power your games, especially if you're playing a title that needs a lot of graphical power and you want to run it on high or ultra. If you've got that PC, however, the visuals you get on this display is butter smooth, even when you're playing a fast-paced game or gaming competitively.

I played CS:GO, Battlefield 2042, and Rocket League on it and didn't experience any issues. The picture quality was incredibly sharp, detailed, and clean. Really, the only time I had an issue was when I was playing Hogwarts Legacy on high settings, but that's only because the gaming PC I was using just wasn't powerful enough to keep up.

Unsurprisingly, the colors are rich and gorgeous, and the dynamic range is good, if not the best. When watching dark scenes in shows and movies like Wednesday, All Quiet On The Western Front, and The Batman, it delivers enough detail in them so that you're viewing experience isn't ruined. At least LG has done a great job with keeping reflection at bay.

If you don't have powerful speakers, fret not. The front-facing 40W speakers are plenty loud to fill a large room. There's a lot of volume on tap here that even at just 20%, it already fills up a small-sized room. There's also good high end, which means that you're getting a lot of detail in your audio, making it great for gaming.

Being monitor speakers, however, they're aren't going to impress the most discerning listeners. The mids are not rich and the bass is thin, which means that any audio you're playing through them aren't going to hit very hard. The soundstage is ok, I guess, but it's not very wide. It doesn't help that the sound imaging is not really that accurate as well. If you're gaming competitively on this, consider investing in the best gaming headset as well.

LG OLED Flex: Price & availability

• How much does it cost?  $2,999 / £2,999.98 / AU$4,999 
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

Price-wise, the LG OLED Flex is not for the faint-hearted, as that $2,999 / £2,999.98 / AU$4,999 might cause you to swoon. With that money, you can get a really good TV and a separate gaming monitor or two gaming PCs. It does have a discount in the US at the time of writing, bringing the price down to $2,499.99, but that’s still a considerable sum for most gamers.

If you can afford it, however, trust me, you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck considering all its features. But if you’re looking for a more grounded purchase, the Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 starts off at a more approachable $1,999.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$3,299.99. 

If that’s still way out of your budget, you should check out our best ultrawide displays and best curved monitors lists as we’ve got much more affordable options that are great alternatives. You’re just not getting that bendable feature.

• Value: 3 / 5

LG OLED Flex: Specs

Should you buy the LG OLED Flex?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

LG OLED Flex: Also consider

How I tested the LG OLED Flex

• Tested the LG OLED Flex for a little more than a month
• Used it for gaming, work and entertainment
• Tested it with several games, streaming content, and my colorimeter

Testing the LG OLED Flex for a month, I used it as my PC gaming and work monitor, spending 8 to 10 hours a day on it. I also made sure to put its biggest features through their paces to make sure they work as they should.

Besides using it with games like Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hogwarts Legacy, I also used it to stream shows like Ted Lasso and Modern Family. Of course, I also checked its color accuracy and coverage using my colorimeter.

I’ve been testing, reviewing, and using monitors for years as a freelance tech journalist and now as one of the Computing editors at TechRadar. My years of experience make me more than qualified to test and vet these devices for you.

We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained - regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it's on our radar.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2023