Should I use Joomla 5 or Joomla 6?
Start new sites on Joomla 6. Stay on Joomla 5.4 for now only if your template or an extension you need isn't ready for 6 yet: Joomla 5 gets security fixes until 12 October 2027.
Why Joomla 6 for new sites
Joomla 6 is the current version and will get new features and bug fixes for years. Joomla 5 has moved to security fixes only: its bug-fix support ended on 13 October 2026.
Starting on 6 means you won't have to do a major upgrade soon after launch.
Check before you choose
- Hosting: Joomla 6 needs PHP 8.3 or newer; Joomla 5 needs PHP 8.1 or newer.
- Template: does your template have a Joomla 6 version?
- Extensions: check each must-have extension on its developer's site or in the Joomla Extensions Directory.
Already on Joomla 5?
No need to rush. Update to the latest 5.4, keep it updated, and upgrade to Joomla 6 when your template and extensions are ready. Joomla 5 extensions also keep working on Joomla 6 through the Behaviour - Backward Compatibility 6 plugin.
Sources
- Joomla Project Roadmap – Joomla Developer Network
- Technical Requirements – Joomla Manual
- Joomla 5 to 6 Planning and Upgrade Step by Step – Joomla User Guide
