WordPress vs Wix: Which Platform Is Best For Your Website

Choosing the right platform for your website is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a website owner. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Two of the most popular choices are WordPress and Wix, each offering unique features, advantages, and limitations.

In this guide, we’ll compare the two platforms side by side to help you decide which one is better suited for your needs, whether you’re building a blog, an online store, or a professional website.

Overview of Wix vs WordPress

What is WordPress?

WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that powers more than 40% of all websites on the internet. Unlike all-in-one builders such as Wix, WordPress gives you full control over every part of your website—design, functionality, hosting, and performance.

Originally launched in 2003 as a blogging platform, WordPress has evolved into a highly flexible system capable of building any type of website, including blogs, business sites, portfolios, online stores, membership platforms, and even large corporate websites.

Because it is open-source, WordPress also allows advanced users and developers to edit code, create custom features, and build completely unique websites. This makes it one of the most powerful and scalable platforms available today.

Want to install WordPress but don’t know where to start? Check out our WordPress installation guide to get started quickly.

What is Wix?

Wix is an all-in-one website builder designed to help anyone create a professional website without needing technical skills or coding knowledge. Launched in 2006, Wix provides a fully hosted environment, meaning everything—hosting, security, templates, and tools—is included in one platform.

One of Wix’s biggest strengths is its drag-and-drop editor, which allows users to visually design their site by moving elements around the page. It also offers hundreds of modern, mobile-responsive templates for different industries, such as business, portfolio, restaurant, blog, and e-commerce.

Because Wix manages hosting, security, performance, and updates, users can focus entirely on content and design rather than technical setup. This makes Wix especially suitable for beginners, small businesses, freelancers, and anyone who wants a quick, hassle-free way to build a website.

Wix vs WordPress: Ease of use

Creating your own website is an affordable way to establish your presence online, but choosing a beginner-friendly platform is essential—especially if you’ve never built a site before.

In this section, I’ll break down how each platform handles the initial setup and the tools they provide for designing your pages.

WordPress

WordPress offers far more flexibility, but that comes with a steeper learning curve. Unlike Wix, WordPress requires installation and initial setup, including choosing a hosting provider, connecting a domain, and configuring basic settings.

Once installed, you can choose from multiple editors to design your content:

• Gutenberg (the default block editor)
• Elementor (a powerful drag-and-drop builder)
• Divi (a visual editor with advanced design tools)

While these tools offer exceptional control, understanding how to work with themes, plugins, and the backend dashboard takes time. New users may feel overwhelmed at first, but as you become familiar with the system, WordPress becomes incredibly powerful.

Ultimately, WordPress offers high customization—you can design almost anything you can imagine once you master the tools and concepts.

Wix

Wix is widely known for its simplicity, making it one of the most beginner-friendly website builders available. Its drag-and-drop editor allows you to design pages visually—just click, move, and place elements exactly where you want them. There’s no coding or technical setup involved.

For users who prefer an even easier approach, Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) can instantly create a customized website based on a few questions about your needs and industry. This feature is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to launch a site quickly.

The platform’s dashboard is clean and intuitive, giving you access to essential tools like page management, design options, analytics, and apps without overwhelming complexity. In addition, Wix provides hundreds of ready-to-use templates, allowing you to start with a professionally designed layout and adjust it to your style.

Overall, Wix offers a smooth and effortless experience for users with no technical background.

Verdict

Wix is the best choice for beginners and small websites that need simplicity and speed. WordPress, on the other hand, is ideal for users who want full flexibility, advanced customization, and long-term scalability.

WordPress vs Wix: Pricing

Creating a website means committing both time and budget, so it’s important to choose a platform that gives you solid value. In this section, we’ll break down the pricing models of WordPress and Wix to see which one delivers the better return on your investment.

WordPress

• Open-source platform: WordPress is free to download and use. Your real expenses come from essentials like hosting, domain, and optional add-ons.
• Hosting fees: Depending on the provider and plan, hosting can range from $3 to over $30 per month.
• Domain registration: A domain usually costs $10–$50 annually.
• Plugins: WordPress offers countless free plugins, but premium ones with advanced capabilities require a paid license.
• E-commerce expenses: Planning to run an online store? WooCommerce’s core plugin is free, but many of its advanced extensions are paid.
• Ongoing maintenance: Keeping your site updated, backed up, and secure may involve extra tools or services, which add to the budget.
• Themes: You can choose from numerous free themes, but premium themes with more features typically cost $10 to $100+. The image below illustrates pricing for several top WordPress themes.

Wix

• Freemium option: Wix provides a free basic plan. To connect a custom domain or remove Wix branding, upgrading to a premium plan is required.
• Premium subscriptions: Plans start from $4.50 up to $35 per month, designed to meet different needs—from personal blogs to full-featured online stores.
• Domain costs: Most premium plans include a free domain for the first year. After that, renewal typically costs $10–$20 per year.
• Templates: Wix offers a wide selection of free design templates for all types of websites.
• Apps: The Wix App Market includes both free and paid apps. Adding premium apps may increase your monthly subscription.
• E-commerce expenses: Wix Business & eCommerce plans start at $17 per month, providing built-in online store features such as product management, payment gateways, and sales tools.

Verdict

In terms of cost, neither platform clearly outshines the other. Wix can be a better choice if you want a simple website with predictable, all-in-one pricing.

WordPress, while possibly more expensive upfront due to hosting, domains, and premium tools, can provide greater long-term value—especially for larger projects or websites that require extensive customization.

Wondering how much a WordPress website? Find out the details in our guide: How much does a WordPress website cost in Hong Kong?

WordPress vs Wix: Templates

Your website’s design plays a major role in creating a strong first impression, making visually appealing layouts essential. Templates make it easy to get started without building everything from scratch.

Next, we’ll explore how WordPress and Wix stack up in terms of design, including the variety of templates available and the flexibility for customization.

WordPress

Updating the appearance of a WordPress site is straightforward using themes. A theme determines your site’s overall design, including page layouts, colors, fonts, and other visual elements.

WordPress has an extensive library with over 13,000 free themes in its official directory, and new themes are regularly added. Installing a theme is simple and can be done directly from your WordPress dashboard without any coding.

If you want more variety, there are plenty of premium themes available on marketplaces like ThemeForest and Envato.

However, having so many choices comes with a challenge: each theme has different features, requirements, and levels of support from third-party developers. To simplify maintenance, it’s best to choose a theme that receives regular updates and active support.

For customization, WordPress includes a Theme Editor with block-based editing. You can easily modify pre-designed patterns and templates for different pages, such as the homepage or order confirmation page, making it simple to personalize your website’s look and layout.

Wix

If you choose to design your website with AI, Wix will use your initial setup responses to generate base designs. During this process, you can adjust your site brief and explore multiple layout options. This feature is especially helpful because it allows you to compare different designs and revert to a previous version if you prefer it.

Alternatively, you can start with a pre-built template. Wix filters templates based on your website type or niche, and you can further refine the results using additional criteria.

The Wix Editor features drag-and-drop functionality, which makes arranging elements simple. Its grid system automatically aligns items, keeping your layout neat and consistent.

The editor is packed with tools, giving you plenty of ways to create a distinctive design in one place. Notable features include animations, a video maker, and AI-powered text and image generators.

One limitation to keep in mind: once your website is live, you cannot switch to a different design. The only way to update the look is to build a new site and import elements from the previous one.

Verdict

When it comes to the sheer number of options, both platforms offer plenty regardless of your website’s niche or purpose.

Wix has a small edge with its intuitive drag-and-drop editor. However, its major limitation is that you cannot switch templates once your site is live. Because of this restriction, WordPress takes the lead in this category, offering greater flexibility and long-term customization.

Want to customize your WordPress theme like a pro? Follow our WordPress Themes complete guide for detailed instructions.

WordPress vs Wix: Customization and extensions

A website’s design and functionality play a key role in attracting visitors and achieving your goals. In this section, we’ll examine how well each platform—Wix and WordPress—supports different features and tools to maximize your website’s potential.

WordPress

At first glance, WordPress might appear more complicated than Wix, but this complexity comes from the greater customization options it offers through plugins.

A WordPress plugin is a tool that adds new features or enhances existing ones on your website. You can install plugins directly from the official WordPress directory and configure them in the admin dashboard. Plugins purchased from third-party marketplaces may require a slightly different setup process, but no coding skills are needed.

WordPress offers over 59,000 plugins, covering a wide range of tasks—from creating image galleries and custom contact forms to personalizing login pages and more.

Similar to themes, plugins come in free and premium versions. You can upgrade to premium when you need advanced features beyond the free options.

If the official directory doesn’t have what you need, you can download a trusted third-party plugin and upload it as a ZIP file.

Be mindful that installing too many plugins can slow your website. To keep things efficient, opt for multi-purpose plugins that consolidate multiple functions. For beginners, consider starting with a list of essential free WordPress plugins.

Plugins can greatly extend your WordPress website’s capabilities. To explore the top essential plugins every site should have, check out our Top 10 must-have WordPress plugins for your site

Wix

The Wix App Market features more than 800 apps designed to meet a variety of design and business needs. These include tools for marketing, SEO, social media, analytics, customer support, and more, making it easy to extend your website’s functionality without coding.

Wix plan and charge additional fees based on usage as your site grows. While it would be convenient to filter apps by price, for now, you need to rely on keywords and functionality to find the best fit.

Installing an app is straightforward. From the dashboard or Wix Editor, select an app, click Add to Site, complete any purchase if necessary, accept the terms, and it’s ready to use.

Keep in mind that Wix only supports third-party integrations through the official App Market. If your website needs a specific tool, check whether Wix offers an official app version before considering alternatives.

Verdict

Both Wix and WordPress allow you to build a wide range of websites, but WordPress excels due to its vast selection of plugins. The ability to install third-party plugins is particularly valuable for businesses and professionals who require specialized features and greater flexibility.

WordPress vs Wix: Security

Selecting a secure platform is essential to protect your data and provide a smooth, reliable experience for visitors—both of which are key to establishing your brand’s credibility.

Let’s take a look at how WordPress and Wix handle security, and what steps are needed to keep your website safe on each platform.

WordPress

• Community-driven security: WordPress releases regular security patches, but as a self-hosted platform, you are responsible for implementing updates to the core system, themes, and plugins.
• Maintenance tasks: You need to monitor backups, plugin updates, and site performance manually or via plugins. Security plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security can automate tasks like malware scanning, login protection, and firewall management.
• Hosting matters: Your web host plays a crucial role. Managed WordPress hosting often includes automated backups, malware scanning, and server-level security.
• Flexibility: WordPress offers maximum control over security settings, maintenance routines, and third-party integrations, ideal for businesses or advanced users who want full customization.

Wix

• Built-in security: Wix takes care of hosting, SSL certificates, and server-level security automatically. This includes firewalls, malware scanning, and DDoS protection.
• Automatic updates: Wix manages updates for all core systems, templates, and apps, meaning you don’t need to manually maintain the platform.
• Limited control: While this hands-off approach is convenient, it also means you have less flexibility to choose specific security tools or perform custom maintenance tasks.
• Third-party apps: Only apps available in the Wix App Market can be installed, which helps reduce risks from unverified sources.

Verdict

Wix is perfect for users who prefer a hands-off approach to security and maintenance. It’s simple, automated, and reliable.

WordPress is better suited for users who want more control, flexibility, and advanced options for security and upkeep, though it requires a proactive approach.

WordPress vs Wix: SEO

A strong SEO strategy is key for driving traffic to your website. Both Wix and WordPress provide tools to optimize your site for search engines, but they differ in flexibility and control.

WordPress

• Full SEO control: WordPress allows complete customization of meta tags, URLs, headers, and other on-page SEO elements.
• Plugins for SEO: Popular plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math offer powerful tools for keyword optimization, readability, internal linking, and more.
• Structured data & sitemaps: Plugins automatically generate sitemaps and structured data, giving advanced options for rich snippets.
• Performance tuning: Users can optimize page speed and mobile responsiveness using caching, CDNs, and lightweight themes for better SEO rankings.

Wix

• Built-in SEO tools: Wix includes an SEO Wizard that guides beginners through on-page optimization, such as meta titles, descriptions, and image alt text.
• Structured data & sitemaps: Wix automatically generates sitemaps and supports structured data for rich search results.
• Limitations: While Wix covers basic SEO needs, advanced users may find fewer options for fine-tuned optimization compared to WordPress.
• Speed & mobile optimization: Wix websites are mobile-friendly and load quickly, both important ranking factors.

Verdict

Wix is ideal for beginners who want easy, guided SEO setup without dealing with plugins or technical configurations.

WordPress is best for users seeking full control and advanced SEO features, making it suitable for blogs, businesses, and professional websites aiming for maximum search visibility.

WordPress vs Wix: Customer support

Even with careful planning, problems can arise at any time. When your website experiences downtime, fast and reliable support is crucial to minimize lost traffic and revenue.

Let’s compare how Wix and WordPress handle customer support in these situations.

WordPress

• Community-Driven Support: WordPress.org (self-hosted) relies mainly on forums, documentation, tutorials, and blogs.
• Plugin/Theme Support: Since themes and plugins are developed by various third parties, support may vary depending on the developer or your hosting provider.
• WordPress.com Paid Plans: Higher-tier plans offer live chat support, but free users mostly depend on self-help resources.
• Flexibility vs. Responsiveness: WordPress offers extensive resources, but finding solutions may take more time and effort due to its decentralized nature.

Wix

• 24/7 Support: Many Wix users have access to round-the-clock support through live chat, email, and callback requests for paid plans.
• Help Center & Community: Wix provides a comprehensive Help Center with guides, tutorials, and FAQs. There is also an active community forum for peer-to-peer support.
• Ease of Access: Support is centralized, so it’s usually faster and easier to get help directly from Wix.
• Limitations: Some users report difficulty reaching a live person, especially on lower-tier plans.

Verdict

Wix is better for users seeking quick, centralized, and hands-on support, ideal for beginners or non-technical users.

WordPress suits users comfortable with self-service resources and willing to invest time in community or third-party support for more complex needs.

WordPress vs Wix for blogging

Blogging is a common reason people start a website, so choosing the right platform is key for content creation, organization, and growth. Here’s how Wix and WordPress compare for blogging:

WordPress

• Designed for Blogging: WordPress started as a blogging platform, so it has robust features for content creation, management, and categorization.
• Full Customization: With plugins, themes, and custom post types, you can create blogs of any size or complexity.
• Advanced SEO: Plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math give full control over meta tags, schema, internal linking, and readability.
• Content Management: Scheduling, version control, drafts, and multiple authors are built-in and scalable for professional blogs.
• Monetization Options: WordPress makes it easier to integrate ads, memberships, subscriptions, and e-commerce for content monetization.

Wix

• User-Friendly Editor: Wix provides an intuitive blog editor that allows easy formatting of text, images, videos, and embeds.
• Templates: There are pre-designed blog templates to help you start quickly.
• Basic SEO Tools: Wix includes SEO settings for posts, categories, and tags, but customization options are more limited than WordPress.
• Built-in Features: Social sharing, comment sections, and basic analytics are integrated.
• Limitations: If your blog grows into a larger content-focused site, advanced features like custom post types, membership systems, or sophisticated SEO tools can be limited.

Verdict

Wix is great for beginners who want to start a simple blog quickly with minimal technical setup.

WordPress is ideal for bloggers who plan to grow and scale, need advanced SEO, and want full control over content and monetization.

Wix vs WordPress for E-Commerce

Running an online store requires reliable e-commerce features, payment processing, and scalability. Let’s see how Wix and WordPress handle e-commerce:

WordPress

• WooCommerce Plugin: WordPress leverages WooCommerce, a free and highly customizable plugin, to turn any site into a fully functional online store.
• Full Flexibility: Add-ons and plugins allow advanced features such as memberships, subscriptions, dynamic pricing, multi-currency support, and advanced reporting.
• Payment Gateways: WooCommerce supports numerous gateways including PayPal, Stripe, and direct bank transfers.
• Customization & Scalability: With WordPress themes and plugins, you can scale your store without platform limitations, ideal for growing businesses.
• Maintenance Responsibility: Unlike Wix, you must manage hosting, updates, and security, which may require more technical knowledge or a managed hosting plan.

Wix

• Built-in E-Commerce Plans: Wix offers Business & eCommerce plans starting at $17/month, which include online store features.
• Ease of Setup: Users can add products, set up payment gateways, manage inventory, and create discount codes quickly using a drag-and-drop interface.
• Apps & Add-ons: The Wix App Market includes apps for marketing, shipping, tax calculations, and analytics.
• Limitations: Advanced e-commerce features like multi-currency, subscriptions, and advanced reporting may require third-party apps or higher-tier plans.
• Maintenance: Wix handles hosting, security, and updates, making store management simpler for beginners.

Verdict

Wix is best for beginners or small stores that want quick setup and easy management with minimal technical overhead.

WordPress + WooCommerce is better for businesses that need scalability, flexibility, and advanced e-commerce functionality, even if it requires more hands-on management.

A comparison of WordPress vs Wix

You’ve decided to build your website with WordPress but don’t know where to start? Follow our How to build a WordPress website from scratch guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is better for e-commerce?

Wix is great for small to medium stores with easy setup, while WordPress combined with WooCommerce is better for scalable and highly customizable online stores.

2. Is WordPress more expensive than Wix?

WordPress costs vary depending on hosting, plugins, and themes. It can be cheaper for small sites but often offers better value for larger projects. Wix offers predictable monthly plans with fewer technical responsibilities.

3. Which platform is better for SEO?

WordPress provides full SEO control with plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math, while Wix offers basic SEO guidance and AI tools suitable for beginners.

4. Do I need technical skills for WordPress?

Basic WordPress usage is simple, but advanced customization, e-commerce, and plugin management may require some technical knowledge. Wix requires minimal technical skills.

Conclusion

Choosing between WordPress and Wix depends largely on your website goals. For bloggers, content creators, and businesses aiming for scalability, WordPress provides unmatched flexibility, powerful SEO tools, and a platform that can grow with your needs. Wix remains a solid choice for beginners and small websites seeking simplicity and speed.

If you’re looking for professional guidance, Arestós offers expert WordPress consulting and website development services, helping businesses design, customize, and optimize their sites for performance, SEO, and growth. Our team ensures your WordPress website not only looks great but also functions efficiently and securely.

Ready to take your website to the next level? Contact us today to get expert guidance and a website tailored to your goals.