Whether you choose an online website buillder( using Wix here as an example) or WordPress will depend on your unique website-building needs.
Wix is a website builder, so it’s perfect if you have little technical experience and you want an all-in-one package. Meanwhile, WordPress is a content management system (CMS), which is better if you value independence and complete creative control over your website.
To accurately compare each platform fully, we’ve combined our 4+ years of website building experience and rigorous research to help you decide which is best for you.
WordPress Vs. Online Website Builders (eg. Wix,Shopify)
Category & Winner | Wix | WordPress |
Ease of UseWinner: Wix | A very user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder. You don’t need to know how to code, as Wix is catered to non-technical users. | Steep learning curve (not beginner friendly). It’s best if you know how to code and you are technically savvy. If not, you might need to hire someone who is. |
Design and CustomizationWinner: WordPress | Over 800 professionally designed templates for you to work off, but you can’t switch templates without redesigning your site. | Almost limitless control over your site’s aesthetic (if you have advanced coding knowledge). Remember we recommend you use WordPress themes built by the platform itself. |
Apps and PluginsIt’s a tie! | Limited customization, but all the features and functions are closely controlled, monitored, and tested to ensure they work properly. | Very flexible and customizable, but could be problematic if your custom tools or plugins break down. |
EcommerceWinner: WordPress | Built-in sales features in any of its ecommerce plans. Perfect for selling a few products. | Must install a plugin like WooCommerce to create an online store. Better for pure ecommerce sites, or for selling in bulk. |
BloggingWinner: WordPress | Supports categories, tagging, mobile blogging, contributing authors and so on. | Also supports categories and tagging, along with featured images, post backdating, and private posts. |
SEOIt’s a tie! | Basic SEO functionality, with advanced features included via Site Booster on the Unlimited plan or higher. | Basic SEO tools, with Yoast plugin providing advanced features at a premium cost of $69 for one website. |
Ongoing MaintenanceWinner: Wix | Since Wix doesn’t open its platform to external developers, it controls all aspects of the platform – meaning it manages all the updates and maintenance work for you. | Requires frequent maintenance and monitoring, especially if there are updates to the platform, theme, or plugins. You are responsible for maintaining your website. |
Help and SupportWinner: Wix | Dedicated support team with organized tutorials. You can also get help via phone or email. | Large community forum full of discussions, but not well organized. Getting a timely response is also inconsistent. |