Creating a new website can feel overwhelming, especially when choosing between two of the most popular platforms: WordPress and Wix. These two options are among the best, but which one is right for your website needs in 2024?
Choosing the right platform shapes how your website looks, how easy it is to manage, and how much freedom you have to customize or scale it over time. Whether you're launching a blog, starting an online store, or building a business website, your choice will directly impact your site's functionality and potential growth.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between WordPress and Wix to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals. By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of which platform is better suited for your specific website needs.
Introduction to WordPress and Wix
WordPress and Wix are two of the leading website platforms, and each has its strengths depending on the user's goals and technical abilities. This comparison focuses specifically on WordPress.org (the self-hosted version) and Wix, covering everything from initial setup to long-term scalability.
WordPress
WordPress is widely recognized for offering unparalleled control and flexibility. As an open-source platform, it powers over 40% of websites globally, ranging from small personal blogs to large-scale eCommerce sites. WordPress gives you complete autonomy, but it also requires you to manage your hosting, domain, and any additional plugins or themes for customization.
This platform is a favorite for developers and those who prefer full design freedom, scalability, and access to thousands of plugins for extra functionality.
Wix
Wix, in contrast, is a managed, all-in-one website builder designed to streamline the process of getting a website online quickly. With a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and a host of pre-designed templates, Wix appeals to users who prioritize simplicity and convenience over technical control. The platform takes care of hosting, domain registration, and technical details, making it ideal for beginners or those looking for a quick website solution without coding experience.
WordPress vs Wix: Getting Started
Getting your website up and running is the first critical step, and both WordPress and Wix offer different experiences here.
Setting Up a WordPress Website
Setting up a WordPress site starts with choosing a hosting provider. Some popular hosting options, like Bluehost, SiteGround, and Kinsta, offer one-click WordPress installations, making the setup process more straightforward. However, you'll need to manage several aspects: hosting, installing WordPress, choosing a domain, and selecting a theme for your site’s design.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps involved:
- Choose a Hosting Provider – We recommend choosing a managed WordPress hosting provider, because they'll take care of the setup steps for you.
- Install WordPress – If you don't choose a managed WordPress host, you'll need to install WordPress. You can do that in about 5 minutes.
- Select a Theme – Choose a theme that aligns with your site's purpose (e.g., business, blog, or portfolio). Alternative, you can use a visual site builder to theme your site.
While the setup process gives you a lot of control, it does come with a learning curve. WordPress plugins are critical to extending your site's functionality, but figuring out which ones to use requires research. Similarly, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the customization options available within your chosen theme and plugins to create a unique, professional site.
Creating a Wix Website
Wix is designed to have far more guard rails from the beginning, with fewer manual setup steps. Getting started involves these three basic steps:
- Sign up for an account – Wix makes it easy by letting you sign up with an email or social media account.
- Choose a Template – Wix offers a library of over 900 customizable templates across various industries and niches.
- Drag and Drop Elements – Using the intuitive Wix Editor, you can drag and drop elements like text, images, and videos directly onto your site, allowing for real-time changes without needing any technical skills.
Wix handles hosting, domain registration, and software updates for you, making it a hassle-free option. For absolute beginners, Wix’s AI Website Builder can create a personalized site based on user input, taking much of the design work out of your hands.
WordPress vs Wix: Ease of Use and Learning Curve
The ease of use for a website platform is an essential factor, especially for beginners. Let's compare how intuitive each platform is for both newcomers and experienced users.
WordPress User Experience
WordPress is incredibly powerful, but its initial interface can be daunting. Upon logging into your dashboard, you’re met with various menus for managing themes, plugins, posts, pages, and settings. For beginners, navigating this dashboard may require some time to get used to.
For those who want to design without delving into code, site builder plugins like Breakdance can make WordPress much easier to use. Breakdance simplifies the design process by allowing users to drag and drop elements onto their site, much like Wix. It also offers pre-designed templates, reducing the time needed to build a professional-looking website from scratch.
In general, WordPress requires a bit more effort upfront, but once mastered, it provides far more flexibility than Wix in terms of design and functionality. You'll never be boxed in with WordPress.
Wix User Experience
Wix, on the other hand, is a more curated and controlled experience. Its drag-and-drop editor is one of the platform's most prominent features. Users can visually manipulate elements directly on the screen, and the changes are immediately reflected in the design.
For beginners, the Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) option is especially helpful. It walks users through a few simple questions about the website’s purpose and automatically generates a customized website, making the process quick and accessible.
While Wix is undoubtedly easier for beginners, it does come with some limitations. As your website grows, you may find Wix lacks the deep customization options that WordPress offers, particularly when it comes to advanced functionality or specific design changes.
WordPress vs Wix: Design and Customization Options
Design and customization capabilities are critical when building a website. Both WordPress and Wix offer unique options, but the level of control and flexibility varies greatly between the two platforms.
WordPress Themes and Customization
WordPress is renowned for its extensive design capabilities. It offers thousands of free and premium themes that cater to a wide range of website types, from personal blogs to full-fledged eCommerce stores. Once you've selected a theme, you can use the built-in Customizer to adjust fonts, colors, layouts, and more.
For users who prefer a visual, drag-and-drop editor similar to Wix, page builders like Breakdance make customization easier. Breakdance is particularly user-friendly and comes with pre-designed templates that can be modified without any coding. It also offers a Global Style feature, allowing you to control your entire website's design from one location, ensuring consistency across pages.
For advanced users, WordPress allows access to the theme's underlying code, providing endless customization possibilities. This flexibility makes WordPress the go-to option for users who require full design control.
Wix Templates and Design Tools
Wix offers over 900 pre-designed templates that can be customized through its drag-and-drop editor. This interface makes it incredibly easy to move elements around, change fonts and colors, and tweak the layout—all without any coding knowledge.
One of Wix’s standout features is its Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence), which helps users generate a customized website design based on a series of questions about their business or personal preferences. This feature is especially useful for users who want to launch their site quickly.
For more advanced users, Wix provides the Wix Studio Editor, a more sophisticated tool for professional designers. However, Wix's customization options are generally more limited compared to WordPress, particularly when it comes to advanced modifications and coding flexibility.
Design and Customization Comparison
| Feature | WordPress | Wix |
| Templates/Themes | Thousands of free and premium themes available | 900+ pre-designed templates |
| Customization Options | Full control through built-in Customizer, site builders, and code | Drag-and-drop customization, limited advanced control |
| Page Builder | Breakdance for easy visual design | Wix Editor (drag-and-drop) |
| Advanced Design Tools | Full theme file access for developers | Wix Studio Editor for advanced users |
| Global Style Customization | Yes (via Breakdance or theme) | Limited to template-wide changes |
| Coding Flexibility | Full coding control | Minimal coding flexibility |
WordPress vs Wix: Content Management and Blogging
If you're planning to manage a blog or create a content-heavy website, the content management features of WordPress and Wix are essential considerations. Both platforms allow for blogging, but WordPress stands out due to its history as a blogging platform.
WordPress as a Blogging Platform
WordPress has been the go-to platform for bloggers for years, offering a highly customizable and flexible content management system (CMS). The built-in content editor allows you to create rich media content using blocks for different types of elements—text, images, galleries, and more. This makes it easy to format blog posts to look professional and engaging.
WordPress also excels in content organization, with robust categories and tags to help organize large volumes of content. The media library makes it easy to upload and manage images and other media assets. Features like post scheduling, drafts, and a revision history further enhance its usability, particularly for bloggers or teams that require collaborative editing.
Additionally, WordPress supports multiple authors, and through user roles, you can assign specific permissions to contributors, editors, or admins. This makes WordPress an excellent choice for larger blogs or content-heavy websites.
Blogging with Wix
Wix also includes a blogging feature that is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly into its website builder. The Wix Editor offers a simple, visual editor for writing and publishing posts. However, compared to WordPress, Wix’s editor is somewhat limited in functionality. For example, it lacks the flexibility of post revisions and detailed content organization.
Wix’s blogging tools are ideal for smaller blogs, personal websites, or users who prioritize ease of use over advanced features. While it comes with built-in SEO tools, these don’t match the depth and control offered by WordPress plugins like Yoast SEO.
Blogging and Content Management Comparison
| Feature | WordPress | Wix |
| Blog Editor | Block-based editor | Visual drag-and-drop editor |
| Content Organization | Categories, tags, post revisions | Basic categories and tags, no post revisions |
| Media Management | Full media library with reusable media files | Basic media management |
| Multiple Authors | Yes, with user roles | Basic support for contributors |
| Blogging Plugins | Extensive plugin ecosystem for SEO, social sharing, etc. | Limited third-party integrations |
| SEO Tools | Plugins like Yoast SEO offer advanced SEO control | Built-in SEO tools, less advanced |
WordPress vs Wix: eCommerce Features
For users looking to build an online store, both WordPress and Wix offer eCommerce capabilities, but the approaches and scalability of each platform differ significantly.
WordPress eCommerce with WooCommerce
WooCommerce is the most popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress, powering millions of online stores worldwide. It’s highly customizable and allows users to sell physical products, digital downloads, memberships, and more. The setup process involves installing WooCommerce as a plugin and configuring it according to your business needs.
WooCommerce supports a wide range of payment gateways, and with additional extensions, it can handle complex features like subscription models, bookings, and customizable products. The platform also allows for complete control over your store's data, product types, and scalability.
However, WooCommerce does come with a learning curve, especially if you’re new to WordPress. You will also need to manage your store's hosting and security, as WordPress does not provide built-in hosting like Wix.
Wix eCommerce Features
Wix offers built-in eCommerce features as part of its platform. It is a simpler, more streamlined option for users who want to start selling products online quickly. Wix’s eCommerce functionality includes features like product pages, payment processing, inventory management, and abandoned cart recovery.
While Wix makes it easy to set up a store, it lacks the scalability and advanced features of WooCommerce. It supports physical and digital products but does not offer the same level of customization or support for more complex product types like subscriptions or bookings. For small to medium-sized stores, Wix is a convenient choice, but larger stores may find it restrictive as they grow.
eCommerce Features Comparison
| Feature | WordPress (with WooCommerce) | Wix |
| Setup | Requires WooCommerce plugin installation | Built-in, ready to use |
| Product Types | Physical, digital, subscriptions, memberships | Physical, digital, limited variations |
| Payment Processing | Supports multiple payment gateways | Built-in payment gateways |
| Abandoned Cart Recovery | Available via plugins | Built-in feature |
| Multi-Channel Selling | Requires additional plugins or integrations | Built-in, can sell on social media and marketplaces |
| Scalability | Highly scalable, suitable for large stores | Limited scalability for very large stores |
| Customization | Full customization with themes, plugins, and coding | Limited customization compared to WooCommerce |
WordPress vs Wix: Pricing Plans
Cost is a crucial factor when deciding between WordPress and Wix, as each platform follows a different pricing structure. WordPress itself is free, but the additional costs depend on the services you use, while Wix offers all-in-one plans that bundle hosting, domain, and features together.
WordPress Pricing Structure
WordPress is free to download and use, but there are several other associated costs, including hosting and plugins. These costs can vary based on the scale and requirements of your website.
- Hosting – You’ll need a hosting provider to run your WordPress site. Basic hosting plans typically start at around $5 to $10 per month for shared hosting, but premium plans for larger sites can go up to $30 or more per month.
- Domain Name – Registering a custom domain name typically costs between $10 and $15 per year. Some hosting providers offer a free domain for the first year.
- Plugins – While there are thousands of plugins available, premium plugins typically cost between $30 and $200 per year. Some plugins also offer one-time, lifetime licenses.
- Maintenance and Security – Because WordPress is self-hosted, you’ll need to manage backups, security, and updates. While many plugins handle these tasks for free, premium services can add to your costs.
The cost of running a WordPress website varies significantly depending on your needs. A simple blog may cost $50 to $100 per year, while larger sites with premium themes and plugins may reach several hundred dollars annually.
Wix Pricing Plans
Wix follows a straightforward pricing model, where the costs are bundled into set packages that include hosting, domain, and other features. Wix offers multiple plans depending on the level of functionality you need.
- Light – $17 per month, best suited for personal websites with basic functionality.
- Core – $29 per month, designed for freelancers or individuals who need more features and storage.
- Business – $36 per month, includes eCommerce functionality for users looking to start an online store.
- Business Elite – $159 per month, includes all premium features plus priority customer support.
Wix also offers annual subscriptions, which reduce the overall monthly cost. These plans simplify the pricing structure since they include hosting, security, and updates, making it easier to budget. However, Wix’s plans can become more expensive over time, especially for users who need advanced functionality.
Pricing Plans Side By Side Comparison
| Cost Type | WordPress | Wix |
| Platform | Free | Free (with ads), paid plans from $17/month |
| Hosting | $5 - $30 per month (depending on provider) | Included in all paid plans |
| Domain Name | $10 - $15 per year | Included in some plans or can be purchased separately |
| Plugins and Extensions | Free or paid ($20 - $200) | Most features included, limited third-party extensions |
| eCommerce Features | Free with WooCommerce, plus hosting | Business Plan ($36 per month) |
So, Which Platform is Right for You?
So, after weighing all the pros and cons, which platform is going to suit your needs in 2024? It all boils down to what kind of experience you want from your website-building journey—and how much control you’re after.
If you love the idea of full creative control and don’t mind getting your hands dirty with a bit of technical management, then WordPress is likely the best choice for you. Think of it as the platform that hands you the keys to a massive tool chest. Want a slick blog with custom features? No problem. Need an online store that can grow as fast as your business? WordPress, along with WooCommerce, can handle that too. With endless plugins and themes, you can craft a truly unique website that reflects your vision, whether you're building a personal portfolio or a bustling eCommerce store. Yes, it requires managing things like hosting and security—but for those with big plans, WordPress offers flexibility that’s hard to beat.
On the other hand, if the idea of diving into all those technical details makes your head spin, Wix is your fast track to getting a beautiful website online without the hassle. It’s designed for simplicity. With Wix, you can pick a template, drag and drop your way to a complete site, and hit publish—all within hours. It’s perfect if you’re a small business owner, an artist showcasing your portfolio, or someone who just wants a functional site up and running with zero fuss. The Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) can even build your site for you with just a few clicks. However, as easy as it is to use, Wix may feel limiting if you’re thinking about long-term growth or crave deeper customization options. But if you’re after quick results and ease of use, Wix is as convenient as it gets.
At the end of the day, WordPress is the power player that gives you the freedom to customize and scale as much as you want. It’s like the all-in-one tool kit for serious web creators. Wix, on the other hand, is the ultimate stress-free solution for those who want a professional-looking site without worrying about the technical stuff. It’s like having an assistant who handles all the heavy lifting so you can focus on the fun parts—like picking colors and images.
What’s the verdict? If you’re looking for a platform that can grow with you, offering endless customization and flexibility, WordPress is the way to go. But if you want something quick, simple, and still professional, Wix will have your site looking sharp in no time. Either way, you’re set to build something great.