Wix Vs. WordPress: The Website Builder To Use in 2023?

Having an online presence through a website is a must if you want to get success in today’s digital marketplace. However, there are platforms such as Wix and WordPress that will minimize your website-building effort dramatically. 

Wix is a website builder platform that offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Even non-coders can create a fully-fledged website using this all-in-one website-creating solution. A large option of templates, apps, and readymade hosting makes it a one-stop shop for developers.  

On the other hand, WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that provides better customization options and flexibility. As an open-source platform, it gives more control over the data and code to the users to build up their websites.

Both fully-hosted Wix and self-hosted WordPress are popular website-building platforms with different approaches and capabilities. To help you choose the right platform, we will examine some essential distinctions between these platforms.  

An Introduction to WordPress

WordPress is a highly versatile content management system powering 43.1% of websites around the world. It’s an open-source platform in nature that allows users to create, edit and share WordPress software freely.

Wordpress.org is a self-hosted open-source CMS that enables users to create one-of-a-kind websites. But users need to buy hosting and domains through third-party providers. On the other hand, WordPress.com is an all-rounder blogging platform that provides web hosting and domain name for its users.

Using WordPress.org has a number of benefits. First of all, it is inexpensive since the platform is totally free. Secondly, it offers a huge library of plugins and themes that extend the website’s functionality. Finally, this platform’s adaptability is significant since it can be sued to create any kind of website, from eCommerce to online blogs.

You will get huge support from the vast community and developers. Though everyone might not be able to use WordPress due to its learning curve, yet is one of the most popular CMS for building new websites.

An Introduction to Wix

If you are looking for something other than WordPress, Wix can be a great option. Unlike WordPress, Wix is a website builder that provides beginner-friendly features for creating websites with ease.

The primary difference between Wix and WordPress is simple. Wix is a website builder but not a CMS like WordPress. It gives a very easy user interface that will give access to the features to create a website with ease.

However, WordPress gives more access and control over every aspect of the site, including web hosting, maintenance, and more. But you need to have a basic knowledge of coding.

In Wix, you will get several advantages, including a simple learning curve with a drag-and-drop editor to build a website. Additionally, it offers site maintenance services that will lower your hassle of applying updates and fixing bugs. Furthermore, you can rely on its customer-driven support system, which is always available.

You don’t need to have sophisticated website creation skills while using Wix. Over time, WordPress can be learned but customizing themes or plugins will require assistance from experienced developers. In contrast, Wix is a suitable option for beginners who want to design an effective website ASAP.

Wix vs. WordPress: An In-Depth Comparison

Now that you know the basics of Wix vs. WordPress, let’s dive a little deeper into their individual features. Thus, selecting a platform that will successfully help you meet your goals will be easier for you.

Versatility 

Versatility is essential in website designing since it allows you to construct a website that is adaptive, flexible, and able to satisfy the changing customer demands over time. Besides, it can help you expand your online business via competitiveness and meet your goals.

In terms of versatility, WordPress is ahead of Wix since it provides more design, functionality, and integration option. But in order to employ this adaptability effectively, there is a higher learning curve. Contrarily, Wix is a more approachable platform that is perfect for people who want a straightforward website with fundamental capabilities. 

WordPress is a very flexible platform that can be used to create any kind of site that you prefer. You can use this CMS to create a simple blog and even any business-centric eCommerce site. 

Moreover, it offers thousands of paid and non-paid themes & plugins to choose from. You just need to select your install the plugins to change your site’s outlook and functionalities. 

WordPress also gives you the ability to modify the site’s layout and structure significantly by adding custom code. Thus, it’s a great option for organizations and people that require an expandable and adaptable website.   

In comparison, Wix is a bit limited platform in terms of versatility. It is ideal for creating different types of websites, including blogs, entertainment, and eCommerce stores. But it won’t offer you full control over the site’s customizability.

The range of templates offered by Wix is also customizable according to your business type.  Yes, you can customize the templates, but it won’t allow you to modify the underlying codes.  

Ease of Use

We already know that WordPress is a renowned content management system (CMS), powering over 40% of websites worldwide. It is known for its flexibility and massive customization options, but it requires some technical knowledge to begin with. So, WordPress is relatively easy to use for experienced web developers but a bit challenging for beginners.

First of all, to set up a WordPress website, you will require a web hosting service. Then you need to install the CMS and choose your preferred theme. Finally, you can extend your website’s functionality by installing the required plugins. 

People unfamiliar with website building can still go through the learning curve. Because WordPress includes a huge community of users and developers ready to provide help and support. 

When it comes to Wix enables anyone to construct websites without any coding or technical expertise. The drag-and-drop interface makes it simple for users to add and rearrange elements on the website. 

Moreover, users can easily add more capabilities to their website using Wix’s app store, which also provides a range of pre-made layouts and apps. Wix is the best option for those who wish to create a website right away but can’t do it from scratch. 

Customization 

WordPress is ahead of Wix when it comes to customization and for some good reasons. Let’s get some more insight into customization options:  

Themes and Templates 

Wix offers approximately 800+ designer-crafted templates ideal for creating a variety of sites. You can customize these free and premium templates using the drag-and-drop interface of this platform. But then you won’t be able to change the code-base of these templates or customize it to your furthest imagination. 

Similarly, WordPress offers both free and premium templates. You can browse more than 10000+ free themes. These templates are mostly designed and maintained so that it never breaks your website design. Plus, you can further customize these templates by altering or adding your coding skills.  

Plugins, Tools, and Add-Ons 

Currently, Wix is populated with 300+ apps available in the Wix App market. You can enhance your website’s functionality and boost your business using these apps. These apps are fully responsive, and most of them are free to use. But to use the premium versions, you must pay a certain fee.

WordPress includes a sizeable directory of open-source and free plugins that users can install and extend their site’s functionality. You can explore more than 60000+ plugins that are free to use.

Using plugins, you can get forms, enhance SEO, customize your online store, and add a lot more functionalities. Plus, all these plugins are updated, and quality support is provided through a massive developers’ community.

Customization via Coding

While it is commonly believed that Wix doesn’t allow for custom HTML and CSS, this isn’t entirely true. The platform offers a feature called custom elements, using which you can apply custom codes to alter the elements. However, Wix won’t support these elements if they aren’t designed by Wix. Thus, the customization options are present yet limited. 

WordPress enables limitless customization possibilities via the use of unique HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. So, if you are familiar with coding, you may exert total control and flexibility over the appearance and operation of your website. As a result, you can modify the functionality of the themes and plugins and even make your own versions of them. 

Pricing 

WordPress is a more cost-effective website-building option with a better pricing plan. Although the cost of your WordPress site may vary depending on your themes, plugins, and more. But the overall flexibility is worth the money you’ll be spending. In contrast, Wix’s fixed prices may be reliable, but they tend to be more expensive than WordPress.

Wix Pricing 

Wix gives you free hosting with 100+ templates and unlimited pages for free. But In the free plan, you cannot skip additional ads displayed on the site. Moreover, you can only use Wix provided domain name – username.wix.com/sitename. Plus, you won’t be able to sell products online and get minimal customer support.  

Wix offers 8 paid plans which give you the following benefits:

• Offers Free domain name that costs around $10-$12
• Various Add vouchers that cost around $300
• A free trial period is available. Paid app costs around $0-$100
• The annual plan will save you upto 36%  

WordPress Pricing 

WordPress generally offers three pricing plans, including Free, Personal, and Premium. The free plan offers unlimited pages, unlimited users, and a built-in newsletter. Besides, the Personal plan comes with $9, the Premium plan comes with $18 per month. 

Here is an approximate WordPress site pricing overview: 

• Hosting providers such as Bluehost start at 2.95 per month or Hostinger at 2.99 per month. 
• For premade WordPress themes, the average price range will vary from $19 to $89. But the price range can always vary depending on the features. 
• Let’s say for a plugin, you are spending $0-$100 on average. 

You can obviously install and use WordPress for free for a certain time. But using a paid service will cost you around $0-$216 per year. So, the monthly costs range from $9-$70. 

Technical Knowledge Needed 

Wix aims to be a website builder that allows everyone to create a professional-looking website. The platform offers a very user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, which even a newcomer can operate without any technical knowledge.

Additionally, Wix offers a sizable library of plugins and apps that lets customers integrate cutting-edge features like e-Commerce, social network integration, and SEO into their website. Even these plugins don’t require any technical expertise and are simple to install and use. 

You don’t need to be a web design expert in using WordPress. Yet you can develop a fantastic website that Wix cannot deliver if you are proficient in HTML, CSS, and PHP.

WordPress offers pre-designed themes that can be modified using a visual editor. Yet, users need to make changes to the theme’s code to get the exact style and functionality they want.

WordPress enables users to add a variety of plugins and widgets to their websites. But configuring and using these plugins often calls for technical knowledge. For instance, understanding web development, security, and payment methods is necessary while installing and implementing an e-commerce plugin on a WordPress site. 

E-commerce Support 

Wix eCommerce is suitable for small online stores and offers ease of use and conventional e-commerce features. Whereas, WooCommerce is ideal for online stores of any size. It offers advanced eCommerce features but requires technical expertise to set up and maintain.

Wix eCommerce

Wix eCommerce is a separate entity of  Wix that supports all eCommerce functionalities. It offers conventional eCommerce features for small online stores. The following essential features are available in it : 

• SSL certificate 
• Scalable & secure server
• Payment Processor 
• Beginner-friendly Editor 
• Dedicated customer support for eCommerce

However, it includes limitations such as template features and product attribute limitations. Therefore, it is not an all-rounder solution for big online stores. 

WordPress WooCommerce 

In WordPress, you need to install the WooCommerce plugin, which is basically an eCommerce website builder. With WooCommerce, you can build an online store of any size, but it requires technical expertise. It offers some of the following exclusive features to operate scalable big stores: 

• Order Fulfilment 
• Advanced shipping 
• Extensive Tax settings
• Inventory Management Dashboard 

Yet, users need to find their preferred and other mandatory features separately. Thus, SSL certificates, payment processors, and more features can be added using extensions. Moreover, there is no official support available for WooCommerce. So, users need to rely on the WooCommerce community or a particular product’s developer.  

SEO Support 

Wix offers a variety of basic SEO and digital marketing features. Some of the features will allow you to do the followings: 

• Customize page titles and descriptions 
• Add alter tags into images 
• Integrate with Google Analytics
• Redirects for errors 
• Optimize through SEO Wiz (Wix SEO tool)

Wix is constantly upgrading its SEO tools and features, yet it’s not similar to WordPress SEO. It provides perfect support for small businesses that require basic SEO and marketing features.

Digital marketers mostly recommend WordPress since it is more capable and adaptable when it comes to SEO.  It comes with the following features: 

• SEO Plugins (RankMath, Semrush, Yoast SEO )
• The page title and description customization 
• Adding alter tags to images 
• Google Analytics integration 
• Structured data support 

Furthermore, WordPress has a huge developers’ community where you can get proper suggestions for SEO improvements. So, bigger companies prepared to invest time and effort should go on with WordPress. 

Mobile Compatibility

Both Wix and WordPress have been created with mobile compatibility in mind. Thus, a website created through these platforms is ideal for use on smartphones and tablets.

Since Wix employs a mobile-first design strategy, most Wix templates and apps are created to be responsive and attractive on mobile devices. It also offers a range of mobile-specific design options. Thus, you’ll be able to create a distinct mobile version of your website where you can show or conceal your preferred elements. 

WordPress also offers a lot of mobile-compatible options for its users. Most WordPress themes are mobile-responsive that adjust to different screen sizes. Thus, you can change the layout and style, which appears perfectly on various devices. 

Besides, there are so many plugins for improving the responsiveness as well as mobile search rankings of the site. Examples: WPtouch, WP Mobile Menu, Duda, bMobilized, MobiReady, etc. 

Security Measures

Currently, every website must take privacy and security as major considerations. The reason is simple, safeguarding your website and its user’s data. Well, Wix is ahead of WordPress in terms of security measures.

Websites usually get hacked due to some common reasons including: 

• Poorly maintained site servers 
• Utilizing insecure themes & plugins
• Running outdated scripts 
• Using weak admin passwords 
• Providing unnecessary permissions 

Wix properly maintains and employs strong security guidelines for its users. It maintains its server, scripts, and apps and updates thoroughly and regularly. All the third-party apps from the app market are monitored and then allowed to use. Besides, Wix provides SSL encryption, Firewall protection, and Malware scans.  

However, WordPress prioritizes security by incorporating features such as: 

• Strong User authentication system 
• SSL encryption
• Firewall protection 
• Security plugins

But in WordPress, anyone with coding experience can create a theme or plugin and publish it. When a plugin or theme is poorly coded, it can harm the user’s site. Plus, you must manually update plugins, themes, SSL certificates, and more to maintain security measures. 

To apply the latest security features and protections, you must update our website, plugins, and themes. But a backdated version of WordPress is vulnerable to security threats and hackers. 

Wix vs. WordPress: Quick Overview

Let’s get a quick comparison to understand the distinction between Wix and WordPress:  

Authors Note 

For smaller and simpler website solutions, Wix works like magic. It offers a complete package for website designers which includes templates, apps, and an intuitive interface. But WordPress CMS is ideal for a more complex website that requires greater customization and flexibility.  But before choosing one, you must consider the specific needs and goals of your website. Because both these platforms offer unique advantages. 

You may also explore some awesome website builders for non-techies and non-designers.