Wix vs. WordPress — Which Platform Is Better for Your Business?
Wix is the most widely-used web design brand. WordPress.com has been reviewed. Which one of these two brands would you choose for your project?
Three main points must be considered. Many people associate WordPress with self-hosted. There is also an option for commercial hosting. We’ll be discussing each one below.
Let’s start by defining what Wix & WordPress is before we discuss the various tradeoffs between Wix & WordPress.
Wix, an all-in-one “hosted platform”, offers everything you need to build a website. Wix comes with one monthly fee, a single package, and all the components needed to build a website.
Wix allows you to control your website’s content. Wix also offers functionality and design.
Many add-ons can be purchased that offer unique functionality. They are a good choice for security and other add-ons. However, Wix cannot be hosted on your server. It would go against their primary purpose, which is to provide maximum convenience.
WordPress can be used to create websites that are technically unrestricted. WordPress manages the content, design, and functionality of your website.
WordPress.org is also called self-hosted WordPress. It can be installed on any server with the required requirements. Hosting costs are paid. WordPress can be installed on any server capable of supporting it. You then can manage your site as you, please.
Next, we have WordPress.com. You will need to upgrade to the latest version of WordPress.
An analogy is
You are looking for a house.
Wix.com and WordPress.com are two options to purchase a condo.
Self-hosted WordPress sites are similar to purchasing a house.
| Feature | Wix.com | WordPress.com | Self-hosted WordPress |
| Hosting | Included | Included | Buy Separately |
| Extensions | Limited | Unlimited and Business Plans | Unlimitable |
| Support | Telephone & Email | Chat & Knowledgebase | DIY + Hosting Company |
| Security | Bundled | Bundled | DIY + Hosting Company |
| Learning Curve | Fast – Guided | Guided and Speed | DIY + Self-Taught |
| Future-Proofing | No export options | Export options | Complete Control |
Just a quick FYI, Squarespace and WordPress are almost identical to WordPress. You can even use hosted eCommerce platforms like Shopify.
Hosted vs. self-hosted platforms
This article will compare Wix to WordPress. We’ll start by comparing Wix and WordPress.
Control/convenience is the main tradeoff. WordPress.com, Wix, and Wix both want to offer the best experience.
You must compromise between features and control to get the best experience. To provide the best possible experience, they must be able to control the surrounding environment.
If they do not offer the feature, you can’t just pick up your site and transfer to another platform.
Both self-hosting and hosting from your server are possible
This is the most important tradeoff to remember. We will discuss this.
These companies only allow one website with their plans.
If you renew annually, self-hosted WordPress software will cost $8 per month. Hosting will run you $8 per month if you renew each year.
Many WordPress hosting companies offer one-click WordPress setups. Bluehost is a popular choice (Bluehost Review).
Although InMotion hosting is more costly overall, it provides excellent WordPress support. BoldGrid, a drag-and-drop WordPress tool called BoldGrid is also available. It’s very similar to website builders.
No matter what WordPress host you select, hosting your WordPress site will save you a lot of money.
Self-hosted WordPress not only costs less than monthly but offers unlimited features and design options.
Multiple website designs can be hosted under one account Each new site requires a monthly charge.
The pricing issue for self-hosted WordPress is very serious. You don’t need to pay for many of the things you want, but they still have to be paid for.
Prices with Wix vs. WordPress – WordPress.com generally works better for most users.
It all depends on the features that you want. A self-hosted WordPress site is better because it costs less.
But let’s move to the next asterisk/consideration.
User Experience
Onboarding is the process to convert a signup customer into an active user.
Helping customers understand your software is what it’s all about
Wix offers solid onboarding, a user-friendly interface, and drag-and-drop functionality.
Wix has a wide range of designs that can be preloaded to fit different websites. Wix offers a variety of pre-loaded designs to suit different types of websites (e.g. music, portfolio, and lead-gen businesses).
WordPress.com offers a simple onboarding process. WordPress.com has a great onboarding process. New users must learn some vocabulary (e.g., “widgets” or “themes”) to be able to use the backend.
WordPress.com requires some extra work to build a website. There is an easy way to publish
Different hosting companies offer different support options for customers who wish to host WordPress themselves. It’s like Apple customer service is responsible for the software you have purchased.
InMotion hosts may ask questions after you sign up. They will then send useful resources for you to start.
They will offer a WordPress builder application. But, onboarding and setup are up to you.
You can contact support for specific questions. However, after installing WordPress there’s no “do this then” procedure.
If you are comfortable with terms like “FTP”, Security Patch, and “Googling For Answers”, self-hosted WordPress may work for you. Your control is complete.
WordPress.com is better for bloggers than Wix in terms of user experience. Self-hosted WordPress allows you to take full control over guided tours.
Design Options
A common mistake in website construction is to think that a WordPress, Wix, or Shopify website is one particular design.
It doesn’t matter if the software has templates or themes as its base, it does not mean that you cannot design your own.
HTML/CSS creates the website’s look.
WordPress.com, Self-hosted WordPress, and Self-hosted WordPress both allow CSS editing.
Wix does not allow HTML/CSS edits. You must make all changes to the software.
WordPress.com is more affordable than self-hosted WordPress.com. We have three main questions when using the host platforms’ design.
These three questions are key.
- Can you use the plug-and-play design?
- Which premium “plug-and-play” designs are available?
- How long can a designer/developer support a design at
The three designs mentioned above are easy-to-use plug-and-play designs. There are some older designs, but others still work well.
A self-hosted WordPress site can have access to thousands of design templates by choosing the Appearance menu.
WordPress.com has many themes. However, you cannot just pick any theme from the site and then install it (unless you have a Business plan). Wix restricts your choices to themes that are approved for editing or customizing.
Question 2: Each of these three sites offers many design options. Expert designers/developers are experts in creating themes for WordPress that will work with any type of site.
Wix, WordPress.com, and WordPress.com don’t have an external marketplace.
Question #3: These three options allow developers (not designers) to create their websites. Self-hosted WordPress allows users to create their content, giving them the best freedom for both good and bad ).
Wix is not designed/developed-friendly (see HTML/CSS). Wix is used by many professionals, however, they may not be HTML/CSS ninjas. They are however better at Wix than HTML/CSS, which means they may not be as proficient at Wix website building. Wix is a design-specific platform.
WordPress.com has a more restricted functionality than Wix or self-hosted WordPress. They do not permit scripts, FTP Access, or custom themes.
All three design options are available in a variety of “flavors”.
WordPress.com has a wide range of themes that you can click and go. This is where you should start if you love their system.
WordPress hosting on your server gives you complete control over the content but can cause code conflicts, quality control issues, or security problems.
Customization and Technical Features
The technical feature set clearly shows the control/convenience spectrum.
WordPress.com offers the most control. There are no scripts or FTP access. This has all the features that users need.
Wix gives you the same or more control than WordPress.com. However, only those settings have been approved and published by Wix.
WordPress.com. Wix.com.
WordPress is self-hosted. It offers endless technical and customization possibilities. With a single click, you can easily add these mini-apps to your WordPress installation.
You can use self-hosted WordPress for all your needs, such as better SEO, set-up eCommerce sites, bulk uploading data, and adding appointments. A social network can be added, as well as any other information.
If you are using well-supported plugins, WordPress can create a conflict in code that could cause your website to crash. It can still happen.
This is like owning a home. It’s possible to add shutters to your home or build a deck. However, you will be responsible for the damage done to your home.
This is the most crucial consideration. This is the most important consideration.
SEO & Marketing
Marketing and SEO are closely related.
WordPress as well as self-hosted WordPress can be “good” SEO-wise. Both and self-hosted WordPress provide well-coded, searchable HTML & CSS.
Wix creates pages using Javascript as per our Wix review. Wix sites don’t perform well in SEO and social media marketing if you have a lot more content than your website can handle.
If SEO and social don’t serve as your main marketing tool, or your website has less than 200 pages,
Other caveats exist.
WordPress.com only allows Google Analytics with the Business plan. These do not allow specific SEO enhancements such as Schema or category page edits.
They have many “apps” or “plugins”, particularly for Business Plans.
It is one of the most valuable things you can do. Quality content is easily shared by others and is linked to others. This option will never go away. Wix.com and WordPress.com offer it.
You can do everything you need to market your self-hosted WordPress website. Even beginners can use it to track data, implement tags and advanced SEO modifications, email opt-ins, schema, and a/b tests.
The priority of your priorities will decide which marketing feature is chosen. Wix and WordPress.com are excellent for easy, intuitive publishing.
If you require complete marketing tools, a self-hosted WordPress website is essential.
Customer Service
Support is vital, regardless of who or what your project may be.
WordPress.com approaches customer service differently.
WordPress.com’s backend was designed to assist you in solving your questions and problems.
Search an older blog post to find your answer. The Happiness Engineers at WordPress.com will respond quickly via email and publicly.
This is all virtual, interesting, and efficient. But it’s not for everybody.
Wix offers customer service via ticket support. Wix offers support by chat, phone, and knowledgebase.
Your hosting company can help you with technical problems if your WordPress website is self-hosted. Other issues can be addressed by your hosting company via Google/forums.
Independent companies who invest in customer service and can help more with WordPress-specific problems.
Your WordPress website is unique, even if your hosting provider offers great support.
Wix and WordPress.com both use hosted services, so their support is more limited.
If you own a customized WordPress site, a troubleshooting process is required.
If you are comfortable with problem-solving, a self-hosted WordPress site hosted by reputable hosting companies is the best option.
Wix/WordPress.com could have a better setup, with Wix being a clear winner over WordPress.com. WordPress.com places a strong emphasis on support via chat.
Speed, Security, Backups, Security, & Maintenance
Support for customers is as important as speed, security, and maintenance.
You don’t have to worry about these issues if WordPress.com or Wix are used. The bundle covers all three.
Self-hosting will require you to regularly update WordPress and any plugins. A security plugin will help you monitor how well your website performs.
While these topics don’t require a lot of technical know-how or development, they are essential topics.
As a return to the house analogy, It’s all about maintaining a healthy air supply and taking responsibility for your safety.
Wix vs. WordPress Conclusion
Wix, WordPress, and other web design tools are well-respected for their excellent work.
These are both good choices for certain projects. If you value control and convenience over learning, a self-hosted WordPress site is your best option.
WordPress.com offers more flexibility, a greater budget, and a strong focus on content publishing/blogging.
If you value simplicity, you prefer websites that are more user-friendly with drag/drop support.
