Recent Posts Feed on Wix Forum
Sep 27, 2022
Will M. & Tamara J.
14min Read
Comparing Wix vs WordPress: Customization, Ease-of-Use, Pricing, SEO, Security, and Support
Whether you want to build a blog or online business, you'll need to learn how to make a website. If you're trying to compare Wix vs WordPress, you might find it difficult to decide which platform would be the right one for you.
The main difference between Wix and WordPress is that Wix includes web hosting and is a website builder, while WordPress is an open-source CMS with more customization options available.
In this post, we'll look at Wix vs WordPress. We'll compare the two platforms in terms of web design, ease of use, pricing, and other features to help you choose the right option. Let's get started!
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An Introduction to WordPress
WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) available. Although it began as a blogging platform, it's now used for virtually every type of online content. Currently, WordPress powers over 455 million websites on the internet.
One of the main reasons WordPress is so popular is that it's an open-source platform. This means that anyone can create, edit, and share WordPress software.
It's important to understand the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. When we talk about WordPress.org, we refer to the popular open-source CMS.
Meanwhile, WordPress.com is an all-in-one blogging platform. You'll get web hosting and a domain name with your account. WordPress.org is self-hosted, so you'll have to purchase your own hosting and domain.
Let's look at some advantages of using WordPress.org:
- Affordable. The WordPress platform is entirely free, but you will need to buy web hosting and a domain name in order to use it.
- Customizable. WordPress offers many free plugins and themes that you can use to build a unique website with different features.
- Flexible. WordPress supports every type of website, from personal blogs to online stores.
- Community. Using WordPress's open-source platform, you can collaborate with other website owners and developers, troubleshoot issues and even create new software.
Thanks to its broad range of features and benefits, many people choose to build a website with WordPress. However, it might not be the right solution for everyone.
An Introduction to Wix
If you're looking for WordPress alternatives, Wix can be a great option. While WordPress is a CMS, Wix is considered a website builder:
When considering a website builder vs WordPress, you'll need to understand the main differences between the two. Essentially, a website builder provides user-friendly features that beginners can use to create online content with ease.
Using a CMS like WordPress often enables you to control every element of your website. However, this can involve choosing your own web host, performing website maintenance, and learning how to code.
On the other hand, a website builder such as Wix can be more beginner-friendly. Here are some advantages of using Wix:
- Lower learning curve. With Wix, you can customize your website with a simple drag-and-drop editor rather than customizing CSS or other types coding.
- Less maintenance. It provides site maintenance for you, so you won't have to worry about implementing new updates or bug fixes.
- More customer support. Unlike WordPress, Wix has around-the-clock customer service and a support center.
Ultimately, Wix can be an effective choice if you have limited experience with website creation. Although it's possible to learn how to use WordPress, you might struggle to customize themes and plugins without help from a professional developer.
Wix vs WordPress: Quick Overview
In short, here are the main differences between Wix and WordPress:
| Wix | WordPress | Winner | |
| Website design | 800+ templates AI-generated custom design | 9,000+ free themes Site editor for code-free theme edits | WordPress |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly interface No need to purchase hosting or a domain | More extensive setup process Less beginner-friendly dashboard | Wix |
| Customization | Drag-and-drop editor | Gutenberg block editor and site editor | WordPress |
| Pricing | Free plan available Premium plans start at $11/month | Core software is free WordPress hosting can start at just $1.99. | WordPress |
| Third-party extensions | 200+ free tools on the Wix App Market | 59,000+ free plugins | WordPress |
| Blogging | Supports blog post templates and layouts Often requires third-party commenting systems | Flexible block editor Native commenting system | WordPress |
| eCommerce | Requires a business plan upgrade, starting at $16/month Transaction fees | Free WooCommerce plugin Hostinger WooCommerce hosting starting at $3.99/month | WordPress |
| Search engine optimization (SEO) | Improve basic SEO from dashboard Wix SEO Wiz tool | Improve advanced SEO and control your site's structure Many SEO plugins available | WordPress |
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support team Wix Help Center and Forum community | Customer support from web hosting provider Forums and helpful documentation | Wix |
| Security | Built-in updates and other security protection | Security depends on web hosting Implement your own security measures | Both |
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. This way, you can determine which platform would be better suited for your needs.
1. Website Design
Your site's design is one of the first things that visitors will notice. Therefore, it's important to create a beautiful, cohesive layout for your pages. Let's evaluate Wix vs WordPress in terms of web design.
With Wix, you'll be able to choose from over 800 pre-designed templates. Whether you're building a business, blog, or hobby website, you can find a layout that meets your needs.
Each of these templates has built-in pages, so all you have to do is replace the default text and images with your own content. Plus, you can add new elements, such as social media buttons, videos, and lists.
You can use the Wix ADI (artificial design intelligence) to make this process even easier. This tool will automatically suggest a website design based on your information.
Depending on your site's purpose, Wix will generate a unique template for you. Then, you can edit the design with a custom color scheme.
However, keep in mind that Wix doesn't allow you to switch to a different design. If you decide to use a different template in the future, you'll have to create an entirely new website.
In comparison, WordPress has over 9,000 free themes for you to choose from. You can install a default WordPress theme or select one from a third-party developer.
While you're searching for a theme, you can apply filters to look for particular designs and features. For instance, if you need to build an online store, you can use eCommerce as your filter option.
Once you have a theme installed and activated, you can use the site editor to customize it. Simply adjust the color palette until it looks the way you want it to.
Unlike Wix, you can change themes whenever you want. Since WordPress provides a wider variety of flexible themes, it is the winner in this category.
2. Ease of Use
If you're a beginner, you'll likely want a website platform that is easy to navigate. So, let's evaluate Wix vs WordPress in terms of ease of use.
After creating an account with Wix, you can start building your site for free.
Once you choose the type of website you want to build, Wix will recommend adding some built-in features. For instance, if you create an online store, it will offer a chat feature, forms, and forums.
Although you can fully customize a template yourself, you can let Wix design your site for you. Simply answer a few questions, and you'll be able to choose from a number of recommended themes.
Wix will also let you choose a pre-designed home page template. Then, you can select some pages you want to add.
After this, your website will be ready for you. Simply click on different features to customize text, images, buttons, colors, and other options.
You'll have everything you need to manage your website in your Wix dashboard. Here, you can access marketing and SEO tools, workflows, and analytics reports.
There's a bit of a learning curve when it comes to WordPress. For this reason, many users install the CMS through a web host.
At Hostinger, all of our hosting plans come with an auto-installer. After purchasing a plan and a domain name, you can sign in to your hPanel dashboard and easily install WordPress.
Once you log into your WordPress dashboard, you'll find many easy-to-use tools. For instance, you can manage your posts and pages using their respective tabs.
You can create entire pages and posts with blocks. This makes it easy to insert paragraphs, images, lists, or other types of content. You can also browse the Patterns library to apply pre-designed layouts.
Ultimately, WordPress requires more time to master. Since Wix provides a pre-designed website based on your input, it's more straightforward than the CMS. However, both platforms are very much beginner-friendly.
3. Customization
After you choose a theme, you'll want to customize it to meet the specific needs of your website. Let's compare Wix vs WordPress in terms of flexibility and customization.
As we mentioned earlier, Wix has a drag-and-drop interface. In the Wix Editor, you can click on the "+" icon in the Wix Editor to access new features. You can then simply drag and drop elements onto a page, including galleries, buttons, boxes, or other elements.
Once you add a new feature, you can customize its settings. For example, you can click on Edit text to change font style, size, effects, and spacing.
If you're unsure what to write for your About page, store policies, or FAQs, you can ask Wix to generate text ideas.
You can also add animations to text or images to make your site stand out. This can engage visitors enough to stay on your website.
In the editor, you can continue to refine your color scheme until it matches your website's branding. Wix will provide some recommended palettes, but you can also customize each color to your liking.
Although a Wix website is easy to edit, WordPress is one of the best CMS available when it comes to customization. You can start designing your website by adding a new post or page. Then, you can build it using custom blocks.
This can take more time, but it provides a broader range of features. You can add basic blocks such as paragraphs, headings, and lists. By scrolling down to the Theme section, you can format a page with a navigation bar, site logo, and post author.
Additionally, you can save time by inserting pre-designed patterns. You can then customize these layouts to suit your needs.
With the WordPress site editor, you can edit your entire site using the same block-based process. You can customize your pages and posts while seeing how they'll look on the front end.
Although Wix has a simple editing interface, WordPress provides more opportunities for customization. Therefore, we're awarding this round to WordPress.
4. Pricing
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced website owner, you'll probably want to reduce costs when building your online content. This enables you to dedicate more funds to marketing or other important business areas. Therefore, you might be wondering whether to opt for Wix or WordPress to save costs.
If you're looking to build a simple website at absolutely no cost, Wix is a great option. Wix includes web hosting, 500 MB of storage, and a dedicated customer support team with its free plan.
However, this does have some downsides. Your website will have Wix ads on every page, and you won't have a custom domain name.
You can upgrade your free site to a premium plan to access a custom domain, get a professional logo, and a free SSL certificate. These start at $11/month for personal use.
Meanwhile, the WordPress software is free to download. You'll typically need a web hosting plan, domain name, and SSL certificate to run your website. With the right hosting provider, you can usually get all of these features in one plan.
These hosting plans can vary in price depending on the provider. Here at Hostinger, you can access WordPress hosting for as little as $1.99/month.
Depending on your plan, you can purchase all of the features you need to run your WordPress website. This can be an effective way to manage your costs in one place.
Since Wix provides a completely free plan, it can be an excellent option for beginners. However, WordPress has the best value for its cost. The software is free, and you can easily find an affordable host for your site.
5. Third-Party Extensions
When building any type of website, you'll likely want to add unique features. Whether you're using Wix or WordPress, you can extend your site's functionality to meet your needs.
Wix provides an App Market with over 200 different tools that you can add to your website. For instance, you'll find apps for online forms, marketing analytics, and payment gateways.
Some of these apps were designed by Wix and will easily integrate into your site, allowing you to manage events or build online courses.
The Wix App Market has many third-party tools as well. Although these aren't native to Wix, you can easily install them by selecting Add to Site.
Similarly, WordPress has a Plugin Directory. Here, you can find over 59,000 free WordPress plugins that can extend the functionality of your website.
Since WordPress is an open-source platform, many developers have created their own plugins so that others can use them. You can likely find a tool for any feature you want by simply searching the directory.
After finding the right plugin, you can easily install it on your WordPress site. However, WordPress plugins don't go through a review process.
Although there are many options available to you, certain plugins could contain poor coding, harming your site's performance.
Here are some things to keep in mind when reviewing a WordPress plugin:
- Read user reviews – it's important that you check the plugin's ratings and read reviews from other users.
- Check for recent updates – you'll want only to download plugins that have been updated in the past six months and are compatible with your current version of WordPress.
- Review its active installations – plugins with a large number of active installations will likely be more reliable.
- Consider if it's necessary – installing too many plugins can lead to slow loading times, conflicts, or other security issues.
Although both Wix and WordPress offer many third-party extensions, WordPress has more options available. However, it's best to carefully review each plugin before downloading it to avoid performance issues.
6. Blogging
If you're planning to become a blogger, you might be wondering which platform you should opt for. Let's look at Wix vs WordPress in terms of blogging functionality.
In Wix, you can create a blog page for your website. Once you add a new page, you can choose the Blog option, which will automatically build a blog that matches your theme.
Then, you can start creating new content. When you're writing a new post, you can add images, videos, and hashtags to engage readers.
You can also edit the layout of your blog page. For instance, you can specify the information you want to display on your feed.
With Wix, you can have all the basic tools you need to start blogging. You can even use a pre-designed post template.
However, Wix doesn't support backdating or private posts. The native commenting system is also difficult to manage, and many users resort to third-party tools like Disqus.
On the other hand, WordPress was originally created for bloggers. This makes it one of the best blogging platforms on the market
Like Wix, you can create a new WordPress page that is dedicated to your blog posts. You can use your theme's default blog layout or create your own with blocks and patterns.
Once you publish your posts, you can manage any public comments in your dashboard. WordPress makes it easy to approve comments, delete spam, and leave replies.
If you're an aspiring blogger, both Wix and WordPress are suitable platforms. However, WordPress' built-in commenting system and easy-to-use post editor make it the better option.
7. eCommerce
It can be difficult to find the right platform for your online business. Before you start a website, let's compare the eCommerce features of Wix vs WordPress.
With a free Wix website, you won't be able to access any eCommerce features. To create an online store, you'll need to upgrade to an eCommerce plan, starting at $16/month.
Although this is somewhat expensive, it offers many valuable features. Even with its lowest Business Unlimited plan, you'll be able to take secure online payments, upload unlimited products, and offer subscriptions.
With Wix, you can create an eCommerce website that's built for conversions. You can simply choose a pre-designed store template, add products, and start selling.
It's important to keep in mind that Wix has transaction fees. You'll be charged 2.9% of the order amount, plus an additional $0.30. This may be unimportant if you sell a lot of products, but beginners might want to look for another option.
Meanwhile, WordPress makes it easy to turn your website into an online store. You can download the free WooCommerce plugin to create a shop and sell products and services.
If you don't want to download and configure WooCommerce yourself, Hostinger provides dedicated WooCommerce hosting. This will automatically install WooCommerce and optimize your online store for speed.
WooCommerce hosting can be a simple, affordable solution when you're first building your business website. With this option, you can bundle web hosting, a domain name, and WooCommerce into one affordable package. Our Woo Starter plan costs as little as $3.99/month.
Due to Wix's costly eCommerce plans and transaction fees, we recommend WordPress as the better platform for your online store. WooCommerce offers more flexibility and extended features for free.
8. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can help you reach the right audience and grow your website.
Essentially, SEO is the process of improving your visibility in search result pages. When you can rank higher, you will drive more visitors to your website. So, let's look at Wix vs WordPress SEO.
With Wix, there are many ways to improve your SEO. On your dashboard, you'll see a section for SEO Tools. Here, you'll have everything you need to start getting found on Google.
Wix can give you an SEO Setup Checklist to get you started. After adding your site name and some basic keywords, it will walk you through some improvements you need to make.
You can also edit your SEO settings for every page. This can involve adding a title tag, meta description, structured data markup, and additional meta tags.
Here are some extra SEO tools you can use in Wix:
- Sitemaps
- Robots.txt editor
- URL redirect manager
- Site verification
If you need additional features, you can also search the App Market for SEO tools. This can help you optimize your site even further.
On the other hand, WordPress can provide all of these basic SEO features and more. You can choose an SEO-friendly theme, customize your permalink structure, create categories and tags, and enable breadcrumbs.
Plus, you can install WordPress SEO plugins such as Yoast SEO. This popular tool can help you improve your SEO all in one place.
After installing Yoast SEO, you get an on-page analysis of each post and page on your site. Here, you can add a focus keyword, title, and meta description. You'll then get some recommendations for improving your SEO.
Although Wix provides many ways to improve your site's SEO, this is easier to do in WordPress. By simply installing a dedicated plugin, you can get access to automatic checklists and manage your SEO while editing a post.
9. Customer Support
Another important factor to consider when comparing WordPress vs Wix is customer service. Although you might never need it, it's always helpful to have a dedicated support team ready to answer any questions you may have.
Wix is one of the best platforms when it comes to customer support. Regardless of the plan you choose, the Wix support team is available 24/7. Using this service, you can troubleshoot issues and gain immediate solutions.
Plus, you can use the Wix Help Center to find answers to your questions. This knowledge base can help you learn how to use Wix, solve technical problems, or upgrade your plan.
If you want to talk to other Wix users, you can explore the Forum Community. Here, you can browse popular topics or create new posts.
With WordPress, you won't be able to contact a support team. However, there are forums and official documentation available. You can research common issues and talk with professional developers.
If you come across a complex problem, you can also contact your hosting provider. For example, Hostinger's customer support team is available 24/7/365. We can offer solutions to any WordPress issues, no matter your hosting plan.
Since WordPress itself doesn't provide customer support, we're awarding this round to Wix. WordPress users will need to find an accessible hosting provider or helpful community forums.
10. Security
When you start building online content, you'll need to protect your website against cyberattacks and malware. To keep your data safe, it's important to find a secure platform. Next, we'll be comparing Wix vs WordPress in terms of site security and protection.
Wix is a hosted platform, so you won't have to worry about installing your own security measures. In fact, Wix has fewer vulnerabilities because users can't edit its core software.
Plus, Wix contains built-in protection from security threats. Its platform performs self-updates, so your site won't run on outdated software. There is also security monitoring, DDoS protection, and two-step verification.
With WordPress, your level of security can vary. Since you choose your own web host, it's best to select a provider with advanced security measures.
For example, Hostinger's WordPress plans come with a web application firewall, free SSL certificates, a free website domain, and anti-DDoS protection. What's more, the Malware Scanner tool is also included, making it easy to keep your website secure.
There are different types of WordPress hosting plans, and some can have limited security measures. If you choose a shared plan, you might become vulnerable if another site is hacked. You can avoid this issue by selecting a secure host or upgrading your plan.
To keep your WordPress site secure, you'll also have to perform frequent updates. You'll need to run the latest software updates and keep track of new plugin and theme versions. For extra protection, you can install security plugins.
The bottom line is that you're responsible for securing your WordPress website. With the right measures in place, WordPress can be just as secure as Wix. However, Wix offers more security right out of the box.
Conclusion
Both Wix and WordPress can help you build a professional website. Overall, WordPress can be more affordable, customizable, and well-suited for blogging. However, you might better benefit from Wix's dedicated customer support team.
Here are the top ten features to consider when comparing Wix vs WordPress:
- Website design – WordPress offers many free themes that you can customize without coding experience.
- Ease of use – both Wix and WordPress have a simple, beginner-friendly interface, but WordPress provides a more extensive setup process.
- Customization – thanks to its block editor and full site editing, WordPress is more flexible and customizable.
- Pricing – although you can build a free website with Wix, WordPress often provides more value for its cost.
- Third-party extensions – Wix and WordPress both support third-party extensions for adding new functionality to your website. However, WordPress provides a broader selection of plugins.
- Blogging – although Wix can support a blog page, WordPress remains one of the best platforms for blogging.
- eCommerce – to turn a WordPress website into an online store, you can simply install an eCommerce plugin. With Wix, you'll have to purchase a more expensive subscription.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – both Wix and WordPress offer essential SEO tools. However, WordPress provides additional SEO plugins where you can manage these features in one place.
- Customer support – Wix provides 24/7 customer support, whereas WordPress users have to rely on their hosting providers or community forums for assistance.
- Security – Wix offers many security features out of the box, but WordPress websites can be just as secure with a proper hosting plan and regular updates.
We hope that this Wix vs WordPress guide has helped you choose a platform for your new website! If you have any questions regarding these two platforms, feel free to leave a comment below!
Wix vs WordPress FAQ
Wix vs WordPress: Which One Is Better?
WordPress performs better than Wix in many areas. Although it has a higher learning curve, WordPress is more flexible than any website builder.
Is WordPress Cheaper than Wix?
With Wix, you can build a free website, but it will have a branded domain and ads. You can upgrade to a premium plan to remove these from $11/month.
The core WordPress software is free, but you'll need to get web hosting and a domain. Hostinger plans start at $1.99/month.
Which is Better for an eCommerce Website?
It's easy to build an eCommerce website for free with WordPress. You can install the WooCommerce plugin and immediately start selling your products.
If you want to build an eCommerce website on Wix, you'll have to upgrade to a business plan, starting from $16/month, plus transaction fees.
Which Is Better for Blogging?
Both platforms enable you to create blog pages and publish posts. However, WordPress is a popular choice for bloggers, thanks to its powerful block editor.
Will Morris is a staff writer at WordCandy. When he's not writing about WordPress, he likes to gig his stand-up comedy routine on the local circuit.
Tamara is a Content Editor at Hostinger. As a digital marketing enthusiast and an avid WordPress user, she loves sharing tips and tricks to help others navigate the online sphere. In her spare time, Tamara enjoys exploring new cities.
Source: https://www.hostinger.com/tutorials/wix-vs-wordpress
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