Summary
Choosing a Website Builder is one of the first steps you need to take when figuring out how to get your message online. Often on our pages, you may see us discussing “Page Builders”. These are tools that work within Website Builders. In this post, Jonathan compares the most popular Website Builders – WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace. The marketing and mission of each can be similar, but there are large differences in the user experience for a creator.
We Compare the Best Website Builders for 2025
Choosing the right website builder can be tricky. As you begin to look at your own path in creating your online space, your use case should point you in the direction that suits you best. Are you someone who foresees the need for extreme flexibility? Do you foresee the need to scale quickly? Are you more of a “template” type person who can fill in the blanks and move forward? Having an understanding of your preferred creation methods and needs will illuminate a logical choice. Many that start with a more templated example, find that they later need more flexibility and design freedom as they grow.
The best platform depends on your specific needs and skills. Wix is known for being easy to use. Squarespace offers sleek designs. WordPress gives users more control and flexibility.
These tools let you make different types of websites. You can create blogs, online stores, or simple business pages. It’s essential to think about what features you need before picking one.
Key Takeaways
- Each platform has unique strengths for different website needs
- Consider your technical skills and desired features when choosing
- Pricing and long-term scalability vary between the options
Comparing the Market Leaders: Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress
Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress are top choices for making websites. Each has its strengths and features.
Squarespace offers sleek designs and is easy to use. It works well for small businesses and creatives. The platform has about 100 templates to pick from.
Wix gives users more freedom to customize their sites. It has over 500 templates and a drag-and-drop editor. This makes it suitable for beginners who want control over their design.
WordPress powers about 40% of all websites. It’s very flexible and can be used for any site. Users can choose from thousands of themes and plugins.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Squarespace | Wix | WordPress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Semi Easy | Semi Easy | Moderate |
| Templates | ~100 | 500+ | 1000s |
| Customization | Limited | Good | Extensive |
| E-commerce | Built-in | Built-in | Advanced |
| SEO Tools | Basic | Basic | Advanced |
Squarespace and Wix are better for beginners. WordPress needs more tech skills but offers more power.
Pricing varies. Wix has a free plan with ads. Squarespace and WordPress.com have paid around $12-$14 monthly plans.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a popular website builder known for its sleek designs and ease of use. It offers a range of features for creating professional-looking websites without coding skills.
Pros
Squarespace shines in design. It has many stylish templates that look great on computers and phones. Users can customize these templates easily.
The platform includes hosting, so there’s no need to find a separate host. This makes setup quick and simple.
Squarespace offers built-in tools for online stores. Users can sell products, track orders, and manage inventory in one place.
The platform provides good customer support. Help is available 24/7 through email and live chat.
Cons
Squarespace has fewer customization options than some other platforms. Users who want total control over their site’s look may feel limited.
The platform can be pricey, especially for small businesses or personal sites. Some features require more expensive plans.
Squarespace doesn’t have as many apps or plugins as other builders. This can make it harder to add specific functions to a site.
The editor can be tricky for beginners. It might take time to learn how to use all the tools effectively.
Wix
Wix is a user-friendly website builder with drag-and-drop tools. It offers many templates and features for creating websites without coding skills.
Pros
Wix has an easy-to-use interface. Users can make changes by simply clicking and dragging elements on their pages. This makes it great for beginners.
The platform offers over 500 templates. These cover many industries and styles. Users can find designs for blogs, online stores, portfolios, and more.
Wix includes a free plan. This lets people try the service before buying. Paid plans add more storage, remove Wix ads, and allow custom domains.
The App Market has many add-ons. These can add extra features to sites. Options include contact forms, social media feeds, and booking tools.
Cons
Wix websites can be slower than some other platforms. This is due to the way Wix builds pages. It may affect search engine rankings.
Once a template is chosen, users can’t switch. They need to rebuild their site from scratch to use a new design.
The editor can be overwhelming for some. Many options might confuse new users.
Wix’s free and lower-tier plans show ads on sites. This can look unprofessional. Users need to pay more to remove these ads.
WordPress
WordPress offers a flexible platform for building websites. It has both advantages and challenges for users to consider.
Pros
WordPress is free and open-source. This means anyone can use it without paying for the core software. It gives users complete control over their site’s code and data.
WordPress has a vast library of themes and plugins. These add-ons let users customize their sites easily. Many are free, while premium options offer more features.
The platform works well for blogs, business sites, and online stores. It can handle small personal pages or large corporate websites.
WordPress has a big community of users and developers. This makes it easy to find help and resources online.
Cons
WordPress has a steeper learning curve than some other options. New users may find it tricky to set up and manage at first.
Users need to handle updates and security themselves. This can be time-consuming and may require technical know-how.
WordPress sites often need more maintenance than simpler platforms. Users must keep plugins and themes up to date to avoid conflicts.
Customizing WordPress can be complicated without coding skills. Some changes may require hiring a developer.
The platform can be slow if not optimized properly. Users might need to use caching plugins or upgrade hosting to improve speed.
Design and Building Options
Wix offers drag-and-drop editing. Users can move elements freely on the page. This gives lots of design freedom.
Squarespace uses a grid-based system. It has fewer layout options but creates polished designs quickly.
A COMPLETE STEP-BY-STEP CHEATSHEET
TO CREATING, LAUNCHING & GROWING A SUCCESSFUL MEMBERSHIP WEBSITE
WordPress allows full customization. Users can edit code directly. This provides unlimited design potential.
Wix has over 800 templates. Squarespace offers around 140. WordPress has thousands of free and paid themes.
All three platforms let users add images, videos, and forms. They also support responsive designs for mobile devices.
Wix and Squarespace have built-in image editors. WordPress requires plugins for advanced image editing.
Key design features:
| Feature | Wix | Squarespace | WordPress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Templates | 800+ | 140+ | 1000s |
| Customization | High | Medium | Very High |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Medium | Varies |
| Mobile-Friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Wix and Squarespace are more straightforward for beginners. WordPress has a steeper learning curve but offers more control.
Types of Websites Can Be Built?
Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress can create many different types of websites. These platforms are flexible enough to build personal blogs, business sites, online stores, and more.
Personal websites showcase hobbies, portfolios, or resumes. They often have simple designs with a few pages about the individual.
Business websites promote companies and their services. They typically include contact info, product details, and sometimes pricing.
E-commerce sites let people sell products online. They have shopping carts, payment systems, and product catalogs.
Blogs share regular posts on news, lifestyle, or personal thoughts. They have an archive of dated entries and comment sections.
Portfolio sites display creative work for artists, designers, or photographers. They focus on images and examples of past projects.
Educational websites offer online courses, tutorials, or learning materials. These can include video lessons, quizzes, and user accounts.
Non-profit websites raise awareness and seek donations for causes. They often have mission statements, event calendars, and ways to get involved.
Main Features and Functionality
Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress offer different tools for building websites. Each platform has its strengths and features.
Wix provides an easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor. Users can move elements anywhere on the page. It includes over 500 templates for various industries.
Squarespace focuses on design-driven templates. It offers fewer options but emphasizes visual appeal. The platform includes built-in features for e-commerce and blogging.
WordPress stands out for its flexibility. Users can install plugins to add new functions. It supports custom themes and allows complete control over website code.
Key features comparison:
| Feature | Wix | Squarespace | WordPress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Templates | 500+ | 100+ | Thousands |
| App Store | Yes | No | Yes (plugins) |
| E-commerce | Basic to Advanced | Built-in | Via plugins |
| Blogging | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
| SEO Tools | Built-in | Built-in | Via plugins |
Wix and Squarespace are more manageable for beginners. WordPress has a steeper learning curve but offers more customization options.
All three platforms provide mobile-responsive designs. They also include basic SEO features to help websites rank in search engines.
Support and Community
Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress each offer different types of support for their users.
Wix provides 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat. They also have an extensive knowledge base with tutorials and guides.
Squarespace offers email support and live chat during business hours. Their help center includes articles and video tutorials to assist users.
WordPress relies heavily on its large community of users and developers. Forums, blogs, and social media groups are key sources of support.
Each platform has its strengths:
- Wix: Direct, personalized support
- Squarespace: Professional assistance during set hours
- WordPress: Vast community knowledge
User communities also play a role in problem-solving and idea-sharing. Wix and Squarespace have active user forums. WordPress boasts a massive global community with countless resources.
For beginners, Wix and Squarespace may offer more direct help. WordPress users often need to be more self-reliant or seek help from the community.
Pricing
Wix offers a free plan (not recommended) with essential features and Wix branding. Paid plans start at $17 per month for a critical website. More advanced plans range from Business $36 | Business Elite $159 per month.
Squarespace has no free option. Its cheapest plan costs $29 per month when paid annually. Higher-tier plans are priced Plus $56 | Advanced at $139 monthly.
WordPress.org is free, but users must pay for hosting and a domain name. Costs vary but typically range from $15 to $55+ per month for hosting.
Here’s a quick comparison of starting prices. You can get much cheaper hosting, from $5 to $10 monthly. However, we wouldn’t recommend this cheap hosting option connected to performance and security problems.
| Platform | Lowest Paid Plan |
|---|---|
| Wix | $17/month |
| Squarespace | $25/month |
| WordPress | $15/month (hosting) |
WordPress can be cheaper in the long term but requires more setup work. Wix and Squarespace are easier to use outside of the box.
All three platforms offer yearly discounts. Users can save money by paying annually instead of monthly.
Which One Is the Winner?
There’s no clear winner among Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses.
Wix shines in ease of use and design flexibility. It’s excellent for beginners who want to create a website quickly.
Squarespace offers sleek, professional-looking templates. It’s ideal for creatives and small businesses seeking a polished look.
WordPress provides the most customization options. It’s perfect for those who want complete control over their site.
The best choice depends on your specific needs:
- For simplicity, Wix
- For visual appeal: Squarespace
- For power and flexibility, WordPress
Consider these factors when deciding:
- Technical skills
- Budget
- Design preferences
- Long-term goals
Try out free trials or demos of each platform. This hands-on experience will help you make the best decision for your website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main differences in ease of use between Wix vs Squarespace and WordPress?
A: Wix is known for its drag-and-drop interface, making it very user-friendly, especially for beginners. Squarespace offers a more structured approach with its templates, which can be visually appealing but may have a steeper learning curve. While powerful and flexible, WordPress can be complex for new users, especially when managing hosting and plugins. Therefore, for ease of use, Wix is generally considered the simplest, followed by Squarespace, with WordPress being the most complex.
Q: How do the SEO capabilities compare in Wix vs Squarespace vs WordPress?
A: WordPress is often regarded as the best option for SEO due to its extensive range of plugins and customizable features that enhance search engine visibility. Squarespace provides decent SEO tools but is more limited compared to WordPress. Wix has made significant improvements in its SEO offerings but still falls short compared to WordPress’s comprehensive capabilities. Therefore, WordPress is the leader for SEO, followed by Squarespace and then Wix.
Q: Which platform is better for building an online store: Wix vs Squarespace vs WordPress?
A: For building an online store, WordPress is generally the best option, especially with the WooCommerce plugin, which offers extensive features for eCommerce. With its integrated solutions, Squarespace also provides robust eCommerce capabilities, making it a solid choice for small to medium-sized stores. Wix also has eCommerce options, but they may not be as advanced as those found on Squarespace or WordPress. Thus, WordPress takes the lead for online stores, followed by Squarespace, then Wix.
Q: What are the pricing plans for comparing Wix vs Squarespace vs WordPress?
A: Wix offers a free plan with limited features, and its paid plans start at a low monthly price, making it accessible for beginners. Squarespace has no free plan, but its pricing is straightforward and includes hosting. WordPress itself is free, but you must pay for hosting, which can vary widely in cost. Overall, Wix is often seen as the most budget-friendly option, while Squarespace and WordPress can be more expensive depending on the hosting plan chosen.
Q: Can I use Squarespace templates with WordPress?
A: No, Squarespace templates cannot be used with WordPress. Squarespace and WordPress are two distinct platforms with different architectures. While Squarespace provides its templates, WordPress has themes and templates that can be customized. To build a website using Squarespace templates, you must stick with Squarespace.
Q: What are the alternatives to Wix when building a website?
A: Some popular alternatives to Wix include Squarespace, WordPress, Shopify (for eCommerce), Weebly, and Jimdo. Each platform offers different features and pricing plans, making them suitable for various website-building needs. Depending on your objectives, you may find one of these alternatives to be a better fit for your project.
Q: Is it possible to migrate from Wix to WordPress?
A: It is possible to migrate from Wix to WordPress, but it can be a somewhat complex process. You will need to transfer content manually, such as text and images, since there is no automated way to move your Wix site directly to WordPress. Planning the migration carefully and considering hiring a professional if you’re uncomfortable with the technical aspects is recommended.
Q: What features do Squarespace and WordPress offer for blogging?
A: Both Squarespace and WordPress provide excellent blogging features. Squarespace offers a streamlined blogging interface with beautiful templates and built-in social sharing options. WordPress, a dedicated content management system, provides a more comprehensive blogging experience with customizable themes, various plugins, and extensive control over SEO settings. For serious bloggers, WordPress is often viewed as the superior choice.
Final Thoughts
Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress each have their strengths. Wix offers an easy drag-and-drop interface for beginners. Its App Market provides many add-ons to expand site functionality.
Squarespace shines with sleek, professional templates. It’s a good fit for creatives and small businesses wanting a polished look without much tech know-how.
WordPress boasts unmatched flexibility and customization. With thousands of themes and plugins, it can create nearly any website. But it has a steeper learning curve.
For simple sites, Wix or Squarespace work well. WordPress excels for complex, content-heavy projects, plus you get the benefits of maximum ownership of your website. Consider your needs, budget, and technical skills when choosing.
No single platform is best for everyone. Try free trials to test features. Read user reviews for real-world experiences. Pick the option that fits your goals and abilities.
