Wix vs WordPress: Key Differences and How to Choose the Right Platform

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wix vs wordpress

Half of the websites in existence use a content management system, commonly called a CMS. A CMS offers an all-in-one platform for creating and managing your website.

Today, website owners have many CMS platform options. WordPress and Wix are the two most common options. Both are very different but they both also offer similar benefits.

Here’s your Wix vs WordPress guide.

Wix vs WordPress: The Differences You Should Know

Both Wix and WordPress are complex platforms that offer many features. Here are the main differences between the two.

WordPress

WordPress powers 30% of the websites on the internet.

WordPress is a reliable and trusted CMS platform. WordPress is also convenient. Many web hosting programs offer WordPress but you can also choose to host your website through WordPress directly.

If you go through WordPress directly, you’ll get your website for free. But this comes with drawbacks.

For example, you have no support access. You will also have to pay for certain features. This includes a domain name and premium themes.

WordPress is favored by users because of its myriad of features. You can design your website and create your content all on one platform.

WordPress also offers plug-ins to enhance your website’s capabilities and many of them are available for free or cheap. For example, there are many e-commerce plug-ins to assist checkout and other vital functions of an e-commerce website.

Wix

WordPress is the head honcho in the CMS world. But Wix is becoming a dominant force. That’s because of its convenience. With Wix, you can build a website from scratch with no coding or web development experience.

Like WordPress, Wix offers templates that make web design easy and efficient.

Content creation and management are easy. Wix uses a block system to create and implement content. For example, you create a block for text and a separate block for images.

Wix pricing varies. You can opt for the free service and go to a higher service, up to $18/month. All Wix services come with 24/7 support. You can purchase your own domain name at a separate cost.

The Pros and Cons of Both

Wix and WordPress are popular CMS systems. However, both come with their advantages and disadvantages.

WordPress

When it comes to CMS options, WordPress reigns. It’s the most popular and widely used CMS on the planet.

WordPress is a powerful CMS at a very affordable price (if not free).

You have thousands of themes and plug-in options to improve the appearance and function of your website. WordPress also regularly updates, improving its function even more.

While the navigation isn’t beginner-friendly, it’s easy to use once you get used to it. Your content is easy to create, edit, and manage.

Unless you go through a hosting company, WordPress doesn’t provide any support. Unlike Wix, each theme works differently and you may need to install additional plug-ins. The cPanel isn’t the most beginner-friendly.

Wix

Like WordPress, Wix offers an all-in-one CMS for all websites, including e-commerce websites. You can create a beautiful and high-performing website with no developing experience. You have access to many features and add-ons.

Wix is more beneficial for beginners. It’s easy to set up and create your website. Wix is also more beginner-friendly than WordPress. All Wix users have 24/7 support, even at the free level.

But Wix isn’t perfect. The biggest drawback is the inability to change your site design after you select one.

With WordPress, you can change your theme and site design however many times you want. WordPress also performs better than Wix and Wix doesn’t implement as many updates as WordPress.

Building a Website

Wix offers one of the friendliest platforms for website building, especially if you have no coding experience.

When you sign up for Wix, they will ask which type of website you own and will provide web design and template options. From here, you can use the Wix website builder to adjust the website based on your preferences.

One of WordPress’s downsides is their website building options aren’t as user-friendly.

While WordPress offers convenient plug-ins, customization is more difficult, depending on which theme you select and your knowledge of theme customization.

To customize the theme, you may require additional plug-in installation. Fortunately, WordPress will notify you if you need more plug-ins and why.

Content Creation

Creating and editing content is similar to Wix and WordPress. That’s because both use a block system. Wix was the first to utilize this platform and then WordPress implemented it with their Gutenberg editor.

If you want to create a blog in WordPress, select “add new” under the “Posts” section of the left sidebar. From here, you can add a title and blocks with text and other media.

To edit posts, find your previous blog by selecting “all posts” under the same “Posts” section. Click on the post you want to edit.

Wix follows similar steps. From the main menu, select “create a post.” Add in the title, text, and any media by creating different blocks. To edit a blog, just hover over the one you want to edit, select “edit” and make the necessary changes.

Which Is Best for E-Commerce Companies?

Wix and WordPress both offer many features for e-commerce companies.

When signing up for Wix, you can select the e-commerce option and Wix will open up different features for your store. You can create product pages, payment settings, and shipping options.

WordPress also offers an easy platform for e-commerce companies.

However, you must download the necessary plug-ins and tools first. These plug-ins and tools offer all of the necessary features for online stores, such as products, shopping carts, coupons, payments, etc.

Fortunately, most of these plug-ins are free and easy to use.

Keep in mind, many e-commerce companies may find restrictions with both WordPress and Wix. This is why it’s recommended online stores opt for e-commerce platforms instead of CMS.

Wix vs WordPress: Which One Will You Choose?

Are you debating between Wix vs WordPress for your CMS? Hopefully, this guide helped you discover the differences to better make a decision.

Are you still confused about CMS? Read some of our CMS basics.