This article was created in collaboration with WIX. I use the platform for many of my client projects and share my honest experience from daily life as a web designer.

The Basic Idea Behind Both Platforms

WordPress is an open-source system that can be used for almost anything — from small blogs to large corporate websites and complex membership portals. However, that flexibility comes at a price: it requires time, patience, and often professional help to reach its full potential.

WIX, on the other hand, follows a website-builder approach. Hosting, domains, security, and updates are all integrated, meaning you don’t have to deal with technical details. The system is designed so you can start building right away, without diving into complex structures. Updates happen automatically, so there’s no ongoing technical maintenance.

WIX vs. WordPress: Ease of Use

WIX is known for its intuitive interface. The dashboard is clearly structured, and its drag-and-drop editor allows even total beginners to build a functioning website within hours.

WordPress, on the other hand, works with so-called “themes” (templates that define the look of your site) or additional page builders like Elementor or Divi, which make customization possible via drag and drop. That flexibility is great, but it comes with a learning curve.

Especially at the beginning, you’ll face many decisions: Which theme fits? Elementor or Divi? What even is a plugin? It can feel overwhelming without prior knowledge.

If you’re willing to invest the time to learn or work with professional support, WordPress gives you incredible freedom. But if you prefer things quick and simple, WIX will likely feel more comfortable.

WIX vs. WordPress: Maintenance and Technical Setup

Another key difference lies in maintenance. With WIX, you don’t have to worry about anything - updates, backups, and security measures all run automatically in the background.

WordPress, however, requires more initiative. You - or your hosting provider - are responsible for updates, site security, and regular backups. It works, but it’s an ongoing effort that many self-employed professionals prefer to avoid.

I’ve received emails starting with:

“MARIE! My contact form stopped working. HEEELP!”

Turns out, a plugin hadn’t been updated in months. And no, I don’t currently offer tech support, so my WordPress clients have to make sure their plugins stay up to date themselves.

That’s why, for WordPress sites, it often makes sense to work with a designer or agency who not only builds your site but also handles monthly maintenance.

WIX vs. WordPress: Design and Flexibility

The biggest strength of WordPress lies in its nearly limitless customization. With the right plugins or a bit of coding knowledge (or the help of a developer), you can create virtually anything. For larger or more complex projects, WordPress is often the only practical choice.

But if the idea of “endless options” makes you nervous, or if you simply don’t want to touch code or HTML snippets, WIX is the better fit.

Its editor lets you move elements freely, change colors and fonts, and fully adapt your site’s layout to your brand — all without code.

For most of my self-employed clients, that level of flexibility is more than enough. However, those who need very specific or highly complex functionality will eventually hit WIX’s limits.

Real-world example:

One of my clients offers many different courses at varying times and days. WIX’s built-in booking system still handles the scheduling and payments perfectly, but the visual options for displaying the calendar are limited. At some point, we’ll likely have to switch systems or integrate an external tool.

WIX vs. WordPress: SEO and Marketing

Let’s be honest: WordPress remains the market leader if you want to take SEO to the next level. With plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math, you can fine-tune every technical detail and directly edit your site’s backend code.

But if the word backend already made you cringe, WIX might be the better choice 😄

WIX has made huge strides in recent years. Users can now edit meta titles and descriptions directly within the interface — no plugins needed. The blogging tool even includes an SEO assistant that helps you optimize your article for your chosen keyword.

That’s more than enough for most solo entrepreneurs to achieve solid visibility on Google.

And just to prove it: my own wedding business site, avec-marie.de, was built on WIX and performs brilliantly in search results.

Source: Sistrix

(Screenshot: Search Console data, last 16 months)

WIX vs. WordPress: Costs

Cost is another factor that’s often overlooked. With WordPress.org, the software itself is free, but you’re responsible for hosting, your domain, and updates. Hosting typically ranges from €3 to €30 per month, plus €12–24 per year for your domain — and potentially additional costs for plugins, themes, or developer support.

With WordPress.com, hosting and security are included. You pay a monthly subscription: the Premium plan starts around €8/month (billed annually), while advanced features like WooCommerce or custom plugins start at roughly €45/month.

WIX, on the other hand, works with fixed pricing plans that include hosting, domain, and all core features needed for a professional website. Prices range from $13 to $40 per month. Most of my clients use the $13 plan and it’s absolutely sufficient for their needs.

A Quick Summary

Category	WIX	WordPress
Concept	Website builder, all-in-one, ready to go	Open-source, highly flexible but more complex setup
Ease of Use	Intuitive drag-and-drop interface, beginner-friendly	Relies on themes & builders, steeper learning curve
Maintenance	Updates, security & backups handled automatically	Manual maintenance required
Design Flexibility	Lots of creative freedom, perfect for small businesses	Unlimited, custom code and plugins possible
SEO & Marketing	Built-in SEO tools, simple to use	Advanced SEO plugins, more technical configuration
Costs	Fixed monthly price including hosting & domain	Free base software, but extra costs for hosting, plugins, etc.

WIX Is Right for You If...

To help you decide more easily, here’s a quick guide showing who each platform fits best:

WIX fits you if…	WordPress fits you if…
You want to start without technical knowledge	You need full control and ultimate flexibility
You prefer an all-in-one system with hosting & updates included	You don’t mind handling tech (or hiring support)
You’re a freelancer, coach, or creative professional	You’re building a large or complex site with special features
You want predictable costs	You’re okay with variable expenses for plugins or developers
You want to manage your site easily and independently	You’re planning a big project like a portal, forum, or shop

Conclusion: WIX vs. WordPress

In the end, there’s no absolute “right” or “wrong.” Both WIX and WordPress are powerful systems powering millions of websites worldwide.

WordPress is unbeatable for complex projects or large-scale builds. If you’re comfortable with tech or have a dedicated team, it’s an incredible tool.

But if your goal is to get online with ease, clarity, and joy, then WIX is often the more relaxed choice. Instead of spending hours on updates, plugins, or security, you can focus directly on what matters most — your business, your content, and your clients.

My advice: Explore both systems, think about what’s important to you in your daily workflow, and then choose the one that feels right long term. A website should support your business — not stress you out. And sometimes, the difference lies in how simple a system feels.

Still not sure which system is right for you?

Let’s find out together. In a free consultation call, we’ll discuss your goals and decide which platform supports you best. And if WIX turns out to be your perfect fit, I’ll help you make the most of it. 👉 Book your free call now

WIX vs. WordPress: Which platform is the right one for you?

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