Why Choose WordPress Over Wix and Squarespace


Published: 12 Nov 2025


why choose wordpress over wix and squarespace?

We often hear this question, Why Choose WordPress Over Wix and Squarespace? It can be confusing to decide which platform to select. WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace are all popular, but each serves different needs.

  • Wix: Simple drag-and-drop builder for small websites
  • Squarespace: Beautiful templates for creatives
  • WordPress: Full control, unlimited customization, and long-term scalability

A key thing to understand is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com:

WordPress.org vs WordPress.com:

  • WordPress.org: Self-hosted, full control, scalable. Ideal for users seeking full ownership and growth potential.
  • WordPress.com: Hosted, limited, more like Wix/Squarespace

WordPress offers full control, unlimited customization, and scalable growth. Unlike Wix, it allows you to choose your hosting, add plugins, and move your site anytime.

Want to know exactly how  WordPress provides more freedom, better SEO, and long-term savings compared to Wix and Squarespace? Keep reading for a detailed breakdown with real examples, costs, tools, and practical tips to help you choose the best platform for your website.

Table of Content
  1. Quick Comparison: WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace
    1. TL;DR, Summary at a Glance
  2. What Makes Each Platform Different
    1. WordPress
      1. Key Points
      2. Latest Insights & Features
      3. Why This Matters
    2. Wix
      1. Key Points
      2. Latest Insights & Features
      3. Where Wix Shines
      4. Limitations
    3. Squarespace
      1. Key Points
      2. Latest Insights & Features
      3. Where Squarespace Excels
      4. Limitations
  3. How Do WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace Stack Up in 2025? Comparison Snapshot
  4. Which Platform Is the Easiest to Use for Beginners? Ease of Use
    1. Real-World Perspective
    2. Common Misunderstandings
  5. Which Platform Offers the Most Design Freedom? Design Flexibility
    1. How Much Design Control Do You Get in WordPress? WordPress - Limitless Design Freedom
    2. What Kind of Design Flexibility Does Wix Provide? Easy Creative Control
    3. How Does Squarespace Handle Design Customization? Design First Approach
  6. Which Platform Is Better for SEO? SEO Capabilities
    1. WordPress – Advanced SEO Control
    2. Wix – Basic SEO Tools
    3. Squarespace – Clean but Limited SEO
  7. Which Platform Is Best for Online Stores? eCommerce Features
  8. How Much Does It Really Cost to Use? Pricing Breakdown
  9. Which Platform Gives You Full Ownership and Room to Grow? Scalability & Ownership
  10. How Does Each Platform Handle Security and Speed?
    1. WordPress – Full Control, But Requires Attention
    2. Wix – Managed Security and Speed
    3. Squarespace – Simple and Secure, But Less Flexible
  11. Which Platform Offers the Best Customer Support & Resources?
  12. Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
  13. Final Thought
  14. More Queries

Quick Comparison: WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace

Choosing a website platform can feel overwhelming, especially with popular options like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice depends on your goals, technical comfort, and long-term plans. To help you decide quickly, here’s a simple comparison of the key features, pricing, and flexibility of each platform.

FeatureWordPressWixSquarespace
Ease of UseModerate. Builders like Elementor / Gutenberg help beginnersVery Easy. True drag-and-drop interfaceEasy. Visual templates, but a bit more structure
CustomizationVery High. Thousands of free & paid plugins and themes allowedModerate. Good flexibility via Wix’s App MarketModerate. Design tools built in, fewer external extensions
Pricing / ModelFlexible hosting + domain + optional plugin/theme costsSubscription plans + free tier availableSubscription plans (no permanent free plan)
SEO & Technical ControlFull (meta, schema, redirects, advanced settings)Good built-in SEO, limited advanced controlBasic to moderate SEO tools, but fewer advanced controls
ScalabilityHighMediumMedium
Ownership / PortabilityFull ownership and freedom to moveMore locked-in exporting is limitedAlso locked in; migrating out is harder

TL;DR, Summary at a Glance

  • WordPress: Best for full control, customization, and long-term scalability.
  • Wix: Best for beginners who want a quick setup with minimal learning.
  • Squarespace: Best for creatives who value design-first templates.

What Makes Each Platform Different

Choosing between WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace depends on how much control, flexibility, and scalability you want.

Each platform serves a different type of user,  from beginners who want simplicity to professionals who need full ownership.

WordPress

Best for: Businesses, blogs, and eCommerce sites that want full control and long-term growth.

wordpress features

WordPress powers over 43% of all websites in 2025, making it the most popular CMS globally. It’s open-source, which means you own your site completely and can host it anywhere.

Key Points

  • Full customization with thousands of free and premium themes and plugins.
  • Scalable grows with your business, from simple blogs to full eCommerce sites.
  • SEO flexibility with plugins like Yoast SEO and Rank Math.
  • Cost control starts affordably, expands as needed.
  • User-friendly dashboard
  • A large and active community means help, tutorials, and updates are always available.
Benefits of using WordPress for websites.

Latest Insights & Features

  • 59,000+ free plugins on WordPress.org.
  • 90,000+ total plugins when including paid and third-party tools.
  • 13,000+ free themes on the official directory.
  • 87% growth in new plugin submissions in 2025.
  • Popular plugins: Elementor (10M+ installs), WooCommerce, and Yoast SEO.

I already published a blog post on the Features of WordPress, so you can increase your knowledge by reading that also.

Why This Matters

More plugins mean more possibilities; you can add SEO tools, booking systems, or even AI chatbots without coding.

Themes let you change your site’s entire design without starting over.
Constant updates keep WordPress fresh and secure, so your site never feels outdated.

Easy drag and drop page builders, and Elementor is one of the popular page builders for WordPress. Using Elementor you can create and design any type of posts and pages with ease.

wordpress editor

Pros & Use-Cases:

  • Ideal if you plan to grow your website. Start small, add features as you go.
  • Total freedom to move hosts, customize your backend, and manage your data.
  • For example, you might begin with a blog, then later add a WooCommerce store. WordPress lets you do that without resetting everything.
  • Big plugin names: Elementor (10+ million installs), WooCommerce, Yoast SEO. These are trusted tools with large user bases

Example

A bakery owner starts with a $50 blog and, over time, turns it into a full online store, all within WordPress, without switching platforms.

Tip:
If ownership and scalability are your top priorities, go for WordPress.org (self-hosted).

Wix

Best for: Beginners who want a quick, visually appealing website without handling hosting or maintenance.

Wix website

Wix focuses on simplicity and user experience; everything from hosting to updates is managed for you.

Key Points

  • Drag-and-drop visual builder, no coding needed.
  • AI Design (Wix ADI) automatically creates layouts.
  • Hosting, SSL, and maintenance are handled by Wix.
  • Ideal for portfolios, freelancers, and small local businesses.

Latest Insights & Features

  • Pricing: starts around $17/month (Light plan) to $159/month (Business Elite).
  • Over 900 templates to choose from.
  • Has an App Market, though smaller than WordPress’s plugin ecosystem.
  • Free plan available with Wix branding.

Where Wix Shines

  • Ease of Use → True drag-and-drop builder, everything happens visually, no coding needed. 100% beginner-friendly.
  • AI Design (Wix ADI) →  Automatically generates layouts based on your answers.
  • Speed → You can build and publish a site in hours.
  • Perfect for small projects →  Portfolios, local businesses, freelancers, and service pages.
  • Visual control →  What you see is what you get.
how to create website on wix?

Example: A photographer can set up a polished online portfolio in one evening using Wix’s pre-made layouts.

Limitations

  • Limited flexibility → not ideal for advanced features or future growth.

    Hard to migrate → Wix sites can’t be exported easily.

    Basic SEO control compared to WordPress.

Tip:
Pick Wix for fast setup and minimal maintenance, not for long-term scalability.

Squarespace 

Best for: Creatives, designers, and small service businesses who want stunning visuals with minimal fuss.

Squarespace combines simplicity with design excellence, offering built-in blogging, commerce, and analytics.

Key Points

  • Design-first platform → premium, professional templates.
  • All-in-one → hosting, SSL, and updates included.
  • Ideal for visual portfolios, artist websites, and boutique brands.
  • Integrated tools → for blogs, online stores, and email campaigns.

Latest Insights & Features

  • Pricing starts at $16/month (annual billing).
  • Plans → Core, Plus, and Advanced.
  • Templates → fewer than Wix, but visually superior.
  • Built-in analytics and SEO features.

Where Squarespace Excels

  • Design Quality →Templates look professional out of the box, no coding or plugins needed.
  • Ease of Maintenance → No plugin updates or security worries, everything is handled internally.
  • Consistency → Every design stays visually aligned and mobile-friendly.
  • Great  For → Portfolios, artists, personal brands, and small boutiques.

Example
A freelance designer can create a stylish, mobile-friendly portfolio in a few hours.

Limitations

  • Less customization than WordPress.
  • Limited scalability → not ideal for large or complex sites.
  • Platform lock-in → you can’t move hosting elsewhere.

Tip:
Choose Squarespace if you want a polished design with minimal technical setup.

How Do WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace Stack Up in 2025? Comparison Snapshot

Feature / MetricWordPress (2025)Wix (2025)Squarespace (2025)
Free Plugins / Apps60,000+ free pluginsApp Market (no plugin count)Built-in tools only
Total Add-ons (Free + Paid)~90,000+Many apps, not publicLimited
Themes / Templates13,000+ free + premium900+ templatesFewer, but premium quality
Starting Price (Annual)Varies by host~$17/month~$16/month
Free Plan Available❌ (trial only)
Best ForGrowth & flexibilityQuick setupVisual portfolios
Control LevelFullLimitedLimited
SEO FlexibilityAdvancedBasicModerate
Ease of UseModerateVery EasyEasy
ScalabilityExcellentModerateLimited

Quick Takeaway

  • WordPress → Best for complete control, long-term growth, and flexibility.
  • Wix → Best for beginners who want a quick, managed solution.
  • Squarespace → Best for creative professionals who want beautiful designs with minimal setup.

 Which Platform Is the Easiest to Use for Beginners? Ease of Use

Creating a website should feel smooth and rewarding, not overwhelming. How easy a platform is to use often determines whether beginners stay motivated or give up halfway.

Wix and Squarespace are built with beginners in mind. Their drag-and-drop interfaces make editing pages almost like using PowerPoint; what you see is exactly what you get.

 You don’t need to touch code, install updates, or manage hosting. This makes them perfect for anyone who wants to publish fast without worrying about technical details.

WordPress, on the other hand, requires a bit more learning at the start. You’ll need to manage hosting, themes, and plugins.

 But once you get the hang of it, you can control every corner of your website, from design to SEO to functionality. That’s something Wix and Squarespace can’t fully match.

Real-World Perspective

  • A freelance artist using Squarespace can set up a beautiful portfolio in a few hours. The templates keep the design consistent and clean.
  • A local bakery might love Wix for its quick setup, until they decide to add an online order system or loyalty program. That’s when they realise Wix’s built-in tools can feel limited.
  • A small marketing agency starting on WordPress might take longer to build the first version, but later, they can easily add client dashboards, analytics, or eCommerce tools without changing platforms.

Common Misunderstandings

Many new users assume WordPress is too “technical,” but most hosting providers now offer one-click installs and beginner-friendly dashboards. With tools like Elementor or Block Editor, even non-coders can build pages visually.

Meanwhile, Wix and Squarespace users often hit a wall once their site outgrows the default design options. Custom integrations, large blogs, or SEO tweaks are harder to manage; there’s something WordPress handles with plugins and open-source flexibility.

Expert Tip

If you plan to keep your site small and personal, say, a portfolio or resume, Wix or Squarespace might save time.

But if you see your website as a long-term business asset that will grow with you, investing a little time learning WordPress is absolutely worth it.

Which Platform Offers the Most Design Freedom? Design Flexibility

WordPress offers the most design freedom among the three. It gives you full control over themes, plugins, and code customization.


Wix and Squarespace provide easier drag-and-drop design tools but have limited flexibility when it comes to deep customization.

Your website’s design plays a big role in how people trust your brand, stay longer, and take action, so choosing a platform with more creative control can make a real difference.

Let’s see how each platform handles design control and flexibility so you can decide which one fits your style best.

How Much Design Control Do You Get in WordPress? WordPress – Limitless Design Freedom

  • Themes & Builders: Thousands of free and premium themes, plus visual builders like Elementor, Divi, and WPBakery.
  • Custom Layouts: Change headers, footers, sidebars, and page layouts anytime without breaking your site.
  • Example: A startup can begin with a blog layout, then later redesign into a full eCommerce store without losing content.
  • Tip: Use a flexible theme and a visual builder to experiment with layouts safely before publishing.

What Kind of Design Flexibility Does Wix Provide? Easy Creative Control

  • Drag-and-Drop Simplicity: Move sections, text, and images visually.
  • Templates: Hundreds of pre-designed options to quickly create a polished look.
  • Limitation: Switching templates later can break your design. Your content may need manual adjustment.
  • Example: A small café can build a website with a menu and gallery in a few hours, but adding complex features later may be tricky.

How Does Squarespace Handle Design Customization?  Design First Approach

  • Polished Templates: Clean, modern, and visually appealing templates for portfolios, agencies, and creatives.
  • Built-in Visual Tools: Blogging, galleries, and commerce tools integrated.
  • Limitation: Customization options and third-party integrations are fewer compared to WordPress.
  • Tip: Choose Squarespace if you want a high-end visual presence quickly, without worrying about plugins.

Which Platform Is Better for SEO? SEO Capabilities

WordPress is better for SEO because it offers full control over plugins, site speed, and advanced optimization settings.

Wix and Squarespace have built-in SEO tools, but they’re more limited compared to WordPress’s flexibility and customization options.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) determines whether people can find your website online.

WordPress – Advanced SEO Control

  • Plugins: Use Yoast SEO or Rank Math to manage meta titles, schema, redirects, sitemaps, and image alt text.
  • Full File Access: Customize URLs, headers, and on-page SEO settings freely.
  • Example: An online tutor can optimize course pages with unique meta descriptions, structured data, and canonical URLs to rank higher.

Wix – Basic SEO Tools

  • Built-in SEO: Easy settings for meta titles, headings, and alt text.
  • Limitation: Limited technical SEO options, like controlling URL structures or implementing advanced schema.

Squarespace – Clean but Limited SEO

  • Integrated SEO Settings: Basic meta tags, sitemaps, and alt text.
  • Limitation: Advanced SEO strategies are restricted; limited control over URL structures and server-side SEO settings.

Tip: If you aim to grow your organic traffic, WordPress gives you complete control over optimization. Wix or Squarespace are fine for small, static sites.

Which Platform Is Best for Online Stores? eCommerce Features

WordPress (with WooCommerce) is best for online stores. It lets you manage unlimited products, customize checkout, and use any payment gateway.

Wix and Squarespace work well for small shops but have fewer advanced eCommerce options.

Selling online differs significantly between platforms.

PlatformeCommerce ToolsPayment FlexibilityTransaction FeesScalability
WordPress (WooCommerce)Full online store control100+ gatewaysNone (depends on gateway)Excellent
WixBuilt-in store featuresLimited gatewaysSome fees applyModerate
SquarespaceSimple shop setupStripe, PayPalSmall % per saleLimited

Example: A boutique can start selling 10 products on Squarespace, but as it grows to 1,000+ SKUs with memberships and subscriptions, WordPress handles scaling without switching platforms.

Tip: Use WordPress + WooCommerce if you plan hybrid content: blog, membership, and store on one site.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Use? Pricing Breakdown

Understanding the real costs of each platform helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises down the road.

PlatformStarting CostHostingAdd-ons / AppsLong-Term Cost
WordPress$4–$10/monthSeparateOptionalLower overall
Wix$16–$27/monthIncludedPaid apps add upHigher
Squarespace$16–$23/monthIncludedSome add-onsMedium-High

Insight: Wix and Squarespace advertise simple pricing, but premium templates, apps, and bandwidth increase costs over time. WordPress requires initial setup, but the long-term cost remains lower and flexible.

Tip: Calculate a 1-year and 3-year total, including hosting, plugins, and themes, to see real costs.

Which Platform Gives You Full Ownership and Room to Grow? Scalability & Ownership

WordPress gives you full ownership and the best scalability. You control your files, hosting, and data, so your site can grow without limits.

Wix and Squarespace manage hosting for you, which makes scaling harder and limits ownership.

Ownership is critical if your site grows over time.

  • WordPress: You fully own your files, database, and hosting. Migrate anytime.
  • Wix & Squarespace: You rent space on their platform. Moving your content can be challenging.

Example: A blogger starts on Squarespace but wants to migrate after traffic grows. They find exporting URLs and designing layouts difficult, unlike WordPress, where migration is straightforward.

Tip: Think of your website as a long-term business asset. Platforms that let you control data and hosting will save headaches later.

How Does Each Platform Handle Security and Speed?

Website security and speed are often overlooked, but can make or break your online presence. Each platform handles these differently, which can affect your site’s performance, user experience, and SEO.

WordPress – Full Control, But Requires Attention

  • Security: You are responsible for updates, backups, and security plugins. Tools like Wordfence and Sucuri help protect against hacks and malware.
  • Speed: You control hosting, caching, and optimization. With good hosting and plugins like WP Rocket, WordPress sites can be extremely fast.
  • Example: A growing eCommerce store on WordPress can optimize images, enable CDN, and configure caching for peak performance, something Wix and Squarespace limit.
  • Tip: Always choose a reliable hosting provider and install security plugins to maintain safe and fast performance.

Wix – Managed Security and Speed

  • Security: Wix handles hosting, SSL certificates, and updates automatically. You don’t need to worry about patches or server security.
  • Speed: Wix sites load reasonably fast, but customization and adding apps can sometimes slow pages down.
  • Example: A small local business can launch a Wix site in hours, fully secure, without dealing with technical setup.
  • Limitation: You have limited control to fine-tune performance or use advanced security measures.

Squarespace – Simple and Secure, But Less Flexible

  • Security: Squarespace manages SSL, updates, and platform security internally. Users rarely need to intervene.
  • Speed: Templates are optimized for mobile and desktop, but heavy customizations or embedded apps can impact load times.
  • Example: A freelance designer can publish a visually stunning portfolio quickly, with all security handled behind the scenes.
  • Limitation: You can’t switch servers or implement custom speed optimization techniques like caching plugins.

Why This Matters

  • If your website is a long-term business asset, security and speed directly impact trust, conversions, and SEO.
  • Users often underestimate that Wix and Squarespace limit optimization control. WordPress gives full flexibility, but you must manage it responsibly.
  • WordPress communities provide step-by-step guides for security and speed optimization, while Wix and Squarespace rely on built-in systems.

Tip: If you plan to scale, accept hybrid content (blog + eCommerce + memberships), or expect high traffic, WordPress offers the most secure and fast foundation, provided you manage plugins and hosting wisely.

Which Platform Offers the Best Customer Support & Resources?

Wix and Squarespace offer faster customer support through live chat and email.WordPress has a large community and thousands of tutorials, but direct support depends on your hosting provider.

Having reliable support and resources ensures you can solve issues quickly and keep your website running smoothly.

  • Wix & Squarespace: Offer chat and ticket support. Fast for beginners, but limited to company-provided answers.
  • WordPress: No official central support, but a massive community helps exists,  forums, YouTube tutorials, and blogs.

Example: Need help integrating a membership plugin? WordPress communities often provide step-by-step guides for free.

Tip: Join WordPress forums or Facebook groups early; community-driven support often solves complex problems faster than official channels.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right platform based on your goals:

ChooseIf You Want
WordPressFull control, growth, SEO freedom, and future-proof scaling
WixQuick launch and simplicity for small sites or portfolios
SquarespaceStunning visuals for creatives and service-based sites

Final Thought

 Guys, in this article, we’ve covered why WordPress is often the best choice compared to Wix and Squarespace. If you want full control, unlimited customization, and a website that can grow with your business, WordPress is the way to go. Wix or Squarespace are good for quick, simple sites, but they can limit your options later.

If your goal is long-term growth, freedom in design, SEO, and functionality, WordPress is the clear choice. For simplicity and speed without tech worries, Wix or Squarespace works for small or creative projects.

Ask yourself: 👉 Do you want simplicity today or freedom tomorrow? Your answer will guide you to the best platform for your goals.

More Queries

Why choose WordPress over Wix and Squarespace?

WordPress gives full control, better SEO, flexible design, and scalability. Wix is easier for beginners, and Squarespace offers great visuals but less freedom.

Is WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace better?

It depends on your goals. WordPress offers full control, unlimited customization, and scalability. Wix and Squarespace are easier for beginners but have limitations if you want advanced features or growth.

Why choose WordPress over Wix?

WordPress allows complete ownership of your website, more design flexibility, and better SEO options. Wix is easier for quick setups, but locks you into its platform. If you plan to scale or add advanced functionality later, WordPress is the better choice.

What are the benefits of WordPress over Squarespace?

WordPress gives you thousands of themes and plugins, full SEO control, and freedom to host anywhere. Squarespace is visually appealing and simple, but has fewer integrations and limited customization. WordPress is ideal for long-term growth and flexibility.

Is WordPress better for SEO than Squarespace?

Yes. WordPress has powerful SEO plugins like Yoast SEO and Rank Math that let you control meta tags, schema, URLs, and redirects. Squarespace has built-in SEO tools, but doesn’t allow advanced optimization. WordPress gives more control to improve search rankings.

Can I switch from Wix or Squarespace to WordPress later?

Yes, but it’s easier on WordPress. Wix and Squarespace are closed platforms, so migrating requires exporting content and adjusting layouts. WordPress is flexible, making future migrations smoother.

Which platform is easiest for beginners?

Wix is the simplest with drag-and-drop editing and AI tools. Squarespace offers polished templates and a guided setup. WordPress has a learning curve, but provides more long-term control and flexibility.

Which platform is best for e-commerce?

WordPress with WooCommerce provides full online store control, 100+ payment gateways, and scalability. Wix has built-in store features suitable for small shops. Squarespace is good for simple eCommerce but is limited for advanced sales features.

How much does it cost to use WordPress compared to Wix and Squarespace?

WordPress is flexible: you pay for hosting, a domain, and optional plugins, usually $4–$10/month to start. Wix and Squarespace have fixed plans starting around $16/month, but costs rise with apps, templates, or bandwidth. Over time, WordPress is usually more cost-effective.

Which platform is best for blogging?

WordPress is ideal for blogging, offering advanced SEO, content organization, and customization. Wix lets you blog easily, but with limited features. Squarespace has beautiful blog templates but fewer options for optimization or advanced layouts.

Which platform is better for long-term growth?

WordPress is designed to grow with your website from a simple blog to a large eCommerce store. Wix and Squarespace are more limited and may restrict features as your site expands. Ownership, flexibility, and scalability make WordPress the best choice for long-term projects.


Haj Bibi Avatar
Haj Bibi

Hi, I’m Haj Bibi. I specialize in WordPress and SEO, helping websites perform better, rank higher, and reach the right audience. I share practical tips and strategies to make managing and optimizing websites easier for everyone.


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