Choosing a website builder can feel overwhelming. You’ve probably heard of WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace—but how do you know which one is right for you?
Each platform comes with its own strengths and limitations. In this post, I’ll break down the pros, cons, ideal use cases, and what type of user benefits most from each.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which platform matches your goals, skills, and business model.
Platform #1: WordPress (Self-Hosted)
Best For: Customization, scalability, SEO control, and full ownership.
Overview: WordPress powers over 40% of all websites online. It’s a free, open-source platform that requires hosting, but offers unmatched flexibility. You can build anything from a personal blog to a full-blown membership site or eCommerce store.
Pros:
Full control over design and functionality
Thousands of free & premium themes/plugins
Excellent for SEO with tools like RankMath or Yoast
Integrates with nearly every third-party tool
Cons:
Steeper learning curve for beginners
Requires separate hosting and domain setup
You’re responsible for updates and security
Best For: Agencies, service providers, bloggers, eCommerce stores, and anyone who wants to scale with flexibility.
Platform #2: Wix
Best For: Beginners and small businesses looking for an easy drag-and-drop solution.
Overview: Wix is a hosted website builder known for its user-friendly interface and quick setup. It’s perfect for business owners who don’t want to deal with tech headaches.
Pros:
Simple drag-and-drop builder
All-in-one platform (hosting included)
Dozens of mobile-optimized templates
No coding skills required
Cons:
Less flexible for advanced customization
Difficult to migrate content later
Limited control over SEO structure
Best For: Local businesses, personal portfolios, event sites, or those who need something live quickly.
Platform #3: Squarespace
Best For: Creatives, designers, and content creators who value visual aesthetics.
Overview: Squarespace offers beautiful design templates with a minimalist vibe. It’s great for portfolios, photography sites, and lifestyle brands.
Pros:
Stunning pre-built templates
Good blogging and content tools
Built-in eCommerce features
Hosting and support included
Cons:
Limited flexibility beyond templates
Less developer-friendly than WordPress
Slower feature rollouts compared to competitors
Best For: Artists, photographers, bloggers, designers, and content-first websites.
Feature Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | WordPress | Wix | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Customization |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
|
Ease of Use |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
SEO Capabilities |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
|
eCommerce Options |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Cost (long-term) |
💰 (Variable) |
💰💰 |
💰💰 |
|
Plugin/App Ecosystem |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
So… Which Should You Choose?
Choose WordPress if you want full control, room to scale, and access to thousands of design and automation tools.
Choose Wix if you want to launch quickly with minimal setup and don’t plan to scale heavily.
Choose Squarespace if you want beautiful design with less tech hassle and a strong content/media focus.
