When it comes to building a website in 2025, three platforms dominate the conversation: WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace.
Each has evolved with new features, improved performance, and unique strengths that make them popular among businesses, bloggers, and creatives. But with so many updates, deciding which platform is the best for your needs can be overwhelming.
Should you go with the flexibility of WordPress, the simplicity of Wix, or the design-focused approach of Squarespace? This detailed comparison breaks down their pros, cons, pricing, and features to help you make the best decision in 2025.
Overview of the Platforms in 2025
WordPress (Self-Hosted)
- User base: Powers 43%+ of websites globally.
- Core strength: Flexibility and scalability.
- 2025 updates: Full Site Editing is smoother, Gutenberg blocks have matured, and performance tools are stronger.
- Best suited for: Businesses, bloggers, e-commerce stores, membership platforms, and agencies needing control.
Wix
- User base: Over 200 million users across 190 countries.
- Core strength: Drag-and-drop editor with built-in hosting.
- 2025 updates: Enhanced AI Website Builder, stronger e-commerce capabilities, and improved analytics.
- Best suited for: Beginners, freelancers, and small business owners who value simplicity.
Squarespace
- User base: Popular among creative professionals.
- Core strength: Beautiful templates and seamless design experience.
- 2025 updates: Better design blocks, advanced commerce features, and more responsive templates.
- Best suited for: Designers, photographers, writers, and businesses that rely on branding aesthetics.
Ease of Use
WordPress:
- Requires domain + hosting setup.
- Dashboards and plugins can overwhelm beginners.
- However, with managed WordPress hosting (like HarmonWeb, Bluehost, SiteGround, or WP Engine), setup is easier.
Wix:
- True “what you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG).
- Users can design within minutes.
- Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) builds a website by asking a few questions.
Squarespace:
- Streamlined editor with drag-and-drop, but not as free-flowing as Wix.
- More structured, which can feel restrictive but ensures design consistency.
Verdict: If you want absolute simplicity → Wix. If you want structure with elegance → Squarespace. If you can handle learning, the reward is much greater with WordPress.
Design & Templates
WordPress:
- Themes: 10,000+ free themes in the WordPress repository, plus thousands of premium themes from marketplaces like ThemeForest.
- Customization: Full Site Editing allows design at block level.
- Case study: Many Fortune 500 companies, including Sony and Microsoft blogs, run on custom WordPress themes.
Wix:
- Templates: 900+ modern designs, categorized by industry (business, blogging, portfolios).
- Limitation: You cannot change templates after launch.
- Strength: Drag elements anywhere, making it highly intuitive.
Squarespace:
- Templates: Stunning, minimalist, and brand-oriented.
- Portfolio focus: Great for creative professionals.
- Consistency: All templates are mobile-optimized by default.
Verdict: For visual perfectionists, Squarespace is the winner. For freedom, WordPress leads. Wix is a balance between ease and beauty.
Customization & Flexibility
WordPress:
- Over 60,000 plugins available.
- Can build any type of website (forums, LMS, e-commerce, membership).
- Open-source: developers can modify the core.
Wix:
- App Market: 250+ apps (email marketing, booking, SEO, etc.).
- Limitations: Cannot heavily customize outside what Wix provides.
Squarespace:
- Customization limited to in-built blocks and integrations.
- Recently added more third-party integrations (e.g., PayPal, ShipStation).
Verdict: WordPress is limitless, Wix is good but walled, Squarespace is elegant but narrow.
SEO & Performance in 2025
WordPress:
- SEO plugins like Yoast, Rank Math, and All in One SEO give granular control.
- Performance tied to hosting provider.
- Sites can easily achieve Core Web Vitals compliance with proper optimization.
Wix:
- Improved SEO in recent years. Now supports structured data, 301 redirects, canonical tags, and advanced meta controls.
- Speed is consistent because Wix hosts its own websites.
Squarespace:
- Decent SEO out of the box, but less flexible than WordPress.
- Good for blogs and portfolios but not advanced e-commerce SEO.
Verdict: For SEO control → WordPress. For ease → Wix. For creatives relying on visuals → Squarespace is enough.
E-Commerce Capabilities
WordPress (WooCommerce):
- Powers 28% of online stores worldwide.
- Unlimited product options, subscriptions, memberships, multi-currency.
- Example: Major online stores like All Blacks Shop run on WooCommerce.
Wix Stores:
- Great for beginners.
- Easy product setup and simple checkout.
- Not scalable for enterprise-level.
Squarespace Commerce:
- Ideal for creatives selling services, art, or digital products.
- Integrates with Stripe, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
- Not as customizable as WooCommerce.
Verdict: WooCommerce dominates for large-scale stores. Squarespace is perfect for creative small shops. Wix suits micro-businesses.
Pricing Comparison (2025 Update)
WordPress:
- Hosting: $3–$20/month (shared hosting) or $25+ for managed hosting.
- Domain: $10–$15/year.
- Premium plugins/themes: $50–$200/year (optional).
- Flexibility: Cheapest if you stick to free plugins, costlier if you go premium.
You can purchase cheap WordPress hosting at HarmonWeb.
Wix:
- Free plan (with ads).
- Paid plans: $16–$45/month.
- E-commerce: $27–$59/month.
Squarespace:
- Personal: $16/month.
- Business: $23/month.
- Basic Commerce: $27/month.
- Advanced Commerce: $49/month.
Verdict: WordPress is cost-flexible, Wix and Squarespace are predictable but pricier long-term.
Support & Community
- WordPress: No official 24/7 support, but massive community, forums, and tutorials. Premium themes/plugins often have support.
- Wix: 24/7 support with live chat and phone.
- Squarespace: 24/7 support via email and live chat.
Verdict: Direct support = Wix/Squarespace. Community & third-party help = WordPress.
Pros & Cons Table
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress | Unlimited flexibility, thousands of plugins/themes, scalable, SEO powerhouse | Learning curve, must manage hosting/security |
| Wix | Easy drag-and-drop, AI builder, beginner-friendly, 24/7 support | Limited flexibility, template lock-in, scalability issues |
| Squarespace | Stunning templates, brand-focused, built-in e-commerce | Less flexible, fewer integrations, pricier long term |
Which One Should You Choose in 2025?
- Choose WordPress if: You want complete control, scalability, and customization. Best for businesses, blogs, and large online stores.
- Choose Wix if: You’re a beginner or a small business that needs a site quickly.
- Choose Squarespace if: You’re a creative professional who values stunning design and simplicity.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace 2025, there is no universal winner. WordPress remains the most powerful and flexible platform. Wix is unbeatable for beginners who want simplicity and speed. Squarespace continues to dominate the creative space with elegant designs. The right choice ultimately depends on your goals, technical ability, and budget.
FAQs on WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace 2025
Q1: Which is cheaper in 2025: WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace?
WordPress can be the cheapest since hosting starts as low as $3/month, but premium plugins and themes can raise costs. Wix and Squarespace start higher but include hosting and support in their plans.
Q2: Which platform is best for SEO in 2025?
WordPress is still the most powerful SEO platform thanks to plugins like Yoast and Rank Math. Wix has made big improvements, while Squarespace offers decent built-in SEO tools but less flexibility.
Q3: Can I switch from Wix or Squarespace to WordPress later?
Yes, but it’s not seamless. Migrating content requires exporting and reformatting, especially with designs. Starting with WordPress gives you more future-proof flexibility.
Q4: Which platform is best for e-commerce in 2025?
WordPress with WooCommerce is the most scalable and powerful. Squarespace is great for creative businesses, while Wix is better suited for smaller shops with limited needs.
Q5: Do I need coding skills to use these platforms?
No coding is needed for Wix or Squarespace. WordPress can be used without coding, but knowing HTML/CSS opens far more customization options.
Q6: Which is faster for launching a site in 2025?
Wix is the fastest for beginners—sites can be live in under an hour. Squarespace takes slightly longer but offers better designs. WordPress requires setup but rewards you with scalability.
