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Key highlights 

  • Wix’s limitations in flexibility, pricing and control make users look for better alternatives with specific features. 
  • Hidden costs and restricted customization leave many users frustrated with Wix’s platform constraints. 
  • Platform lock-in makes switching away from Wix difficult, forcing users to rebuild their sites from scratch. 
  • Unlike Wix, you get access to advanced eCommerce tools and true website ownership with many of Wix competitors. 
  • Bluehost ensures long-term website flexibility, seamless WordPress hosting and better value than Wix. 

Introduction 

Wix is everywhere. With 11.9 million websites built on the platform, it’s one of the most popular website builders out there. But is it the best option? 

While Wix is beginner-friendly in terms of usability, there are certain limitations that users have complained about. Given its higher price point, users expect more in terms of control and design flexibility. Additionally, user complaints about poor customer service and the tedious refund process make Wix a less favorable choice.  

If you’re unhappy with Wix or are willing to explore your options, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 10 powerful Wix competitors that offer more flexibility, affordability and control. 

Now, let’s take a closer look at why you might want to switch and the best Wix alternatives to consider in 2025. 

Why consider alternatives to Wix? 

Wix is a great starting point for building a website. But as your needs grow, you may feel limited by its flexibility, pricing and control. Many users outgrow the platform for these reasons. If you’re already using Wix and looking for alternatives, you’re not alone. If you’re considering Wix but want to explore other options first, we’ve got you covered.  

Here’s why many users start looking for Wix alternatives and what you should know before making a choice. 

1. Limited flexibility and control 

Wix’s drag-and-drop editor makes building a website easy, but it comes with major restrictions. You can’t switch templates without starting from scratch while there are no options for custom back-end coding. This might cause issues in times of scaling your site or adding unique features. 

2. Steeper learning curve than expected 

Though Wix is known for its beginner-friendly approach, many beginners find the editor complex. Frequent updates and changes to the interface often make things confusing and not everything works intuitively. If you’re frustrated with Wix’s design limits or hard-to-find settings, switching to a Wix competitor could offer a smoother experience. 

3. Platform lock-in concerns 

Wix is a closed ecosystem, which means moving your website elsewhere is a difficult affair. Unlike platforms like WordPress or Bluehost, where you can export your site and migrate easily, Wix doesn’t allow a smooth transition. So, if you are planning to switch your hosting provider, you’ll likely have to rebuild your entire website from scratch. 

4. Additional cost of advanced features 

Wix seems affordable at first, but once you start adding necessary features like custom domains, analytics, eCommerce tools and third-party apps, the costs skyrocket. Most essential tools are locked behind expensive premium plans. Switching to a Wix alternative is a better choice. 

5. App ecosystem limitations  

The Wix app marketplace offers useful tools, but choices are limited and most come at a cost. Unlike open platforms with free plugins, Wix users often face paywalls for essential features. With Bluehost, you get more flexibility to integrate the tools you need; without constant extra costs. 

6. eCommerce functionality constraints 

Wix may work for small shops, but its eCommerce features are insufficient compared to Shopify or WooCommerce. Your Wix eCommerce store may face checkout limits, payment restrictions and fewer integrations, making scaling your business harder. Bluehost WooCommerce hosting gives you the flexibility to build a more scalable online store and grow without limitations. 

So, if any of these issues sound familiar, it might be time to explore Wix competitors that offer better flexibility, affordability and long-term growth potential. 

Related post: Your Guide to Finding the Best Domain Registrar 

Top Wix competitors in 2025 

If Wix feels limiting, it’s time to explore platforms that offer more flexibility, control and value.  

Here are the top 10 powerful Wix competitors that can take your website to the next level. 

1. Bluehost 

If you are tired of Wix’s limitations and want full control, better performance and no platform constraints, Bluehost is a good alternative. Whether you need a business site, a content-driven blog or a fully customizable online store, Bluehost gives you the tools to scale without limits. Moreover, unlike Wix, Bluehost does not restrict customization and offers access to thousands of free plugins and applications. Get the flexibility to build your site your way.  

Tools should work for you, not against you. Our AI-powered onboarding, staging sites and intuitive content management make website setup and updates easier. From individual content creators and eCommerce businesses to large enterprises, Bluehost provides hosting solutions that grow with you.

  • Active users: Hosts over 4.45 million websites worldwide. 
  • Third-party integrations: Seamlessly integrates with numerous tools and plugins, especially within the WordPress ecosystem. 
  • Customer support: Offers 24/7 support via phone, chat and email. 

Why does Bluehost outperform Wix? 

  • True creative freedom: Customize every aspect of your site with custom themes and plugins to match your website intent. No need to rebuild from scratch just to make design changes. 
  • No platform restrictions: Move, migrate and expand freely. In fact, whether you prefer WordPress, Joomla, Drupal or custom coding, you are never tied to a single system. 
  • Made for content creators: The Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solutions is loaded with features and plugins that help you build, customize and monetize your site with ease. Design your site freely with custom building blocks, test safely with staging sites and launch faster with AI-powered onboarding.  
  • Faster load times and better uptime: Performance matters. With SSD storage, built-in security and high-performance servers, your site runs smoothly and reliably. 
  • More eCommerce flexibility: Sell without limits. Advanced checkout customization, full payment gateway support and seamless plugin integration help you scale your store as your business grows. 
  • Transparent, affordable pricing: Bluehost offers a free domain for all users. Our WordPress hosting plans start at just $1.99/month (price as of February 2025) without surprise fees or expensive add-ons. Each plan includes an SSL certificate and 24/7 support for a secure, hassle-free experience.  
  • Enterprise-level cloud hosting solutions: We provide a range of hosting solutions, from high-speed cloud environments to dedicated VPS hosting. Our cloud hosting is built for WordPress performance, offering 100% uptime SLA, NVMe SSD storage and a global content delivery network (CDN) that makes room for fast load times and seamless scalability. It comes fully managed with automatic updates, real-time backups and enhanced security features like DDoS protection and malware scanning. 
  • Advanced VPS hosting for high-performance needs: For users who need more control, our VPS hosting plans include dedicated server resources, DDR5 RAM and root access. This allows for advanced customization and higher performance. With unmetered bandwidth and seamless scalability, it’s ideal for growing businesses and developers managing multiple applications. Furthermore, we also offer dedicated hosting solutions providing 1000 GB NVMe SSD storage for accelerated data access and enhanced performance.    
  • Integrated marketing and professional email solutions: A strong online presence goes beyond just hosting. Bluehost offers SEO, Pay Per Click (PPC) and digital marketing services to help businesses grow. Our professional email solutions can be domain-centric or powered by Google Workspace to provide secure, branded communication. Thus, unlike limited site builder email services, our solutions ensure full control, security and scalability for businesses of all sizes.  

Who is it for? 

  • Content creators who want full creative control and better SEO tools
  • Business owners who need a scalable, feature-rich eCommerce solution. 
  • Developers who require backend access and custom development capabilities. 

Why switch? 

Website growth should be seamless, not restrictive. With better performance, greater flexibility and full ownership of your site, Bluehost is built to grow with you—without limitations.  

Bluehost offers superior performance, affordable plans and total control over your site. Find the perfect WordPress hosting plan and start building your website with confidence.

2. WordPress 

WordPress is a versatile website-building platform, far exceeding Wix in scalability and customization. As an open-source CMS, WordPress gives you complete control over design, functionality and performance.  

  • Active users: Powers 43.4% of all websites on the internet. 
  • Third-party integrations: Supports thousands of plugins and integrations for customization. 
  • Customer support: Offers community support, live chat and email assistance. 

Why it outperforms Wix: 

  • Unlimited customization: Unlike Wix’s limited ecosystem, WordPress expands the creative possibilities with thousands of plugins and themes. Its intuitive dashboard makes customization effortless, letting you build and manage your site exactly the way you want.  
  • More intuitive editing: If Wix’s editor feels restrictive, WordPress’s Gutenberg block editor offers a more flexible, modular way to design pages. 
  • Better scalability: Wix is ideal for websites with less expected audience and often struggles with complex sites. However, WordPress grows with your needs and allows gradual scalability for blogs, businesses and large eCommerce stores. In addition, migrating from Wix to WordPress is straightforward, with tools and plugins available to migrate content effortlessly while maintaining full technical flexibility. 
  • No paywalls: Unlike Wix, WordPress itself is completely free. To get started, you’ll need a reliable hosting provider, and many WordPress users choose Bluehost’s scalable cloud solutions. This gives you seamless integration and more control over costs. 
  • Thriving community: With millions of developers and users, you’ll always find support, tutorials and expert guidance for WordPress-related issues and questions. However, Wix’s smaller ecosystem lacks that level of community and resources. 

Who it’s for: 

  • Bloggers: who want a powerful CMS with built-in SEO tools. 
  • Businesses: that need a scalable, professional online presence. 
  • Entrepreneurs: looking for full control over their site’s functionality. 

Why switch?  

WordPress gives you unlimited design freedom, better scalability and no restrictions; a true migration from Wix’s closed system to WordPress’s infinite possibilities. 

Related post: Best WordPress Hosting for Agencies | A Comprehensive Guide 

3. Shopify 

Shopify is a dedicated eCommerce platform designed to help your business establish and expand its digital footprint. With a focus on comprehensive sales features and consistent integrations, Shopify serves as a strong Wix alternative for online retailers. 

  • Active users: Over 4.6 million stores use Shopify. 
  • Third-party integrations: Features an app store with over 8,000 apps for extended functionality. 
  • Customer support: Provides 24/7 support via chat, phone and email. 

Why it outperforms Wix: 

  • eCommerce-centric design: Shopify provides a repository of tools suited for online selling. This includes inventory management, payment processing, a fully functional mobile app and shipping solutions. 
  • Extensive app ecosystem: Shopify offers access to a vast marketplace of apps and plugins, enabling enhanced customization. This goes far beyond Wix’s more limited offerings. 
  • Scalability: Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, Shopify’s infrastructure is built to scale. It supports growth without compromising performance. Unlike Wix, which can struggle with larger catalogs, Shopify handles expansion effortlessly. 
  • Integrated point of sale (POS): Shopify allows you to sell both online and in physical locations with its seamless POS system. This creates a unified shopping experience—something Wix doesn’t fully offer. 

Who it’s for: 

  • Entrepreneurs: seeking a reliable platform to launch their online stores. 
  • Small to medium-sized businesses: aiming for growth and requiring versatile sales tools. 
  • Established retailers: looking to expand their digital footprint with advanced features. 

Why switch?  

Shopify offers specialized tools, scalability and a strong focus on online sales—advantages that Wix can’t match. With its robust eCommerce infrastructure, you can deliver a more seamless and efficient shopping experience for your customers. 

The basic plan starts at $39 USD per month (prices as of February 2025) which includes essential eCommerce features. Higher-tier plans offer additional capabilities to support your business as it scales. 

Also read: Shopify Pros and Cons: A Beginner-Friendly eCommerce Platform 

4. Weebly 

Weebly offers a more straightforward approach to website hosting, making website building accessible without compromising on essential web design features. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and clean design streamline the process, allowing you to focus fully on your content. 

  • Active users: More than 40 million users globally. 
  • Third-party integrations: Includes an App Center with various integrations for enhanced functionality. 
  • Customer support: Offers help center resources, chat and email support 

Why it outperforms Wix: 

  • User-friendly design: Weebly’s interface is designed for simplicity, reducing the learning curve and enabling you to build professional-looking websites with ease. 
  • Cost-effective plans: Weebly offers competitive pricing with a strong range of features. Its plans start at $10 per month when billed annually (prices as of February 2025), making it a budget-friendly alternative to Wix.  
  • Essential eCommerce capabilities: While not as extensive as specialized platforms, Weebly provides built-in tools for online stores, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. 
  • Responsive themes: Choose from a variety of customizable templates that automatically adjust to mobile devices, ensuring your site looks great on any screen.  

Who it’s for: 

  • Beginners: seeking an uncomplicated platform to establish an online presence. 
  • Small business owners: looking for an affordable solution to showcase their products or services. 
  • Individuals: wanting to create personal blogs or portfolios without technical hassles. 

Why switch? 

If you are looking for a more intuitive and cost-effective platform without sacrificing essential features, Weebly is a fair Wix competitor. Its emphasis on simplicity and affordability makes it a great choice. It’s perfect for those who want a professional online presence with minimal effort. 

5. Squarespace 

Squarespace offers a refined website-building experience, emphasizing high-quality design and user-friendly tools. It’s an excellent alternative to Wix for those desiring more advanced customization and a polished aesthetic. 

  • Active users: Serves over 3.8 million subscribers. 
  • Third-party integrations: Supports extensive integrations, including social media, eCommerce and analytics. 
  • Customer support: Provides 24/7 customer support via email, live chat and phone. 

Why it outperforms Wix: 

  • Professional grade templates: Squarespace offers a wider range of design templates tailored to various industries. Its templates provide a more polished and professional look than many of Wix’s options.  
  • Integrated eCommerce solutions: Squarespace is equipped with eCommerce capabilities like inventory management, secure checkout and customizable product pages.  
  • Comprehensive marketing tools: Squarespace provides built-in SEO features, email marketing campaigns and social media integrations to enhance your online visibility and audience engagement.  
  • Transparent pricing plans: Squarespace offers cost-effective website solutions, with plans starting at $16 per month (prices as of February 2025) when billed annually (prices as of February 2025), with no additional costs. 

Who it’s for: 

  • Design professionals: seeking a platform that offers extensive creative control and high-quality aesthetics. 
  • Small to medium-sized businesses: looking for an all-in-one solution to manage their online presence, including eCommerce and marketing. 
  • Bloggers and content creators: desiring a visually appealing and easy-to-manage website to showcase their work. 

Why switch? 

Squarespace helps you enhance your brand’s image with a sophisticated and customizable website, that surpasses Wix’s capabilities. With impressive design flexibility and a feature-rich website building platform, Squarespace is a convincing choice for expanding your online presence. 

Simplify your choice: Squarespace vs Bluehost: Where Should You Host Your Site? 

6. HostGator 

HostGator offers a beginner-friendly website builder that simplifies the process of creating a professional online presence. As a strong Wix competitor, HostGator features more than 100 mobile-friendly templates. Their intuitive drag-and-drop functionality allows users without technical expertise to design a website hassle-free.  

  • Active users: Hosts over 2 million websites. 
  • Third-party integrations: Supports WordPress and various eCommerce integrations. 
  • Customer support: Offers 24/7 support via phone, chat and email. 

Why it outperforms Wix: 

  • Budget-friendly plans: HostGator provides competitive pricing, with plans starting at $3.75 per month (prices as of February 2025), making it an economical choice for individuals and small businesses.  
  • Comprehensive eCommerce features: HostGator’s advanced plans include eCommerce tools such as inventory management, multiple payment processors and coupon code integration.  
  • Integrated marketing tools: Enhance your online reach with built-in SEO tools, social media links and PayPal integration that will help you drive traffic and facilitate transactions flawlessly.  
  • Reliable hosting services: HostGator ensures your website benefits from high uptime and performance, backed by quality customer support. 

Who it’s for: 

  • Beginners: seeking an easy-to-use platform to launch their first website without a steep learning curve. 
  • Small business owners: in need of an affordable solution to establish or enhance their online presence. 
  • Entrepreneurs: looking to set up an online store with essential eCommerce functionalities without breaking the bank. 

Why switch? 

HostGator is an appropriate option for users who find Wix’s pricing and complexity overwhelming. As an accessible and budget-friendly platform, HostGator offers a user-centric design and a comprehensive toolset, making website building and management effortless. 

7. Web.com 

If you’re a business owner looking to explore artificial intelligence for website building, Web.com is a great option. It leverages AI technology to streamline the website creation process, making it an excellent Wix alternative for those who value simplicity and efficiency. 

  • Active users: Over 3 million users worldwide. 
  • Third-party integrations: Features AI-powered tools and integrations for website building. 
  • Customer support: Provides phone, chat and knowledge base support. 

Why it outperforms Wix: 

  • The DIY AI-powered website builder: Web.com uses AI to speed up website setup, automating design and content creation so you can get your store online faster. 
  • User-friendly design: The exclusive drag-and-drop editor requires no coding skills, allowing you to customize your sites effortlessly. 
  • Comprehensive eCommerce solutions: Web.com provides exclusive tools for online stores, including marketplace selling and appointment scheduling. In addition, it also provides shipping features that help you manage online customers efficiently.  
  • Affordable pricing: Web.com provides a competitive pricing setup, for both personal and eCommerce websites, with plans starting at $4.99 per month (prices as of February 2025).  

Who it’s for: 

  • Beginners: looking for a straightforward platform to establish an online presence without technical hurdles. 
  • Small business owners: looking for an affordable and efficient way to create and manage their websites. 
  • Entrepreneurs: interested in launching online stores with integrated eCommerce functionalities. 

Why switch? 

If you are frustrated by Wix’s complex interface or its steep pricing, Web.com offers a more accessible and budget-friendly alternative. Its AI-driven tools and comprehensive features make website creation and management simple and fun. 

8. Domain.com 

Are you looking for a Wix alternative in an all-in-one platform to establish your online presence effortlessly? Domain.com combines domain registration and web hosting with an intuitive website builder, making it a fair Wix competitor. 

  • Active users: Around 364.3 million. 
  • Third-party integrations: Offers web hosting and website builder integrations. 
  • Customer support: Supports customers via phone, chat and email. 

Why it outperforms Wix: 

  • Integrated services: Domain.com offers domain registration, hosting and a user-friendly website builder under one roof, eliminating the need to manage multiple providers.  
  • User-friendly website builder: Domain.com’s website builder offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface with customizable templates, making website creation easy without coding.  
  • Affordable pricing: With plans starting at $1.99 per month (prices as of February 2025), Domain.com offers cost-effective solutions for various website needs, including personal blogs and small business sites.  
  • Robust security features: Domain.com includes free SSL certificates with its website builder plans, ensuring your website is secure and trustworthy for visitors.  

Who it’s for: 

  • Beginners: seeking an uncomplicated, all-in-one platform to establish their online presence. 
  • Small business owners: looking for an affordable and efficient way to create and manage their websites. 
  • Entrepreneurs: interested in launching online stores with integrated eCommerce functionalities. 

Why switch? 

If you’re overwhelmed by the complexity of Wix or looking for an affordable option, Domain.com provides a simple and budget-friendly alternative. Its integrated services and user-friendly tools allow you to focus on growing your online presence without unnecessary complications. 

9. Google Sites 

If you want a simple, feature-rich and free way to build your online presence, Google Sites is a great option. Its intuitive platform makes creating and hosting websites effortless, making it a strong alternative to Wix. 

  • Active users: Usage data is not publicly disclosed. 
  • Third-party integrations: Seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace, Drive and other Google tools. 
  • Customer support: Provides help center resources and forums for support. 
Google Sites Home page

Why it outperforms Wix: 

  • User-friendly interface: Google Sites provides a drag-and-drop editor, allowing users to build websites without any coding knowledge.  
  • Cost-effective: As part of the Google Workspace suite, Google Sites is available at no additional cost, making it an economical choice for individuals and businesses.  
  • Seamless integration: Google Sites allow instant access to other applications in the Google ecosystem such as Drive, Calendar and Maps into your site. This enhances functionality and an intuitive user experience.  
  • Collaboration made easy: Multiple users can collaborate in real-time, streamlining the website development process.  

Who it’s for: 

  • Individuals: seeking a hassle-free platform to create personal websites or portfolios. 
  • Small businesses: looking for a cost-effective solution to establish an online presence. 
  • Teams and organizations: needing to build internal project hubs or informational sites with collaborative features. 

Why switch? 

Google Sites is a simpler no-cost alternative to Wix that allows seamless integration and real-time collaboration with other Google services. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking efficiency and ease of use in website creation. 

10. Webflow 

Webflow provides a powerful, design-focused platform that goes beyond traditional website builders like Wix. With extensive customization options, it’s a great alternative for those who find Wix too restrictive. 

  • Active users: Over 3.5 million users. 
  • Third-party integrations: Allows custom integrations via APIs and design tools. 
  • Customer support: Offers community support, live chat and support ticket assistance. 

Why it outperforms Wix: 

  • Advanced design tools: Webflow gives designers full control over every element, allowing for pixel-perfect precision, custom animations and responsive layouts. 
  • No-code and developer-friendly: Unlike Wix, Webflow allows complete no-code design, it also lets developers fine-tune sites with custom HTML, CSS and JavaScript
  • CMS-driven content management: Unlike Wix’s rigid structure, Webflow’s built-in CMS makes managing dynamic content (like listicles, blogs and product descriptions) far more intuitive and customizable. 
  • Scalability and hosting power: Webflow sites run on fast, reliable AWS-powered hosting, ensuring superior speed and uptime compared to Wix’s shared hosting environment. 

Who it’s for: 

  • Designers and developers: looking for a no-code builder with deep customization and control. 
  • Businesses and agencies: that need high-performance websites with unique branding and design flexibility. 
  • Creatives and freelancers: wanting to create stunning, fully responsive sites without compromising on functionality. 

Why switch? 

If Wix’s design limits are frustrating, Webflow offers a true designer’s playground. It provides advanced customization, greater scalability and complete creative freedom—without the restrictions of traditional site builders. 

Comparison table of top Wix competitors 

So, if you’re looking for a Wix alternative, the right choice depends on your needs—whether it’s more customization, better eCommerce tools or a budget-friendly option. Here’s a quick comparison of the top Wix alternatives based on key features to help you choose the right one. 

Platform Best For Customization eCommerce Features Ease of Use Pricing* (Starting) 
Bluehost Full control & scalability High Advanced Moderate $1.99/month 
WordPress Custom websites & blogs Very High Moderate (WooCommerce) Moderate Free (Hosting Required) 
Shopify eCommerce businesses Moderate Excellent Easy $39/month 
Weebly Simple websites & portfolios Limited Basic Very Easy $10/month 
Squarespace Professional & design-focused sites High Good Easy $16/month 
HostGator Affordable & beginner-friendly Moderate Good Very Easy $3.75/month 
Web.com AI-powered website building Limited Good Very Easy $4.99/month 
Domain.com All-in-one website solution Moderate Basic Easy $1.99/month 
Google Sites Basic personal & team sites Basic None Very Easy Free 
Webflow Advanced customization & design Very High Advanced Moderate $14/month 
*(Prices as of February 2025)

Final thoughts 

Imagine creating your first website with Wix and soon you regret your decision. Now, you cannot even migrate your website content into one of Wix competitors. Evidently, with Wix, you trade freedom for convenience.  

Unlike Wix, Bluehost gives you complete control over your website. As a trusted WordPress.org partner, Bluehost offers one of the best website builders, full CMS integration and exclusive design features at a fraction of Wix’s cost.  

Stop using a website platform with limitations when you can build smarter, scale faster and pay less! Switch to Bluehost WordPress hosting today and start creating the website you truly deserve. 

FAQs: 

What are the top website builders to consider instead of Wix? 

The best Wix competitors depend on your needs. WordPress with Bluehost offers unmatched flexibility, Shopify is ideal for eCommerce and Squarespace excels in design. Meanwhile, if simplicity is your priority, Weebly or Web.com are great choices. 

What limitations does Wix have that make users switch to other platforms? 

Users often switch due to limited customization, rigid templates, high pricing for essential features and platform lock-in that makes migration difficult. Many also find Wix’s eCommerce and SEO tools lacking compared to competitors. 

Which website builder is best for launching a scalable eCommerce store? 

WooCommerce (powered by Bluehost) is a great option for businesses wanting full control over their store. However, Shopify is another good choice for serious eCommerce, offering powerful sales tools and seamless integrations. 

Are there any completely free website builders that compare to Wix? 

Google Sites and WordPress.com offer free plans but with limitations. Although Webflow and Weebly also have free tiers, but for a professional website, a cost-effective plan with Bluehost gives you far more value and control. 

How does Bluehost compare to Wix in terms of hosting flexibility and customization? 

Unlike Wix, Bluehost gives you full hosting control, allowing you to run WordPress, WooCommerce or even custom-coded websites. You’re not locked into a single platform, making it a better long-term investment. 

  • Devin is a Senior Event Marketing Manager for the Bluehost brand. He is our brand steward for all things Bluehost and WordPress. You'll always see him supporting Bluehost at WordCamps around the world!

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