wordpress vs wix
WordPress vs Wix — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
WordPress and Wix represent fundamentally different approaches to building websites with SEO in mind. WordPress gives you complete control over your site's technical SEO through its open-source architecture and extensive plugin ecosystem, while Wix offers a streamlined drag-and-drop builder with built-in SEO features that require zero technical knowledge.
The choice often comes down to whether you prioritize maximum SEO flexibility and control (WordPress) or ease of use with decent SEO capabilities (Wix). For serious SEO work, WordPress remains the clear winner, but Wix has closed the gap significantly for basic to intermediate SEO needs.
Feature Comparison
WordPress dominates in SEO flexibility through plugins like Yoast SEO, Rank Math, and AIOSEO, which offer granular control over meta tags, schema markup, XML sitemaps, and technical SEO elements. You can modify any aspect of your site's code, install custom SEO tools, and optimize for advanced strategies like faceted navigation or complex site architectures. WordPress also gives you complete control over page speed optimization through caching plugins, CDNs, and hosting choices. Wix has dramatically improved its SEO capabilities with built-in schema markup, an SEO assistant that guides optimization, and better JavaScript rendering for search engines. However, you're limited to Wix's built-in tools and can't install third-party SEO plugins or access the underlying code. Wix handles technical basics like SSL certificates and mobile optimization automatically, but you can't fine-tune advanced technical SEO elements like robots.txt files or .htaccess redirects. The plugin ecosystem makes WordPress unbeatable for specialized SEO needs — local SEO plugins, e-commerce SEO tools, and advanced analytics integrations that simply don't exist in Wix's closed ecosystem.
Pricing Comparison
WordPress itself is free, but you'll need hosting ($5-50+ monthly) and potentially premium plugins ($50-300+ annually). A basic WordPress SEO setup might cost $100-200 yearly including hosting and essential plugins, while advanced setups can reach $1,000+ annually with premium themes, plugins, and managed hosting. Wix starts at $17/month for basic plans, with SEO-focused plans running $25-35/month. All SEO features are included without additional plugin costs, making it more predictable for budgeting. However, you're locked into Wix's pricing structure and can't migrate easily if you outgrow the platform.
Best For
WordPress is the better choice when you need maximum SEO control, plan to scale significantly, or work with complex site architectures. It's essential for agencies managing multiple clients, e-commerce sites requiring advanced SEO, or any situation where you need specific plugins or custom functionality. The learning curve is steeper, but the SEO ceiling is virtually unlimited. Wix works better for small businesses, personal brands, or anyone who wants decent SEO results without technical complexity. If you need to launch quickly, prefer not managing hosting and security, or want built-in design tools alongside SEO features, Wix delivers solid results with minimal effort.
The Verdict
WordPress wins for serious SEO practitioners who need complete control and advanced capabilities. While Wix has improved significantly and handles basic SEO well, WordPress's plugin ecosystem, customization options, and technical flexibility make it the superior choice for anyone prioritizing SEO performance over ease of use. Choose Wix only if simplicity outweighs SEO optimization needs in your specific situation.