Having a flood of website building tools to choose from doesn't help either. If you are wondering if Webflow or Wix are for you, you came to the right place. This updated comparison reflects the latest capabilities of both platforms, helping you pick the best option for your needs.
What’s the difference?
Before we dive into Webflow vs. Wix comparison, let's start with a little introduction to both tools.
What is Webflow?
Webflow is an online platform that gives you the power to build responsive websites without writing a single line of code. Designers get the power of CSS, HTML, and JavaScript in an easy-to-use visual canvas. With underlying code still accessible, Webflow allows complete design freedom. Webflow goes even further and can handle hosting, security, and website performance itself.
Webflow has made significant updates in 2024, introducing new tools and enhancements to improve usability and expand its functionality. Some of them are:
- AI integration: Webflow now integrates AI into various workflows, including content creation and website optimization through its newest acquisition of Intellimize.
- Webflow Apps: The latest generation of Webflow Apps can be used directly in the Designer, allowing for real-time editing and easier integration of site elements like forms, videos and images.
- Developer tools: Webflow has launched several new APIs and developer tools, including the ability to add custom CSS properties and deeper integration capabilities with external tools.
- Localization: Webflow has introduced robust localization features, allowing businesses to customize their sites for different languages and regions.
- Enhanced collaboration: New content editing and commenter roles have been added to improve teamwork and content management within Webflow.
- Updated UI: Webflow's user interface has been refreshed to provide a more modern, focused workspace, improving the overall user experience.
What is Wix?
Wix is a cloud-based development platform that includes web hosting and design services. Wix enables you to create a website using its drag and drop tools that don’t require you to have any specific tech skills. Wix also offers more than 900 designer-made templates that you can use instantly.
Wix continues to expand its features, particularly in AI, SEO, and ecommerce where Webflow has not made significant changes yet:
- AI design enhancements: Wix's AI design capabilities have been improved, offering more personalized and efficient design suggestions.
- Advanced SEO options: Wix has enhanced its SEO tools, making it easier for users to optimize their sites for search engines.
- New templates and design flexibility: Wix has introduced a range of new templates and design options, providing users with more creative freedom.
- Improved ecommerce features: Wix continues to expand its ecommerce capabilities, including advanced payment options, inventory management, and integration with popular services.
If you don't have any specific requirements, both tools will do the magic. But when you are trying to stand out of the crowd, things get a bit more tricky. But don't worry, we will get into the details and help you make the right choice. Read further and learn how Webflow vs. Wix stack against each other.
Webflow vs. Wix comparison table
Don't have time to go through the whole blog post? We analyzed both platforms and put together this comparison table to save you some time. Check it out and find out the main differences between Webflow and Wix.
Note: The comparison table was created after thorough research of both platforms. We analyzed both tools through their platform and found information in other relevant sources.
Why you should use Wix?
Why Wix might be a good solution for you, and the pros and cons of using it.
Key pros of using Wix
AI does all the heavy lifting
Wix has this fantastic feature that literally designs a website for you. Wix ADI (artificial design intelligence) is a platform that can create a website for you. After answering a few questions, generates a website that is tailored to your needs. Getting a fully functional and personalized website is just a matter of seconds. Not satisfied? You can still modify the final product!
Drag and drop builder
If you are entering the world of web design, or if you are a one-man-band trying to set up your first website, Wix is suitable for you. Wix library has a rich library of more than 900 pre-designed website themes you can choose from. Use their drag and drop editor to customize the selected theme or build your website from scratch. Either way, the whole process is super intuitive and easy. All you have to do is drag and drop the desired elements such as sections, images, text, lists, grids, etc. The only thing left to do is to get creative and make your website stand out.
Affordable pricing
When it comes to pricing, Wix offers excellent value for your money. The platform provides a free version, allowing you to explore all its features before committing to a paid plan. When you're ready to go live, Wix offers both Website Plans and Business & Ecommerce Plans.
Website plans:
- Free Plan: $0 per month
- Light Plan: $17 per month (billed annually) / $24 per month (billed monthly)
- Core Plan: $29 per month (billed annually) / $36 per month (billed monthly)
- Business Plan: $36 per month (billed annually) / $43 per month (billed monthly)
- Business Elite Plan: $159 per month (billed annually) / $172 per month (billed monthly)
Most users prefer the Core Plan, which is excellent for entrepreneurs and freelancers due to its comprehensive set of features, including ecommerce capabilities and substantial storage space.
Business and Ecommerce plans:
- Core Plan: $29 per month (billed annually) / $36 per month (billed monthly)
- Business Plan: $36 per month (billed annually) / $43 per month (billed monthly)
- Business Elite Plan: $159 per month (billed annually) / $172 per month (billed monthly)
The Business Unlimited plan is particularly popular among those looking to grow their business, offering advanced ecommerce features and greater support options
Key cons of using Wix
You can't switch between templates
Albeit having the freedom to choose among more than 800 pre-made website templates is awesome, there is a caveat. Once you have picked your website template, there is no coming back. At least with not losing all your content. Wix doesn't enable you to change your theme without losing all your content. Imagine nearly finishing your project to discover a better template. To save yourself time and trouble, make sure to take your time selecting the right template for you.
Limited design possibilities
Albeit Wix offers a ton of pre-made website templates and an intuitive drag and drops editor, customization is not its strong side. You can indeed drag and drop elements on your website, but this refers to vertical alignment. Adjusting margins, padding, or dragging the elements into the corners is not available. Most pre-made templates also have a strict responsive layout which requires you to stick to it. You are also limited with creating interactions and animations. Applying interaction design elements is thus available for the buttons and not other elements.
Migrating your website to a different platform is not an option
There's come a time when you want to migrate your website to another platform. A big drawback of Wix is that you can't export and transfer the content of your website. This is especially problematic if you are a fast-growing firm, surpassing Wix's capabilities. Once you go past Wix capabilities, you will spend a ton of time manually transferring the content.
Why you should use Webflow?
Why Webflow might be a good solution for you, and the pros and cons of using it.
Key pros of using Webflow
Code and design in sync
Building a website in the traditional way takes ages. Designers first have to create the wireframe and send it to the developer. The developer then has to use those assets, turn them into code and send them back to the designer. The designer has to review the whole project and send feedback to the developer. And we are back in the beginning.
Webflow solves exactly this problem. Its visual canvas enables designers to build and design websites in sync. You can create fully customizable websites without writing a single line of code.
Webflow University
Webflow can be a bit overwhelming with all the design possibilities. To unleash Webflow's true power, the learning curve is pretty steep. Here is where Webflow University is a lifesaver. It offers a plethora of tutorials with plenty of useful actionable tips and lessons. The best thing about it? It's completely free!
Full design freedom
With a strong knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the sky is the limit when using Webflow. Even without coding from scratch, you can create an interactive experience for website visitors. Moving away from making static pages, your page will stand out and wow your audience.
Since Webflow is a no-code tool, you never have to worry about breaking your code. Webflow works hard under the hood, and translating your design in always clean and semantic code.
Key cons of using Webflow
It can be overwhelming
Webflow is one of the most best website-building platforms on the internet today. The big downside is that it can get complex fast. Especially for someone without a web design/development background.
The platform is packed with customization features that enable you to create an interactive and superior user experience. But to master them all, the learning curve will be steep. To unleash the true power of Webflow, you should at least be familiar with some basic web design coding knowledge. Good fundamental UI / UX will also make your life and creative process a lot easier.
Setting up a blog is not a piece of cake
While other platforms enable you to launch a blog within minutes, Webflow isn't like that. It is the exact opposite. First, you have to pick a CMS template to get access to on-page editing and Webflow’s CMS panel. This only allows you to edit the blog feed. Editing the blog posts themselves still requires a few extra steps. All your posts are pulled from your CMS collections, and for restyling them, you need to add a rich text field and adjust the classes.
It can get pricey
When we compare Webflow vs. Wix, Webflow is easily the most expensive platform. While you can build your website for free, going live can be pricey. The cost of running the Webflow site will differ vastly on your needs, but you can count on paying about $144 per year for the simplest version. When you add more dynamic functionality or even a premium template, this cost can quickly bump up to $450.
Conclusion
Finally, we come to an end of our Webflow vs. Wix comparison. In conclusion, both platforms can help you create a beautiful and functional website. Finally, it all comes down to your specific needs, prior design experience, and resources.
If you are looking for a platform that is extremely to use and will help you create sites instantly, Wix is a great choice. The simplicity of use makes Wix the third most widely adopted website builder among all of them. According to the W3Techs report, only WordPress and Shopify have more users. Before you decide, you should see Wix in action. Here is a list of some of the best websites built with Wix in 2024.
While Wix is probably the most user-friendly tool you can find, it lacks a bit of functionality. If you or your business require custom design solutions and features, this is not the right tool for you. As a fast-growing business, you can surpass Wix's capabilities fast. Since you can't migrate your content to a different platform on Wix, this can be a big red flag.
While Wix lacks functionality and customization, this is the opposite of Webflow. Albeit Webflow is a no-code tool, its wide array of features enables you to create custom websites that will stand out from the crowd. Webflow allows you complete creative freedom and high-performing power, suitable also for Enterprise companies. Some of the most famous websites built in Webflow are Upwork, CoinMarketCap, Fiverr, etc.
Webflow indeed offers the most customization, but the learning curve is steep. If you are not a designer or lack the resources to outsource a designer, using Webflow can get overwhelming. In this case, we would recommend exploring platforms like Wix or WordPress. This is especially true if you want to set up your website fast.
We hope we helped you solve the question of how Webflow vs. Wix stack against each other. If you are still unsure about what platform is the best for you, check how Webflow stacks against WordPress.
Frequently asked questions
Can you export Webflow code?
You can export Webflow code on paid account plans. From inside the Webflow designer, you can export your project’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code.
Can you combine multiple Wix themes?
Unfortunately, Wix doesn’t enable you to combine multiple themes simultaneously. You can use one theme per site and choose between more than 800 available themes made by pro designers.
Is Wix the owner of my website?
Yes, Wix is the owner of your website when you create a website on the Wix platform. You don’t own the website, and neither the design. When you create a Wix site, you become their subscriber with a revocable license.
