Updated October 2026
Wix is one of the most popular website builders, with a drag-and-drop editor and a free plan, and it’s a good choice for many small businesses. But it isn’t the only option, and depending on what your site needs to do, an alternative may suit you better. Most small businesses now use builders: a 2025 Clutch survey found that only about 12% of small business websites are custom-built.
Rather than chasing the "best" builder, choose by what your site has to do.
Match the platform to the job
Table of Contents
| Your site mainly needs to… | Look for | Common choices |
|---|---|---|
| Show your services and get calls | Easy editing, mobile-friendly templates | Wix, Squarespace, WordPress.com, Google Sites |
| Take bookings or appointments | Built-in scheduling, reminders and payments | Builders with booking features, or a booking tool linked from your site |
| Sell products | Product pages, inventory, payments, shipping and tax | Shopify, WooCommerce on WordPress, Square Online, or a builder’s store plan |
| Publish lots of articles | Strong blogging and SEO control | WordPress |
| Look as polished as possible | Designer templates | Squarespace, Wix |
The main alternatives to Wix
Squarespace
Known for polished, design-led templates, Squarespace suits businesses where looks matter, such as restaurants, salons, photographers and boutiques. It offers a free trial rather than a free plan.
WordPress
WordPress powers a large share of the web. You can use WordPress.com (hosted, with a free plan and paid upgrades) or WordPress.org, the free open-source software you install on your own hosting. Self-hosted WordPress gives you the most flexibility and ownership, with thousands of themes and plugins, but you’re responsible for updates and security.
Shopify
The leading choice for businesses that mainly sell products online, with strong inventory, payments and shipping tools. It offers a free trial rather than a free plan.
Square Online (formerly Weebly)
A natural choice if you already use Square for payments in person. It has a free plan for a simple site and store, with a Square web address.
Google Sites
Free and very simple, with no ads. Good for a basic information page, though it has limited design and business features.
Other open-source options
Developers and tech-savvy owners may also consider Joomla and Drupal, which are free, open-source content management systems that need hosting and technical setup. See AlternativeTo’s list of open-source Wix alternatives for more.
Five questions to ask before you commit
- Can I move my site later? Some builders make it hard to leave. Check whether you can export your content.
- Who owns the domain? Register it in your own name, ideally separately from your builder.
- What will it cost after the first year? Introductory offers often change at renewal, and apps and add-ons add up.
- Is it fast and easy to use on a phone? Most local customers will see your site on mobile first.
- Can I edit it myself without breaking the design?
What matters more than the platform
A website on any of these platforms will work if it clearly says what you do, where you work and how to reach you, and if it’s backed by a complete Google Business Profile and recent reviews. Common small business challenges like finding customers aren’t solved by a website alone. See our guides to building an online presence, what website design involves, and how to create a Google Business Profile listing.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a completely free alternative to Wix?
Yes. Google Sites, WordPress.com’s free plan and Square Online’s free plan all let you publish a site for free, each with trade-offs such as a platform-branded web address or limited features. Self-hosted WordPress is free software, but you’ll pay for hosting.
Which is best for SEO?
All major builders can rank well. Clear, useful content, fast pages and a complete Google Business Profile matter far more than the platform.
Can I switch from Wix later?
Yes, though Wix sites can’t simply be exported to another platform; you’ll usually rebuild the pages. Keep your domain registered in your name and set up redirects from old page addresses to keep your search rankings.
Keep learning
- How to create a website free of cost
- Small business website guide
- Small business website design services
- Zoho Mail for business email
- What is Linux?
- Websites to earn money online
- Grow with Google
- What is Google Local?
- Yodle alternatives
- Yodle reviews
- Industry data and business ideas
- Start a Business A–Z guide
Sources
- Clutch, 2025 small business website survey, via Business Wire
- Wix.com, Wikipedia
- AlternativeTo, Wix alternatives
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
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