English
Magyar
Wix is generally easier to use from the outset, whilst WordPress offers greater freedom when it comes to customisation. It is worth switching from Wix to WordPress if the limitations of the ready-made platform are already hindering the expansion of your site or the implementation of your specific requirements. WordPress requires more configuration, so in exchange for this flexibility, you will need to make more decisions yourself.
If you’re looking for a solution that’s quick to learn, it’s understandable that Wix seems like a convenient choice. WordPress is an open-source system, so the structure and functionality of your site can be customised in a variety of ways, but you’ll also need to take care of hosting, updates and backups.
In this comparison, we’ll show you which platform is easier to use for beginners, how their customisability differs, and when greater freedom offers a real advantage. We’ll also look at the factors that influence your choice and what to bear in mind if you’re moving your website from Wix to WordPress. This will make it easier for you to decide which system suits your level of experience and your plans.
Templates, plugins and customisation
The appearance and functionality of a company’s website are determined by the chosen template, the applications used and the scope for subsequent modifications. There are thousands of free and paid templates available for WordPress. On Wix, you select a template in the editor and then customise the page elements within it.
Templates and applications
A Wix template is a good starting point if, for example, you’re looking for a ready-made layout for a services page, an introductory website or a contact page. In the visual editor, you can edit the text, images and the positioning of page elements. This requires little technical preparation, but you may encounter more restrictions if you wish to make changes beyond the template’s structure.
Amongst WordPress themes, you can find solutions for everything from simple company landing pages to more complex content structures. The theme determines the basic look of the site, whilst plugins can add new features. For example, you can choose a separate plugin for a contact form or for content management tasks. The wide range of options gives you greater freedom, but it is also up to you to choose plugins from reputable sources that are regularly maintained.
Customisation and scalability
WordPress is an open-source system, so developers can customise not only the template but also the way the site works. This can be important if the company website is later expanded to include new content sections, custom forms or features tailored to a specific workflow. With Wix, you can work with the built-in editing and app features, which may offer simpler handling but can limit the range of custom solutions available.
Choose plugins for specific purposes; do not install a new one for every feature you can think of. The vast majority of security vulnerabilities discovered in WordPress websites are found in plugins, not in the core WordPress system. Check whether you really need a particular plugin, then keep your website’s components up to date. Having lots of plugins does not in itself guarantee better business results.
| Option | Customisation | Expansion | Typical task |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix template | Visual editing | With applications | A company website that can be set up quickly |
| WordPress template | Setting and changing the theme | With plugins | Varied content structure |
| WordPress plugin | Focuses on one feature | Adds further functionality | Forms or content management |
| Custom development | Can be tailored to your needs | Through development work | Specialised business processes |
Choose Wix if ready-made templates and simple visual editing are your main priorities. WordPress may be a better option if you want to use your own templates, plugins or developer customisations.
You can choose from thousands of free and paid templates for WordPress websites. First, decide what page sections you need, what look suits your business, and what changes you expect to make. Look for a solution that organises your current content well, but doesn’t force you to use unnecessary elements. A different template may be suitable for a simple introductory page than for a complex website where a wide variety of information needs to be presented clearly. As well as the visual design, consider how easily you can edit the necessary sections yourself.
Price alone does not determine whether a theme is suitable. Consider whether it fits the purpose of your website and whether you can easily create the desired structure within it. If you only need to make minor adjustments to the ready-made layout, ease of editing may be the deciding factor. If specific requirements arise later on, consider whether you would prefer to address them through the template’s settings, customisation or further development. The choice is therefore not just about the appearance, but also about how you will work with the site in the future.
Website management and changing templates
Switching from Wix to WordPress requires more preparation than simply changing a template. You need to review the site’s content, images, links and features separately, and then set them up in the new system. Missing content, broken links or a different site structure can pose a risk.
On the Wix website builder platform, editing and design are integrated into a single system. With WordPress, the website’s design is determined by the chosen template, its content by the admin panel, and its functionality by various settings. Whilst this can offer greater flexibility, it also involves more tasks when it comes to maintaining the site. For example, a bespoke design created for a Wix site cannot necessarily be transferred to a WordPress template without modification.
Before making the switch, draw up an inventory of your content and note which elements need to be retained on the new website. Make a list of the homepage, service pages, contact form, images and menu links. For a company website, service descriptions and contact details may be more important than an old, disused subpage. This preparation will help you determine what needs to be recreated.
The practical steps involved in the migration build on one another:
- Make a list of the important subpages and features of your Wix site.
- Choose a WordPress template that suits your company’s brand identity and content structure.
- Create the pages you need, then upload your text and images.
- Check the menu, forms, mobile view and internal links separately.
- Once testing is complete, point the domain to the new website.
A WordPress site requires a domain name and hosting. You retain control of the domain if you have registered it in your own name. The files and database of a WordPress website are under the owner’s control and can be moved to another hosting provider. This differs from using Wix, where the site operates within the platform’s system. When planning the migration, you should therefore treat the domain settings and the content of the new WordPress system separately.
Within WordPress, changing your theme can also alter the layout, menus and the appearance of page elements. Before choosing a new theme, compare the key pages of your old website with the examples provided by the new theme. The Wix website builder interface is based on quick, visual editing, whereas WordPress handles the theme and content separately. It is worth switching if you are prepared to take on more conscious management of content and functionality in exchange for greater freedom.
When planning your switch, bear in mind the costs as well as the technical tasks involved. The initial costs of a WordPress website may include the domain, hosting and the web designer’s fees. Tailor these to your own needs and the planned design of the site; don’t just focus on the considerations that arise when choosing a template. If you are using a professional, clarify in advance which content you expect to be transferred and which features you want to be developed. This way, the cost estimate can reflect the work that is actually required.
It is worth comparing the costs of a subscription-based website builder and WordPress over different timeframes. Compare this figure with the initial costs of WordPress, and consider how much time you can devote to managing and maintaining the system. When making your decision, don’t just consider the initial set-up: factor in content updates, future modifications and any external assistance that may be required. The choice will be the right fit for your website if, in addition to the financial commitment, the method of management also suits the way your business operates.
Pricing and subscription plans
Wix requires less technical maintenance on your part, as the platform manages the underlying system. With WordPress, you need to keep an eye on updates, plugins and backups. In both cases, correct configuration and regular checks are important.
Wix’s plans combine the editor, hosting and selected features on a single platform. With WordPress, you need a domain and hosting, whilst themes and plugins provide additional options. One system is therefore more centralised, whilst the other is made up of several separate components.
When comparing plans, check which tasks and features each solution covers. For a business website, for example, it may be important to have a contact form, a custom domain or an online shop. Check how you can manage these via the control panel, and what settings you’ll need for day-to-day use.
- Wix subscription: check whether your chosen plan includes the features and online shop options you require.
- WordPress site: consider the role of the domain, hosting, template and necessary plugins.
- Free options: free templates and plugins can provide a starting point, but they do not necessarily cover all business needs.
- Additional features: make a list of the tools you’ll need to get started, and those that are linked to your future development plans.
An increase in visitor numbers, the expansion of content or the launch of an online shop can alter a website’s technical requirements. Think about how you would add new service pages or product categories right from the design stage. With Wix, the editor interface and subscription tier determine the features available. With WordPress, the hosting, theme and selected plugins together shape the system.
You should also take into account the time required for maintenance. Wix manages the platform’s operation centrally, whereas with WordPress, you or a contracted specialist takes care of routine tasks. A simple introductory page may require less maintenance than an online shop that is updated regularly. Before updating, make a backup, and afterwards check the site’s key functions.
When making your decision, don’t just consider the name of the plan or the number of resources available. Compare the management process, the maintenance required of you and the possibilities for future expansion. Make a list of the initial features required for your company’s website, then assign responsibility for configurations and updates. This will make it easier to choose a system that suits your day-to-day operations.
Ownership and hosting migration
To run a WordPress website, you need your own domain and hosting. The domain is yours if you have registered it in your own name. With WordPress, the website’s files and database are under your control and can be moved to another hosting provider. With Wix, the site runs on the platform’s system, so to perform the migration, you need to transfer the content separately and carry out the new set-up.
When switching from Wix to WordPress, you’ll need to transfer text and images separately. Save your site’s content and media files, then upload them to the relevant WordPress pages and the media library. Next, reconfigure the menus, forms and other features. If you’re using WooCommerce, make sure to organise your product data and related content in the new system as well.
Google rankings and URLs are not transferred automatically. Where possible, retain the old addresses and set up redirects for any URLs that have changed. Before migration, make a note of the URLs of your Wix pages, then check the landing pages, internal links and redirects on the new website.
Before the migration, draw up a checklist of the content to be transferred:
- The text on important subpages, such as service descriptions and the ‘About Us’ page.
- Images and files, with the corresponding page indicated.
- The old URLs and their corresponding new WordPress pages.
- Forms, menus and other interactive elements.
- Domain settings and details relating to the new hosting account.
When choosing a hosting plan, take into account your resource requirements, the storage you need and the expected traffic on your website. A company’s landing page has different requirements to a WooCommerce online shop, which also manages product pages and orders. When switching hosting providers, you must transfer the files and the database together, then check that the content and functions are displayed correctly.
Updating WordPress, themes and plugins requires attention from a security perspective. Before updating, make a backup so that you can restore the previous state in the event of an error. Managing your domain and hosting separately gives you greater flexibility, but the operational settings are spread across multiple locations. The cPanel hosting control panel allows you to manage tasks related to your hosting via a web interface.
Treat domain registration and hosting as separate decisions: domain ownership and the storage of website files serve different purposes. The migration will be straightforward if you compare the old and new URLs in advance, organise your images, and then test the main functions of the new WordPress site separately. The switch is therefore not just about designing the new look, but also about the orderly transfer of content, infrastructure and security settings.
Website builder platform or content management system
The main difference between Wix and WordPress is their operating model: Wix is a website builder, whilst WordPress is a content management system. This determines how you can edit pages, manage content and expand your company website in the future.
Website builder platform
With Wix’s visual website builder, you can manage both editing and website operation in one place. You can place ready-made elements on your pages, edit the text and see the changes immediately. This makes it easy to edit a personal website, for example, and means you don’t need to worry so much about the technical details of the system.
Wix can be convenient if you want to manage your website from a single, centralised interface. The visual editor is useful, for example, for updating the text or images on a services page. The add-ons and settings are tailored to the platform’s capabilities, so customising its functionality may be more limited.
Content management system
WordPress is an open-source content management system. You can edit the content via the admin panel, whilst the layout is determined by the theme. You can extend its functionality with plugins. Compared to Wix, you have more control over aspects such as hosting, updates and backups.
This structure can be useful if your company’s website is expanded over time with new content or more complex features. For example, you could add new subpages to a services page, and later add a blog. WordPress gives you greater control over how the site works, but you or your developer will need to coordinate the theme and plugins.
WordPress.com and WordPress.org
WordPress.com and WordPress.org offer different ways of using the platform. WordPress.com provides WordPress as a hosted service, whilst the WordPress.org software can be installed on your own hosting account. The latter gives you greater freedom in choosing your hosting provider and technical settings.
When choosing WordPress over Wix, first decide which version best suits your needs. A centrally managed environment may offer a simpler start, whilst WordPress running on your own hosting provides greater control. For a business website, you should also consider who will be responsible for updates and maintenance.
Blogging and dynamic content management
WordPress treats posts and pages as separate content types. A business, for example, can publish blog posts on a regular basis alongside static pages showcasing its services. Posts can be organised into categories, allowing readers to browse content by topic. This structure is well suited to websites that are updated frequently.
You can also create a blog on Wix, but editing and expansion are limited to the platform’s built-in tools. With WordPress, you can tailor content management to your chosen theme and plugins. If you’re planning to have multiple authors, regular news updates or new content categories, consider which system is better suited to your day-to-day work. Key factors in this decision include the editing process, management requirements and the potential for future expansion.
aWh: Web hosting
aWh provides web hosting on which you can install and run your WordPress site. When switching from Wix, ensure you have suitable hosting and configure your domain to point to the new site. It is advisable to manage your domain registration separately from the operation of your website.
If you also need business email addresses for your company website, aWh offers email hosting too. You can choose between web hosting, KVM VPS or domain registration, depending on your needs. The right solution depends on whether you want to run a WordPress site, register your own domain or use email.
You can find further information about aWh’s web hosting solutions on the web hosting page. Visit awh.hu to browse the options.
Plan your next step
Before choosing a system, decide who will handle the website’s daily updates, technical settings and content additions. If you’re switching from Wix to WordPress, draw up a plan for transferring the site structure, domain and hosting. This way, you’ll be able to see right from the start which tasks you can carry out yourself and which ones might require technical assistance.
aWh’s solutions for web hosting, KVM VPS and domain registration are tailored to a range of operational requirements. When making your decision, take into account the size of your website, its planned features and the capacity available for managing it. If you’d like to explore which options are best suited to your WordPress site, ask the aWh team for advice. A well-planned start can provide a solid foundation for the further development of your company’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult are the interfaces to use?
Wix is generally easier to learn to use, whilst WordPress requires more configuration and independent decision-making. If you simply want to change your opening hours or the description of a service, Wix’s visual editor can be convenient. When switching from Wix to WordPress, bear in mind that, as well as editing content, you will also need to manage updates and plugins, or ensure that someone else handles these for you.
How do the platforms perform in terms of speed?
Loading speed on both platforms is influenced by the website’s structure and content. Large image files, numerous external elements and unnecessary plugins can slow the site down. With proper optimisation, a WordPress website can load in less than two seconds. To ensure fast performance, compress your images, keep the page uncluttered and check it regularly on mobile devices too.
What sort of hosting and domain do you need for WordPress?
To use WordPress, you’ll need a domain and hosting suitable for running WordPress. Choose your domain extension based on your website’s target audience and name. For a Hungarian business, a .hu domain may also be suitable if it fits your brand and audience. When choosing your hosting, take into account your website’s content, expected traffic and features. The resource requirements of an online shop may differ from those of a landing page.
How much does a WordPress website cost per year?
The annual running costs of a WordPress-based website consist of the domain name fee, the cost of a reliable hosting service, and the cost of premium plugins or themes. Whilst Wix operates on a fixed monthly fee system, with WordPress you can choose more cost-effective or higher-performance providers from aWh’s range, allowing you to tailor your expenditure more precisely to your actual needs.