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WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that powers many websites and a website building and editing platform, Wordpress.com. Because WordPress is open-source, it offers many customization and plugin options. However, there are many website builders to choose from with various features and strengths. The right one for you will depend on your design preferences and what you want to accomplish with your website platform.
If you’re looking for a different way to build a website or one with more built-in tools, you might want to consider a WordPress.com alternative. For example, Squarespace aims to make creating a beautiful, professional website easy for anyone and includes built-in features that help users grow and scale on its lowest-cost plans, like invoicing and free email marketing blasts.
Top WordPress alternatives
Squarespace
Wix
Webflow
Weebly
Shopify
Framer
This list includes some of the most commonly referenced WordPress.com alternatives, focusing on all-in-one website builders with a built-in CMS rather than standalone CMS solutions. Below you’ll find an overview of features that might influence your decision, like design flexibility, AI features, ecommerce access, and starting monthly subscription prices for 12-month plans.
1. Squarespace
Pricing starts at: $16 per month
Squarespace is an all-in-one website building and ecommerce platform that helps anyone with an idea bring it to life online. The design platform offers tools to build a beautiful, professional website, and built-in features support businesses of any type and size, from solo content creators and service providers to physical product sellers and enterprise companies.
Squarespace vs. WordPress
Both WordPress and Squarespace support website templates, AI website building, blogs, and ecommerce tools. Squarespace combines everything you need into a single, intuitive experience, which you choose using its plan tiers. On WordPress, you’ll need a higher-tier plan to access ecommerce tools and plugins.
Squarespace also provides guided AI tools for design, SEO, and copywriting, built-in email marketing, and robust business features like invoicing and content paywalls, without needing extra plugins.
Key features
Extensive, curated website template library
AI website builder and design guidance
AI copy generator and SEO tools
Ecommerce (online stores, shipping labels, invoicing, payments, and more)
Appointment booking with Acuity Scheduling
Native payments and domain registration
Email and social media marketing features
Pros of Squarespace
All-in-one platform
Flexible website design options
Ease of use
Built-in marketing tools
24/7 customer support
Squarespace plans
Basic: Includes website design and hosting, free domain, and tools for ecommerce, invoicing and taking payments
Core: Basic plan features plus lower fees, more advanced analytics, custom code, and shipping and tax services
Plus: Core plan features and lower fees on credit card transactions and digital content and memberships sales
Advanced: Plus plan features and the lowest fees on credit card transactions and digital content and memberships sales
Note: Plans and pricing for each platform can vary by location. For Squarespace, see our pricing page for the most up-to-date details in your location.
2. Wix
Pricing starts at: $17 per month or limited free plan
Wix is a website builder that offers ease of use and design flexibility through its drag-and-drop interface. It also includes customizable templates, an AI website builder, and a growing set of AI-powered tools in its website plans.
Wix vs. WordPress
Wix includes a broad set of built-in features and the option to add additional features using its App Market. Like WordPress, you’ll need to sign up for a higher-priced plan to access ecommerce tools. Wix is sometimes considered more beginner-friendly than WordPress, but WordPress may offer more complex customization options through its plugins.
Key features
Drag-and-drop website builder
AI website creation
Template library
App Market for added functionality
Built-in blogging and ecommerce tools
3. Webflow
Pricing starts at: $14 per month or limited free plan
Webflow is a no-code website builder that blends visual design flexibility with a built-in CMS and website hosting. Anyone can use Webflow, but users who want certain custom design capabilities may consider Webflow an appealing option.
Webflow vs. WordPress
Webflow offers more design control than some website builders, with customizable tools that may feel familiar to those with advanced design experience. WordPress customization can be more plugin-driven because of its open-source design, and Webflow might be appealing to those who want advanced controls in their website editor. On both WordPress and Webflow, you’ll need a higher-tier plan for ecommerce access.
Key features
Advanced visual editor
Built-in CMS for content
Ecommerce tools
Responsive design and animation tools
4. Weebly
Pricing starts at: $10 per month or limited free plan
Weebly is a straightforward website builder owned by Square, offering drag-and-drop editing and native ecommerce tools. It’s designed for small business owners who want to get online quickly, particularly those who already use Square for their point-of-sale (POS).
Weebly vs. WordPress
Weebly is straightforward and beginner-friendly, while WordPress may offer additional customization through its plugins and library of themes. However, Weebly includes ecommerce on all of its plans and integrates with Square POS, making it an option worth considering for entrepreneurs with physical stores.
Key features
Easy drag-and-drop website builder
Ecommerce tools on all plans
Square POS integration
Mobile app and email marketing tools
5. Shopify
Pricing starts at: $29 per month
Shopify is an ecommerce-focused platform built primarily for selling products online and in person. It includes online storefront templates, an AI website builder, native payment processing, and an app store to extend functionality.
Shopify vs. WordPress
Shopify includes built-in selling tools from the start, while WordPress requires setting up a plugin like WooCommerce and registering for a higher-tier plan. Shopify also has native AI tools under Shopify Magic and Shopify Sidekick, but you can add AI plugins to WordPress separately. While Shopify offers robust ecommerce features upfront, WordPress offers flexibility for content-heavy sites or if you want to sell other types of products.
Key features
Ecommerce tools built-in
Product, inventory, and order management
App store for added features
Built-in analytics and reporting
Multichannel selling tools
Shopify Magic and Sidekick
6. Framer
Pricing starts at: $5 per month
Framer is a no-code website builder that includes editing features for creative teams and visual collaboration. It includes an AI website builder, website templates, and responsive design in all of its website plans.
Framer vs. WordPress
Framer emphasizes visual editing and collaboration, and may be a good option for professional designers or those working on design teams. However, Framer doesn’t have native ecommerce, which you can add to WordPress with WooCommerce. Both platforms offer additional functionality via plugins and can be relatively hands-on, depending on the level of design or feature complexity you need for your website.
Key features
Real-time collaboration tools
AI site generator
Custom code and animation support
Compare more brands and website builders
How to choose a website platform
The best website platform depends on your specific priorities, whether that’s price, ease of use, design quality, or business features like shipping or invoicing tools. Identify a few platforms that look promising based on your priorities, then compare the feature lists and pricing. Before you commit, create a trial website with your top choices so you can compare design aesthetics and ease of use.
If you’re switching from WordPress, consider what you want to change or keep from your current setup, and choose a tool that fits your goals. For example, if you want more of an all-in-one platform that still offers advanced customization, Squarespace is a great option that might offer more built-in features.