Wix alternatives are website builders or platforms that offer more flexibility, better SEO, lower costs, or easier management than Wix. The best choice depends on whether you want to build it yourself or outsource it, and how much control you want over design and functionality.
Why are entrepreneurs looking for Wix alternatives?
Local entrepreneurs switch from Wix for three main reasons. Wix makes you the web designer, but most hairdressers, contractors, and restaurant owners don't want to become web designers at all. They want a website that works, period.
Second, the limited SEO control is frustrating. Kinsta emphasizes that Wix gives little freedom in technical SEO settings. Third, entrepreneurs complain about platform lock-in: moving your site to another platform is nearly impossible.
The 9 best Wix alternatives compared
| Platform | Best for | Price per month | Build yourself? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abra | Local entrepreneurs | €45 | No - via WhatsApp |
| WordPress | Full control | €15-50+ | Yes |
| Squarespace | Design-focused businesses | €12-35 | Yes |
| Shopify | Online stores | €25-300 | Yes |
| Webflow | Professional designers | €12-35 | Yes |
| Jimdo | Simple sites | €9-39 | Yes |
| JouwWeb | Dutch-language support | €8-25 | Yes |
| Weebly | Beginners | €5-25 | Yes |
| Local web agency | Custom work | €500-5000+ | No |
Abra: Website via WhatsApp without hassle
Abra solves the main problem: you don't need to become a web designer. Simply send your requirements via WhatsApp and your site is online within minutes. You also make changes via chat.
Advantages:
- Everything included: hosting, security, updates
- Unlimited changes via WhatsApp
- No dashboard to learn
- Dutch-language support
Disadvantages:
- Less suitable if you want to control every pixel yourself
- No free version
For whom: Local entrepreneurs who want a professional website without spending time on it. See how having a website made via Abra works.
WordPress: Full control and flexibility
WordPress gives you unlimited control over your website. You can add any function and fully customize the design. GetApp Nederland names WordPress as the most flexible Wix replacement.
For whom: Entrepreneurs with technical knowledge or budget for a developer. Not suitable if you want to go online quickly and easily.
Squarespace: Design-focused and user-friendly
Squarespace offers beautiful templates and an intuitive editor. Perfect for businesses where visual impact is important, such as photographers or architects.
For whom: Design-conscious entrepreneurs who are willing to invest time in their website appearance.
Shopify: The webshop specialist
For e-commerce, Shopify is superior to Wix. Better payment integrations, inventory management, and shipping options make it the standard for serious online stores.
For whom: Retailers who want to sell online and are willing to pay more monthly for powerful webshop functionality.
How do you choose the right Wix alternative?
Ask yourself three questions:
- Do I want to build myself or outsource? Building yourself means WordPress, Squarespace, or Jimdo. Outsourcing means Abra or a local web agency.
- What is my primary goal? Selling online = Shopify. Attracting local customers = Abra or WordPress. Showing portfolio = Squarespace.
- How much time do I have? No time = Abra. Lots of time and interest = WordPress. Some time = Squarespace or Jimdo.
Cost comparison: what do you really pay?
Wix seems cheap, but the real costs stack up. Premium templates, extra apps, and higher rates for more functionality make it more expensive than it appears.
Abra costs €45 per month all-inclusive. WordPress costs €15-50 per month plus development costs. Squarespace starts at €12 but you pay extra for advanced features.
Frequently asked questions about Wix alternatives
Can I move my existing Wix website?
Wix deliberately makes it difficult to export your site. You have to manually copy the content and rebuild the design. Wijnberg Development confirms that a complete rebuild is usually necessary.
Which platform has the best SEO?
WordPress offers the most SEO control through plugins like Yoast. Abra delivers an SEO-friendly site by default. Squarespace has good basic SEO but fewer customization options than WordPress.
Are there free alternatives to Wix?
WordPress.com, Weebly, and Jimdo have free versions, but with limitations like ads and subdomain. For professional use, you always pay for your own domain and more functionality.
What is the best alternative for local businesses?
Abra is specifically designed for local business owners in Flanders. You get a professional site without hassle, with an SEO-friendly foundation. WordPress is more powerful but requires more technical knowledge.
How long does it take to switch to another platform?
With Abra you're online within minutes. WordPress setup takes 1-2 weeks if you do it yourself, or a few days via a developer. You can set up Squarespace in a weekend if you make time for it.