WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, custom - which platform should you choose? The answer depends on your needs, budget, and technical comfort. Here is a practical comparison.
WordPress
Best for: Blogs, business websites, custom functionality
- Powers 40% of all websites
- Highly flexible and extensible
- Thousands of themes and plugins
- Full control over design and function
- Requires hosting and maintenance
- Cost: $500-10,000+ setup, $10-50/month hosting
Shopify
Best for: E-commerce businesses
- Purpose-built for online stores
- Easy product and order management
- Built-in payment processing
- Hosting included
- Limited customization without coding
- Cost: $29-299/month plus transaction fees
Wix / Squarespace
Best for: Simple sites, non-technical users
- Drag-and-drop builders
- Beautiful templates
- All-in-one hosting
- Limited flexibility
- Harder to migrate away
- Cost: $15-50/month
Custom Development
Best for: Complex requirements, enterprise
- Built exactly to specifications
- No platform limitations
- Optimal performance
- Highest cost
- Longer development time
- Cost: $10,000-100,000+
How to Decide
- Selling physical products? Consider Shopify
- Need blog + business site? WordPress
- Simple portfolio or brochure? Wix or Squarespace
- Complex custom features? Custom or WordPress with development
- Budget under $1,000? DIY with Wix/Squarespace or basic WordPress
There is no universally best platform. The right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and growth plans. When in doubt, WordPress offers the best balance of flexibility and cost.