Best Website Builders for Beginners (WordPress, Wix, Squarespace Compared)
Choosing the right website builder can feel overwhelming as a beginner. In this guide, I compare WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace - breaking down their pros, cons, costs, and best use cases.
When I first set out to build a website, I was completely overwhelmed by the number of options. Everyone seemed to have a strong opinion about which platform was “the best.” Some swore by WordPress, others told me Wix was the easiest, and then there were fans of Squarespace who made it sound like the perfect all-in-one solution.
If you’re just starting out, it can feel impossible to choose. The truth is, all three platforms: WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace, can help you create a great-looking site. The best one for you depends on your goals, budget, and how much control you want.
In this guide, I’ll break down how each works, their pros and cons, and which one I’d recommend for beginners in 2025.
Why You Need a Website
No matter what online business model you choose: affiliate marketing, freelancing, e-commerce, or content creation, almost all of them benefit from having a website. A website gives you:
- A professional home base you control (unlike social media).
- A place to showcase services, content, or products.
- The ability to collect emails and build an audience.
WordPress
What It Is
WordPress.org is the world’s most popular website builder, powering over 40% of the internet. It’s open-source, which means it’s free to use, but you’ll need to pay for hosting (from providers like SiteGround, Bluehost, or Hostinger).
Pros
- Unlimited flexibility: You can build almost any type of site: blogs, stores, memberships.
- Huge plugin ecosystem: Thousands of plugins let you add features like SEO tools, contact forms, or e-commerce.
- Full ownership: You own your site and data completely.
- Scalable: Works for both simple blogs and large businesses.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Requires ongoing maintenance (updates, backups, security).
- Not as “out of the box” as Wix or Squarespace.
Best for: Bloggers, affiliate marketers, and anyone who wants long-term flexibility and control.
Wix
What It Is
Wix is a fully hosted website builder with drag-and-drop functionality. You don’t have to worry about hosting, coding, or maintenance. Wix handles all of that.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly: Drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to design pages.
- All-in-one: Hosting, templates, and features are included.
- Quick setup: You can have a site live in an afternoon.
- Templates: Over 800 designs to choose from.
Cons
- Less flexible than WordPress if you want advanced features.
- Harder to move your site elsewhere later.
- Pricing can add up with premium plans.
Best for: Beginners who want a simple, visual way to create a site quickly.
Squarespace
What It Is
Squarespace is another all-in-one website builder, known for sleek, modern designs. It’s especially popular with creative professionals and small business owners.
Pros
- Beautiful templates: Minimalist, professional, and mobile-friendly.
- All-in-one: Hosting, design, and features included.
- Built-in tools: Includes blog features, e-commerce, and even email campaigns.
- Polished user experience: Everything feels seamless and intuitive.
Cons
- Less customization than WordPress.
- Slightly less beginner-friendly than Wix.
- Monthly subscription model can be pricey long term.
Best for: Creatives, service businesses, or anyone who values design and simplicity.
WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace: Quick Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Here’s my honest take as someone who’s tested all three:
- Choose WordPress if you want to blog, do affiliate marketing, or build a site that you’ll grow and customize over time. It’s more work upfront, but it pays off in flexibility.
- Choose Wix if you want something live quickly with minimal hassle. Perfect for a portfolio or small business site.
- Choose Squarespace if design matters most and you want a professional-looking site out of the box.
My Experience
When I built my first site, I chose WordPress because I wanted to blog and eventually use affiliate marketing. It was a bit confusing at first, but once I got past the setup, I loved how much control I had. Later, I tested Wix for a side project and had a site live in an hour. It wasn’t as flexible, but it was fast. Squarespace felt like the middle ground, sleek and easy but not as customizable.
The lesson: the “best” option depends on what you want your website to do.
Final Thoughts
WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace are all excellent website builders for beginners in 2025. The right choice depends on whether you want maximum flexibility (WordPress), fastest setup (Wix), or best design out of the box (Squarespace).
My advice is simple: don’t overthink it. Pick the platform that feels easiest for you right now, launch your site, and start creating. You can always upgrade, switch, or rebuild later once you have momentum.
👉 Next steps:
- Tools & Resources Hub for everything you’ll need to get started.
- How to Build a Simple Affiliate Website That Earns if you’re considering affiliate marketing.
- E-Commerce & Dropshipping Guide: How to Start in 2025 if you want to build a store.
