Custom website vs Wix: which is right for my business?
Wix is right for ultra-simple 1-3 page sites where you accept template aesthetics, limited SEO, and being locked into the Wix platform indefinitely. Custom code is right for businesses that need performance, SEO ranking, ownership, and the ability to move hosts. For under 5 years on a site: Wix is cheaper. For 5+ years: custom is cheaper AND better.
Side by side.
| Metric | Custom | Wix |
|---|---|---|
| Starting cost | $0 (free tier) | $1,997 one-time |
| Real monthly cost (Business plan) | $29/mo | $9/mo hosting |
| 5-year cost | $1,740 | $2,537 |
| Lighthouse Performance (mobile) | 40-65 | 95+ |
| LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) | 3-6s | < 1.5s |
| You own the site code | No | Yes |
| Can move hosts | No | Yes |
| Schema.org customization | Limited | Unlimited |
| Section 508 / WCAG AA | Partial | Full with VPAT |
| Self-service editing | Yes (main strength) | With CMS add-on |
FAQ.
Is Wix or custom better for SEO?
Custom — typically 2-3x more SERP visibility within 6 months due to faster load times, full schema control, and no platform-imposed page structure.
Can I export my Wix site?
No. Wix does not allow export of the site code. Content (text, images) can be downloaded but not the site structure.
How much does it cost to migrate from Wix to custom?
$1,497 for a 5-page migration. We preserve content, recreate the design in custom code, set up 301 redirects.
When is Wix the right choice?
Personal hobby site, 1-3 pages, no SEO goals, no plans to grow.