It’s the ultimate showdown between two titans of website content management systems — WordPress and Webflow. Both offer powerful tools to create stunning and functional websites, but choosing the right platform can be confusing.
Because a website is an essential part of your branding and marketing strategies, you need to understand which one is right for your company. So, let’s get ready to rumble and find out which platform meets your needs.
The OG: WordPress Floats Like A Butterfly
We have WordPress, the tried-and-true veteran of content management systems (CMS), in the red corner. It offers endless customization, and its free, open-source platform now has millions of users, creating a vast support network of individuals. This means that if you have a problem, someone else has probably had it, solved it, and written a step-by-step guide about it.
WordPress also has unmatched flexibility with near-infinite customization options. If you’re looking for a platform where you have the power to tweak your website’s design down to the last pixel, this is your friend. Your website can also have as many bells and whistles as a Vegas slot machine if you want it to (not saying you should) simply by looking through and adding relevant plug-ins from WordPress’ extensive library.
A Web Technology survey found that over 43% of all websites worldwide are hosted on WordPress. What started as a blogging platform has since evolved into a full-service CMS strong enough to handle any site. The possibilities with this platform are endless, making it the go-to for those who view their website as a giant Lego set. It allows you to create a tailored experience for your audience.
Now, it’s not all rosy. Mastering WordPress is like learning a new sport, with a steep learning curve. While it’s well-suited for those with web development experience, you may need to gain some coding experience.
The endless options and features can also make WordPress overwhelming for some. With thousands of themes and plug-ins, customization freedom can feel like a double-edged sword. Certain plug-ins may also compromise the stability of your site if you’re not careful.
WordPress doesn’t work straight out of the box, either. You need to install it on a server, which can be scary for those not familiar with hosting services. It also requires regular security updates to maintain site security.
We said WordPress was free, but we do need to mention that additional costs may arise for certain themes and plug-ins. Annual fees for third-party web hosting and domain registration also must be factored into the cost. Plus, while there’s a plug-in to make your website load faster, the performance and speed of your website really depend on the hosting provider you choose.
Do not not confuse WordPress.org with WordPress.com. The latter is a hosting platform and creation service similar to Webflow’s pricing plans and features.
For anyone looking to roll up your sleeves, dive into the code, and hone your creation skills, WordPress is ready for you to join its team.
The Challenger: Webflow Stings Like A Bee
In the blue corner, Webflow is bouncing on its toes, ready to dazzle us with its designer-friendly punches. This platform packs a powerful punch with its visual interface, gaining a reputation for being fast and intuitive — perfect for graphic designers who don’t want to dive into the deep end of coding.
Webflow is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that almost feels like having a cheat code for web design with the ease of a drag-and-drop system, helping marketers create a professional-looking site that reflects your brand’s unique personality.
It’s similar to sites like Wix or Squarespace. However, you can still access your website’s underlying code—if you want to use it. Essentially, the builder system gives you a visual tool to add features by embedding code, but the core platform is really all you need.
Webflow allows you to create from scratch or customize premade themes and templates to fit your vision. Hence, the aesthetics of your website are entirely under your control.
One of the platform’s best features is how fast you can get a site up and running because Webflow provides hosting services as part of its package. It includes many out-of-the-box features, making it perfect for businesses that need to launch their site quickly. You also get access to helpful customer support, new feature development, and continuous improvements and updates — all included in a monthly package.
Webflow isn’t perfect, however. The pricing model can be a swift uppercut to the unprepared. The cost will depend on the level of tiered package you go for. Still, suppose you want the most dynamic functionality. In that case, money can add up as your site grows and you require more advanced capabilities. This can be difficult for start-ups on a tight budget or planning for rapid expansion.
Suppose you’re not used to visual website builders and are more comfortable with more traditional platforms. In that case, the interface can still be overwhelming initially, even though its design is to be user-friendly.
If you’ve been wanting to create a sleek, responsive website without getting tangled in a web of coding, Webflow is ready to tag you in.
The Smackdown
Webflow enters the ring as a sleek and user-friendly website builder, but WordPress has dominated the web for as long as anyone can remember.
WordPress is obviously the undisputed champion when it comes to customization, with its rich library of plug-ins, themes, and widgets empowering you to build a truly bespoke online presence. Webflow, however, gives you intuitive tools that turn site building into a visual, creative feast. You get all the thrill and awe of creating a beautiful site without the headache of handling the technical demands that WordPress requires.
Though your reach might seem limitless, every modification comes at the price of mastering coding with WordPress. Webflow offers a buffet of pre-made templates and simple customization, all waiting for you at a drag and a drop. So, you might not be able to tweak every little detail, but hey, not everyone enjoys playing God with their website.
WordPress offers unlimited user access to the site, making it much easier for a team of editors and marketers who will be contributing regularly. Webflow only offers businesses nine creator seats. Even though this platform is better for collaborating with external designers, it can become somewhat complicated if you have a larger team.
Webflow wins the security battle because it includes regular updates and direct customer support. WordPress’s mass of add-ons may cause issues with the site, and you might need to search the internet for a quick fix if you have trouble downloading the latest update.
Pricing goes to WordPress because the software is 100% free—already off to a stronger start than Webflow. Even factoring in website hosting costs, premium themes, and a slew of plug-ins, Hubspot estimates the cost will be between $150 – $350 a year. Webflow’s glossy look and easy interface come with a price. The estimated cost, factoring in all the dynamic features you would need, comes to around $240 – $450 a year.
Webflow’s tutorial set-up is made with non-coders in mind, while once WordPress is downloaded, you essentially get a “good luck” and a pat on the back. That’s not to say it’s not intuitive—once you find your groove, it can be easier for some than Webflow, but the latter has initial ease-of-use in mind.
Choosing Your Champion
All right, folks, we’ve reached the moment of truth. It’s time to pick the champion of champions for your website dreams.
The truth is, it’s not a knockout but a draw. Why? WordPress vs. Webflow isn’t really about picking the objectively “better” platform — it’s about choosing the one that fits your specific needs and technical comfort level (and the amount of caffeine you’re willing to consume while working on your website).
Our expert on all things web design, Brennan Rooks, says:
“WordPress is super versatile and flexible. Need an online store? Use WooCommerce. Want to boost SEO? There’s Yoast. It’s perfect for content-heavy sites like blogs. For design, tools like Divi and Elementor make it easy to create great-looking sites, but more custom designs might need some backend work.
Webflow, on the other hand, is awesome for designers. It’s all about visual design, letting you see changes in real-time. This makes it great for quick prototyping and unique designs, like portfolios or landing pages. It’s also user-friendly for managing content. While it’s streamlined for design-focused projects, it doesn’t have the same level of flexibility for complex functionalities as WordPress.”
Whatever your choice, fear not because Farinella is here. We have experts who are well-versed in WordPress and Webflow to help you build or maintain your website to achieve your goals and captivate your audience.
