Wix vs. GoDaddy: Which is Better For Your Business in 2023?

Wix

Ease of Use

Wix makes it incredibly easy to begin not only creating your website but managing it as well. Offering a domain name, website hosting package, apps, and software all in the same place, Wix keeps it convenient for its users.

Wix has also perfected the art of the drag-and-drop editor. This makes adding elements to your site an absolute breeze, taking the confusion and stress out of wondering how it will all look by giving you complete control.

The only drawbacks in the area are that once you have your template, you can’t switch it for a different one. This can make functionality changes in the future a bit difficult. However, it’s still incredibly easy to use and even a true beginner will find this platform intuitive and useful.

Be sure to check out our Wix Review to learn more.

Pricing

Wix makes things just a bit complicated here by offering two categories of hosting plans: Website Plans and Business & Ecommerce Plans. Only Business & Ecommerce Plans offer any ecommerce features, making the Website Plans best for individuals and entrepreneurs not needing online transactions.

Website Plans

Business & Ecommerce Plans

Find the right plan for you by reading our Wix Pricing and Plans guide.

Pros

• Intuitive and easy to use.
• Wix offers a free version that still provides many features.
• The drag-and-drop functionality offers a true sense of control.
• With more than 800 templates, there’s a perfect fit for your business.
• Includes appointment booking, ecommerce, and membership features at all Business & Ecommerce Plan tiers.

Cons

• Wix hasn’t completely worked out its mobile capabilities, so not all sites will be viewed well on mobile devices.
• Wix websites can take a while to load.

Ecommerce

To be able to accept payments or sell items you must have a Wix Business & Ecommerce Plan. There are several pricing tiers for these plans and, through them, users can create customer accounts, offer payment plans, subscription services, and more. Third-party payment operators like PayPal are accepted, or you can use Wix Payments with a slight transaction fee. However, there are limitations to the Wix ecommerce platform. To fully research its offerings, check out our Wix review.

Templates and Themes

With more than 800 templates available, Wix has something for almost any type of business. With features for restaurants, service-based businesses like gyms, or any type of ecommerce store, it has a template to fit your needs. However, choose your template wisely, as you will not be able to swap it out in the future. Of course, any template you choose can be modified to your liking using the Wix website builder.

Wix also falters with offering a clean and synchronized mobile version of your website. Options that are desktop-only are hard to hide, meaning customers using a mobile device may experience some frustration or general clunkiness when interacting with your site.

Apps and Plugins

Wix has a library full of over 300 handy apps to add functionality to your site. Some of these are free, some offer a range of limited to premium functionality, depending on price. Although this won’t be the most complete collection of apps available, Wix still offers useful features to fit the needs of its customers. Be sure to read the reviews as well, as not all of its apps come highly recommended.

See what Wix can do for your small business. Get started with Wix for free and upgrade whenever you're ready.

GoDaddy

Ease of Use

GoDaddy has truly streamlined the sign-up process for its users. Within just five minutes of signing up, you can have a functioning business website with most of the necessary pages, your logo, and both desktop and mobile capability. Read our GoDaddy review for an in-depth explanation of how quick and easy it truly is.

Whether you have experience with website builders or are a complete beginner, it is still quick and easy to fill out the survey they provide to find the best template for you and your business. It’s clear that GoDaddy has really done its best to make things efficient and intuitive for users of all levels.

Although, some perfectionists may find the GoDaddy website builder tool doesn’t give them enough freedom to place things exactly where they want them. This can lead to extended time trying to organize your site’s layout.

Pricing

As mentioned earlier, only the GoDaddy Ecommerce plan has any point of sale capability. However, all GoDaddy plans offer an amazing value at competitive pricing tiers.

Read our GoDaddy Pricing and Plans article to find the right fit for your business.

Pros

• If endless customization stresses you out, GoDaddy is a great way to get started with accessible basics.
• You can have a working website up and running in fewer than five minutes.
• GoDaddy provides powerful search engine optimization, marking tools, and social media postings at almost any plan tier.

Cons

• If endless customization is your jam, you may find yourself underwhelmed at the lack of complete design control.
• Your business may grow out of what GoDaddy has to offer, although it’s always possible that down the road they will have more options for you.

Ecommerce

There is only one plan with GoDaddy that offers ecommerce capabilities and it is the GoDaddy Ecommerce Plan. Before signing up for any plan, you can easily use these ecommerce features to perfect your website, add product listings, and select your payment and shipping options, all for free. When you’re ready to begin your GoDaddy Ecommerce Plan, these functions will be fully operational and ready for you at a competitive price. Since GoDaddy only has one plan with ecommerce capabilities, it makes sure to pack everything in for you, providing the absolute most value and functionality.

Templates and Themes

GoDaddy also offers drag-and-drop functionality, making it very user friendly. It offers all the tools you need to adjust the theme, layout, and structure of your website to suit your needs. However, its website builder tool can feel a bit restrictive— certain heading and font sizes are not alterable, and there’s no “undo” button.

Changing and adding text, images, or pages is as easy as a click of your mouse. And GoDaddy also offers options like adding a menu for your restaurant or Zillow listings for realtors. Although, having this many options can make you feel either on top of the world or overwhelmed pretty easily. To keep on track, it’s always handy to read up on our guide for building your website.

Apps and Plugins

GoDaddy actually doesn’t offer any apps or plugins, since most everything a small business owner would need is built into its platform service. Showing how well GoDaddy understands its users, the tools it offers will cater to the majority of small businesses. These tools are offered as sections you can add to your pages. Whereas it may not have everything, what it does offer could be the perfect fit for your business, taking out the hassle of having to connect apps or deal with a third party.