As an e-commerce website development company, we understand the importance of choosing the right website builder for your small business. With Wix's recent introduction of Wix Studio in late 2023, many small business owners wonder which platform better suits their needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the differences between Wix and Wix Studio to help you make an informed decision.
1. What is Wix?
Wix is a well-established website builder platform empowering businesses and individuals to create professional websites since 2006. According to recent statistics from BuiltWith, over 3.8 million live websites currently use Wix, making it one of the most popular website builders globally.
The platform's core strength lies in its comprehensive website creation and management tool suite. At its foundation, Wix provides robust website hosting services and seamless domain registration capabilities.
The platform excels in mobile optimization, ensuring your website looks perfect across all devices. Its built-in SEO tools help businesses improve online visibility, while its extensive eCommerce capabilities enable smooth online selling operations. The Wix App Market further extends functionality through numerous integrations, and the platform's built-in security features ensure your website remains protected against common threats.
Wix service's keys to take away:
Website hosting
Domain registration
Mobile optimization
SEO tools
eCommerce capabilities
App market integration
Built-in security features
2. What is Wix Studio?
Wix Studio is a new professional platform launched by Wix specifically designed for web design agencies and freelancers. According to Wix's official announcement, Wix Studio represents a significant evolution in the company's product lineup, focusing on advanced design capabilities and improved workflow management for professionals.
Wix Studio takes professional web development to the next level with its comprehensive suite of advanced features. The platform introduces sophisticated design system management tools that allow for consistent branding across multiple projects.
Its enhanced team collaboration features facilitate seamless workflow between team members, while professional-grade development capabilities enable more complex website functionality.
The platform excels in streamlined client management, making it easier to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
The custom brand kit creation tools ensure brand consistency across all designs, and the advanced code capabilities give developers the flexibility they need for custom solutions.
Wix Studio service's keys to take away:
Advanced design system management
Enhanced team collaboration tools
Professional-grade development features
Streamlined client management
Custom brand kit creation
Advanced code capabilities
3. Wix vs Wix Studio: Which Wix Website Builder Is More Suitable for Your Business?
The choice between Wix and Wix Studio depends on your specific business needs and technical expertise:
Choose Wix if:
You're a small business owner managing your website
You need a cost-effective solution
You want a quick website launch
You have limited technical knowledge
You don't need advanced customization options
You're working alone or with a small team
Choose Wix Studio if:
You're a web design professional or an agency
You manage multiple client websites
You need advanced design and development features
You require sophisticated team collaboration tools
You want to create custom design systems
You need professional-grade client management tools
4. Wix vs Wix Studio: General Comparison
Before going into a detailed comparison, let's review some basic differences between Wix and Wix Studio:
Feature Category | Wix | Wix Studio |
|---|---|---|
Target Users | Individual business owners, beginners | Professional agencies, developers |
Design Capabilities | Basic drag-and-drop, limited customization | Advanced design systems, full customization |
Technical Features | Basic coding, standard hosting | Full code access, advanced development tools |
Team Collaboration | Limited | Comprehensive team management |
Client Management | Basic | Advanced with multiple client support |
Pricing Range | $17 - 159/month | $12 - 149+/month |
Learning Curve | Low | Moderate to High |
Development Speed | Quick for simple sites | Efficient for complex projects |
Customization Level | Moderate | Extensive |
SEO Capabilities | Basic | Advanced |
5. Wix vs Wix Studio: Detail Comparison
5.1. User Interface
Wix User Interface: The traditional Wix platform offers an intuitive drag-and-drop editor that makes website creation accessible to users of all skill levels. Its What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get interface allows for real-time visual editing, while the beginner-friendly design tools simplify the website creation. The mobile editor ensures your site looks great on all devices, and the Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) feature can quickly generate a website based on your preferences.
Wix User Interface’s keys to take away:
Intuitive drag-and-drop editor
What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) interface
Beginner-friendly design tools
Mobile editor
ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) for quick website creation
Wix Studio User Interface: Wix Studio elevates the user experience with a professional-grade design interface that caters to experienced developers and designers. The advanced layout controls offer precise positioning and alignment options, while the multi-device preview feature ensures perfect rendering across all devices. Custom workspace settings allow teams to optimize their workflow, and the enhanced grid system provides precise control over layout and design elements.
Wix Studio User Interface’s keys to take away:
Professional-grade design interface
Advanced layout controls
Multi-device preview
Custom workspace settings
Enhanced grid system
Looking for real examples of what Wix Studio can do? Check out our recent projects:
5.2. Design Capabilities
Wix Design Capabilities: Wix provides access to over 900 pre-designed templates that serve as excellent starting points for any website project.
While the customization options are more basic compared to Wix Studio, they're sufficient for most small business needs. The platform includes standard animation effects to add visual interest to your pages, and the responsive design controls ensure your site adapts to different screen sizes.
Wix Design Capabilities’s keys to take away:
900+ pre-designed templates
Basic customization options
Limited design system management
Standard animation effects
Basic responsive design controls
Wix Studio Design Capabilities: The platform enables the creation of sophisticated custom design systems that maintain consistency across multiple projects. The advanced component library facilitates reusable design elements, while global style management ensures brand consistency. Custom animations add professional polish, and precise responsive design controls guarantee perfect display across all devices.
Wix Studio Design Capabilities’s keys to take away:
Custom design system creation
Advanced component library
Global style management
Custom animations
Precise responsive design controls
Not sure which template fits your business? Browse our available Wix Studio templates and schedule a free consultation with our experts to find your perfect match!
5.3. Business Features
Wix Business Features: The platform comes equipped with essential business tools, including basic SEO features for improving your search engine visibility.
Standard analytics help you track your website's performance, while simple booking systems facilitate appointment scheduling. The basic eCommerce capabilities enable online selling, and email marketing tools help you stay connected with your customers. Client management features, while basic, provide the essential tools needed for small business operations.
Wix Business Features’s keys to take away:
Basic SEO tools
Standard analytics
Simple booking systems
Basic eCommerce capabilities
Email marketing tools
Basic client management
Wix Studio Business Features: Wix Studio's advanced SEO tools provide comprehensive optimization capabilities for better search engine rankings.
The platform offers detailed analytics for tracking website performance and user behavior. Multiple team member access simplifies collaboration, while advanced client management features streamline project handling. Professional asset management tools keep your design resources organized and accessible.
Wix Studio Business Features’s keys to take away:
Advanced SEO tools
Comprehensive analytics
Multiple team member access
Advanced client management
Custom branding options
Professional asset management
5.4. Technical Aspects
Wix Technical Aspects While Wix offers limited coding capabilities, it provides enough flexibility for basic customization. The platform includes standard database management features and reliable hosting services. Security features protect your website from common threats, and while API access is limited, it's sufficient for most small business needs.
Wix Technical Aspects’s keys to take away:
Limited coding capabilities
Basic database management
Standard hosting features
Basic security features
Limited API access
Wix Studio Technical Aspects Developers have full access to CSS and JavaScript, enabling complete control over website functionality. Custom code integration allows for advanced features and functionality, while advanced database management supports complex data structures. Enhanced security features protect sensitive information, and comprehensive API development tools enable custom integrations.
Wix Studio Technical Aspects’s keys to take away:
Full CSS and JavaScript access
Custom code integration
Advanced database management
Enhanced security features
API development tools
5.5. Pricing Plan
The platform offers a free plan with basic features and Wix branding:
Paid plans start with the Light Plan at $17/month, ideal for personal websites.
The Core at $29/month offers expanded features for growing businesses.
The Business plan at $36/month provides more Marketing and eCommerce features.
The Business Elite at $159/month adds more advanced features.
Wix Studio offers flexible pricing plans to suit different business needs:
The Basic plan at $12/month helps businesses build their online brands with essential features.
The Standard plan at $20/month enables online payment acceptance with expanded capabilities.
The Plus plan at $32/month focuses on lead capture and sales growth with advanced marketing tools.
The Elite plan at $149/month provides unlimited storage and custom analytics for scaling businesses.
The Enterprise plan offers unlimited features and custom solutions for large-scale businesses (custom pricing).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer Wix to Wix Studio?
No, currently direct migration from Wix to Wix Studio is not available.
Wix Studio is designed as a separate platform for professional web developers and agencies, using different architecture and features from traditional Wix.
However, as your trusted ecommerce website development company, we can help rebuild your existing Wix website in Wix Studio, preserving your brand identity while upgrading to more professional features and capabilities.
How much does it cost to build a website with Wix Studio?
The cost of building a website with Wix Studio involves two main components: the platform subscription and professional development services.
While Wix Studio's plans start at $17/month, the total cost of your website will depend on your specific requirements, design complexity, and custom features needed.
As professional web developers, we offer tailored packages that include both Wix Studio subscription management and expert development services. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your business needs.
Do I need technical knowledge to use Wix Studio?
Yes, Wix Studio requires more technical expertise compared to traditional Wix. It's designed for professional web developers and designers who understand advanced web development concepts, design systems, and custom coding.
If you're a business owner without a technical background but interested in Wix Studio's capabilities, we recommend working with a professional web development agency to make the most of the platform's advanced features.
Conclusion
For most small businesses managing their websites, traditional Wix Website Builder offers the perfect balance of features, ease of use, and affordability.
However, consider consulting with a professional web development agency to ensure you're making the most of your chosen platform's capabilities.
Our team of Wix experts is here to help you choose and implement the perfect solution for your business. Contact us today for a free consultation on your website project. Let's build something extraordinary together!
