Is Wix Free? A Balanced Look at Features and Pricing

Wix is a popular platform that allows users to create websites, but a common question often arises—does it cost anything?

The answer is both yes and no. Wix offers a free plan that gives users access to its platform, but also offers several paid plans designed to unlock additional features.

This guide will examine what is included in each plan, breaking down their features, pricing, and limitations, so you can decide which option works best for your needs.

What Does Wix’s Free Plan Offer?

Wix’s free plan allows users to build and publish a website without any upfront costs. This entry-level plan includes the following features:

1. Up to 500MB of storage and 1GB of bandwidth.
2. Access to a library of over 2,000 customizable templates, offering layouts for various industries including eCommerce, construction, and creative portfolios. 
3. Basic design options, such as custom color palettes, vector art, and a library of media resources like images and videos. 
4. Built-in business tools, including SEO functionalities, a content management system (CMS), and email marketing tools. 
5. Free hosting services and automatic SSL certificates for secure browsing.
6. Access to the Wix App Market, where users can add functionalities like forms, galleries, and social media integrations. Many apps are free. 
7. Websites are automatically mobile-optimized, plus users can create a free members-only app for their site. 
8. Access to an extensive help center for support. 

While the free plan helps users get started, it comes with some limitations, which we’ll discuss next.

What Are the Limitations of the Free Plan?

Though the free plan can be sufficient for personal projects or early-stage ventures, it has notable drawbacks:

• Limited bandwidth and storage: Users may face challenges if their site attracts high traffic or requires substantial media files. 
• Branded domain: Free websites use a Wix-provided URL (e.g., username.wixsite.com/sitename), which may look unprofessional for businesses aiming to establish credibility. 
• Wix branding: Ads promoting Wix appear on websites created under the free plan. 
• No eCommerce functionalities: Payment processing and online store capabilities are only available on paid plans. 
• Restricted integrations: Analytics tools like Google Analytics are not accessible on the free plan. 

For users needing more advanced features or looking to build a professional online presence, Wix offers paid plans. Below is an overview of these plans and their features.

Comparison of Wix’s Paid Plans

Wix’s paid subscriptions are available at various price points, tailored to meet different needs. All paid plans include options to connect a custom domain, remove Wix ads, and access enhanced support. 

Key Features of Paid Plans

1. Custom Domain Name: All premium plans allow users to connect or purchase a personalized domain name. 
2. Ad Removal: Paid plans remove the Wix ads present on free websites. 
3. Expanded Storage and Bandwidth: Higher-tier plans support larger sites and allow greater traffic. 
4. ECommerce Tools: Starting with the Core plan, users can accept payments and set up online stores. 
5. Additional Collaborators: Team members can contribute to the website with permissions that fit their roles. 

Choosing a Paid Plan 

When considering upgrading, it’s important to evaluate the features you’ll need. For example:

• Small businesses may find the Core plan ideal, because it balances cost with essential tools like custom domains and eCommerce functionality. 
• Growing businesses that need advanced operations or a plan for significant traffic might benefit from the Business plan. 
• Large-scale operations seeking advanced eCommerce, marketing tools, and collaboration should consider Business Elite. 

Who Should Use the Free Plan?

The free plan can be a great starting point for individuals or groups who:

• Want to test an idea or prototype a project. 
• Are students creating portfolio websites, artists posting personal galleries, or community groups sharing information. 
• Require a temporary or non-professional website, such as a personal blog or event page. 

This makes it valuable not only for personal projects, but also for those evaluating Wix’s capabilities before committing to a paid plan.

When Should You Opt for a Paid Plan?

For those planning to grow or run a professional operation, the paid plans unlock functionality essential for scalability. Some scenarios that often require a paid plan include:

• Launching a professional business: Users aiming to build a credible website with a custom domain won’t want to rely on a branded URL. 
• Opening an online store: Accepting payments and managing e-commerce functionality are critical features included only in paid subscriptions. 
• Building a long-term brand: Ads often hamper branding efforts from a free plan. 
• Handling high traffic: Expanding storage and bandwidth ensures smooth visitor experiences as a website scales. 

Users can upgrade seamlessly without losing existing work, ensuring a smooth transition whenever a paid plan becomes necessary.20