Wix is a popular website builder that allows users to create and customize their own websites without needing to know how to code. One of the main selling points of Wix is that it offers a free plan, which has attracted millions of users worldwide. However, many people wonder if Wix is really free or if there are hidden costs involved.
So, is Wix really free? The answer is yes but with limitations. There are several problems with the free account that you might want to consider first. This post highlights what you can expect from the free plan, and what can be better when you upgrade to a premium account.
Features of Wix Free Plan
Wix's free plan offers a range of features that allow users to create a basic website without needing to know how to code. Here are some of the key features of the Wix free plan:
Drag-and-drop Website Builder
Wix's drag-and-drop website builder is one of the most popular features of the free plan. It allows users to create a website without needing to know how to code.
Hundreds of Templates and Design Features
Wix offers hundreds of templates and design features that can be customized to suit the user's needs. These templates cover a range of industries and styles, from minimalist portfolios to vibrant e-commerce stores.
Ability to Add Pages, Images, and Videos
Users can add pages, images, and videos to their website with ease. Wix's editor allows users to add new pages, and to customize the layout and design of each page.
Limited Storage and Bandwidth
While the free plan offers a range of features, it does come with some limitations. Users are limited to 500MB of storage and 1GB of bandwidth, which may not be enough for larger websites or those with a lot of traffic.
Limitations of the Wix Free Plan
While the free plan offers a range of features, there are some limitations that users should be aware of. Here are some of the key limitations of the Wix free plan:
Wix Ads Displayed on the Website
One of the main limitations of the free plan is the presence of Wix ads on the website. These ads can be intrusive and may detract from the user experience.
No Custom Domain Name
Users are not able to use a custom domain name with the free plan, which means their website will have a Wix-branded URL (e.g. yourusername.wixsite.com/yoursite). This can make it harder for users to establish themselves online and may make it harder for people to find their website.
Limited Access to Advanced Features
While users can add basic e-commerce functionality with the Wix Stores app, they will not be able to access more advanced features such as abandoned cart recovery or customizable shipping options. Additionally, users are limited to the apps and features available in the free plan, and may not be able to access more advanced features without upgrading to a premium plan.
Limited Storage and Bandwidth
Users are limited to 500MB of storage and 1GB of bandwidth with the free plan, which may not be enough for larger websites or those with a lot of traffic. This means that users may need to upgrade to a premium plan if they want to create a larger website or if they expect a lot of traffic.
Wix Premium Plans
Wix generates revenue by offering a range of premium plans that provide users with more features and resources than the free plan. Here are some of the key features of Wix's premium plans that contribute to the company's earnings:
Wix Website Premium Plans
Website Premium Plans are essential services for individuals and businesses seeking to connect online without eCommerce features, providing custom domain names, increased storage and bandwidth, and advanced design options to meet their unique needs. By catering to this segment, Wix ensures its platform remains versatile and appealing to a broad audience, contributing to the company's growth and revenue.
Here's an overview of their pricing plans:
Connect Domain |
Combo |
Unlimited |
VIP |
|
Price |
$4.50 per month |
$8.50 per month |
$12.50 per month |
$24.50 per month |
Key Features |
Custom Domain Free SSL Certificate 1 Gb Bandwidth 500 Mb Storage Space 4 Lead-capture Forms 10 Fields per Form 24/7 Customer Care |
All Features of Connect Domain Remove Wix Branding 2 Gb Bandwidth 3 Gb Storage Space |
All Features of Combo Unlimited Bandwidth 10 Gb Storage Space 10 Lead-capture Forms 20 Fields per Form Visitor Analytics App |
All Features of Unlimited 35 Gb Storage Space 75 Lead-capture Forms 75 Fields per Form Priority Customer Care |
Best For |
Ideal for personal use and small portfolios |
Suitable for entrepreneurs and freelancers |
Tailored for complete online branding and increased functionality |
Prioritizes customer support and provides the most comprehensive features |
Wix eCommerce Plans
Wix eCommerce, part of the Business & eCommerce Plans, caters to online businesses with features like secure online payments, customizable shipping, and sales analytics. It enables effective management of online operations while providing a seamless shopping experience for customers.
Here's an overview of their pricing plans:
Business Basic |
Business Unlimited |
Business VIP |
|
Price |
$23.00 per month |
$27.00 per month |
$49.00 per month |
Key Features |
Online Store Capabilities Free Domain for 1 year Unlimited Bandwidth 20GB Storage Accept Online Payments Wix Ads Removal |
All Features of Business Basic 35GB Storage Professional Logo Files Visitor Analytics Priority Support |
All Features of Business Unlimited 50GB Storage VIP Support Response Priority Customer Support |
Best For |
Businesses with a moderate product range and sales volume |
Businesses aiming for increased customization and branding |
Businesses with high sales volume and those prioritizing customer service and support |
Conclusion: Is Wix Really Free?
While Wix does offer a free plan with limited features and Wix-branded ads, the platform provides a range of prices that cater to the diverse needs of individuals and businesses. These plans come with essential tools such as custom domain names, increased storage and bandwidth, and access to advanced design options, allowing users to establish themselves online.
Wix's eCommerce plans further provide businesses with secure online payments, customizable shipping options, and comprehensive sales analytics, enabling them to effectively manage their online operations. So, is Wix really free? The answer is yes, but also no. While users can create and publish a website without paying anything, they will have to put up with Wix-branded ads and limited features. In such cases, upgrading to a premium plan is necessary to access the features and resources required to succeed online.
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