If you’ve looked into website builders, you’ve likely come across Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow. All three offer no-code solutions and visual editors, but when it comes to design freedom, scalability, and professional results - Webflow stands in a league of its own.
This post will break down the key differences and show why Webflow is the smart choice for businesses that want more than just a pretty template.
1. Design Flexibility: Break Free from Templates
Webflow:
- Full creative control - every pixel is customisable
- Design truly unique layouts, not just colour tweaks on a template
- Build responsive designs visually, without relying on code
Wix & Squarespace:
- Rely heavily on pre-set templates
- Limited control over structure and layout without custom code
- Can feel restrictive as your brand grows
Verdict: Webflow wins for serious design freedom and long-term scalability.
2. Custom Animations and Interactions
Webflow:
- Built-in interactions panel for scroll, hover, click, and page-load animations
- Create dynamic, engaging websites with no third-party scripts
- Ideal for modern, high-end experiences
Wix & Squarespace:
- Basic transitions and animations only
- No timeline-based control or advanced triggers
- Requires external tools or developer hacks for complex effects
Verdict: If you want your site to feel alive, Webflow is unmatched.
3. CMS Capabilities
Webflow CMS:
- Custom collections for blogs, case studies, team members, services, and more
- Build custom templates and layouts that update dynamically
- Ideal for content-heavy sites and fast scaling
Wix & Squarespace:
- CMS functionality exists, but it’s not as flexible or developer-friendly
- Often tied to blog-only structures or eCommerce
- Limited dynamic layout options
Verdict: Webflow offers far more flexibility for growing content and teams.
4. Performance and Hosting
Webflow:
- Powered by Amazon Web Services and Fastly CDN
- Built-in SSL, caching, and global delivery
- Lightning-fast loading speeds and strong Core Web Vitals
Wix & Squarespace:
- Shared hosting environments
- Slower performance on larger or media-heavy sites
- Limited optimisation control
Verdict: For performance-critical sites, Webflow is the clear winner.
5. SEO Power
Webflow:
- Full control over meta titles, descriptions, slugs, and Open Graph
- Clean code and semantic structure
- Built-in tools - no plugins needed
Wix & Squarespace:
- Basic SEO tools available
- Rely on templates or preset fields
- Harder to optimise for complex SEO needs
Verdict: Webflow gives SEO specialists more power - straight out of the box.
6. Developer-Friendly (When Needed)
Webflow:
- Clean, exportable code
- Integrates with APIs, third-party tools, and Webflow Logic
- Use custom code when needed (without breaking the visual editor)
Wix & Squarespace:
- Not built for developers
- Limited access to code or backend structure
- Custom functionality often requires workarounds
Verdict: Webflow supports low-code and pro-code workflows, giving you the best of both worlds.
7. Long-Term Growth
Webflow:
- Grows with your business
- From simple brochure sites to full product directories, portals, and apps
- Perfect for teams needing ongoing flexibility
Wix & Squarespace:
- Good for solo users or static websites
- Limitations appear as soon as your content, design, or traffic needs increase
- Often results in a costly rebuild down the line
Verdict: Webflow is ideal for growing businesses that want future-proof control.
Who Should Still Consider Wix or Squarespace?
- Individuals needing a simple portfolio or landing page
- Users who want a plug-and-play website in an hour
- Businesses not planning to scale or evolve their digital presence
But for anyone serious about branding, performance, SEO, and growth, Webflow is the better long-term investment.
Build It Right with 3SIX5 Digital
We’ve helped dozens of businesses make the leap from Wix or Squarespace to a powerful, scalable Webflow site that reflects their brand and empowers their team.
Whether you’re launching from scratch or rebuilding a limited site - we can help you create something that works harder and grows with you.
Ready to upgrade your online presence? Let’s chat →
