Choosing Between Webflow and Traditional Web Builders
Published on 2/12/2026
When to use Webflow vs WordPress, Squarespace, or custom code—and how to decide based on your needs.
Webflow and traditional builders (WordPress, Squarespace, Wix) serve different needs. Webflow's 2024 report highlights growth in visual-first development. This guide compares strengths, trade-offs, and when to switch to custom code.
Webflow: design-first and developer-friendly
Webflow offers pixel-perfect control, clean semantic export, and powerful interactions and animations. No plugins needed for many use cases. Suits agencies, designers, and teams who value design control. Export is possible for migration. See CSS animation best practices and web design inspiration.
WordPress and Squarespace: ecosystem vs. simplicity
WordPress powers 43% of the web—huge plugin ecosystem, low cost, wide hosting. Best for blogs, e-commerce, and content-heavy sites. Squarespace is the easiest for non-technical users; limited customization. Wix offers drag-and-drop with mixed results. Compare no-code platforms for a full view.
When to choose custom code
When builders can't deliver—custom logic, performance, scale—use Next.js or custom code. Hybrid approaches: Webflow for marketing pages, Next.js for app. See web development services and UI design tools.