Wix alternatives: 5 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
Website, ecommerce, CRM and business apps in one free suite; bookings and AI polish are less straightforward.
licenseLGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installUse Odoo's packaged installer, source install or Docker image, backed by PostgreSQL
dataBusiness and website records in PostgreSQL; uploaded attachments in Odoo's filestore
the catch vs WixOdoo's website builder, templates, bookings and AI assistance are less polished and approachable than Wix's, while the suite is far more complex.
setupA production deployment needs PostgreSQL, workers/reverse proxy configuration, backups and ongoing administration of a very large suite
facts verified 2026-08-10
Drag-and-drop websites and ecommerce with a real installer; the app market is smaller and the server is yours.
licenseMIT
runsyour machine or their cloud
installHosted signup, or upload the PHP package to a web host and complete its browser installer
dataSite content and settings in a supported SQL database; images and other uploads in server storage
the catch vs WixMicroweber has a much smaller app and template ecosystem and none of Wix's managed AI-and-operations convenience.
setupSelf-hosting needs compatible PHP extensions, URL rewriting, a database and correct filesystem permissions
facts verified 2026-08-10
The universal site platform with themes, plugins and an editor; bookings and commerce mean choosing more plugins.
licenseGPL-2.0+
runsyour server
installUse a host's one-click installer or upload WordPress and connect it to MySQL/MariaDB
dataPosts, users, settings and metadata in SQL; themes, plugins and media in wp-content on the server filesystem
the catch vs WixWordPress does not bundle Wix's managed AI, app marketplace, bookings, commerce and support; reproducing them means choosing and maintaining plugins.
setupThe reader must choose hosting, domain, theme and plugins, then own security, backups and updates
facts verified 2026-08-10
A visual CMS, forms, blog, shop and extensions in one install; AI hand-holding and managed operations are gone.
licenseAGPL-3.0+
runsyour server
installDownload and upload the PHP release, open the site URL, and complete the browser installer
dataContent, products, orders and settings in MySQL/MariaDB, SQLite or PostgreSQL; media and downloadable files on the server filesystem
the catch vs WixVvveb has a far smaller extension/template ecosystem and no Wix-style managed AI, bookings or operational hand-holding.
setupPHP hosting, a database, writable files, mail and payment configuration, plus ongoing server updates
facts verified 2026-08-10
A hosted site, unlimited-product store and solo booking system free; design freedom and country coverage are narrower.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installCreate a Square account and website from Square Dashboard
dataCatalog, site content, customers, orders and payments in Square's managed cloud
the catch vs WixSquare Online offers much narrower design freedom and app coverage than Wix and locks checkout and availability to Square's supported markets.
setupA verified Square business account in a supported country is required, and checkout remains tied to Square
facts verified 2026-08-10
latest recorded source check 2026-08-10 · check current terms at the source
GrapesJSA library used to build visual editors, not a Wix replacement a normal person can sign up for.
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odoo Community | LGPL-3.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 53,527 | 2026-08 |
| Microweber | MIT | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 3,431 | 2026-08 |
| WordPress | GPL-2.0+ | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 3,400 | 2026-08 |
| Vvveb | AGPL-3.0+ | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 1,200 | 2026-08 |
| Square Online | proprietary, free | they host it | web | — | — |
They pay because one website project tends to become ten maintenance requests. The recorded subscription totals $348 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Wix?
Yes: Odoo Community, Microweber, WordPress and 2 more. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own Wix?
Our verdict is KINDA. A custom site is buildable; Wix as a platform includes editor, templates, apps, ecommerce/bookings, hosting, domains, and a huge long-tail feature surface. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Wix build guide.
