⚠ Key Concerns

Wix uses a completely proprietary format. There is no way to export your website design to HTML, CSS, or any standard format. If you decide to leave Wix, you must rebuild your entire site from scratch on another platform. This creates significant vendor lock-in.

Score Breakdown by Category

How Wix's terms rate across my evaluation categories.

📦 Data Portability (30%) 25/100

Why this score: Wix's proprietary format means zero code export capability. You can export blog posts and some content as XML, but your site design, layouts, and styling cannot be transferred. Per their Terms of Use, the platform owns the rendering technology.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 60/100 (code export) | Squarespace: 40/100 (XML export) | Carrd: 35/100 (limited) | Category avg: 40/100

🌐 Domain & Hosting Control (25%) 35/100

Why this score: Domains purchased through Wix have 60-day transfer locks and complicated transfer processes. Many users report "domain hostage" situations where transferring takes weeks. Hosting is bundled and cannot be separated from the builder.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 50/100 (easier transfers) | Squarespace: 45/100 (some restrictions) | Carrd: 55/100 (BYO domain) | Category avg: 46/100

💰 Pricing Transparency (20%) 38/100

Why this score: Wix heavily promotes discounted first-year pricing, but renewal rates jump significantly. The pricing page emphasizes promotional rates while full pricing is harder to find. Automatic renewal is on by default with narrow cancellation windows.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 45/100 (complex tiers) | Squarespace: 50/100 (clearer) | Carrd: 70/100 (simple pricing) | Category avg: 51/100

🔒 Content Ownership (15%) 50/100

Why this score: You retain ownership of your content (text, images you upload). However, Wix retains rights to templates, design elements, and the overall structure. The broad license grant allows Wix to use your content for promotional purposes.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 55/100 | Squarespace: 50/100 | Carrd: 55/100 | Category avg: 53/100

👁 Account & Termination (10%) 45/100

Why this score: Wix can terminate accounts for ToS violations with limited appeal options. Your site goes offline immediately upon termination. Data recovery after termination is not guaranteed.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 50/100 | Squarespace: 48/100 | Carrd: 50/100 | Category avg: 48/100

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

These provisions in Wix's terms create the most risk for users.

No Way to Export Site in Portable Format

High Risk

Wix sites are built using proprietary technology that cannot be exported to HTML, CSS, or any standard web format. Your entire site design is locked to the platform permanently.

"Wix proprietary content... may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, or transferred in any manner." Wix Terms of Use

Domain Transfer Complications

High Risk

Domains purchased through Wix have 60-day transfer locks and require multiple verification steps. Users report weeks-long delays and support ticket escalations to complete transfers.

"Domain transfers are subject to registry requirements and may take up to 7 days... additional restrictions may apply." Wix Domain Terms

Automatic Renewal and Price Increases

High Risk

Plans auto-renew at full price (not promotional rates). Cancellation must happen before the renewal date, and refunds after renewal are at Wix's discretion.

"Your Premium Plan will automatically renew... at the then-current renewal price." Wix Premium Plans Terms

Content Ownership in Templates

High Risk

While you own your content, the template structure, design elements, and apps remain Wix property. You cannot take your site's look and feel with you.

"Wix templates, designs, and site components are Wix proprietary materials and may not be used outside the Wix platform." Wix Terms of Use

SEO Data Loss on Migration

Medium Risk

Leaving Wix means losing your URL structure, 301 redirects, and accumulated SEO value. Google rankings built over years can drop significantly post-migration.

"URL structures are managed by the Wix platform... custom URL patterns are limited to platform capabilities." Wix SEO Documentation

Third-Party App Dependencies

Medium Risk

Wix App Market integrations are platform-specific. Data stored in these apps may not be exportable, creating additional lock-in beyond the core website.

"Third-party applications are provided under separate terms... data portability varies by application." Wix App Market Terms

Analysis

"Wix represents the extreme end of vendor lock-in in the website builder space. The platform's ease of use comes at a significant cost: you cannot take your work with you. This isn't just inconvenient - it's a fundamental business risk.

For small businesses and entrepreneurs, building on Wix means your digital presence is essentially rented, not owned. Every hour spent perfecting your site's design is an investment you cannot recover if you outgrow the platform or want to switch providers.

My recommendation: if you must use Wix, keep excellent documentation of your content, maintain original versions of all images, and have a migration plan from day one. Better yet, consider platforms with real export capabilities like Webflow, or traditional CMS solutions that you truly control."

Wix Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Wix Migration Issues?

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

No Way to Export Site in Portable Format

Domain Transfer Complications

Automatic Renewal and Price Increases

Content Ownership in Templates

SEO Data Loss on Migration

Third-Party App Dependencies

Analysis

Need Help With Wix?

Schedule a Consultation

Wix Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Wix Migration Issues?

Related Resources

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

No Way to Export Site in Portable Format

Domain Transfer Complications

Automatic Renewal and Price Increases

Content Ownership in Templates

SEO Data Loss on Migration

Third-Party App Dependencies

Analysis

Need Help With Wix?

Schedule a Consultation