Absolutely! Even in 2026, WordPress remains one of the most popular and flexible website builders around. It powers millions of websites worldwide — from simple personal blogs to big eCommerce stores and corporate sites. Its long-lasting success comes down to three things: flexibility, ease of use, and a massive library of themes and plugins that let you customize your site any way you want.
In this guide, we’ll break down why WordPress continues to be a top choice for building websites. We’ll cover its pros and cons, customization options, and what types of sites it’s best for. We’ll also look at when WordPress might not be the right fit and explore a few solid alternatives.
What Is WordPress?
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) built with PHP and MySQL. Don’t worry if that sounds technical — you can use it with little to no coding skills.
As of 2026, WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet. It started back in 2003 as a simple blogging tool but has grown into a complete website-building platform used by individuals, businesses, and even governments.
WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org — What’s the Difference?
Here’s something that confuses a lot of people: there are actually two versions of WordPress.
- WordPress.com – This is the all-in-one hosted version run by Automattic, the company behind WordPress. It’s super beginner-friendly and great for starting a blog or a simple website without dealing with hosting or installation.
The downside? It’s less flexible — especially on free plans. You’ll have limited control over plugins, themes, and monetization. - WordPress.org – This is the self-hosted version (and what most people mean when they say “WordPress”). You download the software, install it on your web hosting service, and build your site your way.
It gives you complete control — from SEO settings to design, plugins, and monetization options. The tradeoff is that it takes a bit more setup, but the freedom you get is worth it.
Themes and Plugins — The Secret to WordPress’s Power
What really makes WordPress shine is its themes and plugins.
- Plugins are like apps for your website. They add extra features — for example:
- 🛒 WooCommerce turns your site into an online store.
- 📬 Contact Form 7 adds contact forms to your pages.
- 🔍 Yoast SEO helps optimize your site for search engines.
- 🔒 Wordfence protects your site from hackers.
- Themes control your site’s design — everything from colors and fonts to page layout. You can change your site’s entire look without touching the content. Popular themes like Divi make design easy with visual, drag-and-drop tools (no coding needed).
What Types of Websites Can You Build with WordPress?
The short answer: almost anything.
WordPress’s flexibility and huge plugin library make it a great choice for all kinds of websites, including:
- Small Business Sites: Many companies — even big names like Sony Music, Microsoft News, and the White House — use WordPress to power their sites.
- Online Stores: Use WooCommerce and other eCommerce plugins like Barn2 or YITH to sell products, manage inventory, and handle payments.
- Blogs and News Sites: WordPress started as a blogging platform, so it’s no surprise that major outlets like TIME, Reuters, and Wired still rely on it.
- Nonprofits and Charities: Organizations like The Jane Goodall Institute and The Obama Foundation use WordPress to share their mission and accept donations. Plugins like GiveWP and The Events Calendar make that easy.
- Education and Government Websites: Schools and government agencies love WordPress for its scalability and security. Features like WordPress Multisite make it perfect for managing large networks of sites.
How Does WordPress Compare to Other Website Builders?
Let’s see how WordPress stacks up against popular alternatives like Wix, Squarespace, Duda, and Shopify:
- Wix – Great for beginners thanks to its simple drag-and-drop interface. However, it’s more limited when it comes to customization, and costs can add up fast as your site grows.
➤ WordPress offers far more flexibility and long-term scalability. - Squarespace – Known for stunning design templates and easy editing tools. Perfect for creatives, but again, customization is limited compared to WordPress.
➤ WordPress gives you more control over design, features, and SEO. - Duda – A newer builder focused on mobile-friendly and responsive design. It’s easy to use and popular among design agencies.
➤ WordPress, though, offers a larger community, more resources, and nearly endless customization options.
The Bottom Line
If you value flexibility, customization, and scalability, WordPress is still one of the best website builders out there in 2026.
With thousands of themes and plugins, strong SEO tools, and an active community, it’s perfect for everything from a personal blog to a large online store.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your online presence, WordPress gives you the tools to make it happen.
