Squarespace vs Wix vs WordPress vs Shopify: accessibility compared
Which website builders make accessibility easier, and the most common issues we see on each platform.
Every major platform can produce an accessible site, and every one can produce an inaccessible one. The differences are in defaults and how much control you have.
Squarespace
Clean templates with reasonable structure. Common issues: low-contrast template colour themes, image blocks without alt text, and social icons. Code access is limited to custom CSS and code injection.
Wix
Has a built-in Accessibility Wizard. Common issues: free-positioned elements whose reading order doesn't match the visual layout, text baked into images, and low contrast on strips with background images.
WordPress
The most control. Results depend heavily on the theme and plugins; the theme directory's “Accessibility Ready” tag helps. Common issues: page-builder plugins that add extra markup, unlabeled form plugins, and removed focus outlines.
Shopify
The default Dawn theme has had significant accessibility work done on it. Common issues: icon-only cart and search buttons, product images without alt text, and third-party app widgets.
Bottom line
Platform choice matters less than content habits: alt text, contrast, labels and headings. See our platform guides: Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, Shopify.
Related guides
- Free website accessibility checkers compared
- Accessible links and buttons: fix “click here” and empty icon links
- Free ADA website checker: what a free scan can (and can't) tell you
- Restaurant website accessibility: menus, ordering and reservations
This guide is general technical information, not legal advice. Following it does not certify ADA or any legal compliance. Automated checks find only part of accessibility barriers.
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