I’ve worked with WordPress for years, but lately, even I’ve started questioning if it’s still the right platform for most users, especially small business owners, non-tech users, or those simply wanting an easy, efficient website solution.
In 2026, more people are leaving WordPress than ever before. Why? Because the platform, once praised for its flexibility, now feels outdated, bloated, and overwhelming.
From performance issues to poor support, WordPress is struggling to keep up with modern expectations.
Here’s the short version of why users are moving away:
- Poor performance caused by bloated themes and excessive plugins
- Increasing security risks
- A confusing block editor (Gutenberg) with a steep learning curve
- Unexpected costs and maintenance requirements
- Better, easier alternatives now exist
Let’s explore the deeper reasons behind this shift.
Is WordPress Slowing Businesses Down in 2026?
Website speed is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. In 2026, Google’s algorithms and user expectations prioritise performance, and this is where WordPress often falls flat.
Over the years, WordPress has become increasingly dependent on third-party themes and plugins. While this once made it a highly customisable platform, today it results in bloated code, slow load times, and compatibility issues. Pages can take several seconds to load, especially on mobile, a clear SEO and UX problem.
What used to be a lightweight CMS now struggles under the weight of over-engineered templates and outdated plugin architecture. Sites built with page builders like Elementor or WPBakery, for example, often have dozens of extra scripts loading with every page. And unless you’re a developer or pay someone to fix it, these issues persist.
Milos Surlan Ilic (RS) – “ABSOLUTELY THE WORST!! It’s impossible to work with, even with the simpliest, beginners themes. It’s build extremely unintuitive. It will make you frustrated and 100% to give up having your own website.”
The consequence? Businesses lose visitors, search rankings, and ultimately, sales.
Why Are People Leaving WordPress?
The mass exodus from WordPress isn’t a mystery, it’s a response to years of compounding frustrations. For many, the platform no longer feels worth the effort. Whether it’s small business owners in the UK or entrepreneurs abroad, people are looking for website platforms that just work.
In the last year alone, WordPress’s market share has shown signs of decline, particularly among non-technical users. Why? Because other platforms now offer easier, faster, and more secure ways to get online.
Let’s break this down:
Issue WordPress Modern Alternatives
Ease of Use Requires technical knowledge or plugins Drag-and-drop builders, intuitive UX
Performance Often slow due to plugin bloat Streamlined and optimised out of the box
Security High risk without proper configuration Built-in protection and automatic updates
Support Forum-based, inconsistent Live chat, onboarding, 24/7 assistance
Cost Free" but costly when scaled Transparent pricing models
This growing dissatisfaction is clear in reviews and forums, especially among those who feel left behind by WordPress’s increasingly complex interface.
Has WordPress Become Too Risky to Host Securely?
Security is one of WordPress’s biggest liabilities. Because it’s open-source and relies heavily on third-party plugins, it’s a prime target for hackers. And if you don’t stay on top of updates, you’re likely exposing your site to vulnerabilities.
Even one outdated plugin can be an entry point for malware or ransomware. Managed hosting helps, but it’s an added cost and still requires user vigilance. Unlike modern website builders that offer built-in security and automatic patches, WordPress puts the burden on the user.
The Artisan’s Touch UK (GB) – “Very bad customer service people seem to not be able to read and understand English. Avoid them if you look for a place where you can be safe and get help when needed.”
In 2026, when cybersecurity threats are more sophisticated than ever, many find WordPress too risky to manage alone.
Why Do Users Feel Overwhelmed Maintaining a WordPress Site?
At its core, WordPress was built to be customisable, not easy. But with great flexibility comes a long list of responsibilities.
You need to regularly:
- Update themes, plugins, and the WordPress core
- Manage backups and install security plugins
- Monitor for compatibility issues
- Troubleshoot errors after updates
- Optimise performance with caching and CDNs
DH Griffith (GB) – “Very complicated. Not well explained or given helpful support. Have had to use specialist help as we are a voluntary group.”
Unlike platforms like Shopify or Webflow, which offer managed services with little technical maintenance, WordPress relies on user initiative and technical know-how.
This is a dealbreaker for small business owners or community organisations who just want a site that works.
Are Poor Support and Hidden Costs Pushing People Away from WordPress?
This is one of the most common reasons I hear from fellow users, the frustration of poor support and rising, hidden costs.
Alex Rusdy (AU) – “Terrible platform! Stole money from me and can’t get a refund because you need to be a paying customer to get real support, absolute scammers!”
Elaine Foster (US) – “This is one of the most difficult sites on which to create a website… WordPress.com was so bad, I just canceled the account and took the loss (for a year’s worth of payments). Save your money and find a simpler platform.”
- Premium themes and plugin licences
- Security tools and backup solutions
- Developer help when things break
- Specialised hosting to support plugin-heavy setups
The result? WordPress is often more expensive than managed platforms that include all of these features by default.
Are Modern Website Builders Simply Doing It Better?
Yes, and that’s why people are leaving. Builders like Webflow, Shopify, and Wix offer everything WordPress doesn’t:
- A clean, intuitive interface
- Built-in features like SEO, security, and analytics
- No need for third-party plugins
- Reliable customer support
- Fast loading times
For example, Webflow appeals to designers who want control without code. Shopify is unbeatable for eCommerce. Wix is ideal for beginners. If you’re interested in a full comparison, you can read my detailed WordPress review here.
WordPress still serves developers and large-scale projects well, but it’s no longer the best fit for everyone.
Will WordPress Evolve or Continue Losing Its Audience?
WordPress is at a crossroads. It’s trying to modernise with tools like the Gutenberg editor and full-site editing, but not everyone is convinced.
The community is divided. Recent drama, such as conflicts with hosting providers like WP Engine and a drop in contributor morale, has led many to question the future of the platform.
To regain momentum, WordPress must:
- Streamline its UI and onboarding experience
- Improve plugin quality control
- Offer native performance and security tools
- Rebuild trust within the developer and user communities
Unless major improvements are made, it risks becoming a niche tool, valuable for developers but unsuitable for the average user.
What’s My Personal Take on Leaving WordPress?
As someone who has used WordPress for over a decade, I’ll be honest, I’ve loved it and hated it in equal measure.
It gave me control, freedom, and power, but at the cost of time, frustration, and unexpected expenses. In 2026, the CMS landscape is too competitive to ignore alternatives that do more with less.
Would I still recommend WordPress?
Only in specific use cases, for those with technical support, a need for deep customisation, or development experience. But for small businesses, freelancers, or non-tech users in the UK and beyond? It’s probably time to look elsewhere.
