Is WordPress Dying in 2026? The Truth Based on Data and Trends

For more than a decade, WordPress has powered a large portion of the internet. Yet every few years, the same question resurfaces:

Is WordPress dying in 2026 ?

As we move into 2026, this question is louder than ever. New platforms like Webflow, Framer, Wix Studio, and headless CMS solutions are gaining attention. Social media discussions often frame WordPress as “old,” “bloated,” or “too complicated.”

But assumptions are not evidence.

To understand whether WordPress is truly declining, we need to look at real usage data, long-term trends, ecosystem activity, and business adoption not opinions.

This article breaks it all down.

WordPress Usage in 2026: What the Data Actually Shows

If a platform were dying, the first clear sign would be shrinking usage numbers. WordPress shows the opposite.

According to data published by WordPress.com (based on W3Techs tracking):

  • WordPress powers more than 43% of all websites on the internet
  • Nearly 1 out of every 2 websites globally runs on WordPress

Source: WordPress Market Share Report

WordPress Market Share Has Grown, Not Shrunk

To understand the full picture, context matters. Let’s look at how WordPress usage has changed over time:

  • Around 2014, WordPress powered roughly 21% of all websites
  • By 2020, that number reached 35%
  • By 2025–2026, it crossed 43%

Source: WordPress.com historical market share data

That means WordPress more than doubled its share in just over a decade. This is critical.

A platform that is “dying” does not:

  • Attract more users
  • Power more websites
  • Expand its global footprint

WordPress has done all three.

WordPress Dominates the CMS Market

Now let’s narrow the scope.

Instead of looking at all websites, let’s examine only websites that use a Content Management System (CMS).

The dominance becomes even clearer.

  • WordPress controls over 60% of the global CMS market
  • All other CMS platforms combined share the remaining portion

Source: BloggersIdeas – WordPress Statistics

WordPress Is Still the Backbone of Business Websites

Another misconception is that WordPress is only used for blogs. In reality, WordPress powers:

  • Corporate websites
  • SaaS landing pages
  • Ecommerce stores (via WooCommerce)
  • News publishers
  • Agency websites
  • Enterprise-level platforms

WooCommerce alone powers millions of online stores, making WordPress one of the most widely used ecommerce foundations in the world.

Source: Hostinger WordPress Statistics

The WordPress Ecosystem Is Far From Declining

Another strong signal of platform health is ecosystem activity.

Plugin and Theme Development

As of recent data:

  • WordPress offers 60,000+ plugins in its official repository
  • Thousands of themes are actively updated
  • New plugins are published daily

Source: Hostinger WordPress plugin statistics

A dying platform does not attract:

  • New developers
  • Ongoing maintenance
  • Long-term commercial investment

WordPress does.

Core Updates and Platform Evolution

WordPress is not static. In recent years, it has introduced:

  • Block Editor (Gutenberg)
  • Full Site Editing
  • Performance improvements
  • Security hardening
  • Accessibility enhancements

These changes show active evolution, not stagnation.

Why the “WordPress Is Dying” Narrative Exists

If the data is so strong, why does this rumor persist?

There are several reasons.

1. Rise of No-Code and Visual Builders

Platforms like Webflow and Framer offer:

  • Visual-first workflows
  • Faster design iteration
  • Lower learning curve for designers

This has created the impression that WordPress is being “replaced.”

In reality:

  • These tools target specific use cases
  • They work best for design-heavy, low-complexity websites

They are alternatives not universal replacements.

2. Maintenance Responsibility Is Often Misunderstood

WordPress requires:

  • Updates
  • Security management
  • Performance optimization

Some see this as a weakness. In reality, this is the result of ownership and flexibility.

With WordPress:

  • You own your data
  • You control hosting
  • You are not locked into a proprietary platform

For businesses, this is often a strategic advantage, not a drawback.

3. Poor Implementations Damage the Platform’s Reputation

Many “WordPress is bad” experiences come from:

  • Cheap themes
  • Too many plugins
  • No maintenance strategy
  • Poor hosting choices

These are implementation problems, not platform flaws. A well-built WordPress site performs extremely well.

WordPress vs Modern Website Builders in 2026

WordPress still offers advantages that modern builders struggle to match:

  • Full content ownership
  • Advanced SEO control
  • Custom development freedom
  • Large global talent pool
  • Mature ecosystem
  • Proven scalability

This is why agencies like Entropixel continue to build professional websites on WordPress. WordPress continues to dominate the CMS market, but it isn’t always the best fit for every business case. Understanding the differences between WordPress and other business website platforms helps avoid costly mistakes.

What the Data Tells Us About WordPress in 2026

Looking at all the evidence together:

  • Usage numbers are high and growing
  • CMS dominance remains unchallenged
  • Ecosystem activity is strong
  • Business adoption continues
  • Platform development is ongoing

These are not signs of decline. They are signs of maturity.

The Real Answer to “Is WordPress Dying in 2026 ?”

WordPress is not dying. It is:

  • Competing in a more crowded market
  • Evolving alongside new tools
  • Remaining the most trusted CMS globally

Platforms do not disappear simply because alternatives exist. They disappear when people stop using them. That has not happened and the data proves it. 

WordPress is not dying it’s evolving. For businesses, choosing the right platform and the right development partner matters more than chasing trends. If you’re planning to build or improve a business website in 2026, working with an experienced team like Entropixel helps ensure your site is future-ready.