The verdict in three sentences
WordPress remains the rational choice for a standard B2B site on a tight budget (3,000-8,000 GBP), with a mature ecosystem and short timelines. A custom Next.js build (8,000-20,000 GBP) is justified when performance, security and scalability become critical to your acquisition. The decisive factor: the plugin-related vulnerability risk, which weighs heavily for an SME without a dedicated technical team.
WordPress vs custom: the 2026 costed comparison
Two philosophies: assembling existing blocks versus controlled development. 2026 order of magnitude for the London market.
| Criterion | WordPress | Custom (Next.js) |
|---|---|---|
| Build cost | 3,000-8,000 GBP | 8,000-20,000 GBP |
| Monthly maintenance | 150-350 GBP/mo | 250-550 GBP/mo |
| Delivery time | 3-6 weeks | 6-12 weeks |
| Security | Plugin attack surface | Reduced (headless) |
| Core Web Vitals | Medium to good | Excellent (LCP < 2 s) |
| Extension dependency | High | None |
| Traffic scalability | Medium | High |
Custom maintenance costs a bit more per month, but it covers optimised hosting and native security, whereas WordPress stacks plugin updates and vulnerability patches.
3-year TCO and the security risk
Upfront cost is not the whole story. Over 3 years, maintenance and breach risk bring the two options closer.
| 3-year item | WordPress | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Build | 5,500 GBP (median) | 14,000 GBP (median) |
| Maintenance 36 months | 9,000 GBP (250/mo) | 14,400 GBP (400/mo) |
| Breach risk (avg incident cost) | 1,500-4,000 GBP | Low |
| 3-year TCO (excl. incident) | ~14,500 GBP | ~28,400 GBP |
| Cost of an avoided hack | Not provisioned | Built in |
WordPress keeps the raw TCO edge, but an SME without rigorous maintenance is exposed: over 40 % of compromised WordPress sites are hit via an outdated plugin (industry order of magnitude).
Mini case study
Richard, director of a 60-person B2B industrial SME in London, receives two quotes: WordPress at 6,000 GBP and custom Next.js at 15,000 GBP. His site hosts a technical catalogue and a quote form wired to his CRM. He has no internal IT team. The risk: an un-updated form plugin opens a breach. He estimates an incident cost (downtime + remediation) at 3,500 GBP. Factoring that risk and 3-year maintenance, the net gap falls, but the security peace of mind and superior CWV (better SEO) tip him toward custom for this strategic role.
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FAQ
Is WordPress really less secure?
WordPress is not inherently insecure, but its reliance on third-party plugins multiplies the attack surface. Without regular updates, an outdated plugin becomes an entry point. Headless custom removes that surface.
Is custom really worth double the price?
Not for a simple brochure site. It is justified when performance, security, CRM/ERP integrations and scalability are strategic. Otherwise WordPress remains the best value.
What does maintenance really cost over 3 years?
Budget 9,000 GBP for WordPress (250 GBP/mo) versus 14,400 GBP for custom (400 GBP/mo). But add the likely cost of a security incident on the WordPress side if maintenance is neglected.
What timelines should I expect?
3-6 weeks for a standard WordPress, 6-12 weeks for a custom Next.js build, QA and integrations included. Custom needs more upfront scoping.
Can I migrate from WordPress to custom later?
Yes, keeping content and a 301 redirect plan. Budget a migration close to a new project; it is better to decide early if growth is anticipated.
Let's scope your project. Share your catalogue, CRM integrations and security exposure: we cost WordPress vs custom in 3-year TCO for your London SME. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
