The necessity to easily create websites for personal and business purposes with a minimum budget and in the shortest time possible has given birth to online website builders. With their help, you can make a website using a simple visual editor, even if you have little to no knowledge in web design, let alone coding.
As technologies evolve, the functionality of website builders is becoming richer, giving users more customization options and greater scope of useful features.
The competition in the market of site builders is getting more intense as well, leaving consumers with the ongoing question: Which option is the best?
If you are looking for the best website builder, our review is exactly what you need to set the record straight. We offer you a critical overview of ten popular website building platforms, so you can choose the one that satisfies your expectations. To make the task even easier for you, we have briefly outlined the pros and cons of each platform. Thus, you can quickly compare the website builders and make the right choice. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Wix
Incepted in 2006, Wix is the most popular online website building platform on the market. It is mostly used for making simple online stores, blogs, and portfolios. More than 175 million sites worldwide have been created on Wix.
The platform allows customers to choose from more than 500 templates and edit their design using the best-in-class drag and drop technology. Wix websites are generally responsive, so they adjust to the screen size of any device, be it a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Experienced users can utilize WixCode to build a website from scratch based on the Wix platform. Alternatively, you can use WixADI (Artificial Design Intelligence), which allows you to use an artificial intelligence to make a website based on your preferences. For this, you just need to complete a questionnaire.
In addition, Wix provides a wide selection of marketing tools. For example, you can track the types of devices visitors use to access your site and see which of your pages are popular and which ones you still need to work on.
Along with a free version with limited functionality, several paid subscriptions are available. The most popular plan will cost you $12.50 per month. But if you are interested in VIP priority support and advanced marketing tools, you will have to consider a $24.50 plan. If you are going to open an online store, eCommerce plans start at $17 per month.
Wix Pros and Cons
| (+) Pros | (-) Cons |
| Over 500 templates based on HTML5; High quality of templates; Advanced customization options; Intuitive interface; Comprehensive drag-and-drop editor;Affordable subscription plans; A variety of useful applications in Wix App Market;Option to connect a custom domain name;Wix is perfect for creating nice and simple websites for personal or business use. | Inability to switch between different templates once the site is complete;The variety of editing tools may feel somewhat overwhelming for beginners;Only basic SEO tools are available; the overall SEO of websites is not particularly good;Websites may need additional tweaking to display correctly on mobile devices;Wix websites may be slow, which might affect user experience and SEO;The editor may sometimes be slow and laggy;No HTML/CSS editing tools;eCommerce is only available in paid plans and is very basic;Wix is not suited for complex, multilevel websites and online stores. |
Weebly
The Weebly team positions its website builder as the best for small businesses. Indeed, the service offers everything you need to create a simple yet functional business site.
Weebly’s collection of templates boasts a wide range of useful widgets, such as an event planner, stock timer, etc. Unlike Wix, the platform allows you to switch between templates right in the editor. A more flexible drag and drop interface is another fantastic feature of Weebly, setting it apart from the competitors.
The SquareSuite utility allows you to build a professional online store and use comprehensive eCommerce features.
Despite the user-friendly editor, Weebly’s customization may feel much more rigid than that of other site builders, and its template variety leaves much to be desired.
Weebly has a free plan that offers access to its basic features. But if you want a proper domain name and more tools to make a quality website, the paid plans start at $12. You can connect a custom domain just for $5. Those who are interested in creating a professional business site with eCommerce features will have to go for a Business or Business Plus plan, which cost $25 and $38, respectively.
Weebly Pros and Cons
| (+) Pros | (-) Cons |
| Super-easy drag and drop editor;High-quality templates;All the features you need to create a good website for business;Solid load speed;Weebly mobile app;Weebly App Center;Possibility to edit CSS and HTML code;Decent eCommerce. | Quite modest collection of templates;Customization options are a bit bland;The blogging tool is not particularly advanced;No inbuilt photo editing tool;Not enough SEO tools;Content management is not the most convenient;Migration difficulties. |
Squarespace
Squarespace is famous for providing the most beautiful and convenient templates, intuitive website navigation, free domain registration, advanced tools for uploading images, and easy migration to your own hosting platform.
Squarespace is offered for free for the first 14 days after registration. Then you can pick one of the available subscription plans: $12 per month for a personal page, $18 for businesses, and $26-40 for online stores. This price is more expensive than most other website builders, which is one of its major drawbacks.
Among other downsides is the absence of a comprehensive drag and drop editor. Most of the editing tools are available in the menu bar, which makes the process of creating a website less intuitive and convenient. In fact, Squarespace is not the easiest platform to master. But at the same time, it doesn’t offer the possibility to edit code for advanced users.
However, if you are a creative in need of a visually stunning portfolio, you will hardly find a better option than Squarespace at this point.
Squarespace Pros and Cons
| (+) Pros | (-) Cons |
| Beautiful and responsive templates;You can switch templates anytime;Decent customization options;Great blog feature with multiple useful bells and whistles;Squarespace sites are SEO-friendly;Free domain registration;Convenient image management;Huge variety of embedded fonts;You can create an online store on Squarespace. | The price is higher than most counterparts;The learning curve is a little steep;Templates are not abundant;No code editing;eCommerce payments can only be processed through Stripe;No third-party apps, add-ons, etc.Not suitable for complex websites: only one sub-navigation level is available;Considerably low page loading speed. |
Site123
If there is anything simpler than the name, “Site123,” then it’s the website builder that bears this name. All its templates are responsive, and there is a plugin for SEO promotion, video guide on the home page, and round-the-clock support available.
Site123 has no drag and drop interface, but it is equipped with a convenient editor, which allows you to create a simple website in a few minutes. Of course, if you need a more customized design, you will spend a little more time adding some personality to your site. But the website itself will be ready to go in just a couple of minutes after registration, which is an indisputable achievement in itself.
Site123 has two subscription plans: free and paid ($7.80/month). The paid plan offers an SEO plugin and removes on page ads. So the platform is totally affordable, considering that you can create a site for your business, personal use, or even a small-sized eCommerce project.
However, don’t expect anything over-the-top. The platform’s functionality is pretty basic, and the features you get in the premium package are not nearly enough for a large-scale project.
Site123 Pros and Cons
| (+) Pros | (-) Cons |
| Easy sign-up process;Convenient interface;Accessible design options;A number of useful integrations;Affordable price;eCommerce functionality. | Limited customizations;Very basic feature set;No unlimited storage and bandwidth even on the Premium plan;No drag and drop editor;No CSS/HTML editing;Only suitable for small projects. |
Webnode
Many users would be surprised to know that the process of building a website can be as simple as working with Word. Apparently, that’s exactly what the creators of Webnode tried to achieve, making the interface of their website builder reminiscent of Microsoft Office.
In addition to a friendly menu panel, Webnode offers an automatic tool for optimizing your mobile version of the website. Besides the convenient layout of editing tools, there’s a fully featured drag and drop functionality. If you are an advanced user, you can switch to the CSS/HTML editing mode. And this really makes sense as one of the essential drawbacks of the platform is the minimalism and simplicity of the basic templates.
Webnode has a free version and offers four paid packages. The prices start at $3.95 (100MB hosting, 1GB bandwidth, no free domain included). The highest-tier plan is $19.95 (includes a domain name, 5GB storage, and unlimited bandwidth). The reasons for buying a paid package include access to the data backup function, the possibility of adding multiple language versions of a website, and removing restrictions on incoming traffic.
Webnode Pros and Cons
| (+) Pros | (-) Cons |
| Easy-to-use website editor + drag and dropAutomatically generated mobile version of a websiteNo ads whatsoeverA wide selection of responsive templatesFlexible customization through CSS/HTMLeCommerceSocial sharing featuresInbuilt SEO toolsAbility to connect your own domainMulti-lingual support (20 languages) | Templates feel quite datedThe blogging feature is limitedToo little storage even in the most expensive packageFunctional capacity is in the medium levelNo additional widgets, apps, addons, etc.Free version is extremely limitedPoor overall support: no live chat or contact phone |
Webflow
Webflow is hardly a solution for a beginner, but it is still one of the best website builders out there, allowing for in-depth customization of your site. Indeed, you shouldn’t expect getting a ready-made site in a couple of minutes with Webflow. But with a bit of time and effort, you can create a really stunning website with fully unique look.
Webflow uses drag and drop technology and allows you to edit the appearance and content of the page using a handy visual editor. It also features a rigid layout grid that prevents the template from losing its structure when elements are added. Webflow can also be commended on its rich animation library and around 100 hours of video tutorials. Yes, Webflow takes time to master, but it’s worth the hassle.
On a free subscription, you can make a simple website with only the basic features. In addition, it will not have a mobile version.
There are also paid subscriptions available. For $12/month, you get the opportunity to create a website without a CMS. For $16/month, you get access to CMS, and for $35/month you can make your own business portal with high traffic capacity. Webflow supports eCommerce, but if you want to open an online store on the platform, be ready to spend around $29-212, which is a quite daunting amount.
Webflow Pros and Cons
| (+) Pros | (-) Cons |
| Very high customization potentialGreat for pro users and web designersConvenient drag and drop editorExcellent flexibility and versatility;Accessible video tutorialsMultilingual solutions providedWebsites are SEO friendlySSL security and perfect server uptimeHuge variety of fonts to choose fromA wide variety of applicable CMS itemsA lot of animations available | Steep learning curveeCommerce is complicatedTemplate selection is not particularly broadConfusing hosting optionsLimited CSS/HTML editingPricey subscription plans, especially for eCommerce usersNo live chat or phone support |
Jimdo
Jimdo allows you to create a website two different ways, depending on your tech skills, experience, and desire to customize your online presence. You can either build a website from the ground up using a drag and drop editor, or you can use an AI (called Dolphin), which will create a design for you based on your preferences.
Jimdo is suitable for inexperienced users who want to create their first website. The visual editor is easy to use and moderately functional, although its ergonomics may seem a bit weird: the elements are often placed where you wouldn’t expect them to be. Some of them are excessively large, while others, on the contrary, are too small.
Jimdo is a straightforward but not particularly intuitive web builder. The interface is bright and colorful, but its logic is not always obvious. However, it’s easy to get used to it, once you grasp the basics. For pro users, the service is not the best choice, although you can access HTML and CSS and create custom designs.
There is a free version of Jimdo for very simple projects, which comes with ads. For $10, you can get rid of ads and get access to more features. For $20 and above, Jimdo provides eCommerce functionality so you can build a comprehensive online store.
Jimdo Pros and Cons
| (+) Pros | (-) Cons |
| Decent feature setEasy to useSolid SEO toolsQuality templatesMany useful widgets availableCreation of websites with the help of AIExcellent support service | Limited number of templatesThe interface is not particularly intuitiveAn extremely limited free version of the website builderSEO tools are only available on paid plansLayout rigidity of some templatesA bit overpriced |
Tilda
If you are looking for a simple website builder with a decent feature set and user-friendly editor, you should take a closer look at Tilda. It is yet another WYSIWYG platform that allows users to create good-looking websites without any coding skills.
Tilda was initially designed as a platform for creating landing pages, and this is an aspect in which Tilda excels. However, you can also use Tilda to make multi-page sites.
Tilda claims that simplicity is its key forte, and this is true. It allows you to build a website by simply throwing in a bunch of ready-made blocks (the term that basically means widgets). You can either choose from the library of 450 blocks or even create your own from scratch by using a dedicated tool called Zero Block. The interface is clear and intuitive, so it won’t take long for you to figure out how it works.
Besides, Tilda comes with lots of helpful features and integrations to ensure that your site is functional, responsive, and optimized for search engines. It also offers basic eCommerce functionality, but then again, Tilda is best suited for landing pages and sites focused on visual content, not online stores.
Tilda offers a free plan that includes a limited set of basic blocks. To access the full collection, you will need to pay $10 per month. To be able to build up to 5 sites and export source code, get ready to double your expenses.
Tilda Pros and Cons
| (+) Pros | (-) Cons |
| Really simple editorWide variety of blocksTool for designing custom blocksSites are responsiveFocus on typography and visual contentPerfect for landing pagesDecent SEOMany integrations | Websites made of stock blocks look quite similar to each otherCustomization is not flexible enough to create a truly unique siteOnly 1GB of storage is available on all plans, which makes Tilda unsuitable for larger projectsMost features rely on third-party integrationsVery poor blog feature |
WordPress.com
Not to be confused with WordPress.org, which is a complex open-source CMS, WordPress.com is a platform that is best suited for creating blog websites. Unlike WordPress.org, it doesn’t require you to take care of domain and hosting and then install the software on the server. It works pretty much like any other website builder, offering an all-in-one package online.
WordPress.com can impress you with a wide variety of professionally designed templates. Many of them are tailored specifically for blogging. There are also plenty of additional tools and plug-ins, but for most of them you will have to pay extra.
All things considered, WordPress.com is an excellent solution for those who seek to establish a professional blog and are ready to invest a little more time in mastering the tool. Although it is not as overwhelming for beginners as WordPress.org, it still has a learning curve to it, and some features may even require coding.
The platform has a free version and a few paid plans ranging from $48 to $300, which also puts WordPress.com among the most expensive solutions.
WordPress.com Pros and Cons
| (+) Pros | (-) Cons |
| Optimal for bloggersBroad selection of templatesThe quality of the templates is very highImpressive scope of blogging-related featuresAdvanced SEOeCommerce is available | Difficult to master for beginnersThe best features are either available in the top-tier plans or as paid add-onsPrices are considerably high |
Shopify
If you are looking for the best website builder for an online store, then Shopify is what you need. The platform is an indisputable leader in this area since it has all the extensions and widgets necessary for eCommerce.
Shopify comes with a drag and drop editor that allows you to customize the appearance of your website and to set up the essential features in a matter of hours. It offers over a hundred beautiful, ready-made templates that can be fine-tuned to your liking. All the templates are mobile responsive.
Since Shopify is an online store builder, its prices are higher than those of website builders. The trial period lasts only 14 days, and then you have to switch to the Basic Shopify plan ($29/month) or Shopify plan ($79/month), depending on how large your store is. Note that with each transaction the service will additionally charge a commission fee unless you’re using Shopify’s internal payment system. You can minimize commissions by subscribing for the Advanced Shopify plan, which costs $299/month.
Shopify Pros and Cons
| (+) Pros | (-) Cons |
| The best eCommerce website builderMultiple payment channelsOver 100 payment processorsExcellent SEO performanceExtensive app storeAbandoned cart recoveryStraightforward interfaceDrag and drop editor | Transaction fees for external payment channelsNo free version is availableAdditional templates and apps are priceyHigh overall price |
NING
NING is an online community builder that is best known for its extensive social networking features. It allows you to create a website using pre-made templates and a customization tool named Design Studio. Unfortunately, the platform is not using a drag and drop editor, which means that the process of creating a website with NING is not as intuitive. Templates are responsive but a little out-of-date, so don’t expect anything special design-wise.
However, the platform is the ideal choice for those who need to establish a custom social network or online community. To this end, NING provides a variety of networking features, including private and group messages, broadcast messages, live chat, comments, forums, polls, etc. What’s more, the platform is fitted with an advanced blog feature and solid SEO instruments (e.g., automatic sitemaps, meta tag editing, Google Search Console integration, and more).
NING offers eCommerce functionality, but currently it is only applicable to content. This means you can’t turn your NING website into an online store. However, you can sell premium content and accept membership fees or donations.
Being a platform for building online communities with advanced social features, NING is pricier than most other site builders. The paid plans range from $25 to $99 per month, depending on storage and member capacity. Unfortunately, there’s no free plan, only a 14-day free trial.
NING Pros and Cons
| (+) Pros | (-) Cons |
| The best community building platformAbundance of social networking featuresExcellent blog featureConvenient content and community management toolsDecent SEOA lot of useful integrationsCSS/HTML editingOptions to monetize contentFlexible privacy settings | No drag and drop editorCustomization is a bit rigidThe interface is quite complicatedTemplates are datedNot suitable for online storesNo free planPrices are considerably high |
Boxmode
Boxmode is one of the newest website building solutions, and it has set the ambitious goal of taking the best from the most popular website builders and offering it all in one package.
The key advantage of Boxmode is that it is suitable for all types of users regardless of their skill level. If you are a newbie with zero experience in web building, you can simply compile a website using highly customizable, fully responsive templates and widgets. The platform utilizes a fully-featured drag and drop editor, so you can move, modify, and resize elements directly on the page.
If you are a pro user, Boxmode allows you to edit advanced visual parameters and tweak your website design in almost any possible way. What’s more, the Boxmode team is about to add the possibility to edit CSS and HTML code. This means you will have full control over your online presence and the appearance of your site.
Unfortunately, Boxmode is still in development. But you can already check out its test version. Its feature set is still very limited, but the demo gives you a glimpse at what is purportedly going to become an exceptionally powerful website building platform. Furthermore, you can already create a simple but fully functional website with Boxmode, absolutely free of charge!
Boxmode features in development
- Optimized usability for beginners and pro designers;
- Modern, high-quality templates with flexible customizations;
- Import of templates;
- Integration with TemplateMonster;
- Responsive design;
- Drag and drop editor;
- Suitable for both small and large projects;
- Websites are highly scalable;
- Out-of-the-box solutions for businesses are available on demand;
- Top-class SEO tools;
- A variety of advanced widgets to choose from;
- Lots of useful integrations;
- Free website builder (you pay only for additional assets and services).
Conclusion
Despite the excess of website builders in the market, there’s hardly an ideal option. The various platforms offer different opportunities, while all have pros and cons. What features are important personally for you? It’s up to you to decide. Just don’t rush your decision. Try the website builders that caught your attention for free (by subscribing to a free plan or trial). Make your own conclusions, and only then consider paid options.