The best website builders have made it possible for anyone to build a website in just a few minutes, even if you aren’t tech-savvy. With tools like AI website builders and platforms specifically for ecommerce, there is a website builder to suit everyone’s unique needs.
Whether you’re looking to showcase your unique vision as a creative entrepreneur or seamlessly process payments for your small business, choosing the right builder is crucial. We’ve done the groundwork for you to make it easier with our extensive research and testing process. We’ll outline the best website builders for nearly every use case, whether you’re an artist, a budding ecommerce entrepreneur, or a website builder agency.
The Best Website Builder Providers of 2024
The Top Website Builders in 2024
- Wix – Best site builder for beginners
- GoDaddy – Best all-in-one site builder for small businesses
- Squarespace – Best platform for artists and creative professionals
- Shopify – Best web builder for e-commerce businesses and
- Weebly – Best free website builder for selling products or services online
- IONOS – Best site builder for its user-friendly variety of marketing features
- Hostinger – Best budget-friendly site builder option
- Bluehost – Best site builder with reliable hosting and website combined
- Duda – Best site builder for agencies and web professionals handling complex website builds
- Elementor – Best WordPress plugin for powerful design flexibility
- Show Full Guide
The Best Website Builders Reviewed
To pick the best website builders, we used our testing methodology to analyze their performance, pricing, features, strengths, and weaknesses. Read on to find the best site builder for you.
1. Wix – The Best Site Builder For Beginners With Extensive Collection of Templates
Starting Price | Free |
---|---|
Free Version/Free Trial | ❌ |
Key Features |
|
Storage & Bandwidth |
|
Ecommerce in Cheapest Plan | ❌ |
Pros
- Beginner-friendly drag-and-drop editing
- 900+ responsive and modern Wix templates
- Scalable plans to accommodate website growth
- Robust e-commerce capabilities
- Free basic plan
Cons
- Storage limited on some plans
- Advanced features require upgrading to a paid plan
2. GoDaddy – The Top Website Builder for Small Businesses
Starting Price | $131.88 annually ($10.99 month) |
---|---|
Free Version/Free Trial | ✅ |
Key Features |
|
Storage & Bandwidth |
|
Ecommerce in Cheapest Plan | ❌ |
Pros
- 200+ appealing templates
- ADI for quick web building
- Excellent customer support
- 14-day free trial
- Quick loading times
Cons
- Starter plan lacks e-commerce features
- Pricing could be more affordable
3. Squarespace – Best Website Builder For Artists & Creatives
Starting Price | $192 annually ($16/month) |
---|---|
Free Version/Free Trial | ❌ |
Key Features |
|
Storage & Bandwidth |
|
Ecommerce in Cheapest Plan | ❌ |
Pros
- Beautiful, mobile-friendly designs
- Protection against malware included
- Plenty of third-party integrations
- Reliable 24/7 customer support
- 14-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No free website builder option
- Pixel-perfect edits allowed through HTML/CSS code only
4. Shopify – The Best Ecommerce Site Builder
Starting Price | $348 ($29/month) |
---|---|
Free Version/Free Trial | ✅ |
Key Features |
|
Storage & Bandwidth |
|
Ecommerce in Cheapest Plan | ❌ |
Pros
- Top-class ecommerce features
- Ideal for all-size businesses
- Free SSL protection
- Automatic tax calculation
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- High starting price
- Pricey transaction fees
5. Weebly – Best Free Website Builder for Ecommerce
Starting Price | Free |
---|---|
Free Version/Free Trial | ✅ |
Key Features |
|
Storage & Bandwidth |
|
Ecommerce in Cheapest Plan | ✅ |
Pros
- Easy-to-use editor
- DDoS attack prevention
- E-commerce feature package
- 30-day refund package
Cons
- Small template selection (40+)
- Limited drag-and-drop elements
6. IONOS – The Best Web Builder for its User-Friendly Marketing Features
Starting Price | $1/month for the first six months |
---|---|
Free Version/Free Trial | ✅ |
Key Features |
|
Storage & Bandwidth |
|
Ecommerce in Cheapest Plan | ❌ |
Pros
- Cheap website builder
- Free domain name for 1 year
- Advanced SEO tools
- Block-based editor
Cons
- No forever free plan
- Limited customer support (no live chat)
7. Hostinger – Best Budget-Friendly Website Builder with Plenty of Value
Starting Price | $35.88 annually ($2.99/month) |
---|---|
Free Version/Free Trial | ✅ |
Key Features |
|
Storage & Bandwidth |
|
Ecommerce in Cheapest Plan | ❌ |
Pros
- Advanced AI tools
- Web hosting included
- Over 130 designs
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Limited grid editor
- No free plan
8. Bluehost – The Best Website Builder With All-In-One Hosting Solution
Starting Price | $35.40 annually ($2.95/month) |
---|---|
Free Version/Free Trial | ❌ |
Key Features |
|
Storage & Bandwidth |
|
Ecommerce in Cheapest Plan | ❌ |
Pros
- Wide templates library
- WonderSuite AI tools
- Search Engine Optimization tools available
- WordPress customizer
Cons
- No free plan
- No unlimited storage with all plans
9. Duda – The Best Website Builder for Agencies & Pros Who Need Complex Websites
Starting Price | $228 annually ($19/month) |
---|---|
Free Version/Free Trial | ✅ |
Key Features |
|
Storage & Bandwidth | Unlimited |
Ecommerce in Cheapest Plan | ❌ |
Pros
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth
- 14-day free trial
- 100+ modern templates
Cons
- Pricey premium plans
- Restricted number of sites
- Free domain name not included
10. Elementor – The Best WordPress Plugin to Create a Stunning WordPress Site
Starting Price | $35.88 annually ($2.99/month) |
Free Version/Free Trial | ✅ |
Key Features |
|
Storage & Bandwidth |
|
Ecommerce in Cheapest Plan | ❌ (Available as add-on) |
Pros
- 24/7 customer support
- 25 drag-and-drop widgets with a free plan
- Hosting services available
Cons
- Limited storage and bandwidth
- Limited to WordPress users
- Customer support slow at times
The Best Website Builders in 2024 Compared
We’ve compared our best website builders based on key factors like free trial availability, top features, pricing, unlimited storage, and e-commerce plans.
Best Website Builders | Free Version | Cheapest Paid Plan | Top Features | Money-back Guarantee |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wix | ✅ | $17/month | Easy drag-and-drop editing, extensive app market, free plan | 14-days |
GoDaddy | ✅ | $10.99/month | Hosting, marketing tools (SEO, social media integration), user-friendly interface | 30-days on annual plans; 48 hours on monthly plans
|
Squarespace | ❌ | $16/month | Mobile-responsive website templates, marketing features (email marketing, analytics), customer support | 14-days |
Shopify | ❌ | $29/month | E-commerce features (product and, inventory management, secure payments), mobile app management, integrations with Amazon & other marketplaces | 3-day free trial and try first month for only $1 |
Weebly | ✅ | $10/month | Easy payments with Square integration, drag-and-drop editing, free plan available (limited features) | 10-days |
IONOS | 30-day free trial | $1/month | Fast loading times, unlimited traffic, built-in email marketing and SEO features | 30-days |
Hostinger | 3-month free trial | $2.99/month | Hosting with Web Builder included, built-in AI website builder, free domain name & SSL certificate (on some plans) | 30-days |
To provide our readers with accurate and well-informed recommendations, we test the most popular website builders on the market to find the best options for you. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:How We Review And Test Website Builders
What Is a Website Builder?
In the past, building a website required coding expertise or hiring a professional web designer. Today, web builders have revolutionized the process, making it easy for anyone to create a professional-looking website. Generally, a website builder is a user-friendly platform that acts as your all-in-one solution, providing the tools and resources you need to bring your online vision to life.
Think of it as having a toolbox filled with drag-and-drop building blocks, beautiful pre-designed website templates, and easy-to-use editing tools.
Whether you’re a small business owner searching for the best website builder for your business or an individual looking for the best free website maker to showcase your work, website builders offer a solution. They bridge the gap between the technical aspects of website creation and the desire to have a stunning online presence, all without needing a website designer or in-depth knowledge of how to build a website.
What Are Personal Website Builders?
Personal website builders are tools that help individuals create and customize their own websites without needing extensive coding knowledge. They are best for creating online portfolios, personal blogs, and brand sites.
The best personal website builder platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, customizable templates, and robust features for showcasing personal achievements and skills. Options like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress are highly recommended and considered the best website builders for personal brands, as they stand out for their versatility and ease of use.
These platforms cater to various preferences and skill levels, ensuring that everyone can build a professional and visually appealing online presence.
Other Types Of Website Builders
While some website builders are more general and can be tweaked to suit specific needs, others, like personal website builders, are geared toward specific purposes.
Apart from personal website platforms, there are also free website builders, AI website builders, and landing page website builders. Below are a few other more commonly used website builders.
- E-commerce Site Builders—Some website builders like Shopify are specifically designed for those who want to set up an online store and get into ecommerce. They come with features that are specific to this use including shopping cart and payment methods as well as inventory tracking and more.
- DIY Website Builders—DIY website builders allow you full creative control and come with drag-and-drop editors or robust template options that can be customized.
- Professional Website Builders—These types of website builders are mostly for designers and agencies. They offer advanced tools for web developers who wish to have more control over their site design and static site generators for those who prefer a coding approach to building websites.
- CMS Platforms—CMS platforms, like WordPress, offer an open-source solution for those with technical skills who want a flexible and customizable option. These platforms tend to offer extensive control and scalability and can include proprietary CMS platforms like HubSpot, which are suited for larger businesses and have extensive features and support.
- Social Media & Community Site Builders—These are website builders that integrate thoroughly with social media and tend to be community-driven websites with forums, user profiles, and social networking features.
- Niche-Specific Website Builders—An important and specific type of website builder, niche-specific sites are those geared toward businesses like restaurants and real estate companies. They come with integrated features specific to those businesses, like reservations, menus, and property listings.
Free Vs. Paid Website Builders – Which is Better?
With so many website builders offering both free and paid plans, the question of which one is better is common. While free website builders can be a tempting starting point, it’s important to understand the trade-offs involved.
Free website builders are a great option for experimenting, creating a simple personal website, or showcasing a basic portfolio. They offer a taste of the website-building experience and often come with user-friendly interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality.
However, free website builders can be very limited. That can include restricted storage space, bandwidth, and customization options, which can quickly hinder your website’s potential. Additionally, free plans often display third-party ads on your site, which can detract from your brand’s professionalism.
Paid website builders, on the other hand, unlock a world of possibilities. You’ll benefit from greater storage space and bandwidth, allowing your website to handle increased traffic. Paid plans often come with access to a wider range of design templates and features, giving you more control over the look and functionality of your website.
Additionally, you can connect a custom domain name, eliminating the generic subdomain that comes with free plans and creating a more professional brand image. Upgraded plans often include features like e-commerce functionality, SEO tools, and marketing integrations, allowing you to grow your online presence.
Overall, the best choice depends on your specific needs and goals. If you’re just starting and have a basic website in mind, a free plan might be a good idea. However, if you envision a professional site that can grow with your business, investing in a paid plan is a worthwhile decision.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website?
The cost of building a website can vary significantly depending on the route you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the different things to consider:
- Website Builder Plans. Website creators typically offer tiered pricing plans, with basic plans starting around $6-$12 per month and more advanced plans with additional features costing upwards of $30 per month. Some builders even have free plans with limited features.
- Domain Name. A domain name typically costs between $10 and $20 per year and is often bundled with website builder plans.
- Website Hosting. This refers to the service that stores your website’s files and makes them accessible online. Website builder plans often include basic hosting, but for complex websites, hosting can range from $3-$100 per month, depending on features and storage needs.
- Design and Development. If you need a highly customized website or lack the time to build it yourself, hiring a web designer or developer can cost anywhere from $500 to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the project’s complexity.
To simplify the cost estimate, a DIY website could cost around $60-$200 per year (basic plan, domain name), while a professional site could cost $1000+ (including design, development, and hosting).
Remember that this is just a starting point. The final cost can be higher or lower depending on your specific needs and the features you choose.
DIY Website Builder vs. Hiring a Website Developer – Which is Better?
So you’re ready to build a website, but the question remains: should you use a website builder or hire a web developer? Both options have their strengths, and the ideal choice hinges on your website’s purpose, technical comfort level, and budget.
Website builders are fantastic for beginners and those seeking an affordable, DIY solution. Their user-friendly interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality make website creation with no coding knowledge accessible. They offer a vast array of pre-designed templates to jumpstart your website’s look, and many include features like SEO tools and basic marketing integrations.
However, website builders come with limitations. Customization options can be restricted, and complex functionalities might require additional plugins or paid upgrades.
Hiring a web developer opens up a world of possibilities for creators who want to customize the site to their unique vision. Developers can craft bespoke websites from scratch, ensuring an ideal fit for your brand and functionality needs. They have the expertise to integrate complex features, create custom animations, and optimize your website for peak performance.
However, this level of customization comes at a cost. Hiring a developer is a significant investment, and ongoing maintenance fees might also be involved.
In short, if you need a DIY website with a set budget, choose a website builder. However, if you have complex needs or no coding experience, consider a developer.
Can I Use AI to Create a Website?
Yes, you can use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to create a website. AI has been playing an increasingly important role in site building. Some website builders started offering AI-powered features to help automate part of the process. Creating your website with AI can consist of:
- AI Web Generation. Some web builders use AI to generate a basic site structure based on your answers to a few questions about your business and website goals.
- Smart Content Suggestions. AI can recommend text, images, and layouts that fit your industry and target audience.
- Image Editing and Optimization. Builders AI tools can help resize and optimize images for your website, improving loading speed. Additionally, they can generate some visuals.
It’s worth noting that AI is a new technology in perpetual development and can’t replace the human touch. You’ll likely need to edit the AI-generated content for your site and customize the design to truly reflect your brand identity. Nonetheless, AI can be a valuable time-saver and a helpful starting point for building your website.
Check out our guide to the best AI website builders
How to Choose the Best Website Builder
With so many website builders battling for your attention, starting your site can seem intimidating. The following section overviews important points on how to choose the best website builder:
Different builders have strengths in different areas. Pin-pointing your needs first will help narrow down your choices. What’s the purpose of your website?
Are you showcasing a portfolio, running an online store, or building a business website? Answer those questions first.
Website builders offer free and paid plans. Review your budget alongside the features and value each plan offers. Free website builders can be a starting point, but paid plans often unlock essential features and customization options for a professional website.
Choose a builder with a user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop functionality. Look for tutorials, video guides, and clear instructions to ensure a smooth website-building experience.
Come up with a list of features crucial for your website. Does it need e-commerce capabilities, SEO tools, or integrations with other services? Make sure your chosen builder offers the functionalities that will help your website thrive.
Look for builders offering a variety of stylish templates and the ability to customize them with your colors, fonts, and logos. The more control you have over the design, the more your website will stand out.
Reliable customer support, whether through live chat, email, or phone calls, is non-negotiable. Choose a builder with a responsive and helpful support team, so you have the resources to overcome any technical issues.