Getting a quality website is always complicated, no matter what type of project you need – either business or personal. Meanwhile, this becomes a must nowadays.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, a content creator or an entrepreneur just getting started, a site helps you reach the goals you have set, becoming your store, resume, stage, office – whatever your business is.

Having an idea to set up a website is only the first step in this long adventure.

Your next task is to choose the right path – anyway, there are several options to choose from, each having its pros and cons.

Thus, you can dive into coding a website from scratch — something I often do but wouldn’t necessarily recommend unless you feel comfortable with coding.

Another way is to hire a web design pro – sounds good yet costs much. Finally, you can use a website builder – that’s exactly what many users prefer. Here is why.

Why Using a Website Builder is The Best Solution?

Website builders have become the go-to solution for three main reasons: they are affordable, user-friendly and fast.

You don’t have to bother about code writing, but you will still have the opportunity to get a functional site that presents your brand best. This is due to the fact that most website builders come with a set of ready-made themes related to various niches – just browse the catalog to pick the best template.

What’s more, these systems frequently support AI tools, offering diverse website editing solutions – from drag-and-drop editors and up to custom design customization tools.

You will also be able to pick and integrate external extensions, blogging/eCommerce modules, SEO tools – everything needed for a quick and successful website launch.

Last but not least is availability of hosting and customer support – all included by default. What you need to get started is to select the plan that covers your baseline web design requirements.

If you currently have any doubts or need help with choosing the right website builder, I’m here to help you.

Top 5 Website Builders

With so many website builders available out there, picking the best ones may be a problem for beginners.

I’m going to review the most popular systems below to help you pick the one that works best for your purpose.

These are Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, WordPress and Webflow. Let’s discuss each of them in detail now.

 

Wix

Wix – is the website builder that has been included in the list of the most popular DIY website builders for several years. Known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and extensive range of features, the system can be successfully used by beginners and experienced users alike.

You can set up and customize any project type here – from a simple blog or a landing page and up to a business website or a web store. What’s important, Wix (my review) does not require coding skills, being a worthy pick for everyone. Its major features are as follows:

• AI Technologies: The system was the first to implement AI technologies in website development. WIX ADI became that very tool that made it possible to automatically create a website and add content based on the submitted information. Today, Wix offers more AI-powered features like AI code assistant, automated image generator, AI text generator, site builder assistant, logo creator etc.;
• Design Flexibility: With Wix, you get access to over 1000 designer-made templates that are fully customizable, responsive and free. The website builder also grants access to Wixel (AI web design platform), Velo, Wix Studio and other features for advanced website design creation;
• App Market: This is where you can get access to a broad range of third-party applications (free and paid) to enhance website functionality. For your convenience, they are divided into categories based on the niche.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Overview

Wix has a free plan that lets you test and use the system for the required time interval. For those willing to get access to advanced features, the website builder allows choosing between four main plans:

• Light ($17/mo);
• Core ($29/mo);
• Business ($36/mo);
• Business Elite ($159/mo).

What’s interesting, Wix offers a flexible system of discounts that makes it possible to save up to 50% of the initial plan price, if you sign up for a premium subscription on specified days.

Additionally, the company offers the 14-day money-back guarantee for users who decide to cancel the selected plan for some reason.

 

Squarespace

Squarespace – is the all-in-one SaaS website builder known for its sophisticated design capabilities and powerful built-in features. The system targets mostly creatives and small business owners, offering tools their projects require for effective completion of all the stages of the website creation process – from account sign up and up to website publication. Note that no coding skills are needed to work with Squarespace. The major software highlights include:

• Multilingual Tool: Multilingual support that allows for personal/business website creation in different languages;
• Blogging/eCommerce: Availability of built-in blogging/eCommerce engines to set up, manage and customize blogs and web stores;
• Scheduling: Due to the integrated Acuity Scheduling Platform, Squarespace users now can plan their appointments in the online mode. It is possible to organize group classes, private meetings here. Users can fill out online registration forms to notify you about their intention to join the meeting. The tool, however, is paid and the cost starts at $16/mo billed annually.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Overview

Squarespace offers moderate pricing. Instead of a free plan, you will get a 14-day free trial, which is sometimes not enough for complete software exploration. This is one of the system’s demerits, by the way. Upon the end of the trial, you will have to upgrade for one of 4 premium subscriptions:

• Personal ($16/mo)
• Business ($23/mo)
• Commerce Basic ($28/mo)
• Commerce Advanced ($52/mo)

Keep in mind that you can save big, when getting an annual plan and making a one-time payment.

 

Shopify

Shopify – is a leader of the eCommerce web design niche. The platform was created with the needs of entrepreneurs, merchants, dropshippers and businesses in mind, who aim to sell products online or in person. Shopify includes a powerful stock of eCommerce features by default, letting you set up, manage and customize both small stores and hypermarkets with thousands of products. Again, you don’t have to write a line of code here yet get ready to spend some time mastering all the aspects of this eCommerce system. Its key features include:

• POS Software: Shopify Point of Sale lets you sell in brick-and-mortar stores or pop-up events with seamless inventory and order syncing;
• Storefront Designs: The software allows choosing from multiple eCommerce designs – both free and paid – to create visually stunning and professional online stores;
• App Store: You will get access to thousands of apps and integrations that extend your web store functionality – from email marketing to payments, invoicing, dropshipping etc.;
• Powerful Inventory: Shopify offers inventory, payment, billing, product/order management tools in one place – no need to connect external integrations to set up a web store here.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Overview

Shopify does not offer a free plan, but provides a 3-day free trial with an option to continue at a minimal cost for the first 3 months. If you are ok with the provided features, the system offers an opportunity to pick one of the following premium plans:

• Basic ($29/mo);
• Grow ($79/mo);
• Advanced ($299/mo);
• Plus (Starting at $2300/mo on a 3-year term)

It is recommended to pick an annual billing option to reduce the monthly cost.

 

WordPress

WordPress – is another popular SaaS-based website builder that can easily be confused with its world-famous WordPress CMS. Unlike its self-hosted counterpart WordPress.org (see review), WordPress.com includes hosting, security and updates in one place, letting users focus purely on content and design. You can create and customize small-to-large projects here as the website builder is best suited for content-rich projects with growing audiences. The main features are as follows:

• Gutenberg Editor: The system uses a contemporary block-based editor that simplifies web page creation. If you don’t like it for some reason, you can switch to the standard drag-and-drop editor;
• Plugin and Template Support: WordPress grants access to a growing library of third-party templates and plugins to extend website functionality;
• Jetpack Integration: Jetpack is included in the website builder by default to offer advanced security, performance and marketing features.

Read also: Wix vs WordPress comparison

Pros and Cons

Pricing Overview

As a website builder, WordPress.com offers a tiered pricing model to fit the needs of its subscribers. To get access to advanced features and branding solutions, the system recommends upgrading to premium plans:

• Personal ($4/mo);
• Premium ($8/mo);
• Business ($25/mo);
• Commerce ($45/mo);
• Enterprise (Custom pricing).

Annual billing discounts apply to all plans. The prices mentioned above come with the 55% discount offered to those users only, who pick annual billing at once. If you choose the 2-year billing model, you will get a 63% discount. A 3-year subscription comes with a 69% discount.

 

Webflow

Webflow – is a professional website builder primarily geared towards designers, freelancers and agencies looking for high-level project customization and control. Although the system has a simple drag-and-drop editor, it still implies the knowledge of front-end coding to users aiming to develop highly dynamic, responsive websites. Actually, this is the only website builder from those reviewed here where at least baseline programming knowledge is recommended. The major software highlights include:

• Visual CMS: Webflow comes with a built-in CMS tailored for designers, letting you structure content and build collections with full design flexibility;
• Dynamic Interactions: Advanced animations and interactions can be created without JavaScript, enabling a polished and modern web experience;
• Client Editor: Clients can safely edit site content without affecting the design structure, ideal for agencies and freelancers managing multiple client projects.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Overview

Webflow offers two types of premium plans – for in-house teams and for freelancers/agencies.

Plans for in-house teams include:

• Starter (Free)
• Core ($19/mo)
• Growth ($49/mo)
• Enterprise (custom pricing)

Plans for freelancers/agencies include:

• Starter (Free)
• Freelancer ($16/mo)
• Agency ($35/mo)

Webflow isn’t the cheapest option yet annual billing guarantees notable savings. Keep that in mind when choosing the website builder for your personal or business web design needs.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Website Builder

Whatever website builder you will select, you should have certain arguments to explain your choice. No doubt, each system is unique, coming with its features, tools, solutions and pricing options.

So, the first thing you have to do when you just start thinking about setting up a new site and picking the software, is to consider the factors reviewed below.

 

Ease of Use

The simpler the website builder is – the better. This is the rule to follow, if you are a beginner.

An easy-to-use site builder should have an intuitive interface to be understandable to you, a drag-and-drop editor for ease and convenient arrangement of elements/sections as well as a hassle-free onboarding experience.

A user-focused system will offer enough support options and guides to help you explore and master its features with ease.

And, of course, AI tools are very desirable, because they will let you handle those aspects of the website creation process you would not be able to complete yourself.

 

Design and Customization

It goes without saying that a good website builder should come with an extensive template library.

What’s more, it should let you choose between free and premium themes divided into categories for the ease of search. Pick a design that reflects your brand identity most.

Opportunity to adjust layouts, change color schemes and modify design elements without impacting the usability of your site is also crucial.

Additionally, responsive design options are essential to ensure your site looks great and functions well on all devices, from desktops to smartphones.

 

Features and Integrations

You definitely want your website to be full-featured. If this is a web store, pay attention to the quality and functionality of the eCommerce engine.

Shopify is the best pick here, but if you need a smaller shop, other options are also good. Make sure the platform includes tools for managing inventory, processing payments and handling secure transactions.

Availability of eCommerce designs is also preferable. Plan to set up a blog? Then a full-featured blogging engine is required. WordPress or Squarespace will help you here.

These are content-focused website builders that come with reliable blogging tools. Other features like SEO, analytics, marketing tools as well as third-party integrations etc. should not be overlooked also.

 

Pricing and Plans

Website builders typically offer a range of pricing tiers. Some of them have free plans, others – don’t. Free versions may come with limited functionality, yet there are systems that offer a complete set of features for the time of trial duration.

An ideal option is when the features and tools offered determine the best value for your budget. Mind, however, the ongoing costs like domain registration and renewal, SSL certificate connection, plugin integration and the need to connect other external features etc.

 

Support and Resources

The level of customer support provided can make a significant difference, especially when you encounter issues or have questions.

Verify that the website builder offers comprehensive support through multiple channels, including guides and tutorials, forums, direct contact methods etc.

Comparison Table

It’s quite easy for a beginner to overlook important features of all website builders reviewed above. It also makes sense to focus on their major parameters and implications.

The comparison table below will help you keep in mind the most crucial nuances.

Hopefully, the comparison table above will become your go-to source when choosing the website builder to come up to your project type, requirements and budget.

Final Recommendations

Are you right about getting started with your new website? Can’t afford hiring a web designer and lack coding skills? Then using a website builder is the top solution to try.

The variety of site builders is impressive and many more are being introduced to the market every year. This frequently poses a problem to beginners.

To make the right choice, you should focus on the key points only: your specific needs, project type, technical proficiency, features required and budget.

If you’re looking for a highly intuitive yet user-focused and affordable platform, Wix will be an excellent choice. Squarespace offers more sophisticated design options making it perfect for creatives and small businesses that prioritize aesthetics.

For robust eCommerce functionality that makes large web store creation possible, Shopify will surely stand out.

WordPress.com works great for content-driven projects, while Webflow will come up to the needs of designers with baseline coding proficiency.

Each platform encompasses a unique balance of features and it’s only up to you to decide which one will be your top choice.