Best Website Builders for 2026
Last updated: February 2026
You don’t need a developer, a design degree, or a big budget to build a professional-looking website in 2025. With today’s website builders, anyone from small business owners to first-time side hustlers can launch a beautiful, functional site in just a few clicks.
- Choose from 800+ designer made templates
- 1000+ innovative small business features
- Enterprise level security
- Used by millions of businesses across the globe
- Fully customizable, user-friendly interface
- Seamless integrations to boost your business
- 100+ Professional templates
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Lightning-fast website load time
- All-in-one platform to power your website
- Easy-to-customize website templates
- Feature-rich website builder
- Easy drag & drop WordPress builder
- Get started with over 300 templates
- 24/7 builder support
- Over 3M already chose web.com
- Award-winning software
- Free 1-hour design support session*
- AI-powered & custom websites
- Industry-leading SEO tools
- Enterprise-grade security & stability
- 1 month money back trial
- Free domain for first year
- Customer support available 24/7
- Top rated drag & drop editor
- Live editing capabilities
- Powers 5,000,000+ websites
- 100+ design templates
- Drag & drop product merchandising
- Industry-leading expertise
- 24/7 live chat support
- Sell globally with an online store
- Free email accounts with different plans
- Used by 123,000 small business owners
- No coding or design experience required
- Create a website within 10 min
The rise of website-building services has changed the game. No more emailing developers for minor tweaks or waiting weeks for updates. The best website builder platforms now offer drag-and-drop simplicity, mobile-friendly templates, and built-in tools for blogging, e-commerce, SEO, and more. It’s everything you need to get an online presence, fast.
And the cost savings? Huge. Using the best easy website builder means skipping hefty design fees and paying a predictable monthly rate instead. Some platforms even offer a free website builder plan to help you get started risk-free.
Whether you’re looking for the best website builder for your small business, a professional website builder for your growing brand, or want the best website maker to showcase a portfolio, this guide covers the top website builders of the year. We’ve reviewed each for ease of use, features, value, and scalability, so you can confidently choose the best web builder for your next move.
Ready to build a website without the hassle? Let’s break down the top picks.
Best Website Builders in 2026
⭐ Wix – Best for creative freedom and beginners
⭐ Shopify – Best for ecommerce and dropshipping
⭐ Hostinger – Best for affordable all-in-one site building
⭐ Squarespace – Best for stunning design and branding
⭐ Bluehost – Best for building WordPress sites with ease
⭐ Web.com – Best for quick setup with ready-made templates
⭐ Duda – Best for freelancers and agency client work
⭐ IONOS – Best for budget-friendly business websites
⭐ Elementor – Best for WordPress users who want design control
⭐ BigCommerce – Best for growing and large online stores
⭐ SITE123 – Best for simple one-page or small sites
⭐ Webador – Best for personal sites and first-time users
Quick Comparison
| Website Builder | Best For | Standout Feature | Price Range | AI Tools Included? |
| Wix | Creative freedom & beginners | Highly customizable drag-and-drop editor | Mid-range | ✅ |
| Shopify | E-commerce and dropshipping | Product management & inventory | Mid-range | ✅ |
| Hostinger | All-in-one hosting | Built in hosting + AI site builder | Low-cost | ✅ |
| Squarespace | Design-focused small businesses | Award-winning templates and design tools | Mid-range | ❌ |
| Bluehost | WordPress beginners | Easy WordPress integration | Low-cost | ❌ |
| Web.com | Quick setup with templates | Straightforward setup process | Mid-range | ❌ |
| Duda | Agencies and freelancers | Client management tools | Mid-range | ✅ |
| IONOS | Budget-conscious beginners | Very low starting price | Low-cost | ✅ |
| Elementor | WordPress power users | Advanced site design within WordPress | Freemium | ❌ |
| BigCommerce | Large-scale e-commerce | Scalable e-commerce features | Enterprise | ✅ |
| SITE123 | Simple one-page sites | Super fast setup wizard | Free | ❌ |
| Webador | Personal websites | Beginner-friendly interface | Free | ❌ |
Our Top Picks
We tested and compared the top website builders for ease of use, features, pricing, and who they’re best suited for. Here’s a quick look at our favorite platforms for 2026 and what makes each one stand out.
Wix: Best for beginners
Wix offers a fantastic user experience, especially for building a simple website. We used their AI website builder option, and the process was incredibly smooth. The walkthrough was simple: we took a quick quiz about our website name, primary colors, and page type. After that, the Wix system did the rest and generated an “optimal” website for our needs. For a small business, this is a game-changer; it created an entire website with fast and easy prompts—all we had to do was swap out the images and content to match our brand. The drag-and-drop builder is very intuitive, allowing us to change and replace anything we wanted. Wix provides hosting directly through their system.

Key Features
- Drag-and-drop editor: Customize every part of your site visually, no coding needed
- 800+ templates: Professionally designed layouts for businesses, portfolios, stores, and more
- App Market: Extend your site with apps for booking, chat, forms, and beyond
- AI Site Generator: Build a full site in minutes by answering a few questions
- Mobile optimization: Every site is automatically mobile-friendly
- Built-in SEO tools: Easily optimize your pages to help rank on search engines
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely beginner-friendly
- Total design flexibility
- Massive library of templates and apps
- AI-powered site creation
- Strong ecommerce and blog features
Cons
- Can feel overwhelming due to so many options
- Less structured than some builders (easy to over-customize)
- Premium plans can add up
Who It’s For
Wix is ideal for entrepreneurs, small business owners, creatives, and anyone who wants to build a website that looks exactly how they envision it, without hiring a developer. It’s one of the best easy website builders in today’s market, especially if you want freedom to play and personalize.
Shopify: Best for e-commerce and dropshipping
Shopify was simple to set up. They have a lot of templates; we picked one, and the website was created for us instantly with a homepage, product categories, and a blog. The process is super simple, and even when we got stuck trying to add collections to the menu, we found the answer quickly in a YouTube tutorial—so the support ecosystem is great for beginners. Like Wix, Shopify provides hosting directly. The drag-and-drop functionality here is excellent; you can tell Shopify knows exactly what they are doing and understands how users expect a website builder to work.

Key Features
- Product & inventory management – Track stock, variations, SKUs, and fulfillment
- Built-in checkout & payments – Accept credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more
- Abandoned cart recovery – Automatically follow up with shoppers who don’t complete purchases
- Sales channels – Sell on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, TikTok, and in-person with Shopify POS
- App store – Extend functionality with thousands of plugins
- Themes & customization – Mobile-optimized, responsive storefront templates
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built specifically for e-commerce
- Scales easily for growing stores
- Strong support for omnichannel selling
- Secure and fast checkout
- Excellent third-party app ecosystem
Cons
- Less flexible for non-ecommerce sites
- Costs add up with paid apps and transaction fees
- Design customization can be limited without code
Who It’s For
Shopify is best suited for users focused on selling online, whether launching a small boutique or running a high-volume dropshipping business. It’s one of the top website builders for ecommerce thanks to its stability, feature depth, and ease of use for merchants.
Hostinger: Best for affordable all-in-one site building
We found Hostinger to be the best “value for money” option. We tested their AI website builder, and honestly, it’s one of the fastest we’ve seen. You answer three simple questions, and in about a minute, it generates a full website with text and images. The editor uses a “smart grid” system—it is drag-and-drop like Wix, but it snaps elements into place so nothing looks messy. It’s not as feature-heavy as Wix, but for a beginner who wants a professional site up in under an hour for a very low price, this is a top pick.

Key Features
- AI website builder – Generate layouts, copy, and images with built-in AI tools
- Integrated hosting – No need to purchase separate hosting; everything is included
- Pre-designed templates – Clean, responsive themes for business, portfolio, and online stores
- Ecommerce support – Sell products online with inventory, shipping, and payment tools
- SEO & analytics tools – Basic SEO features and Google Analytics integration
- Free domain with paid plan – One less thing to worry about when getting started
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very affordable pricing
- Fast setup with AI-powered tools
- Includes hosting and domain in one package
- Lightweight and user-friendly interface
Cons
- Fewer design and customization options than others
- Smaller app and template library
- Limited scalability for complex websites
Who It’s For
Hostinger is ideal for individuals and small businesses looking for an easy, low-cost way to get online. If you’re after the best web builder that includes hosting and automation in one bundle, it’s a strong pick, especially for budget-conscious users.
Squarespace: Best for stunning design and branding
Squarespace is all about design. The setup was smooth, and the templates are hands-down the most beautiful and professional-looking out of the box. We used their new “Fluid Engine” editor, a drag-and-drop system that offers a lot of creative freedom, though it took us a little longer to get used to compared to Wix. If you are a photographer, artist, or restaurant owner, this is the best choice because the visuals are stunning without much effort. The hosting and tools are all built-in, so you don’t need to worry about technical updates.

Key Features
- Award-winning templates – Modern, responsive themes optimized for images and typography
- Built-in ecommerce – Sell physical and digital products with inventory and tax tools
- Marketing tools – Email campaigns, SEO features, and social media integrations
- Blog and portfolio support – Great for showcasing creative work or thought leadership
- Logo maker & branding tools – Build your brand visuals directly in the platform
- Analytics dashboard – Track visitor behavior and site performance
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Visually impressive templates
- All-in-one platform (no separate hosting required)
- Excellent support for content-heavy sites
- Strong built-in marketing and SEO tools
- Reliable uptime and site speed
Cons
- Less flexible for highly customized layouts
- Fewer third-party app integrations compared to others
- Editor can feel restrictive for advanced users
Who It’s For
Squarespace is a strong choice for small business owners, freelancers, and creatives who prioritize branding and visual design. If you’re looking for the best website maker to showcase your work or business with style, it’s one of the top website builders to consider.
Bluehost: Best for building WordPress sites
Bluehost is based on the WordPress ecosystem. They offer an internal website builder accessible from the Bluehost dashboard. This builder is component-based, similar to Wix or Shopify, but we found the customization here to be much more difficult. For beginners, you might need to know a bit of HTML code for the initial setup to get things looking exactly right. However, the pricing is aggressive—when you purchase hosting from Bluehost, you can often get a WordPress website started for very little money (sometimes around $1).

Key Features
- WordPress integration – Pre-installed and optimized for performance
- Drag-and-drop builder – Visual editor layered on top of WordPress
- Ecommerce support – WooCommerce-ready with payment and inventory tools
- Included hosting & domain – One-stop solution for launching a site
- Custom templates – Designed specifically for WordPress users
- Marketing tools – SEO, email marketing, and analytics built-in
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combines WordPress power with user-friendly tools
- Hosting, domain, and builder in one package
- Strong performance and uptime
- WooCommerce support for online stores
- Helpful onboarding for beginners
Cons
- Less intuitive than non-WordPress builders
- Design options more limited than Wix or Squarespace
- Site management can feel more technical over time
Who It’s For
Bluehost is best for users who want the flexibility of WordPress without having to configure everything manually. If you’re aiming to build a website that can grow with your business and want hosting included, Bluehost is a solid, affordable choice among website building services.
Web.com: Best for quick setup with ready-made templates
Web.com focuses on getting you online fast, but the experience feels a bit more rigid than the others. The setup was quick, but the builder is “section-based” rather than true drag-and-drop. This means you can stack pre-made blocks (like a “Contact” block or “About” block), but you can’t just drag a button anywhere you want on the screen. It is a solid option for a very basic, “set it and forget it” business card-style website, but we felt limited when trying to customize specific details.

Key Features
- Prebuilt templates – Choose from professionally designed layouts for various industries
- Drag-and-drop builder – Simple editor for placing and customizing elements
- Domain & hosting included – Everything you need to launch is in one package
- Business-focused tools – Includes contact forms, maps, and scheduling widgets
- Basic ecommerce – Ability to sell products, manage orders, and accept payments
- Marketing support – Optional services like SEO help and logo design
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very fast setup process
- Good selection of starter templates
- Hosting and domain included
- Suitable for service-based businesses
- Live support available
Cons
- Less flexible customization
- Smaller feature set compared to other builders
- Limited third-party integrations
- Not ideal for scaling or complex sites
Who It’s For
Web.com is best for small business owners or first-time users who want a simple site up and running fast, without worrying about too many design or technical decisions. It’s a practical choice among professional website builders for service-based businesses or local shops.
Duda: Best for freelancers and agency client work
We found Duda to be incredibly stable and professional. It feels slightly more structured than Wix. The editor is fantastic—it uses drag-and-drop but keeps everything aligned perfectly automatically. One cool feature we noticed is the “Team” capability; it seems built for agencies or people managing multiple sites. You can also create “Personalization Rules” (like showing a specific notification bar to visitors from a certain city), which was a unique feature we didn’t see elsewhere. It is a bit pricier, but the performance and speed of the sites were excellent.

Key Features
- Client management tools – White-label portals, permissions, and team access
- Drag-and-drop editor – Fast, visual site design with mobile responsiveness
- Site personalization – Show different content based on user behavior or location
- Multi-site dashboard – Manage multiple projects in one interface
- Prebuilt sections & templates – Quickly assemble sites with reusable content blocks
- Hosting & SSL included – Secure hosting bundled with every plan
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built specifically for freelancers and agencies
- Great tools for managing multiple client sites
- Fast and responsive editor
- Personalization and dynamic content support
- White-label branding options
Cons
- More expensive than general-purpose builders
- Less ideal for individual site owners
- Smaller app marketplace
Who It’s For
Duda is best suited for professionals building websites for others and need efficiency, client-facing tools, and a scalable workflow. If you’re offering website building services or managing multiple brands, Duda makes it easier to stay organized and deliver high-quality results.
IONOS: Best for budget-friendly business websites
We tested the “MyWebsite Now” builder, which is their AI-driven tool. The experience was very similar to the Hostinger AI flow, a super-fast setup where the system builds the site for you. The editing is very simple; you just click and change text or swap images. However, you don’t have total creative freedom to move things around pixel-by-pixel. If you need a website today and don’t care about moving every little icon, this works great. They also include professional email and domains, making it a good “all-in-one” package for a starter business.
IONOS offers a low-cost website builder geared toward small business owners who want a basic, functional online presence without spending much. Its platform includes essentials like a drag-and-drop editor, business-focused templates, and email accounts. While it’s not the flashiest tool, it’s reliable and affordable, making it a contender for the best website builder for small business users on a tight budget.

Key Features
- Easy drag-and-drop builder – Clean interface with industry-specific templates
- Built-in email – Includes professional email accounts with hosting
- Mobile-friendly templates – Automatically optimized for phones and tablets
- Business tools – Contact forms, maps, scheduling widgets, and more
- Integrated hosting & SSL – Everything bundled in one package
- SEO basics – Tools for meta tags, alt text, and keyword guidance
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very affordable starting plans
- Simple and straightforward setup
- Built-in business features
- Hosting and email included
- Reliable performance for smaller sites
Cons
- Limited design flexibility
- Fewer advanced features or integrations
- Interface feels more dated than competitors
Who It’s For
IONOS is a strong option for small businesses that need a professional website up quickly, without unnecessary extras. It’s one of the best web builders if you’re focused on cost-efficiency and just need the basics done right.
Elementor: Best for WordPress users
Elementor is a WordPress plugin that offers templates and components to turn a basic WordPress site into a professional one without hiring a developer. The responsive options are great—you can match the mobile and desktop versions easily. However, we feel you need some technical experience with CSS and HTML to make it perfect. If you don’t have technical knowledge, the template gallery is basic and might be enough, but you won’t be using the full potential of the tool. On the other hand, if you know HTML, CSS, and some JS, you can create professional websites with great performance using their features gallery (forms, headers, footers, etc.).
Key Features
- Live drag-and-drop editor – Design pages visually with real-time updates
- Theme builder – Customize headers, footers, and global site elements
- Widgets & templates – Choose from 100+ elements and prebuilt page designs
- Responsive design tools – Adjust how your site looks on desktop, tablet, and mobile
- Pop-up builder – Create promotional banners, lead capture forms, and more
- WooCommerce support – Build and style online stores within WordPress
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High level of design flexibility
- Seamless integration with WordPress
- Large community and template library
- Great for creating unique layouts
- Extensive customization without code
Cons
- Only works with WordPress (not a standalone builder)
- Can slow down sites if not optimized properly
- Some advanced features require paid version
Who It’s For
Elementor is ideal for users who want full design control within WordPress. If you already use WordPress—or plan to—and want a visual editing experience, Elementor is one of the top website builders for building polished, fully customized sites.
BigCommerce: Best for growing and large online stores
This platform is a beast, but in a good way. It is not a simple drag-and-drop builder for a personal blog; it is a powerful engine for serious online stores. We found the setup a bit more complex than Shopify because there are so many settings for shipping, tax, and products right from the start. They do have a “Page Builder” for designing the look of the site, which is decent, but the real power is in the back end. If you plan to sell thousands of products, this is the tool. For a simple portfolio? It is probably overkill.

Key Features
- Multi-channel selling – Sell on Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
- Flexible product options – Manage variants, SKUs, inventory, and categories
- Custom checkout – Tailor the shopping experience with developer tools
- Built-in SEO tools – Clean URLs, schema markup, and advanced settings
- Ecommerce analytics – In-depth reports on sales, customers, and conversions
- No transaction fees – Keep more of what you sell
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful ecommerce infrastructure
- Scales well with business growth
- Supports complex product catalogs
- Great SEO and marketing capabilities
- Built-in multi-channel sales tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than entry-level builders
- Overkill for small or single-product stores
- Pricing tiers can get expensive as you grow
Who It’s For
BigCommerce is best for online retailers who are scaling, or plan to. If your store needs advanced inventory control, multi-channel selling, and customizable checkout experiences, this is one of the best website makers built specifically for ecommerce growth.
SITE123: Best for simple one-page or small sites
SITE123 is a great free website builder option. Honestly, it is a fantastic choice for micro-businesses just starting out. The builder is intuitive and uses a drag-and-drop system. It also helps you with the process of achieving your business goals—for example, it asks for what purpose you need the website and matches the “front end” design to that goal. As someone who tests a lot of builder platforms, I think for a low budget, this is a fabulous option.
Key Features
- Step-by-step setup wizard – Answer a few questions and the platform builds your layout
- Prebuilt templates – Choose from structured designs optimized for different industries
- Mobile responsiveness – All templates adjust automatically for mobile
- Form and contact tools – Built-in modules for bookings, contact, and feedback
- Free plan available – Basic features included at no cost
- Multilingual support – Easily create sites in multiple languages
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely fast and easy to use
- Great for beginners with no tech experience
- Free plan available
- Multilingual features included
- Requires very little customization
Cons
- Limited design flexibility
- Not ideal for complex or growing businesses
- Fewer integrations and features compared to others
Who It’s For
SITE123 is best for individuals, freelancers, or small service businesses that need a simple web presence without the learning curve. If you want to build a website in under an hour and don’t need many extras, this tool delivers just that.
Webador: Best for first-time users
Webador was one of the simplest tools we tested. They have a “lite” editor that is extremely easy to use because it doesn’t have too many confusing buttons. You can drag elements onto the page, but the design options are more basic compared to Wix or Squarespace. We think this is a perfect fit for a hobbyist or a very small local shop that needs a free or cheap website and doesn’t need “fancy” design features. It does exactly what it says: gets you online without any fuss.

Key Features
- Beginner-friendly editor – Simple drag-and-drop tools with minimal learning curve
- Responsive templates – Mobile-ready themes that require no extra setup
- Free domain & hosting – Included even on the free plan
- Blog and form features – Add basic functionality like contact forms and blog posts
- Photo galleries and video – Showcase media easily with built-in blocks
- Fast publishing – Launch your site within minutes of signing up
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very easy to use, even for total beginners
- Free plan includes hosting and domain
- Clean templates for basic websites
- No coding or technical setup needed
- Good for personal and hobby sites
Cons
- Not designed for business or ecommerce
- Limited scalability and customization
- Lacks advanced marketing and SEO tools
Who It’s For
Webador is best for users who want a simple, no-fuss way to publish a website for personal use, hobbies, or portfolios. If you’re looking for the best website maker that doesn’t require a steep learning curve, it’s a strong pick for getting started for free.
What is a website builder?
A website builder is a tool that lets you create a website without needing to write code or hire a developer. It’s designed to simplify the process of going online—whether you’re launching a small business, personal blog, or online store. Most top website builders offer an all-in-one experience that includes design tools, hosting, templates, and often even ecommerce and marketing features.
Here’s what a website builder typically includes:
- Drag-and-drop editor – Visually design your site by moving elements like images, text, and buttons
- Pre-designed templates – Start with professionally designed layouts for business, personal, or ecommerce use
- Built-in hosting – No need to set up separate web hosting—it’s usually included
- Responsive design – Templates that automatically adjust to mobile and tablet screens
- Domain connection – Use a custom domain (e.g. yourbusiness.com) or a free subdomain
- Add-on tools – Extras like contact forms, appointment booking, blog tools, and pop-ups
- SEO features – Basic tools to help your site appear in search engines
- Ecommerce functionality – (On select builders) Sell products, manage inventory, and process payments
- AI-powered tools – Some best website makers now offer AI site generation, content writing, and more
Website builders are popular because they offer a fast, budget-friendly way to build a website—especially for users who don’t have technical experience.
How to choose the best website builder for your needs
After testing 10+ platforms, we learned that reading feature lists isn’t enough. You need to verify them. Here is a 5-step “Stress Test” you should perform during any free trial to ensure you don’t get trapped in a bad platform.
- Define Your Primary Goal Don’t guess. If you are building a serious store, you need an e-commerce engine (like Shopify) aimed at sales. If you are a photographer, you need a visual-first platform (like Squarespace). Match the tool’s strength to your site’s main job.
- Look for Value, Not Just “Cheap” The cheapest plans often hide costs—like charging extra for domains or removing essential tools. A slightly higher-priced plan that includes hosting, security, and AI features usually saves you more money (and time) in the long run.
- Know Your Skill Level Choose an editor that fits your workflow.
- Drag-and-Drop (Wix, Hostinger): Offers total creative freedom but requires a design eye.
- Structured (Web.com): rigid but ensures you can’t “break” the layout.
- Technical (WordPress/Bluehost): Steep learning curve but maximum power.
- Plan for Growth Migrating a website later is difficult and costly. Ensure the platform can grow with you. If your hobby turns into a business, does the builder support email marketing, unlimited products, or CRM integration? If not, look elsewhere.
- Stress-Test the Free Trial Don’t just browse the templates. Use the free trial to actually build a page. Try to break the layout or contact support. If the interface feels clunky or frustrating now, it won’t get better after you pay.
What to expect from your website builder
Choosing the best website builder means knowing what’s typically included—and what might require a paid upgrade or add-on. While every platform is different, most website building services cover the basics and give you room to grow.
Here’s what you can generally expect from a modern website builder:
- User-friendly interface – Most platforms are built for non-tech users with intuitive, drag-and-drop editors
- Customizable templates – Dozens (or hundreds) of ready-made layouts for different industries and purposes
- Responsive design – Mobile optimization is usually built in, so your site looks great on any screen
- Free domain (temporarily) – Some plans include a free domain for the first year or a free subdomain (e.g. yourname.builder.com)
- Hosting and SSL security – No separate hosting needed; your site is hosted and protected with SSL encryption
- Basic SEO tools – Page titles, meta descriptions, image alt tags, and URL customization are usually included
- Blog and media support – Most builders let you add image galleries, blog posts, and video content
- Ecommerce (on select plans) – If you choose a builder like Shopify or Wix, expect product listings, payments, and order tracking
- Support options – Access to help via live chat, email, or help centers with tutorials and FAQs
- Upgrade paths – As your needs grow, you can usually unlock more features by moving to a higher-tier plan
Some platforms also go beyond the basics and offer:
- AI-powered features – Tools to generate content, suggest layouts, or build your site from a short questionnaire
- Marketing tools – Email campaigns, pop-ups, and lead capture forms
- Integrations – Apps or plugins that connect your website to tools like Google Analytics, Shopify, Mailchimp, or social media platforms
Ultimately, your website builder should help you launch fast, look professional, and be easy to maintain—even if you’ve never built a website before.
How we tested website builders
We refuse to just skim the surface. For this comparison, our team dedicated two full weeks to an intensive, hands-on stress test of over 10 leading website builders. We didn’t just click around; we simulated the entire lifecycle of a site owner. We built fully functional websites, uploaded real content and images, and deliberately tried to ‘break’ the design editors. Our goal was to expose the details that marketing materials hide—from the true learning curve and hosting performance to the hidden value-for-money realities
The bottom line
After 14 days of testing more than 10 platforms, we found that Wix is the best all-around choice for most people. It is safe, reliable, and uses AI to build the website for you, so you don’t need any technical skills. If you want a website that “just works,” start here.
If your main goal is to sell products, choose Shopify. It is built specifically for online stores and handles inventory and payments better than anyone else. For artists, photographers, and creatives, Squarespace is the winner because it has the most beautiful templates that make your work look professional instantly.
Finally, if you are on a tight budget, look at Hostinger. It offers the best value for money and gets you online fast for a very low price.
Don’t overthink it – pick the one that matches your goal and start a free trial today.
FAQ
Q:What is the best website builder?
A: There’s no single “best” option for everyone. Wix is great for creative freedom, Shopify is built for ecommerce, and Squarespace is ideal for design-focused sites. The best website builder depends on your goals, budget, and experience level.
Q: Can I build a website for free?
A: Yes, some platforms offer a free website builder plan. Options like SITE123, Webador, and Wix let you start without paying, though features and customization will be limited. For full functionality, most users upgrade to a paid plan.
Q: Are website builders good for small businesses?
A: Definitely. Many of the best website builders for small business include tools like online booking, SEO, ecommerce, and built-in marketing. They’re a great way to create a professional site without hiring a developer.
Q: Do I need hosting if I use a website builder?
A: No. Most website building services include hosting as part of the plan. You won’t need to set up anything separately—your website is hosted automatically once you publish.
Q: Can I sell products using a website builder?
A: Yes, if you choose a builder that supports ecommerce. Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, BigCommerce, and Hostinger are all strong options for selling online. Look for features like product pages, payments, inventory, and shipping tools.
Q: Will my website be mobile-friendly?
A: Almost all modern website builders use responsive templates that work on phones and tablets. Some platforms let you edit the mobile layout separately, while others sync it with your desktop design.
Q: Is it hard to switch website builders later?
A: Yes, switching builders usually requires starting from scratch. Most platforms don’t allow direct transfers between systems, so it’s best to choose a builder that can scale with your needs from the beginning.





