Top 12 Best Website Builders
September 2021

Website builders are an excellent alternative to traditional web design. The best website builders offer a wide array of tools and features at affordable rates.

These all-in-one services allow users to easily create, host, and manage their websites. Often, these services even include built-in domain registration.

There is no denying that building your own website or blog creates a certain sense of pride and ownership.

Here, we will take a look at who uses a website builder and what kind of sites they build. We’ll compare some of the top web page builders, and we’ll look at what separates them.

Besides, we’ll suggest some tips to consider when deciding on your ideal website builder. We’ll also answer some of the common questions people ask.

1. Wix

Flexibility and stunning templates!

Wix is a free tool to create websites, landing pages, online stores, and more. Wix has the world’s best website builders, free premium templates. Besides, it has easy-to-use tools & services to help you design and manage your site.

With Wix, there are no hosting fees because your website is built on Wix servers.

Wix is an amazing tool for designing and building a website, blog, or online store. The blank canvas editor really sets it apart from its competitors.

We highly recommend it for people who are looking to build a professional-looking website, with more flexibility in design than there would be with some other site builders.

Pricing options

• Free: $0
• Combo: $14
• Connect Domain: $5
• Business & eCommerce: $23+
• Unlimited: $18

2. Weebly

Unrivaled usability!

Developing a website is more convenient than ever with Weebly. With preferences on how your site looks and works, it provides the tools to enable you to express yourself perfectly.

Use Weebly’s intuitive interface to add images, text, or code. Each page and business template comes with free custom choices. So, you can go beyond the standard configuration and make it yours.

And if you can not get a template that matches your needs, with no extra fee you have access to hundreds of themes in the Weebly Gallery. With no software to install, you can get a website up and running in less than five minutes.

Pricing options

• Free: $0
• Personal: $6
• Professional: $12
• Performance: $26

3. Squarespace

Excellent for blogging!

If you are into creative industries ranging from art, music, lifestyle to entertainment and fashion, Squarespace will be able to provide you what you need.

With the ease of use and stunning interface on their website, you can create your own website. Besides, you can include all of your social media pages.

Themes are the key to making your website work well visually. You might be planning to build a simple blog or a creative portfolio. Whatever it is; choose themes that work well with your business or website.

Pricing options

• Personal: $12
• Business: $18
• Basic online Store: $26
• Advanced online Store: $40

4. Jimdo

Build a website pronto!

Jimdo is one of the best free online website builders which brings a new modern look and feel to your website.

It has drag-and-drop technology to make it super-easy for you to create a website online in minutes. Whether you want a simple brochure-powered site or a straightforward blog, Jimdo has a template for you.

Jimdo has two editors. Jimdo Dolphin and Creator. With Jimdo Dolphin, you can build your own website using the free ADI editor. Or you can get creative and build with Jimdo Creator – a simple website builder allowing you to create your own site your way.

Jimdo offers cloud hosting, professional email addresses, instant SSL encryption and unlimited add-on domains.

Pricing options

• Play: $0
• Start: $10
• Grow: $20
• Unlimited: $39

5. Webflow

Suitable for freelancers!

Webflow is a website-building platform that allows you to construct professional websites quickly and with ease.

WebFlow has a visual website editor that instantly creates professional-grade sites. With the fusion of a visual editor and a CMS, it is one of the website builders that’s worth your consideration.

You are in full control of every element. You can easily customize fonts, colors, layouts, backgrounds, textures, and typography on the fly. Again, you can do it all entirely visually without writing a single line of code.

Pricing options

• Starter: $0
• Lite: $16
• Pro: $35

6. Duda

We human beings can do incredible things. Yet, we wouldn’t be able to get anything done without the right tools.

The same goes for designing your website. Duda is an excellent website builder for businesses looking to make a lasting impression.

With Duda, you can build your website without writing a line of code. Add your own copy to create a beautiful, content-driven site. Duda is a drag-and-drop website builder that allows you to build your own website easily and effectively.

With many beautiful templates, mobile responsive design, and easy-to-use options, it is an excellent choice for building business sites and blogs.

Besides, you have the ability to import content from Facebook or elsewhere.

Pricing options

• Basic: $14
• Team: $22
• Agency: $44
• Site for Life: $299

7. GoDaddy

GoDaddy is at its simplest, a domain registrar and hosting company. They also have a web builder that you can use to build your website.

Start with a Free or Premium Website Builder plan. Then customize your site and manage email. What’s more, you have powerful tools and services designed to help you stay focused on what matters most – running your business.

GoDaddy also supports some of the most popular domains and eCommerce platforms for you to sell digital products and services online.

Pricing options

• Free: $0
• Basic: $10
• Standard: $15
• Premium: $20
• Ecommerce: $25

8. WordPress

WordPress runs more than 30% of the Internet. It has hundreds of free plugins available to help you build a website exactly the way you want.

As one of the most popular website builder platforms on the market, WordPress is an easy way to add a blog or an eCommerce site to your portfolio. Themes make it easy to optimize all pages of your site, so search engines can easily find and rank your content.

WordPress takes its functionality and separates it into three parts: the theme, the content, and the functionality.

Other website builders mix these elements into a single bundle. WordPress allows for data portability.

Themes from WordPress control the design of your website and are automatically compatible with other themes built for WordPress.

So, if you ever want to change your look, there are thousands of ready-to-use designs to choose from. The data portability gives you more options than other website builders.

WordPress was designed to be responsive, which is why it looks so good on your laptop and a mobile device. Whether you’re looking to build an eye-catching personal blog or even a fully functional business website, WordPress has you covered.

Pricing options

• Free: $0
• Personal: $4
• Premium: $8
• Business: $25
• eCommerce: $45

9. Strikingly

Strikingly enables you to design and publish a website, without any technical knowledge or experience.

Simply enter information about your site, customize the look and feel, and create a custom domain name for your site.

There is no need for elaborate editing of complex code or tedious coding that only the most tech-savvy could handle. With Strikingly, there is no learning curve and the freedom to build your site exactly how you want it.

Pricing options

• Free: $0
• Limited: $8
• Pro: $16

 

10. Webnode

Webnode lets you build websites quickly, easily, and in the nicest of ways. Webnode is a great choice to get your website online fast without investing months of time into learning to code.

For new webmasters or businesses seeking a website makeover, Webnode offers four plans that fit all budgets. Each of these plans offers different features, storage space, and bandwidth. It’s easy to create a site for free with Webnode.

You get a free Domain Name and can have full access to the builder and your site without interruption of ads.

With built-in SEO tools, like keyword insertion, and SEO keywords optimization, Webnode will help you get a better position on search engines.

And the extensive range of templates means you can create anything from corporate to personal business sites.

Pricing options

• Free: $0
• Limited: $3.95
• Mini: $5.95
• Standard: $11.95
• Profi: $19.95

11. Site123

SITE123 is another entry on this list with a generic name but that means they do what they do well. This is a drag and drop platform that doesn’t require any coding skills to create an attractive, custom website.

It’s simple enough for the beginner to use while still offering the advanced user a few more features to explore.

It has easy-to-use drag-and-drop features and a built-in customer chat attendant for top-notch support. What’s more, it has simple publishing options, pre-built design templates (that can be rearranged or extended).

Furthermore, it comes with an ever-growing selection of extensions offered through an online marketplace (which you easily add to your website with one click).

Pricing options

• Free: 0€
• Basic: 10.01€
• Advanced: 15.58€
• Professional: 21.14€
• Gold: 26.70€

12. IONOS By 1&1

Whether you are building your first website or looking for options to make a change, 1&1 IONOS has everything you need.

No matter whether you are an expert in building a website or not, designing your website with this service is painless and quick.

Just a few clicks or the drag-and-drop option will help you build your website effortlessly. On top of everything, 1&1 IONOS offers stunning designs for its users, which fits even for the smallest ones.

Pricing option

• Now: $7
• Creator: $13
• Online Store: $30

FAQs

Tips for choosing your ideal website builder

The most important decision to be made when starting a new website is deciding which platform you will serve as the foundation of your website.

You can choose any website builder, but be aware of these tips:

1. Purpose of your website

The purpose of your website may dictate the type of website builder you should choose. The purpose of your website may dictate the type of website builder you should choose.

For example, a business site usually requires more functionality and page layouts than a simple personal blog that contains posts and pages.

Whatever the purpose make sure that the builder that you choose caters for these purposes and that you can customize the content to be as per your needs. In addition, you will need to evaluate what you may or may not want as add-ons and pre-designed templates.

2. Design and features

According to statistics, having a good-looking website is one of the most important things for your business online. A good website design can increase the conversion rate and traffic.

It is no doubt that design and features are two of the most important factors to consider when it comes to a website builder.

Some website builders offer more flexibility with how you want your pages to look, while other options give you templates to work from.

The more features that are available to you, the more involved a project can become in terms of time investment.

3. Flexibility and ease of use

Since flexibility is such an important factor, it is vital to first consider whether it would suit your needs.

The versatility of a website builder describes how well it will fit the needs of its users. In most cases, those with a higher level of flexibility will be easier to use and will therefore have more value.

Conversely, a low level of flexibility will make it hard to perform functions or achieve outcomes that are important to its users. In this case, is likely to lead to lower satisfaction and lower perceived value.

If you are somebody who knows exactly what they want their website to do and how they want it to look, then a more flexible builder may be the right option for you.

4. Size of the website

The next thing you want to think about is the size of the website. The size is dictated by the type and number of pages that the website will have.

This is not an exact science because many factors come into play. Such factors could be how big the graphics are, how many pictures will be on each page, etc.

 If you want to save money and effort on web design you probably don’t want a huge site with hundreds of pages.

On the other hand, if you have a business that has lots of products or services, or need a large site for your organization why would you opt for a small site?

5. Customer support

OK, so you researched every feature on the website. However, the thing that will be one of your biggest deciding factors is the level of customer service the company provides.

Customers are your biggest asset and the best way to retain them is by providing awesome support through customer service.

Customer service is a critical feature for deciding whether a website builder is right for you. No matter the feature and plug-ins they have to offer, if the website builder does not have quality service, should you even consider using it?

6. Pricing

Finally, you’ll need to decide on a price. The price of a website builder is usually a major influencing factor in making a decision to use them.

Obviously, the more features and benefits that are offered, the higher the price.

Pricing includes the services, support, and every other expense required to launch your website.

By strategically positioning the different pricing plans and packages, you will be able to create an effective decision-making process for your ideal website builder.

7. Free SSL certificate

A free SSL certificate enables you to secure your websites and apps with encryption. This is done to ensure that all communications between your systems are private and secure.

By receiving it, the site will be able to display the necessary padlock icon in front of its address, proving that encryption is enabled. Sometimes, an SSL certificate can be offered by some website builders. Yet, you can buy one for as low as $10 per annum.

Who uses website builders?

Website builders are online tools that contain all the necessary tools and features to create a website.

They are good for those who want to start from scratch or need complete control over their site’s design. You can use a website builder to create an excellent-looking site, without needing any technical experience.

They provide targetted capabilities for small businesses, blogs, personal sites, or social networks. 

A website builder is typically used by individuals or small businesses that need a simple website for their business. Bloggers and vloggers may also find this type of software useful for building a simple site. 

Other users include professionals and organizations that want to promote themselves online or build their personal brands.  Besides, you can have fun building an online presence.

Also, they can offer all-in-one solutions with tools to build and manage a website. They’re set up in a way where you can make them your own and customize them to suit your needs.

What kind of websites can a website builder create?

With website builders, you can create any kind of site. Choose the type of site you want to create and find a builder that fits your needs.

These tools have varying strengths and depending on your needs, some offer more versatility than others.

Website builders have exploded in popularity over the past decade.

They offer a variety of website building and hosting options for people looking to make their own website without any knowledge or experience.

Some website builders specialize in business websites and some specialize in blog creation. Some have templates specifically for social media sites, and others have templates devoted to photos and videos.

Website builder users can even create an e-commerce site with products they can sell online or have delivered to them.

Is it true that I can use website builders to create a website myself?

Yes! That’s why we call them website builders. But, there’s nothing “simple” about the websites they can create.

In fact, these solutions give you the code and instructions so you can easily add your own touch to the website.

You’ll have a fully working site in minutes that you can personalize with your own message or brand.

Can I add extra functions to my website?

Yes, online website builders give you access to a broad range of features to spice up your website and make it look stunning.

Some website builders provide more customization than others. So, make sure to do a little extra research and read provider reviews before making a purchase.

If you choose a platform like Squarespace or WordPress, you have the option to add additional functionality that meets your needs.

With their wide range of themes, you can always modify your look and feel down the road.

These tools provide the ability to make modifications such as uploading widgets and custom pages. Also, inserting custom code into your website’s applicable files.

How long will it take to build my website?

The time to build your website will vary greatly. It depends on several factors such as:

• the amount of content you would like to have
• the level of visuals you would like to include
• your level of technicality
• time and level of effort you can invest

At times, it’s not how long it takes for you to build your site, it’s whether or not you’re using the right website builder.

Are website builders worth it?

Yes. Website builders are worth it if you want to achieve specific goals.

Website builders are a fantastic way to get your business up and running. You can use them even if you don’t have a lot of technical knowledge.

For example, if you want to make a website to advertise your services or sell products and build a strong brand presence, choosing the best website builder for you is imperative.

Website builders offer conveniences that no one could have imagined just a few years ago. The main benefit to website builders is the ease of use.

Is it better to use a website builder than to code your own website?

Yes! Website builders are a great way to get your business, organization, or brand online quickly.

They enable small and mid-sized companies to create professional-quality websites at a fraction of the cost with less development time. Besides, no programming skills needed.

They provide all the tools you’ll need with easy drag-n-drop features to add content, including text, photos, videos, maps, and more.

The best part is the control you’ll have over your website as some builders include hosting and domain registration for free.

Which website builder is right for me?

This depends on your objectives. What specificities will enable you to achieve your aim? Also, the functionalities you want from a website builder.

Do you want an informational website, a place to showcase your artwork or market products? There are many website builders you can use.

For example, Squarespace is an excellent choice if you wish to establish an online presence.

Weebly offers a more basic but still functional plan if you’re looking to establish an online presence at a lower cost.

Wix is an excellent choice for large enterprises with business-to-business goals.

The important thing is to find one that meets all the criteria you desire for an economical price. The best way to do this is through research.

Summary

There are many website builders in the market today. Knowing which one is best for you can be a daunting task.

The best website builders bring together the best possible combination of features at a cheap price.

For your purposes, there are many criteria involved in determining the best. Obviously, the design is important. But, here we are also interested in the number of pages that come with the package.

We are also interested in who will be maintaining the site. We need to ask ourselves if what we buy will charge you an arm and a leg every month for maintenance.

Besides, do they make sure that it is completely up to date and learnable? One thing that most online entrepreneurs agree with is that it’s better to start small and test the waters.

As soon as your site is set to be launched, you can start making changes and do more research for other tools that will work for you.

We’ve put together this guide with handy questions and answers to take the confusion out of picking a website builder.