The Best
Free vs. Premium Website Builders
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a passionate artist, or a local business owner, having a website is an essential tool for establishing your online presence. But for many, the technical aspects of building a website can feel like a daunting hurdle.
Fear not! Website builders have emerged as the knight in shining armor, simplifying the process and making web design (Ecommerce Website Design) accessible to all.
Here’s the million-dollar question: Free website builder or premium website builder?
Both options have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Free Website Builders
9 Free Top Web Builders
Free website builders are a fantastic option for those starting their online journey or for simple websites with minimal features.
Here are 9 of the best free website builders:
1. Wix Website Builder
Wix is a popular choice for beginners thanks to its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and extensive library of templates.
It offers a surprising level of design flexibility for a free plan, allowing you to create visually appealing websites that capture your unique brand identity.
However, free plans come with limitations on storage, bandwidth, and customization options. For instance, you won’t be able to remove Wix branding from your website with the free plan.
Upgrading to a premium plan unlocks these features and allows you to connect your own domain name for a more professional look.
Wix Pros
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
- Extensive library of templates for various purposes
- Surprisingly good design flexibility for a free plan
- Freemium model allows you to try the platform before upgrading
Wix Cons
- Limited storage and bandwidth on the free plan
- Wix branding displayed on your website with the free plan
- Upgrading is necessary to remove Wix ads and connect a custom domain
2. Web.com
Simplicity reigns supreme with Web.com.
It offers a straightforward website creation process with an AI-powered builder that streamlines the experience.
While it might lack the design pizzazz of some competitors, it’s a great option for those prioritizing ease of use and getting a website up and running quickly.
However, similar to Wix, free plans on Web.com come with limitations on storage, bandwidth, and customization options.
Upgrading to a paid plan allows you to tap into greater design flexibility and connect a custom domain name.
Web.com Pros
- Simple and user-friendly interface with an AI-powered builder
- Great for getting a basic website up and running quickly
- Free plan includes essential features like SSL certificate and mobile responsiveness
Web.com Cons
- Limited design flexibility compared to some competitors
- Free plan has storage and bandwidth restrictions
- Upgrading is required for more advanced features and custom domain connection
3. Google Sites
If you’re already familiar with Google products, Google Sites offers a familiar and intuitive interface.
It integrates seamlessly with other Google tools like Drive, making collaboration and content management a breeze.
However, design flexibility is somewhat limited compared to other options on this list.
While it’s a solid choice for creating basic websites or internal team sites, it might not be the most suitable option for those seeking extensive design customization.
Google Sites Pros
- Familiar and intuitive interface for Google users
- Integrates seamlessly with other Google products like Drive
- Easy to collaborate and manage content with team members
Google Sites Cons
- Limited design customization options
- Not ideal for complex websites or those seeking extensive design control
- Might not be suitable for building professional brand identities
4. WordPress.com
While WordPress.com offers a free plan, it’s important to note that it’s a hosted solution with limitations on customization compared to self-hosted WordPress (which requires a paid hosting plan).
However, it’s a great platform to experiment with content creation and get familiar with the WordPress interface before potentially upgrading to a paid plan.
With a free WordPress.com plan, you can build a website and start blogging, but you won’t have full control over the design and functionality.
Upgrading to a premium plan allows for more design customization and the ability to install plugins that add advanced features and functionality to your website.
WordPress Pros
- Familiar interface for WordPress users
- Freemium model allows you to experiment with content creation before upgrading
- Easy to start blogging and build a content-driven online presence
WordPress Cons
- Limited customization options on the free plan
- Cannot install plugins to add advanced features on the free plan
- Websites are hosted on a subdomain of Blogger.com, limiting branding control
5. Zoho Sites
Zoho Sites caters well to small businesses with its built-in tools for online appointments, invoicing, and customer relationship management (CRM).
The free plan offers a decent selection of features, but like most free options, storage and bandwidth limitations apply.
Upgrading to a paid plan unlocks more features, removes storage and bandwidth restrictions, and allows you to connect a custom domain for a more professional brand image.
Zoho Sites Pros
- Built-in tools for appointments, invoicing, and CRM (valuable for small businesses)
- Decent selection of features on the free plan
- Freemium model allows you to test the platform before upgrading
Zoho Sites Cons
- Free plan has storage and bandwidth limitations
- Upgrading is required for more features, removing storage restrictions, and connecting a custom domain
6. Blogger
For those with a passion for writing and storytelling, Blogger remains a solid choice.
It’s a free platform from Google specifically designed for creating blogs. While it doesn’t offer the full website creation capabilities of some other options, it’s perfect for building a content-driven online presence.
Blogger is a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field or share your passions with the world.
However, it’s important to remember that Blogger sites are hosted on a subdomain of Blogger.com, which may not be ideal for those seeking a more professional brand identity.
Upgrading to a custom domain with a paid blogging platform can help you build a more credible online presence.
Blogger Pros
- Free platform specifically designed for creating blogs
- Perfect for building a content-driven online presence and establishing yourself as an expert
- Easy to use and manage your blog content
Blogger Cons
- Limited website creation capabilities compared to other options
- Websites are hosted on a subdomain of Blogger.com, affecting branding
- Upgrading to a custom domain with a paid blogging platform is recommended for a more professional look
7. Jimdo
Jimdo is another user-friendly option known for its clean interface and mobile-responsive templates.
The free plan provides a good foundation for creating a basic website, but connecting a custom domain requires upgrading to a paid plan.
Upgrading also unlocks additional features like increased storage space and the ability to remove Jimdo branding from your website.
Jimdo Pros
- User-friendly interface with clean and mobile-responsive templates
- Good foundation for creating a basic website with the free plan
- Freemium model allows you to try the platform before upgrading
Jimdo Cons
- Connecting a custom domain requires upgrading to a paid plan
- Upgrading is necessary for increased storage space and removing Jimdo branding
8. Weebly
A user-friendly platform with a good selection of free templates, recently acquired by Square.
Weebly offers a free plan with basic website creation features, including drag-and-drop editing tools, mobile responsiveness, and SEO functionalities.
While the free plan has limitations on storage, bandwidth, and customization options, it’s a good option for individuals or small businesses looking to establish a basic online presence.
Upgrading to a premium plan unlocks features like removing Weebly branding, connecting a custom domain name, and accessing ecommerce tools for selling products online.
Weebly Pros
User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop editing for easy website creation.
Good selection of free templates to choose from for various purposes.
Mobile responsive design ensures your website looks good on all devices.
SEO functionalities help improve your website’s search engine ranking.
Free plan allows you to connect a custom domain name (with paid domain registration).
Weebly Cons
- Limited storage and bandwidth on the free plan can restrict website growth.
- Weebly branding displayed on your website with the free plan.
- Upgrading to a premium plan is necessary to remove Weebly branding, unlock more storage and bandwidth, and access ecommerce (What is e-commerce?) features for selling online.
- Limited design customization options compared to some premium website builders.
9. Strikingly
Strikingly Ideal for creating one-page websites with a clean and modern aesthetic.
The free plan offers limited customization options but is a good option for simple landing pages or showcasing a portfolio.
Strikingly focuses on providing beautiful pre-designed templates that are easy to adapt and personalize with your content.
The free plan allows you to connect a custom domain name, but advanced features like analytics and integrations with marketing tools require upgrading to a premium plan.
Strikingly Pros
- Perfect for creating beautiful and visually appealing one-page websites.
- Easy to use with pre-designed templates that require minimal customization.
- Free plan allows you to connect a custom domain name for a professional look.
Strikingly Cons
- Limited functionalities compared to website builders with drag-and-drop editing.
- Not ideal for building complex websites with multiple pages and sections.
- The free plan has limitations on customization options and analytics.
- Upgrading is required to access advanced features like integrations with marketing tools.
Premium Website Builders
9 Premium Top Web Builders
If you envision a feature-rich website with complete design control and the ability to scale your online presence, premium website builders offer the tools you need.
Here are 9 of the best premium website builders:
10. Wix
We previously mentioned Wix as a free website builder, but it also offers a variety of premium plans that unlock its full potential.
Upgrading removes Wix ads from your website, giving you complete control over your online brand identity.
Premium plans also grant increased storage, bandwidth, and the ability to connect your own domain name for a professional look. Additionally, Wix offers advanced features like SEO tools, custom code injection, and app integrations, allowing you to customize your website experience and functionality to a much greater degree.
Pricing: Wix offers a range of premium plans starting from around $13 per month. The most suitable plan depends on your specific needs, such as storage space, bandwidth, and desired features.
Wix Pros
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface with advanced features for customization.
- Extensive library of templates across various industries and purposes.
- App integrations to add unique functionalities to your website.
- Scalability: Wix plans cater to growing businesses, allowing you to add features as needed.
- Freemium model: Lets you try the platform before upgrading.
Wix Cons
- Limited design flexibility compared to code-based solutions.
- Pricing structure can be complex with various add-ons for specific features.
11. Squarespace
Squarespace is renowned for its stunning design templates and focus on aesthetics.
It’s a popular choice for creatives, photographers, and businesses that prioritize a sleek and modern online presence.
Premium plans offer advanced features like ecommerce functionality and marketing tools.
Squarespace offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop editing, but it also provides more design flexibility compared to free website builders.
You can achieve a more custom website look and feel without needing extensive coding knowledge.
Pricing: Squarespace offers various plans starting from around $12 per month. Pricing increases as you unlock more features like ecommerce and marketing tools.
Squarespace Pros
- Stunning design templates known for their clean and modern aesthetics.
- Easy-to-use interface with a focus on visual editing.
- Built-in ecommerce functionality available on premium plans.
- Marketing tools to help you promote your website and reach your audience.
Squarespace Cons
- Less design flexibility compared to some competitors.
- Limited app integrations compared to Wix.
12. Shopify
For businesses venturing into the world of ecommerce, Shopify reigns supreme.
Shopify offers a comprehensive suite of tools specifically designed for building online stores.
Their premium plans cater to businesses of all sizes, providing features for managing inventory, processing payments, and running marketing campaigns.
Shopify boasts robust security features to ensure a safe and secure online shopping experience for your customers.
Whether you’re selling a handful of products or managing a large inventory, Shopify offers the scalability and tools to grow your online business.
Pricing: Shopify offers tiered plans starting from around $29 per month. The most suitable plan depends on the volume of your sales and the features you need.
Shopify Pros
- The industry leader in ecommerce website building.
- Robust suite of features specifically designed for online stores.
- Inventory management tools to streamline your product offerings.
- Payment processing integration for secure transactions.
- Marketing and analytics tools to track your online store’s performance.
Shopify Cons
- Steeper learning curve compared to drag-and-drop builders like Wix.
- Pricing can be higher compared to other options, especially for larger stores.
13. Webflow
Webflow stands out for offering a unique blend of design flexibility and user-friendliness.
It utilizes a visual interface that allows for more precise control over website design compared to traditional drag-and-drop builders.
This makes Webflow a powerful tool for designers and developers who want to create highly customized websites without writing extensive code.
Premium plans unlock advanced features like content management systems (CMS) functionality, allowing for easier site updates and collaboration.
Pricing: Webflow offers plans starting from around $12 per month. However, complex websites with CMS features might require higher-tier plans costing significantly more.
Shopify Pros
- Unmatched design flexibility with a visual interface that allows for precise control.
- Clean and code-free environment appealing to designers and developers.
- Content management system (CMS) functionality on premium plans for easier site updates.
- Client billing features ideal for web design agencies managing multiple websites.
Shopify Cons
- Learning curve is steeper compared to drag-and-drop builders.
- May require some coding knowledge to unlock its full potential.
- Pricing can be expensive for larger websites with complex functionalities.
14. HostGator
HostGator offers a robust website builder platform alongside its web hosting services.
It’s a good option for businesses seeking an all-in-one solution for website creation and hosting.
HostGator’s website builder offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality and a variety of templates to choose from.
Premium plans provide features like SEO tools, email marketing integration, and access to powerful analytics to track website performance.
Pricing: HostGator’s website builder is included in their web hosting plans, which start around $2.75 per month. However, features like SEO tools and email marketing require upgrading to higher-tier plans.
HostGator Pros
- All-in-one solution for website building and hosting.
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop editing capabilities.
- SEO tools to help your website rank higher in search results.
- Email marketing integration to connect with your audience.
- Affordable pricing compared to some competitors.
HostGator Cons
- Limited design flexibility compared to Webflow or Squarespace.
- Fewer app integrations compared to Wix.
15. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is another well-known web hosting company that offers website builder tools.
Their website builder is known for its ease of use and affordability, making it a good choice for beginners.
GoDaddy offers a variety of website templates and basic features to get your website up and running quickly.
Premium plans unlock additional features like ecommerce functionality, appointment scheduling tools, and advanced marketing integrations.
Pricing: GoDaddy’s website builder pricing starts around $6 per month for basic plans. Ecommerce functionality and marketing integrations require upgrading to higher-tier plans, which can increase the cost.
GoDaddy Pros
- Simple and easy-to-use interface ideal for beginners.
- Affordable pricing makes it a budget-friendly option.
- Ecommerce functionality available on premium plans.
- Appointment scheduling tools useful for service-based businesses.
- Marketing integrations to connect with popular marketing platforms.
GoDaddy Cons
- Limited design customization options compared to other builders.
- Fewer advanced features compared to premium options like Webflow.
16. Duda
Duda caters specifically to web design agencies and freelancers who build websites for clients.
It offers a white-label platform that allows agencies to create custom-branded websites for their clients.
Duda provides a robust set of features, including drag-and-drop editing, multilingual capabilities, and SEO tools.
This makes it a powerful solution for agencies managing multiple client websites.
Pricing: Duda offers custom quotes based on the specific needs of the web design agency or freelancer. Pricing typically scales based on the number of websites managed and the features required.
GoDaddy Pros
- White-label platform perfect for web design agencies and freelancers.
- Multilingual capabilities to reach a wider audience.
- Robust set of features including drag-and-drop editing and SEO tools.
- Client collaboration tools to streamline communication with clients.
GoDaddy Cons
- Pricing can be complex with custom quotes based on project needs.
- May not be suitable for individual users or small businesses due to its agency-focused approach.
17. Carrd
Ideal for creating simple, one-page websites with a focus on functionality.
Carrd offers a free plan with limited features, but premium plans starting around $19 per year unlock advanced features and customization options.
Carrd is a great choice for building landing pages, portfolios, or simple websites that prioritize clear information presentation.
Pricing: Carrd offers a free plan with limited features. Premium plans unlock advanced customization options, forms, integrations, and custom domains. Pricing starts around $19 per year for the Pro plan and increases for higher tiers with additional features.
Carrd Pros
- Simple and User-Friendly: Easy to use for creating basic, one-page websites with a focus on functionality.
- Focus on Clarity: Perfect for presenting information clearly and concisely on landing pages or simple websites.
- Free Plan Available: A free plan allows you to try the platform with limited features.
- Affordable Premium Plans: Premium plans start around $19 per year, making it a budget-friendly option for simple websites.
Carrd Cons
- Limited Functionality: Not suitable for complex websites with multiple pages or advanced features.
- Limited Design Customization: Fewer design options compared to drag-and-drop builders.
- Focus on Single Pages: Not ideal for building websites with multiple sections or functionalities.
18. Canva Website Builder
Canva has become synonymous with stunning design creation, and now it’s revolutionizing the website building game with its user-friendly website builder.
If you’ve ever dreamt of creating a beautiful and functional website without needing coding expertise, Canva Website Builder is your perfect solution.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: This plan allows you to create a basic website with limited features, including two folders, 500MB storage, and a Canva subdomain.
- Pro Plan ($12.99 per month): Unlocks unlimited folders, 100GB storage, custom domain name connection, advanced brand controls, and Canva Pro features for design elements.
- Enterprise Plan (Custom Quote): For teams and businesses requiring advanced features and functionalities, Canva offers a custom enterprise plan.
Canva Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Drag-and-drop editing makes website creation accessible to anyone.
- Stunning Design Potential: Leverage Canva’s design tools and library to create beautiful websites.
- Mobile-Responsive Design: Websites automatically adapt for optimal viewing on any device.
- Free Plan Available: A free plan allows you to try the platform with basic features.
- All-in-One Solution: Includes website creation, hosting (paid plans), and domain name connection (paid plans).
Canva Cons
- Limited Customization: Less design flexibility compared to code-based website builders.
- Limited Functionality: Not ideal for complex websites with advanced features like ecommerce or membership functionalities.
- Focus on Single Pages: Free plan primarily designed for one-page websites, with limitations on creating multi-page structures.
- SEO Limitations: Free plan offers basic SEO features, with more advanced options available in paid plans.
The Right Website Builder
Ultimately, the best website builder for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise.
Free website builders are a great starting point for simple websites or if you’re on a tight budget. However, they often have limitations on design, features, and scalability.
Premium website builders offer greater flexibility, advanced features, and the ability to grow your website alongside your business.
Consider your future goals and long-term vision when choosing a website builder.
Order WordPress Website Design
WordPress website design offers unparalleled versatility, flexibility, and scalability, making it the ideal choice for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence.
At Maple Web Design, we specialize in creating stunning and functional WordPress websites that captivate audiences and drive results.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no single “best” site. Different platforms excel in various areas.
Here are some top contenders:
- For Stunning Design & Ease of Use: Wix, Canva Website Builder
- For Complex Websites & Ecommerce: Shopify, Webflow Ecommerce
- For Content Creators & Online Courses: Kajabi
- For Simple Websites & Blogs: Google Sites, Carrd
- For Developers & Code-Centric Websites: Volta
Costs vary depending on the website’s complexity and features.
Simple websites can range from $500 to $2,000, while complex ecommerce stores can cost upwards of $10,000 or more.
Yes! Several website builders offer free plans, although they often have limitations on features, storage, and customization.
Popular free options include:
- Wix (limited features, displays Wix ads)
- Google Sites (basic functionalities)
- Weebly (limited storage and bandwidth)
- Carrd (ideal for one-page websites)
Yes, Google Sites offers a free plan with basic features suitable for simple websites or creating internal landing pages within your organization.
Wix has a free plan, but it displays Wix branding on your website and limits storage, bandwidth, and features.
Upgrading to a premium plan removes these limitations and allows for a custom domain name.
This depends on your needs. Wix offers a good balance of ease of use and features in its free plan, but the Wix branding might be a drawback.
For a truly free and simple website, consider Google Sites or Carrd.
The “best” depends on your goals. If design is a priority, Wix or Canva Website Builder shine.
For complex ecommerce stores, Shopify reigns supreme.
If you need an all-in-one platform for online courses, Kajabi is a great choice. Consider your website’s complexity, desired features, and budget when making your decision.
There’s no single “best” platform.
The ideal platform depends on your technical skills, website goals, and budget.
If you’re a beginner, website builders with drag-and-drop functionality like Wix or Canva are great options.
For more complex websites or those requiring coding expertise, platforms like Webflow might be a better fit.