A website serves more than just presenting your business, showcasing your work, or discussing your interests. It holds the potential to significantly shape your online identity, enabling you to narrate your story and build a brand (and maybe even generate income).
After conducting research on the top 21 website-building services, creating 20 websites using 10 of the most promising ones, and making numerous adjustments on each page, we have determined that Wix is the optimal choice for designing a website with a professional appearance.
Wix provides a greater number of templates compared to any other tested online site builder. Additionally, it offers the most powerful setup wizard, allowing virtually anyone to easily create and customize a site based on their preferences.
Wix’s editor offers fine design control over every element on a web page to those with design experience or anyone seeking such control. Additionally, it provides a plethora of plugins to assist in enhancing and expanding one’s website.
1. Wix
Wix is suitable for anyone, as it enables the creation of a website in minutes. Additionally, it offers the flexibility and capability to customize every element of each page to your liking. For those who are new to web design or prefer a quicker approach to website creation, Wix’s auto-site builder, known as ADI (artificial design intelligence), can handle the task.
By answering a few questions about your style preferences and the type of website you desire, you will promptly obtain a webpage to commence with. However, Wix is also one of the most potent site builders we evaluated, equipped with an abundance of features. When you wish to take control away from the AI, Wix’s primary editor provides a myriad of controls that can adjust every element of your site.
In addition to the fundamental features of website editing, Wix provides plugins for various purposes such as online stores, restaurant sites, blogs, and appointment-booking sites. Moreover, Wix’s SEO, social media, and email marketing tools aid owners in expanding their online presence.
Although there is a free version supported by ads, the majority of individuals would prefer to upgrade to a paid subscription in order to obtain a personalized domain name that looks more professional and to eliminate the banner ad positioned at the top of every page.
Pricing:
- Ad-supported version: free
- Starting monthly price (lowest plan): $19
- Starting monthly e-commerce price: $30
2. Square online
While Square online may not provide as many design customization options as Wix or our other website builder choices, it offers the simplest method for creating an online store or restaurant website. This is due to the fact that with just a few clicks, one can effortlessly include important business-oriented features such as a featured-items section, a menu, a contact form, customer testimonials, an events calendar, and more.
If you use Square’s POS hardware to collect payments in person, it would make sense to use Square Online for a new site. This is because it keeps all your payment and inventory information in one place.
While it is free, Square Online has a discreet “powered by Square” footer. However, if you upgrade to a paid plan, you can use your own domain name and access site-traffic reports. Even though Square Online does not provide as many design customization options as the other website builders we tested, its simplicity is considered a feature.
The pricing will be rephrased step by step, while keeping the same meaning. No new information will be added, and no information will be removed. Pricing:
- Ad-supported version: free
- Starting monthly price (lowest plan): $16
- Starting monthly e-commerce price: $16
3. WordPress.com
WordPress.com was originally created for bloggers and content creators who want an easy way to publish content online. Nowadays, it is also a versatile platform for building various types of websites, although the process is not as automated and the templates are not as polished as those provided by Wix.
In order to remove the WordPress.com ads, use your own domain name, and install plugins for marketing, social media, e-commerce, or other purposes, upgrading to a paid plan is necessary as the free plan only offers the basics needed for website management.
The pricing remains the same, and no additional information is added or removed during the process of thinking step by step.
- Ad-supported version: free
- Starting monthly price (lowest plan): $7
- Starting monthly e-commerce price: $33 to $59
4. Gator
Gator not only allows you to construct stunning sites through its robust interface and stock photography library, but it also stands apart from other website builders by offering seamless theme switching ability.
If you decide to take your site in a different direction, you don’t need to start from scratch because HostGator itself is already an excellent web hosting service. It’s not surprising that the company also knows a thing or two about website builders, as evidenced by this excellent offering.
When considering building an online marketplace, it is advisable to take into account Gator. All of Gator’s tiers offer e-commerce options, unlimited monthly data transfers, and unlimited storage. Additionally, stores on Gator support the selling of subscription memberships and digital downloads. To expand your product offerings, higher-priced plans are necessary, but the investment in Gator can lead to long-term profitability.
5. Duda website builder
Although Duda can be considered as a pricey website builder, you do receive value for your money. This value includes a high-quality editor for constructing desktop and mobile sites, robust analytics and ecommerce tools, as well as limitless storage and monthly data transfers. Furthermore, you have the option to write your own personalized CSS and HTML code to further customize your website.
Duda is shifting its focus from individual users to enterprise organizations. This shift is apparent not only in the pricing but also in the available features. Duda’s highest tiers concentrate on expanding team members, incorporating software as a service, and providing comprehensive client management options. As a result, this website builder becomes appealing to web design agencies.
6. Bluehost website builder
Bluehost offers a highly accessible alternative interface to the popular WordPress platform, making it one of the best website builders that streamline the site-creation process. With this option, you can take advantage of WordPress’ power and robust e-commerce features without needing to fully learn the CMS. Additionally, Bluehost assists you in expanding your knowledge if you desire to learn more.
Bluehost is well-suited for users who want to be a part of the WordPress ecosystem rather than choosing a more independent option. This is a good choice considering the proven and capable nature of WordPress. Additionally, Bluehost is a reliable web hosting service, and the inclusion of site-building tools enhances its appeal to current users.
7. Google sites
Google Sites is included with every Google account and is as user-friendly as Google Slides, making it perfect for quickly creating a simple website without being too concerned about its appearance. As expected, Google Sites seamlessly integrates with various Google services such as Maps, YouTube, Docs, Calendar, and more.
Even though it only offers 13 basic templates and a few preset site color and font themes, you can still design a modern website using it.
The templates include prebuilt modules and pages suitable for the selected site type, such as a menu for a restaurant site or a gallery for a photography portfolio. We believe they are ideal for creating a basic informational website, like a portfolio page or a site for a club or group.
Consideration of pricing is important for our business.
- Ad-free version: free
8. GoDaddy websites + marketing website builder
GoDaddy provides a website builder that allows you to create an excellent website to go along with your GoDaddy domain. With GoDaddy Websites + Marketing, you receive unrestricted monthly data transfers and limitless storage at every level, even with the free option. Premium plans enable you to access e-commerce functionalities for designing an online store.
With marketing integrated into its name, this tool provided by GoDaddy not only assists in creating websites but also offers essential features to maximize the visibility of your site. By harnessing robust marketing and SEO capabilities, this builder is perfect for individuals looking to efficiently promote their websites, businesses, or online presence.
9. Hostinger website builder
Hostinger’s website builder, formerly known as Zyro, stands out in the crowded space due to its growing list of new features and welcome improvements.
It is important to note that there is no free tier, although you can still enjoy features such as the ability to easily drag and drop elements for creating appealing pages and functional e-commerce shops. Additionally, the platform offers extra touches like a logo maker, a free SSL certificate, and a photo repository for uploaded images, which are greatly appreciated.
One of Hostinger’s most captivating features is its set of AI-driven tools. By choosing from categories like entertainment, small business, or others, you can inform the builder about the general purpose of your website.
Hostinger provides significant assistance and guidance by generating site designs, writing website copy, and predicting user navigation through heatmaps. It is suitable for individuals seeking an effortless website builder.
