Best Website Builder Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 19 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Building a website can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling marketing campaigns, client meetings, and team management. You want a tool that simplifies the process without sacrificing quality or creativity.
In my experience, website builder software can be a lifesaver, helping you create professional sites quickly. These tools cater to various needs, from small business sites to design-focused platforms. They help you focus on what matters most—growing your business.
In this article, I'll share my top picks for website builders, providing unbiased reviews based on thorough testing. You'll find the strengths and weaknesses of each option, helping you make the best choice for your team. Let's get started on finding the perfect website builder software for your needs.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing marketing software since 2022. As marketing managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different marketing use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our software review methodology.
Best Website Builder Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top website builder software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tools | Price | |
---|---|---|
Canva | From $12.99/month (billed annually) | Website |
Softr | From $49/month (billed annually) | Website |
Odoo Website | From $25/month (billed annually) | Website |
Weebly | From $5/month (billed annually) | Website |
Hostinger | From $1.95/month + 3 months free (for 48 months, then $7/month) | Website |
Jimdo | Pricing upon request | Website |
TemplateToaster | From $49 (one-time purchase) | Website |
Framer | From $5/month (billed annually) | Website |
Webflow | From $14/month (billed annually) | Website |
Strikingly | From $8/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose a Website Builder Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Ensure the software can grow with your business, supporting more pages and traffic. |
Integrations | Look for tools that connect with your existing marketing and CRM platforms. |
Customizability | Choose software that lets you tailor design and features to fit your brand's needs. |
Ease of Use | Consider whether your team can quickly learn and use the platform without frustration. |
Budget | Match the software cost with your financial plan, considering both upfront and ongoing fees. |
Security Safeguards | Check for SSL certificates, regular updates, and compliance with data regulations. |
Mobile Responsiveness | Ensure the builder creates sites that work well on all devices. |
Customer Support | Opt for software with reliable and accessible support options. |
Best Website Builder Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best website builder software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Canva is a web-based design tool that caters to individuals and businesses looking to create visually appealing websites. It allows users to produce professional designs without needing extensive graphic design skills.
Why I picked Canva: Canva’s ideal for those who want a design-focused approach to website building. It provides a vast library of customizable templates, helping you create a unique online presence. Plus, the intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes design accessible even if you're not a pro. With its integration of design elements and media, Canva supports creativity and innovation in web design.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a vast library of templates and design elements, a drag-and-drop editor to simplify the design process, and multimedia content, allowing you to incorporate images, videos, and graphics seamlessly.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Slack, Microsoft Teams, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multimedia support
- Intuitive design tools
- Extensive template library
Cons:
- Basic SEO capabilities
- Limited advanced web features
Softr is a no-code platform designed for individuals and businesses looking to create websites and web apps without programming knowledge. It empowers users to build functional applications by leveraging pre-built blocks and templates.
Why I picked Softr: Softr is ideal for those who want to create web apps without writing code. It offers a range of pre-built templates and blocks, allowing you to customize your app easily. The software’s focus on no-code development also makes it accessible to non-technical users, enabling rapid prototyping and deployment. With its integration capabilities, Softr expands the functionality of your apps, making it a versatile choice.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a library of pre-built blocks that simplify the app creation process, templates to jumpstart your projects, and custom domains, giving your web apps a professional appearance.
Integrations include Airtable, Zapier, Google Analytics, Slack, Stripe, PayPal, Integromat, HubSpot, Mailchimp, and Webflow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Pre-built templates available
- Rapid prototyping capabilities
- No-code app building
Cons:
- Limited scalability for large projects
- Dependence on third-party services
Odoo Website is a web builder designed for businesses looking to integrate their site with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. It serves companies that need to manage online operations alongside other business functions seamlessly.
Why I picked Odoo Website: Odoo Website offers seamless ERP integration, making it ideal for businesses that require advanced operational management. You can create and customize your website while linking it to Odoo's suite of business applications. This integration allows you to manage sales, inventory, and customer relationships directly from your website. Odoo also provides tools for ecommerce, making it a versatile choice for businesses with diverse needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, customizable templates and themes, responsive design for mobile devices, integrated ecommerce capabilities, built-in SEO tools, real-time visitor tracking, multi-language support, and seamless integration with other Odoo applications.
Integrations include Odoo CRM, Odoo Accounting, Odoo Sales, Odoo Inventory, Odoo HR, Odoo Marketing, Odoo Purchase, Odoo Manufacturing, Odoo Project, and Odoo POS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in ecommerce tools
- Supports diverse business needs
- Seamless ERP integration
Cons:
- Not focused on creative design
- May need technical expertise
Weebly is a website builder designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It helps you create professional websites with ease, offering tools for ecommerce, blogging, and marketing.
Why I picked Weebly: Weebly’s perfect for small businesses because it offers an intuitive interface that doesn't require technical expertise. You can quickly set up an online store with integrated ecommerce tools, including order management and payment processing through Square. The platform's marketing tools also help you attract and retain customers, making it a practical choice for businesses looking to grow their online presence.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop editor that simplifies website creation, access to a wide range of mobile-responsive themes, and SEO tools to help your site rank better in search engines.
Integrations include Square, PayPal, Stripe, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in SEO tools
- Customizable design options
- Easy-to-use dashboard
Cons:
- Fewer advanced features
- Limited design flexibility
Hostinger is a web hosting provider and website builder aimed at individuals and small businesses. It offers affordable hosting solutions with essential tools for building and managing websites.
Why I picked Hostinger: Hostinger’s known for its budget-friendly hosting plans, making it a viable option for small businesses and startups, it provides a user-friendly control panel that simplifies website management, ensuring you can focus on content and growth. The platform also includes a website builder with customizable templates, allowing you to create professional-looking sites without coding skills. Plus, its 24/7 customer support adds additional value for users seeking reliable assistance.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an intuitive control panel that simplifies website management tasks, a free domain name with annual plans, and weekly backups to protect your data.
Integrations include WordPress, WooCommerce, Cloudflare, Google Workspace, Git, Joomla, Drupal, PrestaShop, OpenCart, and Magento.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Weekly data backups
- Intuitive control panel
- Affordable hosting plans
Cons:
- Basic website builder templates
- Limited advanced features
Jimdo is a website builder aimed at individuals and small businesses who need straightforward website creation. It offers tools to design, customize, and launch sites without requiring technical skills.
Why I picked Jimdo: Jimdo’s tailored for beginners, offering a simple interface that makes website creation accessible to everyone. The software’s AI-driven tool helps you build a site by asking a few questions, which speeds up the process. You can also choose from various templates that are easy to modify, fitting your business style. With options for automatic SEO and essential online store features, Jimdo covers key needs for new users.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an AI-driven builder that simplifies the website creation process, automatic SEO settings to help your site rank well on search engines, and access to a mobile-responsive design feature to ensure your site looks great on all devices.
Integrations include Google Analytics, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, PayPal, Stripe, Twitter, Mailchimp, and Dropbox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile-responsive designs
- Automatic SEO settings
- AI-driven site creation
Cons:
- Few advanced features
- Limited design customization
TemplateToaster is an offline website builder designed for designers and developers who want flexibility in creating custom websites. It allows you to design and export templates for multiple content management systems without needing an internet connection.
Why I picked TemplateToaster: TemplateToaster offers offline capabilities ideal for those who prefer working without internet constraints. You can create custom templates and themes for various platforms like WordPress and Joomla. Its drag-and-drop interface also simplifies the design process, making it accessible even if you're not a seasoned coder. Additionally, the software provides a wide array of design tools for creating responsive websites, enhancing its value for creative users.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop interface that allows for easy customization of templates, easy design exporting, and responsive design tools to ensure your site looks great on all devices.
Integrations include WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, Blogger, Prestashop, VirtueMart, WooCommerce, Opencart, and Bootstrap.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Responsive design tools
- Wide CMS compatibility
- Offline design capabilities
Cons:
- No direct hosting options
- Limited online support resources
Framer is a design tool aimed at designers and developers who need to create interactive prototypes. It provides the tools to build highly customizable and interactive web designs, serving as a bridge between design and development.
Why I picked Framer: Framer provides a seamless blend of design and development, offering intuitive drag-and-drop tools alongside powerful customization with code. Its interactive prototyping features make it ideal for creating dynamic, visually stunning websites with animations and responsive designs. Additionally, Framer’s collaborative features and integration with design tools streamline workflows for teams..
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop editor, real-time collaboration, letting your team work on projects simultaneously, and pre-designed components to speed up the prototyping process.
Integrations include Figma, Sketch, Photoshop, Slack, Jira, Trello, Google Fonts, Unsplash, Airtable, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates real data into prototypes
- Real-time collaboration features
- Supports complex animations
Cons:
- Focused primarily on prototyping
- Steep learning curve
Webflow is a website builder aimed at designers and developers who require high levels of customization. It provides tools to create responsive websites without needing to write code, catering to those who want design flexibility.
Why I picked Webflow: Webflow is perfect for users who need more advanced customization options for their websites. You can create intricate designs using a visual interface that mimics the functionality of CSS and HTML without needing extensive knowledge of these design functions. Additionally, Webflow also offers hosting services, ensuring that your site runs smoothly once it's live.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include responsive design tools that let you create sites optimized for all devices, a visual interface for design, and CMS features that support dynamic content creation and management, making it suitable for various site types.
Integrations include Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Zapier, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Slack, Lottie, Shopify, and Google Optimize.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Suitable for complex site designs
- Visual interface for customization
- Advanced design capabilities
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- Limited ecommerce features
Strikingly is a website builder designed for individuals and small businesses that need simple, one-page websites. It enables users to create clean and functional sites without any coding skills.
Why I picked Strikingly: Strikingly excels at creating one-page websites quickly and efficiently, making it perfect for those who want a straightforward online presence. The platform provides easy-to-use templates that are mobile-responsive, ensuring your site looks great on any device. You can also add custom sections, such as contact forms or portfolios, to personalize your site further. With features like social media integration and basic analytics, Strikingly covers the essentials for a successful site launch.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a mobile-responsive design, access to a simple drag-and-drop editor that makes building your site easier, and basic analytics to help you track visitor engagement.
Integrations include Google Analytics, Mailchimp, PayPal, Stripe, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, SoundCloud, and YouTube.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple drag-and-drop editor
- Built-in social media tools
- Mobile-responsive templates
Cons:
- Few third-party app connections
- Limited advanced customization
Other Website Builder Software
Here are some additional website builder software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Silex
For open-source website building
- HubSpot
For marketing integration
- Web.com
For domain and hosting package
- Wix
For beginners with no coding skills
- WordPress
For extensive plugin library
- Squarespace
For creative professionals
- Duda
For client-focused web agencies
- Elementor
For design customization
- NicePage
For unique design templates
Website Builder Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best website builder software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like ease of use and customization options. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Create and edit web pages
- Provide mobile-responsive designs
- Support for multimedia content
- Offer customizable templates
- Enable basic SEO features
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced design customization
- Built-in ecommerce tools
- Integration with third-party apps
- AI-driven design suggestions
- Multi-language support
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive navigation
- Clear layout and design
- Minimal learning curve
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Consistency across tools and features
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Access to interactive product tours
- Ready-to-use templates
- Supportive chatbots or help guides
- Webinars, live demos, or tutorials
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Multiple support channels
- Response time efficiency
- Access to a knowledge base
- Quality of support provided
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Features included in basic plan
- Flexibility of payment options
- Cost vs. benefits analysis
- Discounts for annual billing
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Frequency of positive feedback
- Common pain points highlighted
- Suggestions for improvement
- Customer retention rates
- User experience insights
Trends In Website Builder Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different website builder software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-Powered Design Assistance: AI technology is helping users design websites by providing layout suggestions and optimizing images. This trend is making web design more accessible to non-designers.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Integration: Some vendors are starting to incorporate AR features, allowing businesses to showcase products in 3D on their websites. This trend is particularly useful for ecommerce sites looking to enhance user experience.
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): More website builders are supporting PWAs, which combine the best of web and mobile apps. PWAs offer faster load times and offline functionality, adding value to business websites looking to improve user engagement.
- Voice Search Optimization: With the rise of smart speakers, optimizing websites for voice search is becoming crucial. Builders are beginning to incorporate voice search features, helping sites rank better in voice queries.
- Eco-Friendly Hosting Options: Sustainability is gaining attention, and website builders are looking into eco-friendly hosting solutions. This trend caters to businesses wanting to reduce their carbon footprint.
What Is Website Builder Software?
Website builder software is a tool that allows users to create and design websites without needing to write code. These tools are generally used by small business owners, freelancers, and marketers who need to build an online presence quickly and efficiently.
Key features like drag-and-drop editors, customizable templates, and mobile-responsive designs help users create professional-looking websites that meet their needs. Overall, these tools make it easier for anyone to establish a digital footprint and reach their audience online.
Features of Website Builder Software
When selecting website builder software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Allows users to easily design their website by moving elements around without coding.
- Customizable Templates: Provides pre-designed layouts that can be tailored to fit a brand's specific style and needs.
- Mobile-Responsive Design: Ensures that websites look good and function well on any device, including smartphones and tablets.
- SEO Tools: Helps improve a website's visibility in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find.
- Ecommerce Capabilities: Enables users to set up online stores, manage products, and process payments directly on their website.
- AI Design Assistance: Offers automated design suggestions that make the process easier for non-designers.
- Integration Capabilities: Allows the website to connect with other tools and platforms, enhancing its functionality.
- Blogging Platform: Provides the ability to create and manage blog content, which can drive traffic and engagement.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Supports teamwork by allowing multiple users to work on the website simultaneously.
- PWA Support: Combines the best of web and mobile apps, offering faster load times and offline functionality.
Benefits of Website Builder Software
Implementing website builder software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Time Savings: With drag-and-drop editors and customizable templates, you can build a website quickly without coding.
- Cost-Effectiveness: By using built-in features like SEO tools and ecommerce capabilities, you reduce the need for additional software and services.
- Professional Appearance: Mobile-responsive design and AI design assistance help create a polished and modern look for your site.
- Enhanced Engagement: Features like blogging platforms and integration capabilities allow for more content and interaction with your audience.
- Accessibility for Non-Designers: AI-powered design tools and intuitive interfaces make it easy for anyone to create a website without technical skills.
- Scalability: With PWA support and real-time collaboration, your site can grow and adapt to your business's evolving needs.
- Increased Visibility: SEO tools and responsive design improve your site's search engine ranking and user experience, attracting more visitors.
Costs and Pricing of Website Builder Software
Selecting website builder software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in website builder software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Website Builder Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Version | $0 | Basic templates, limited storage, and subdomain usage. |
Personal Plan | $5-$15/user/month | Custom domain, more storage, and basic SEO tools. |
Business Plan | $25-$50/user/month | Advanced SEO tools, eCommerce capabilities, and custom branding options. |
Enterprise/Premium Plan | $100-$300/user/month | Dedicated support, advanced analytics, and extensive integrations. |
Website Builder Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about website builder software:
What are the cons of using a website builder?
Using a free website builder can come with some drawbacks. You might face limitations in customization compared to coding from scratch, which can affect the uniqueness of your site. Some builders may also offer limited SEO capabilities, which can impact your site’s search engine ranking. Additionally, you might encounter performance issues with larger or more complex sites.
What is the difference between hosting and website builder?
Hosting is the service that stores your website’s data and makes it accessible online. A website development software, on the other hand, is a tool that helps you design and create your website without needing to code. While hosting is necessary for your site to be live, a website builder simplifies the creation process, often including design templates and drag-and-drop functionality.
What is one advantage of using website builder software instead of HTML and CSS?
One major advantage is that website builder software doesn’t require coding knowledge. Builders use drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates, allowing you to design and customize your site easily. This is particularly useful if you’re not familiar with HTML and CSS, saving you time and effort in the development process.
Is it better to build a website from scratch or use a website builder?
Deciding between building from scratch or using a builder depends on your needs. Coding from scratch offers more flexibility and customization, but it requires technical skills and time. Using a builder is quicker and simpler, with ready-to-use templates, but may limit customization. Evaluate your priorities, such as time, skill level, and design needs, to choose the best path.
Can I use my own domain with a website builder?
Yes, most website builders allow you to use your own custom domain. This feature typically requires a paid plan, but it gives your site a professional appearance and makes it easier for visitors to remember. Make sure to check the builder’s domain policies and any additional costs involved.
What’s Next
Ready to grow? Subscribe to The CMO newsletter.