Best Website Builders in 2026
Create a professional website without hiring a developer.
TL;DR
Squarespace offers the best design quality for portfolios and small businesses—beautiful templates with less flexibility. Wix provides the most features and flexibility for those willing to learn. WordPress.com is best for blogs and content-heavy sites. For e-commerce, consider Shopify instead. Webflow is covered in our no-code guide for those wanting more control.
Website builders have democratized web presence—you no longer need a developer to have a professional site. But the market is crowded with options that range from drag-and-drop simplicity to near-coding complexity. The right choice depends on what you're building, how much customization you need, and whether you're prioritizing speed or control. Don't overcomplicate a simple portfolio, but don't underbuild an e-commerce operation.
What Are Website Builders?
Website builders are platforms that let you create websites using templates and visual editors instead of code. They handle hosting, security, and technical infrastructure. Modern builders include features like SEO tools, analytics, forms, and e-commerce. The spectrum runs from ultra-simple (Carrd) to highly flexible (Webflow).
Why Website Builder Choice Matters
Your website is often the first impression for customers. The wrong builder creates friction—fighting with limitations or struggling with complexity. Switching platforms later means rebuilding from scratch. Choose based on your actual needs today, not hypothetical future requirements, but ensure the platform can grow with you.
Key Features to Look For
Templates
essentialPre-designed starting points for your site
Visual Editor
essentialDrag-and-drop page building
Custom Domain
essentialUse your own URL
Mobile Responsive
essentialSites work on all devices
SEO Tools
importantOptimize for search engines
Forms
importantCollect information from visitors
E-commerce
nice-to-haveSell products or services
Blogging
nice-to-havePublish and manage content
How to Choose a Website Builder
- Match to your primary use case—portfolio, business, blog, or e-commerce
- Consider design skill level—some require more design sense than others
- Evaluate SEO capabilities if search traffic matters
- Check pricing including domain costs and hidden fees
- Test the editor before committing—workflow matters
Pricing Overview
Most builders offer free tiers with their branding. Personal plans start around $10-15/month. Business features typically cost $20-40/month.
Free
$0
Testing and very simple sites
Personal
$10-20/month
Portfolios and basic sites
Business
$20-50/month
Professional sites with advanced features
Top Picks
Based on features, user feedback, and value for money.
Squarespace
Top PickBeautiful websites for design-conscious businesses
Best for: Portfolios, creatives, and small businesses wanting polish
Pros
- Stunning templates
- All-in-one solution
- Great for portfolios
- Built-in analytics
Cons
- Less flexible than competitors
- Learning curve for customization
- E-commerce fees
- No free plan
Wix
Feature-rich builder with maximum flexibility
Best for: Those wanting lots of features and customization options
Pros
- Tons of features
- Flexible editor
- Large app market
- Free plan available
Cons
- Can feel overwhelming
- Templates less refined
- Can't switch templates later
- Ads on free plan
WordPress.com
The blogging platform that powers the web
Best for: Blogs, content sites, and those wanting ultimate flexibility
Pros
- Massive plugin ecosystem
- Great for blogging
- Highly scalable
- Can migrate to self-hosted
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Plugins can conflict
- Full features need higher plans
- Less visual editing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing based on features you won't actually use
- Underestimating the value of good templates
- Ignoring mobile experience during building
- Not considering long-term costs including renewals
- Building too much before validating the concept
Expert Tips
- Start with a template close to your vision—heavy customization is slower
- Prioritize mobile appearance; most visitors are on phones
- Set up Google Analytics before launch to track from day one
- Keep navigation simple—visitors abandon confusing sites
- Buy your domain separately for portability
The Bottom Line
Squarespace for beautiful, polished sites. Wix for flexibility and features. WordPress for blogs and content-heavy sites. For serious e-commerce, consider Shopify specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which website builder is best for SEO?
All major builders offer basic SEO tools. WordPress offers the most SEO plugins. Squarespace and Wix have improved significantly. For most sites, content quality matters more than platform choice.
Can I move my site to a different builder later?
Technically yes, but it usually means rebuilding. Content can be exported, but design and functionality don't transfer. Choose carefully from the start.
Do I need a website builder or Shopify for e-commerce?
For serious e-commerce, Shopify is purpose-built and better. For a business site with a few products, Squarespace or Wix e-commerce may suffice.
Related Guides
Ready to Choose?
Compare features, read user reviews, and find the perfect tool for your needs.