Which Website Builder Stands Out in 2024? Key Features Compared
Hosting Technology: Cloud-based all-in-one platform with built-in hosting and SSL certificates
Features:
- Beautiful, mobile-responsive templates
- Drag-and-drop website builder
- Built-in eCommerce and blogging tools
- Integrated SEO and marketing tools
- 24/7 customer support
Hosting Technology: Cloud-based hosting with Wix's own infrastructure
Features:
- Drag-and-drop editor with customizable templates
- AI-powered website builder (Wix ADI)
- Extensive app market for third-party integrations
- eCommerce tools for online stores
- Built-in SEO tools and blogging platform
Hosting Technology: Managed hosting with automatic updates and security patches
Features:
- Customizable themes with large plugin library
- Powerful blogging tools and content management system
- eCommerce tools via WooCommerce
- Custom CSS, HTML, and PHP access for advanced users
- Integrated social media sharing and SEO options
Hosting Technology: Cloud-based, specialized eCommerce hosting
Features:
- Scalable, feature-rich eCommerce platform
- Wide range of payment gateway options
- Customizable store themes with an eCommerce focus
- Built-in marketing tools (email campaigns, SEO)
- 24/7 customer support and resources
Hosting Technology: Cloud-based hosting with integrated SSL certificates
Features:
- Drag-and-drop website builder with customizable themes
- eCommerce functionality (online stores, payment processing, shipping)
- Blogging tools and built-in SEO options
- App Center for integrations and additional features
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
Hosting Technology: Cloud-based hosting with SSL and CDN for fast load times
Features:
- Visual website builder with full customization (no coding required)
- Advanced design features (CSS, animations, interactions)
- Full eCommerce capabilities (product pages, payment gateways)
- Built-in CMS for dynamic content management
- Detailed SEO control and analytics tools
| Brand | Hosting Technology | Main Features | Strengths | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squarespace | Cloud-based, all-in-one platform with built-in hosting and SSL certificates | Mobile-responsive templates, drag-and-drop editor, eCommerce tools, blogging features, 24/7 customer support | Easy-to-use, beautiful design options, great for creatives and small businesses, all-in-one solution | squarespace.com |
| Wix | Cloud-based hosting with Wix’s own infrastructure | Drag-and-drop editor, AI-powered website builder (Wix ADI), eCommerce tools, customizable templates, extensive app market | Highly flexible with customization options, AI-powered tools for quick site creation, robust app marketplace | wix.com |
| WordPress.com | Managed hosting with automatic updates and security patches | Customizable themes, plugin library, powerful blogging tools, eCommerce capabilities (WooCommerce), social media integration | Highly flexible, vast plugin ecosystem, ideal for content-heavy sites, suitable for developers and designers | wordpress.com |
| Shopify | Cloud-based, specialized eCommerce hosting | Scalable eCommerce platform, customizable store themes, multiple payment gateways, marketing tools, 24/7 customer support | Best for eCommerce, user-friendly, extensive support for growing stores, powerful sales and marketing tools | shopify.com |
| Weebly | Cloud-based hosting with integrated SSL certificates | Drag-and-drop website builder, eCommerce functionality, blogging tools, App Center for integrations, simple interface | Easy-to-use, ideal for beginners, affordable pricing, good for small websites and basic online stores | weebly.com |
| Webflow | Cloud-based hosting with SSL and CDN for fast load times | Visual website builder, advanced design features (CSS, animations), eCommerce capabilities, built-in CMS | Ideal for designers and developers, full creative control, perfect for custom and dynamic websites | webflow.com |
| BigCommerce | Cloud-based hosting with built-in SSL and performance optimization | Enterprise-level eCommerce platform, multi-channel selling, customizable storefronts, advanced SEO and analytics | Best for growing businesses, multi-channel selling, scalable for high-volume stores | bigcommerce.com |
Squarespace
Squarespace is a user-friendly, all-in-one platform known for its stunning design templates and robust hosting capabilities. It offers cloud-based hosting with built-in SSL certificates and integrates seamlessly with its drag-and-drop website builder, making it ideal for creatives, small businesses, and personal projects. Squarespace offers a range of customizable templates, which are mobile-responsive and ready for a variety of industries, from blogs to eCommerce. The platform also provides blogging tools, integrated SEO features, marketing tools, and a powerful analytics dashboard. Known for its aesthetic appeal, Squarespace ensures that all sites are visually stunning and easy to navigate, without requiring any technical expertise. Additionally, their 24/7 customer support ensures that users have help whenever needed. Squarespace is a great choice for users who need an all-in-one solution for building a beautiful website with reliable hosting.
Website: squarespace.com
Wix
Wix is one of the most popular website builders known for its flexibility and ease of use. The platform offers cloud-based hosting, and its drag-and-drop editor allows users to create websites with minimal effort. Wix stands out with its artificial intelligence-powered website builder, Wix ADI, which simplifies the design process by automatically generating a personalized website based on the user’s preferences. The platform also features a wide range of customizable templates, eCommerce solutions, and a vast app marketplace to extend functionality. Wix’s user-friendly interface makes it ideal for beginners, while the ability to scale and add advanced features ensures it can grow with your needs. Whether you are creating a personal blog, portfolio, or online store, Wix offers the tools to make the process easy and professional-looking.
Website: wix.com
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a managed version of the popular WordPress.org open-source platform, offering hosting, automatic updates, and security patches for those who prefer a more hands-off approach. WordPress.com is ideal for content creators, bloggers, and businesses looking for flexibility with their website design and functionality. It provides access to a range of themes, a massive plugin library, and robust blogging tools, making it the platform of choice for many. Users can also upgrade to the Business or eCommerce plan to add additional features such as custom plugins and payment gateways. WordPress.com is known for its versatility, allowing users to build everything from simple blogs to fully-fledged eCommerce websites with ease.
Website: wordpress.com
Shopify
Shopify is a leading eCommerce platform designed for entrepreneurs looking to create online stores. With its cloud-based hosting and robust eCommerce tools, Shopify makes it easy to set up a fully functional online store, even for beginners. The platform supports multiple payment gateways, customizable themes, and provides advanced marketing tools such as SEO and email campaigns. Shopify’s dedicated hosting ensures your store remains fast and secure, even during traffic surges, and it offers 24/7 customer support. Additionally, Shopify integrates with a range of third-party apps, allowing users to enhance their stores’ functionality. Whether you’re launching a small shop or scaling an enterprise-level business, Shopify is built to handle the complexities of online retail.
Website: shopify.com
Weebly
Weebly is a website builder known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it perfect for beginners and small businesses. It offers cloud-based hosting with built-in SSL encryption, and its drag-and-drop builder allows users to create websites without needing technical skills. Weebly is also equipped with eCommerce tools, making it a great option for those looking to sell products online. The platform supports basic blogging features, and it comes with a range of customizable themes, making it ideal for personal websites or small online stores. While its functionality is more basic compared to some competitors, Weebly offers great value for users looking for an affordable, straightforward website builder.
Website: weebly.com
Webflow
Webflow is a powerful web design and hosting platform that allows users to create custom websites without needing to write code. It features a visual, drag-and-drop website builder that provides complete control over design, layouts, and interactions. Webflow is especially favored by designers and developers because it offers advanced features like CSS control, animations, and dynamic content management through its built-in CMS. Additionally, Webflow offers full eCommerce capabilities, including customizable product pages, payment processing, and inventory management. With its powerful design tools and flexible hosting, Webflow is perfect for users who want more control over their website’s appearance and functionality but may require some learning to fully master.
Website: webflow.com
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a cloud-based eCommerce platform designed for businesses looking to sell products online. Offering advanced features such as multi-channel selling (on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and social media), BigCommerce enables businesses to expand their reach. It also includes customizable store templates, SEO tools, and a range of payment gateway options, making it ideal for businesses with growing needs. The platform’s built-in hosting and SSL certificates provide fast, secure performance, while BigCommerce’s extensive analytics help businesses track sales and optimize their stores. With its enterprise-level features, BigCommerce is best suited for businesses that require a scalable and flexible solution to meet the demands of high-volume retail.
Website: bigcommerce.com
