Best website builders our team has tried and tested in 2026
Our team of experts and researchers rigorously test and evaluate website builders through transparent, in-depth testing procedures and methods using both in-house and industry-approved tools.
Drawing on cybersecurity insights, we provide unbiased, empirical rankings and analysis to help users make informed digital platform choices.
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We’ve spent over 6 years testing website builders, reviewing 37 providers, and putting in more than 558 hours of hands-on research. That experience has shown us which website builders actually make the process simple, affordable, and genuinely user-friendly.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 10 best website builders for 2026. Whether you’re launching a small business, setting up an online store, building a portfolio, or starting from scratch, these tools help you create a professional site without the usual headaches.
Best website builders in 2026 according to the Cybernews research
- Wix (free or from $17.00/month) – best for beginners (Get Wix with 50% OFF)
- Hostinger Website Builder (from $2.69/month) – best for AI features (Get Hostinger Website Builder, 82% OFF + free months)
- Base44 (free or from $16.00/month) – best for generating websites without code (Get up to 20% Base44 AI App Builder)
- Bluehost AI Website Builder (from $9.99/month) – best free-trial AI builder for WordPress (read more)
- Squarespace (from $9.50/month) – best for portfolio (read more)
- IONOS (from $1.00/month) – cheap website builder for small businesses (read more)
- Lovable (free or $21.00/month)– best for advanced users (read more)
- Shopify (from $39.00/month) – best for eCommerce (read more)
- SITE123 (free or from $5.50/month) – best free or low-budget option (read more)
- WordPress.com (free or from $2.75/month) – simple web builder with a free version (read more)
Testing methodology
We’ve been testing web builders for over 6 years, but in this article, I rely on the last 3 months of hands-on testing. Together with the Cybernews research team, I collected the primary testing data from June to September, during which we reviewed 37 top providers in real-world conditions. Next, I assessed their performance based on our testing methodology.
We used real domains and built actual websites – from small blogs to eCommerce stores and business sites – to simulate everyday use. Below are the criteria I used to evaluate and rank each web builder:
- Ease of use (25%). I tracked how quickly I could go from signing up to having a published site. Platforms with true drag-and-drop editors, actually helpful AI features, and clear guidance scored highest. Builders that buried essential features behind menus or made setup confusing ranked lower.
- Price-to-value ratio (25%). I compared what each plan offered at every pricing tier. This included checking whether SSL, domains, email, or eCommerce tools were bundled or locked behind paywalls. Builders with generous free or cheap plans and essential tools upfront scored best.
- Features and tools (20%). I tested core functionality like blogging, store setup, SEO controls, and marketing integrations. I also evaluated performance tools and AI builders to determine whether the platform could realistically support long-term growth and higher traffic.
- Templates and design flexibility (20%). I looked at both quality and control. I rated how stylish and responsive the templates were, and how much freedom I had to customize layouts, fonts, colors, and mobile responsiveness without breaking anything.
- Overall experience (10%). I reached out to support, read the help docs, and noted how smooth the process felt. Builders that combined helpful support with a clear, frustration-free workflow scored better overall.
Top website builders for 2026 – my detailed overview
Below are my personal favorites, each of which I spent months using on real projects. These 10 are the ones that impressed me the most during my hands-on tests.
1. Wix – best website builder for beginners
| Cybernews rating: | |
| Pricing: | Free or from $17.00 |
| Templates: | 2,000+ |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes (with a paid plan) |
| AI features: | ⚙️ Broad selection |
| Best deal: | 🔥 Get Wix with 50% OFF 🔥 |
Wix is ideal for blogs, portfolios, and small business websites that need strong SEO and eCommerce tools. Due to its easy-to-use and intuitive editor, building a site is simple. Wix also gives you creative freedom, allowing you to adjust the website to reflect your brand best. I built a demo website in under 10 minutes, and it looked professional and polished.
Wix is the most balanced, beginner-friendly builder I tested. Its flexible editor, wide template selection, and helpful AI tools made building a professional site feel easy, even with a zero design background.
What’s new on Wix as of September 3rd, 2026
In August, Wix introduced localized URL slugs for multilingual sites, allowing users to create language-specific URLs and improve local SEO. It also added multiple ordering pages for Wix Restaurants, while CMS users can now save changes as drafts, preview, and compare them with live content, and control publishing permissions before updates go live.
Wix features
Wix makes it incredibly easy to build a site that looks exactly how you want. From first click to final publish, everything feels fast, intuitive, and refreshingly flexible. Here’s what stood out:
- Drag-and-drop editor. I could place elements exactly where I wanted them, with zero limitations or clunky controls.
- 2,000+ templates. With thousands of modern templates, it took seconds to find one that fit my brand. Far easier than with platforms like IONOS, which only offers 49 options.
- AI website builder. Wix’s AI website builder built a sleek homepage for me in under a minute, no manual setup required.
- Step-by-step SEO tools. Wix’s SEO setup walked me through optimizing my titles and meta tags without any guesswork.
- App Market. Live chat and newsletter tools were built right in, so I launched both without any external add-ons.
- Built-in eCommerce. My small store was up and running right away, without needing to upgrade or switch to a separate plan.
My overall experience with Wix
I was genuinely thrilled when I hit Publish and saw a clean, modern site that felt like something a professional would design.
The editor never lagged, no matter how many images and sections I added, and the 24/7 chat support answered my question in minutes.
My only frustration came when I realized that switching templates after launch meant rebuilding the website from scratch.
On the eCommerce front, Wix lets you build and manage online stores with features like product galleries, multiple payment options, inventory tracking, and abandoned cart recovery. You can sell physical or digital products, and even integrate booking systems or subscription plans.
Overall, compared to Hostinger’s smaller app library and Shopify’s commerce‑only focus, Wix struck the perfect balance between creative freedom, powerful AI helpers, and rock‑solid performance. If you want to learn more, read our full Wix review.
2. Hostinger AI Builder – best website builder for its AI features
| Cybernews rating: | |
| Pricing: | From $2.69/month |
| Templates: | 430+ |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes (with a paid plan) |
| AI features: | ⚙️ Extensive AI tools suite |
| Best deal: | 🔥 Get Hostinger Website Builder, 82% OFF + free months 🔥 |
Hostinger AI Builder is ideal for beginners. Recently, the provider merged its Website Builder and Horizons into a single AI-powered platform where you can now create websites, online stores, web apps, and AI tools using natural-language prompts. I built an online shop in a matter of minutes and could always count on the AI assistant for help.
Hostinger’s AI Builder felt like having a design assistant. Unlike typical AI tools that some providers offer, I typed in a short description, and Hostinger AI Builder built a full site with content, layout, and branding that I could then customize manually or by chatting with AI. I could also use an existing website URL, screenshot, image, or PDF as a starting point rather than building from scratch.
What’s new on Hostinger AI Builder as of September 3rd, 2026
On August 18, Hostinger introduced AI Builder, merging its Website Builder and Horizons into one platform. The update expands AI-powered site creation to include websites, online stores, web apps, and AI tools, while also adding options to recreate sites from URLs, screenshots, images, or PDFs.
Hostinger AI Builder features
Hostinger AI Builder blew me away with its lightning-fast website builder. I just typed a quick description of my clothing store, and it created a full website in under a minute. Here’s what else stood out:
- Unified AI builder. Hostinger now combines Website Builder and Horizons into one platform for creating websites, stores, web apps, and AI tools.
- Two building modes. You can use traditional editing tools or build and modify more complex projects through natural-language prompts.
- AI-assisted editing and development. You can make changes manually or select an element in the preview and ask AI to edit it. You can also add features like contact forms and user accounts by simply describing them.
- Build from existing content. You can use a website URL, a screenshot, an image, or a PDF as a starting point for your project.
- Interactive design features. Animation options like logo marquees, scrolling text, hover effects, and shimmering text can give your website a charm and distinguish it from competitors.
- eCommerce and booking tools. The builder also includes online store and appointment booking features.
- AI support. The Ask AI feature provides free assistance with Hostinger tools, features, and other questions.
- Preview and data management. The builder includes Preview, Code, and Data tabs, where you can view submissions and other site data. You can use test data to safely check changes before viewing real data collected from your published site.
My overall experience with Hostinger AI Builder
I was impressed by how fast the AI builder generated a professional draft, and it felt even quicker than Wix’s AI website builder. The editing process felt smooth and clean. I could select an element in the preview and either edit it manually or ask AI to make the changes for me.
The AI SEO Assistant provided me with quick, practical tips, such as shortening meta titles and adjusting headings, which helped improve my site’s structure.
A few AI-generated sections needed reworking, but overall, it’s a fast, beginner-friendly way to get online quickly. To learn more about its capabilities for creating websites, read our detailed Hostinger AI Builder review.
Other minor gripes were that Hostinger offers a smaller app ecosystem compared to Wix, and while its 24/7 live chat replied in under 60 seconds, the responses felt a bit scripted at times. Still, for $2.69/month, Hostinger’s blend of AI automation and blazing performance is hard to beat.
3. Base44 – best for zero-code website generation
| Cybernews rating: | |
| Pricing: | Free or from $16.00/month |
| Templates: | 100+ |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes (with a paid plan) |
| AI features: | ⚙️ Elaborate AI tools |
| Best deal: | 🔥 Get up to 20%$ OFF Base44 AI App Builder 🔥 |
Base44 is great for anyone who doesn’t have technical skills or simply doesn’t want to spend too much time creating a website. You don’t need to write code to build a website, as it can turn plain-language prompts into a fully developed website or web app. Its AI handles everything from the initial design and content to the database and hosting. I created my first draft in about four minutes, and the result had a clean, modern layout and strong marketing copy.
Base44 is one of the easiest platforms I’ve tested for zero-code website and app creation. Similar to Hostinger, I could simply describe how I imagined my website and what elements I needed, and the AI handled the technical setup in the background. I could then refine my new site with prompts or make changes directly in the visual editor.
What’s new on Base44 as of September 3rd, 2026
Base44 has expanded its web builder with features like Discussion Mode, visual editing, and Superagents. With Discussion Mode, you can brainstorm and evaluate changes before implementing them, while Superagents can connect to external services like Google Workspace, Slack, and GitHub and automate scheduled or event-driven workflows.
Base44 features
I appreciated how Base44 handled much of the technical work behind the scenes, so I could focus on what I wanted to create. Here’s what stood out:
- AI website and app generation. I described my idea in plain English, and Base44 turned it into a working website with no coding required.
- All-in-one setup. Databases, user authentication, file storage, email, and hosting are built into the platform, so I didn’t need to connect multiple services.
- Discussion Mode. I could brainstorm and experiment with AI before applying changes to my site, which helped avoid unnecessary iterations.
- Visual editor. After my site was generated, I could click to edit elements, colors, and layouts directly, without relying on prompts.
- Built-in SEO tools. Base44 includes tools to help improve how your site appears in search engines and AI-generated answers.
- Payments and integrations. Stripe payments and other integrations can connect your site to external services, while auto-generated APIs make it easier to exchange data with other tools.
My overall experience with Base44
I genuinely liked creating a site with Base44, as it took all the hard work off my hands. All I needed to do was enter my prompt, and Base44 started building it while showing me the steps in the side chat. My first draft took around three to four minutes to complete.
One of the key features I liked was the Suggestions tab, where AI gave me recommendations on how to improve the website. The Discussion Mode was also useful when I wanted to brainstorm or experiment with new ideas before committing to them.
I also enjoyed the result – Base44 generated a clean, modern layout with attractive marketing copy and a configured database backend. After the initial draft, I could make changes in the visual editor or ask AI to perform the changes for me.
Overall, Base44 is a great choice if you want to build a website or web app without coding. However, complex iterations can quickly use up credits, and some advanced integrations, including GitHub and Stripe, require a paid plan. If you want to learn more, read our full Base44 review.
4. Bluehost AI Website Builder
| Cybernews rating: | 4.3 |
| Pricing: | From $9.99/month |
| Templates: | Dozens of starter themes and sections |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes (with a paid pan) |
| AI features: | ⚙️ Agentic AI site generator, conversational editing, theme and copy suggestions |
| Best deal: | 🔥 Try Bluehost AI Website Builder for free 🔥 |
Bluehost AI Website Builder is ideal for beginners who want a professional WordPress site without complex setup. It uses an agentic, conversational AI to generate a complete website from a simple prompt and guided questions. I launched a small-business site in minutes and could refine the design and copy through chat, inline AI edits, or a manual drag-and-drop editor.
Bluehost’s AI builder felt like having a WordPress expert guide the process. Unlike generic page builders, it produces a full WordPress site with hosting, SSL, weekly backups, and Yoast SEO Premium included on paid plans. I could start from a short description or a pre-built prompt, then let the AI propose themes, colors, and initial content before fine-tuning manually.
What’s new on Bluehost AI Website Builder as of September 3rd, 2026
Bluehost has rolled out its agentic AI Website Builder as a dedicated product, separate from its classic WordPress AI tools. The update emphasizes prompt-to-site generation, a 3-day free trial with no credit card, and three post-build editing modes: full chat, inline section AI, and manual drag-and-drop. It’s tailored for small businesses and first-time website owners who want to get their WordPress site up and running quickly.
Bluehost AI Website Builder features
Bluehost AI Website Builder impressed me with how quickly it generated a usable WordPress draft. I entered a short description of my business, answered a few guided questions, and the AI produced three named themes with tailored palettes and copy. Here’s what else stood out:
- Agentic AI site generator. Describe your business or pick a prompt, answer up to five questions, and the AI builds a complete WordPress site with layout, sections, and initial content.
- Different editing modes. Refine the site through full chat-based editing, inline section AI edits, or a traditional drag-and-drop editor.
- Theme and style suggestions. The builder proposes multiple named themes with color schemes and typography aligned to your industry and preferences.
- AI-assisted content generation. Headlines, service descriptions, and basic page copy are created automatically and can then be edited inline or via chat.
- Free trial with AI credits. The 3-day trial includes 5 AI edits. Paid plans include 20 AI edits per month plus 10 bonus credits in the first month.
- Hosting and SEO bundle. Paid plans include hosting, free SSL, weekly backups, and Yoast SEO Premium, plus a free domain for the first year on eligible plans.
- WordPress foundation. Because the output is a standard WordPress site, you retain access to themes, plugins, and the broader WordPress ecosystem as your needs grow.
My overall experience with Bluehost AI Website Builder
I was impressed by how fast Bluehost AI builder produced a professional draft, and the process felt smoother than many generic AI site generators I have tested. The editing experience was flexible: I could select an element in the preview and either edit it manually or ask the AI to rewrite text, adjust colors, or restructure a section.
The AI SEO tools and built-in Yoast SEO Premium helped me refine titles, headings, and basic on-page elements without leaving the builder. A few AI-generated sections needed manual rework, but overall, it is a fast, beginner-friendly way to get a WordPress site online.
Other minor gripes were that AI edits are capped per month on paid plans, and the builder is less suitable for non-WordPress or highly custom technical setups. Still, for $9.99/month after the trial, I think Bluehost’s blend of AI automation, WordPress flexibility, and bundled hosting/SEO tools is hard to beat for small businesses and first-time site owners.
5. Squarespace – best web builder for portfolios
| Cybernews rating: | |
| Pricing: | From $10/month |
| Templates: | 200+ |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes (with a paid pan) |
| AI features: | ⚙️ Elaborate AI tools |
| Best deal: | 🔥 Get up to 50% OFF Squarespace 🔥 |
Squarespace makes a perfect website builder for photography and design portfolios. It has stunning templates for a beautiful-looking website with minimal effort, built-in galleries, and video backgrounds to make your portfolio shine. I built a demo website using a pre-made template, which I could further customize with Squarespace’s drag-and-drop editor.
Squarespace is ideal if you want to showcase your photography or design portfolio. Be prepared for a steeper learning curve and a slower interface.
What’s new on Squarespace as of September 3rd, 2026
Squarespace has introduced a few exciting tools. One of them is AI Visibility – a valuable tool for businesses to track how often their brand appears in AI-generated answers from platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. Additionally, it launched Express Checkout, allowing shoppers to use saved payment and shipping details through supported digital wallets, and release-based selling, which helps businesses create limited-time launches for products, services, and experiences.
Squarespace features
Squarespace makes creating a stylish, professional site simple. Its design tools and built-in features gave me everything I needed from day one:
- Global style editor. Set fonts, colors, and buttons once, and watch those changes apply automatically across the entire site.
- 200+ designer templates. Building polished, responsive layouts with a grid-based editor was easy with zero coding or manual mobile tweaks needed.
- Helpful AI tools. The SEO assistant offered quick fixes for page titles and descriptions, while the writing tool jumped in to spark ideas for blog posts and product descriptions.
- All-in-one business suite. Scheduling, invoicing, email marketing, and analytics were built in, without the need for extra plugins or outside services.
- Built-in blogging and eCommerce. Running a shop and a blog under the same URL was seamless, unlike on platforms like SITE123, which kept them separate.
My overall experience with Squarespace
I felt genuinely inspired by how design‑focused Squarespace is. Editing my portfolio felt like working inside a design tool instead of a basic website builder, and the templates really do shine once your content is in.
The block structure kept things neat, but I couldn’t always move elements exactly where I wanted, which sometimes limited creativity.
Compared to Wix’s total layout freedom and Shopify’s intense commerce focus, Squarespace sits right in the middle. It’s the sweet spot for creatives who want a visually impressive site without wrestling with plugins, code, or overwhelming options. Read our full Squarespace review to learn more.
6. IONOS Website Builder – affordable website builder for small businesses
| Cybernews rating: | |
| Pricing: | From $1.00/month |
| Templates: | 49+ |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes (with paid plan) |
| AI features: | ⚙️ Basic AI functionalities |
| Best deal: | 🔥 Get up to 96% OFF IONOS website builder 🔥 |
IONOS is a great option for small businesses with limited budgets. It offers a free domain and some essential tools, including email, booking, and a simple shop, for only $1.00/month. When I built my test website with IONOS, I was content with its section-based editor, which was easy to use. However, compared to Wix, it lacked flexibility.
IONOS gave me a working business site, domain, and email for $1.00/month – you seriously cannot make this up. While it isn’t as good as Wix or Hostinger, I’d say that for small businesses on a tight budget, IONOS does the job well.
What’s new on IONOS as of September 3rd, 2026
IONOS has introduced the AI App & Site Builder, simplifying website and app creation. Just describe what you want in natural language, and it generates the code and sets up the necessary infrastructure. IONOS also offers an AI Receptionist that answers calls, handles inquiries, and schedules appointments 24/7.
IONOS features
IONOS won me over with an unbeatable $1.00/month first-term deal that included a free .com domain and an email address. Here’s more of what stands out:
- AI-powered website builder. I just entered my business name and industry, and it generated a clean, professional design tailored to my niche in no time.
- Built-in SEO tool. RankingCoach gave real-time optimization tips as I edited, helping boost visibility without needing extra plugins.
- Section-based editor. Easy for beginners to customize content, though design flexibility is a bit limited compared to Wix or Squarespace.
- Personal consultant. Unlike most platforms where you get stuck with live chat or tickets, IONOS offers direct access to a real support agent for faster, more reliable help.
- Marketing tools included. IONOS offers email marketing and AI-powered content creation. I could build and send newsletters, manage contacts, and track campaign performance all in one place.
- Smaller template library. While offering fewer options than Wix, the templates were easy to work with thanks to the structured editor.
- Clean and beginner-friendly layouts. The rigid layout system keeps things neat and simple without overwhelming new users.
- SSL and hosting included. Secure SSL comes standard, hosting is bundled, and templates are mobile responsive without extra setup.
My overall experience with IONOS
After answering a few questions, the AI builder quickly created a website for me. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of IONOS’s features given its bargain price.
What I liked most was how smoothly the AI setup flowed and how clearly the editor was laid out. Site analytics and built-in SEO tips were also helpful right away.
However, the builder itself felt limited in flexibility, especially on the Starter plan, where you can’t freely rearrange elements. Compared to Hostinger or Wix, customization options were far more restricted.
Performance was stable, though load times in some regions (like the US and India) were slower than with Hostinger. Read our IONOS review to learn more.
7. Lovable – best for technical users
| Cybernews rating: | |
| Pricing: | Free or from $21.00/month |
| Templates: | 199+ |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes (with paid plan) |
| AI features: | ⚙️ Elaborate AI tools |
| Best deal: | 🔥 Get Lovable now with 16% OFF 🔥 |
Best suited for technical users, Lovable can help you build full-stack websites, web apps, and prototypes with AI-generated, developer-friendly code. While you don’t need coding or GitHub experience to create your first draft, more complex projects might require some technical knowledge for customization, optimization, and ongoing maintenance. I built my website in about five to six minutes and then refined it with the help of AI.
Compared to other providers on my list, Lovable stood out to me for combining AI-powered building with developer-friendly controls. I could use AI to build and refine my site while still having the option to inspect the code and make manual changes. This makes Lovable a good middle ground between a simple AI website builder and a more technical development platform.
What’s new on Lovable as of September 3rd, 2026
With the newest updates, Lovable moves into a broader AI-powered software platform. For example, apps built with Lovable can now connect with AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude, allowing these agents to interact with the apps and their data. Additionally, the platform has also expanded its security, enterprise features, integrations, and AI infrastructure.
Lovable features
I liked that Lovable gave me several ways to build and refine my project, whether by chatting with AI or making changes myself. Here’s what stood out:
- Natural-language building. I described what I wanted in the chat, and Lovable generated both the frontend and backend structure for me.
- Visual editing. I could select individual elements in the live preview and ask AI to change their text, styling, or layout without starting a new prompt from scratch.
- Draw-to-build. You can sketch interface elements directly on the canvas, and Lovable turns your drawings into functional components.
- Plan mode. I could discuss and plan changes with AI before applying them, which helped avoid unnecessary iterations.
- Third-party integrations. Lovable connects with services such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, HubSpot, and Snowflake.
- Code access. You can inspect the generated code and work with it directly, although code editing is limited on the free plan.
My overall experience with Lovable
I found Lovable’s setup easy and intuitive. Before starting, the platform asked me a few questions, then I only needed to enter my prompt and choose from several visual directions suggested by AI. This way, I could set the tone of how I want my website to look before the building process began.
The entire building process took five to six minutes, and from there I could make the final adjustments. I liked that I could either ask AI to make changes or select an element directly in the preview and edit it manually.
The Plan mode was another useful addition. I could discuss a change with AI and work out what I wanted before applying it, which made experimenting with new features feel less risky.
All in all, Lovable can be great for quickly turning ideas into functional websites and web apps, but it’s better suited to technical users than complete beginners. More complex projects can still require coding knowledge, and heavy usage can become expensive.
8. Shopify – ideal platform for eCommerce businesses
| Cybernews rating: | |
| Pricing: | From $39.00/month |
| Templates: | 1,000+ |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes (via paid plan) |
| AI features: | ⚙️ Limited AI-tool capabilities |
| Best deal: | 🔥 Try Shopify for 3 months for $1 🔥 |
Shopify is a superior choice for building and running an online store. It works equally well for both one-person startups and growing brands. Shopify offers payment and shipping options, making it easy to sell your products nationwide and internationally. I found building pages with Shopify simple due to its drag-and-drop editor. As a result, I had a simple eCommerce store ready in 20 minutes.
Shopify is made for selling, plain and simple. I added products fast, set up shipping without headaches, and got payments rolling smoothly. Working with Shopify felt right and easy, including keeping track of orders, although at a cost.
What’s new on Shopify as of September 3rd, 2026
Shopify has improved its website building tools, including AI block generation for all themes from the Shopify There store. Now, you can create custom sections with prompts and without coding. Additionally, it has expanded theme customization and checkout tools, making it easier to personalize your online store.
Shopify features
From the moment I selected Shopify’s store‑focused theme, I could see it was built for selling: products front and center, intuitive inventory tracking, and a checkout flow customers recognize and trust. Here’s what stood out:
- 1,000+ themes. With 23 free options and a powerful drag-and-drop editor, I could easily build pages with product grids, banners, and carousels.
- POS system included. I could accept in-person payments with my phone or card reader, syncing sales instantly with my online store.
- Built-in SEO tools. Titles, alt text, and clean URLs were easy to manage, and Shopify auto-generated my sitemap and canonical tags.
- All-in-one sales engine. Marketing tools, emails, analytics, and shipping settings were ready to go without installing extra plugins.
- Transaction fees. Unless you use Shopify Payments, additional fees are charged per sale. Hostinger is the opposite, as it avoids transaction fees, which can save smaller stores money.
My overall experience with Shopify
Shopify’s all‑in‑one sales engine blew me away. Adding demo products was effortless, and setting up shipping rules felt like second nature.
There are 1,000+ themes, and the drag‑and‑drop editor made it easy to build pages with product grids, carousels, and banners.
SEO settings like titles, alt text, and URLs were built in, and Shopify auto‑generated my sitemap and canonical tags. If you’re interested in learning more about its SEO capabilities, read our full Shopify review.
Most features like marketing, analytics, and shipping are built in, but unfortunately, Shopify charges transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments. Hostinger Website Builder, by contrast, has no transaction fees, which is a big cost-saver for smaller stores.
9. SITE123 – top choice for free or inexpensive website building
| Cybernews rating: | |
| Pricing: | Free or from $5.50/month |
| Templates: | 160+ |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes (with a paid plan) |
| AI features: | ⚙️ Rather basic |
| Best deal: | 🔥 Get SITE123 now 50% OFF 🔥 |
SITE123 is a good option for beginners who need a simple personal or business site fast. It has a free tier, includes free SSL, built-in SEO and marketing tools, and has a minimalistic dashboard. I built and published a website in 30 minutes, proving how beginner-friendly SITE123 is.
If you’re trying to get a website online without spending much, SITE123 is one of the best places to start. You can get hosting, easy templates, basic email tools, and a personal website online in minutes without paying anything.
What’s new on SITE123 as of September 3rd, 2026
SITE123’s latest updates focus on AI and design tools. You can now generate SEO meta tags for individual pages with AI, create color palettes from a logo or image, save favorite fonts, and fine-tune typography with new spacing controls. The provider has also added site-wide Shape Dividers and AI Settings that use your business data to generate more relevant content.
SITE123 features
SITE123 keeps things simple and structured, perfect for users who prefer ease over endless customization. While it’s not as flexible as some builders, here’s what worked well:
- Section-based editor. Unlike Wix’s drag-and-drop freedom, SITE123 uses over 160 pre-designed page sections that keep layouts clean and consistent.
- Mobile-ready by default. Every section I added was instantly optimized for smartphones and tablets without extra effort.
- SEO essentials built in. Meta tags, alt text, and an auto-generated sitemap were all included; no need for external plugins.
- Built-in email marketing. SITE123's basic email tool makes it easy to create and send campaigns directly from the dashboard.
- Free SSL certificate. All plans include SSL by default, adding security and trust to the site without setup hassles.
- Minimal, user-friendly dashboard. The interface felt clean and focused, ideal for quick builds without getting overwhelmed.
My overall experience with SITE123
With SITE123, I built and published a functional website in under 30 minutes, which speaks to the platform's exceptional beginner-friendliness.
The section-based editor guided me smoothly through the process, making it hard to mess up the layout.
The built-in SEO tools felt simple but useful, perfect for getting basic optimization done without extra hassle. I also liked having the email campaign tool included, though it’s quite basic and better suited for small newsletters.
Customer support via live chat was fast, but similarly to Hostinger, it occasionally gave scripted answers, which can be frustrating if you need more tailored help.
While SITE123’s design options feel more rigid and less modern compared to Wix or Squarespace, that limitation actually helped me stay focused and get the site done quickly. And performance-wise, SITE123 impresses with fast loading speeds, thanks to its lightweight code and limited customization overhead. Check out our detailed SITE123 review and learn more about its capabilities.
10. WordPress.com – simple website builder with a free version
| Cybernews rating: | |
| Pricing: | Free or from $2.75/month |
| Templates: | 13,000+ |
| Free domain: | ✅ Yes (with paid plan) |
| AI features: | ⚙️ Limited AI features |
| Best deal: | 🔥 Get 69% OFF WordPress Hosting 🔥 |
WordPress.com is a website builder that allows you to create various types of websites, including blogs, online shops, landing pages, and portfolios. That’s mainly due to the vast plug-in library available for WordPress.com, which allows adding features necessary for any type of website you’re planning to create. For testing purposes, I created a simple website, which took me around 30 minutes.
WordPress.com is an accessible website builder that is simple to use and offers a free version. Even with its free version, I could use AI Builder and publish my site on its domain.
What’s new on WordPress.com as of September 3rd, 2026
With the latest August update, WordPress.com has added more responsive design controls. This lets you customize how content appears across different screen sizes without custom CSS. It also introduces a redesigned media editor, new Tabs and Playlist blocks, interactive button styles, and improved image processing, giving you more flexibility when building and customizing a website.
WordPress.com features
WordPress.com is a well-equipped website builder. Even its free version comes with robust features, including:
- 13,000+ templates. WordPress.com has the biggest template library available on my list, which can be further customized with an AI editor or manually.
- Plugins and integrations. WordPress.com has a library of over 60,000 various plugins and integrations that can expand its capabilities.
- SEO features. With WordPress.com, your website is SEO-friendly right off the bat, while you can optimize your site even more by adding Yoast SEO and All in One SEO plugins.
- AI editor. If you’re not comfortable with manual editing or simply don’t have much time, the AI editor is an easy-to-use and efficient alternative.
My overall experience with WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a versatile website builder that lets you choose how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in creating a website. For my own website, I picked the AI builder. It asked me a few questions about my website and returned a full website that I could continue editing.
The whole process was fast, and I had a website ready for publishing in around 30 minutes. I think it could have been even faster, but WordPress.com AI Builder does take its time to process the prompts.
Also, the AI website builder was quite limited in terms of customizing a generated site. However, I see it as a good option for beginners who lack technical knowledge and don’t mind a rather basic-looking website design.
When I found myself restricted with an AI editor, I went for manual editing. I could choose from various blocks to further customize any elements I wanted. This route worked for me. However, for those who have limited experience creating websites, this option might be too overwhelming.
However, if you want more flexibility and have technical knowledge, I recommend editing code. Otherwise, you might want to consider a website that is built with beginners in mind, like Hostinger Website Builder. To learn more about user experience, read our WordPress.com review.
How to choose a website builder
Before picking a website builder, identify your goal. Are you creating a business site, an online store, a blog, or a portfolio? Each website has different needs, and the differences between builders can be major.
For example, Shopify is primarily focused on eCommerce, making it one of the best for an eCommerce website. Others like Hostinger offer a more universal approach, suitable for a range of site types, including business sites, blogs, and small online stores. Here are some website types and what to focus on for each:
- Business websites require ease of use, reliable customer support, and effective SEO tools. Wix, Hostinger, and Squarespace are top choices here.
- Online stores require inventory management, payment processing, and marketing integrations. Shopify and Wix excel in eCommerce, and Hostinger works well for smaller shops.
- Portfolios benefit from flexible image galleries and beautiful templates. Squarespace and Wix shine in this area.
- For a simple blog or brochure site, Wix, Hostinger, or Bluehost offer straightforward options that don't overwhelm with unnecessary features.
- Ease of use. Look for a drag-and-drop editor to build your site quickly without coding. All the top builders provide user-friendly editors, while Base44 is a strong option for creating sites and web apps from natural-language prompts, and Lovable suits users who want AI building with more technical control.
- Templates and design. Template quality and quantity matter. Wix offers over 2,000 modern templates, Squarespace and Shopify provide 200+ polished designs, and Hostinger has over 430 well-crafted options.
- Key features. For eCommerce, ensure your builder supports product galleries, carts, checkout, shipping, and tax settings. Shopify, Wix, and Hostinger meet these needs. For SEO and marketing, look for built-in tools or AI helpers like Wix’s SEO Wiz, Hostinger’s AI SEO assistant, or IONOS’s RankingCoach. Bonus features like free SSL certificates, email accounts, and easy integrations save time.
- Pricing. Compare plans based on your needs. Wix and SITE123 offer free plans, while Shopify’s trial lasts only 3 days. IONOS offers a $1.00/month introductory rate, but note that higher renewal rates may apply after the first year.
What is a website builder?
A website builder is a platform that allows you to design and publish a website without needing to write any code. It provides a user-friendly editor, usually with drag-and-drop functionality, along with hosting, so you can create your site all in one place.
You begin with a template or an AI-generated draft from an AI website builder, then easily customize it by adding or rearranging text, images, and sections. This way, you can focus on creating your site’s design and content, while the technical parts like server setup and coding happen automatically in the background.
Unlike traditional methods, where you manage hosting separately and build your site piece by piece, website builders offer pre-built blocks that are easy to arrange and edit.
Many builders also include modern features such as free templates, responsive designs that work on any device, and AI tools to help generate layouts or content, making them ideal for both beginners and professionals.
Website builder vs web hosting
A website builder is an all‑in‑one platform that includes design tools, hosting, and security managed for you. You get templates, a visual editor, and automatic backups without setting up a server. In contrast, web hosting is simply the space on a server where your site’s files live. You choose or code your site (often with WordPress or other software) and handle plugins, themes, and security yourself.
Below is a quick comparison of the two approaches:
| Feature | Website builder | Web hosting |
| Setup | Templates and a visual editor are ready to go | Requires installing software or coding |
| Hosting and security | Usually included (SSL, backups, updates managed) | You manage SSL, backups, and updates |
| Design tools | Built‑in drag-and-drop editor | Add your own editor or edit code directly |
| Customization | Limited to the builder’s features | Complete freedom with code and plugins |
| Domain | Often includes a free domain for the first year | Domain is usually purchased separately |
| Ease of use | Super easy start, minimal technical setup | Requires more expertise and manual setup |
| Flexibility | Best for speed and simplicity | Best for advanced customization and control |
Choose a website builder for fast, beginner‑friendly launches, or opt for traditional hosting when you need full control over every aspect of your site.
Video review
Want to see these website builders in action? Watch our full review in the video below:
Our in-house research team and expert writers work hand in hand to regularly test website builders and provide accurate and fact-checked information. Discover the ins and outs of how we test and evaluate website builders.
FAQ
Are website builders SEO-friendly?
The majority of the website builders have at least some built-in SEO functionalities. For example, meta title and description optimization, schema markups, and URL change. Some more SEO-focused website builders, like Wix and Hostinger Website Builder, have advanced features.
Are website builders fast and reliable?
Generally, yes. Most modern builders run your site on high-quality servers with CDNs, so loading times are quite fast. For example, Wix advertises a 99.9% uptime guarantee, and I saw consistent 100% uptime during my week-long tests on those platforms. Of course, actual speed can depend on your plan and how many images/videos you load, but small-to-medium sites usually load in 1 second on good builders.
Are AI website builders worth it in 2026?
Yes, builders like Wix and Hostinger have AI wizards that draft an initial site or copy with just a brief. AI tools can also speed up mundane tasks like writing product descriptions or setting SEO tags. They won’t do 100% of the work, but they can cut your effort drastically. In 2026, AI features are more polished than ever, so I’d say yes for most users who want a quick start.
Can I switch templates later with a website builder?
Most builders lock you into your chosen template once the site is live. Wix, for example, requires you to create a new site if you want a different template, and Hostinger’s AI builder works the same way. In practice, if you really need a new look, you’d have to copy your content over to a new site. So it’s best to pick carefully at the start.
Can I move my website from one builder to another?
Builders use proprietary systems, so you can’t easily export your full site into a different platform. You can often export blog posts via RSS or manually copy text and download images, but in general, you’d rebuild from scratch on the new builder. I experienced this when moving a test blog from one platform to another, and it was pretty much copy/paste page by page.
Can I add my own code to a website builder?
Whether you can add your own code to a website builder depends on the provider. Some builders are limited in this regard. If you want design flexibility and the ability to add custom code, look for platforms that explicitly support custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or offer developer modes. Other providers, like Wix and Hostinger, also allow adding code, but their options are more limited.
What’s the cheapest website builder in 2026?
IONOS is the cheapest and most reliable website builder on my list. Its starting price is only $1.00/month. You may find cheaper website builders than IONOS; however, there’s no guarantee that they can be trusted.
Do website builders include hosting and domain names?
That depends on the provider. While website builders generally include hosting services, domain names are included less often. However, some providers, like Hostinger Website Builder, include a free domain name with 12-month or longer plans.
How customizable are website builders?
Quite a bit more than they used to be, but still not as flexible as coding a site from scratch. Modern builders let you customize colors, fonts, layouts, and often allow HTML/CSS injection if you’re on a premium plan. For example, Wix and Hostinger allow adding custom code blocks on higher tiers. However, each builder has its limits: you’ll mainly tweak within the framework of their templates and tools. If you need total freedom (like a completely unique JavaScript feature or a non-standard layout), then a self-hosted solution or developer work would be required.
