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HubSpot website builder review 2024: Pros and cons, features tested by our experts
8:28 pm | January 19, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Building | Tags: , | Comments: Off

If you're in search of the best website builder to create an eye-catching website for your startup or side hustle, HubSpot website builder is certainly worth a look. In our hands-on review, we’ll dive deep into HubSpot’s offering and decide whether it’s a game-changer for solo entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to make their mark online.

After all, HubSpot is more than just one of the best free website builders - it's the heart of HubSpot's comprehensive content management system (CMS) suite. Whether you're launching a side hustle or rebuilding your current site, this tool streamlines website creation. Despite a slight learning curve associated with advanced tools, HubSpot provides a powerful tool to support your online efforts.

To help you make the right choice, we've rolled up our sleeves and delved into the nitty-gritty of the HubSpot website builder. Our team of experts has rigorously tested this builder, creating multiple websites to assess its user interface, design flexibility, and integration with HubSpot's ecosystem.

So, whether you're a first-time website creator or want to level up your game, our Hubspot website builder review can serve as your roadmap to navigating this tricky tool.

Is HubSpot the right website builder for me?

Choosing the right site builder is crucial for the success of your online presence. Let's break down who HubSpot is best for and who might find it less suitable.

Who is HubSpot best for?

HubSpot drag-and-drop website builder is an excellent choice for solo entrepreneurs entering the online realm, especially those prioritizing inbound marketing. It provides tools to create and promote content that resonates with the target audience.

Additionally, HubSpot is one of the best small business website builders on the market, allowing entrepreneurs and marketers to benefit from its all-in-one solution with strong integration capabilities. If you're seeking a platform where your website, CRM, live chat, email marketing, and automation are interconnected, HubSpot is a solid choice. It also supports up to three languages with automatic connections between language variations.

Who might find HubSpot less suitable?

HubSpot's pricing structure can be confusing and costs significantly increase with advanced features. If you're on a tight budget, the leap from the entry-level plan to more advanced tiers might be limiting.

The user interface of HubSpot's builder can also be overwhelming, which might not be suitable for those who prefer a simpler, more straightforward dashboard. In such cases, a site builder like Wix, with a more intuitive design, could be a better fit.

HubSpot website builder - perfect for CRM and marketing integrations

HubSpot's website builder integrates with their CRM and other marketing tools. With a generous free plan, it makes HubSpot a great option for small, start up, and growing businesses. View Deal

HubSpot features and tools

From templates to setting up an online store, below we explore everything you need to know about all the tools and features the HubSpot website builder has to offer.

Templates

Screenshot of Hubspot website builder in use

HubSpot's themes are clean and bold, a great way to make a statement about your business. (Image credit: HubSpot)

HubSpot boasts a collection of over 170 themes, covering a diverse range of categories and you're invited to preview themes before installation. And if that's not enough, you can even spice things up by adding themes purchased from ThemeForest, expanding your design options.

When it comes to customization and adding a personal touch, the theme editor is your creative playground. You can easily tweak colors, fonts, and spacing to match your brand's vibe. What's best, these changes ripple across all your pages, saving you time and effort.

One advantage that sets HubSpot and Wix apart is HubSpot's ability to switch themes without bidding farewell to your content - it's really a rare gem in the website-building realm.

AI tools and features

If you don’t want to pick from one of the templates offered by HubSpot you can use HubSpot’s AI website builder instead. This tool allows you to create a full website by answering a few simple questions asked by the AI bot. The AI will then generate a website based on your answers, all without you needing to do any coding.

Although the HubSpot AI website builder will generate a full website for you, like most of the best AI website builders, a level of editing will almost certainly be required to bring it up to standard.

HubSpot also offers a range of other AI-powered tools to help you build and grow your website. This includes a full AI blog writing tool to help launch regular blog posts with little time investment. The Breeze content agent can also help you use CRM data to create bespoke content for everything from landing pages and podcasts to case studies and blog posts.

Content Remix is another AI-powered tool that can be used to create variations of existing content such as blog posts and landing pages in just a few clicks, making it easier than ever to have content targeted at different segments of your audience.

HubSpot website editor

Screenshot of hubspots website editor being used to view a website on mobile

HubSpot's website editor is easy to use, but lacks flexibility (Image credit: HubSpot)

Now, the heart of the matter - HubSpot's drag-and-drop editor takes center stage, offering an array of content elements and modules to elegantly populate your pages.

From dynamic galleries and testimonials to structured columns and vibrant videos, the editor is there to empower your creative choices. Tweak the finer details of your website's appearance effortlessly, from global fonts and spacing to typography, buttons, forms, and tables, ensuring a polished and cohesive design throughout.

However, despite the decent creative potential, HubSpot's website editor is far from being a champion of flexibility. Precise placement can sometimes feel like orchestrating a dance routine without mastering all the moves. Text editing takes a brief detour into a separate pane, introducing a slight interruption to the flow. For those meticulous about the alignment of elements like text and images, you might find yourself desiring a bit more control.

Domain

HubSpot offers a free subdomain, providing a starting point for your online presence. If you're seeking a personalized touch, HubSpot simplifies the domain registration process right within its platform. However, you don't need to upgrade to a paid plan right away.

Unlike many other of the best free website builders, with HubSpot, you have the benefit of connecting your own domain name for free - and it offers a simple step-by-step guide to help you do it.

If you don't own a domain, registering one usually falls in the range of $10-20, though it can vary based on factors such as popularity and the registrar you choose.

HubSpot ecommerce

screenshot of hubspot's ecommerce tools

HubSpot's app marketplace is the go-to for those looking for advanced ecommerce tools. (Image credit: HubSpot)

When it comes to ecommerce functionality, HubSpot CMS doesn't provide native features for selling products. Still, the platform allows you to receive payments through your site, primarily suitable for processes like donations or simple payments, but this functionality is limited to users based in the US.

Despite this limitation, HubSpot extends its ecommerce potential through its app marketplace. Here, you'll find plenty of free ecommerce Apps compatible with HubSpot, such as WooCommerce, BigCommerce, PrestaShop, Magento, and more.

As for transaction fees, HubSpot adopts a transparent approach with no setup fees, monthly fees, minimums, or hidden charges. The cost structure is based on a percentage of each transaction, ensuring you only pay for the service when it's actively utilized.

The specific fees, however, depend on the payment processing option you choose within HubSpot. If you opt for HubSpot Payments, expect to incur a 2.9% charge on all credit card transactions and a 0.5% fee (capped at $10) on ACH payments. Alternatively, if you integrate your Stripe account as the payment processor, HubSpot applies a platform fee of 0.5% per transaction, alongside the processing fee agreed upon with Stripe.

HubSpot marketing integrations

screenshot of HubSpot's app marketplace

HubSpot's marketing integrations are plentiful and high powered. (Image credit: HubSpot)

HubSpot shines in the realm of marketing integrations, providing powerful SEO tools to boost your online presence. With features like personalized content, email marketing, and seamless integration with CRM and automation tools, HubSpot provides an all-in-one suite for managing various marketing aspects.

The platform's Marketing Hub is aimed at experienced marketers, offering capabilities like email campaigns, SEO strategy development, ad management, automated campaigns, content uploading, and detailed reporting. This makes it an attractive choice for businesses seeking streamlined lead generation and nurturing processes.

HubSpot doesn't stop there – it also integrates seamlessly with various social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, further enhancing your ability to reach and engage with your audience.

Website security

Screenshot of hubspot security details

HubSpot offers top-notch security for your website. (Image credit: HubSpot)

As soon as you connect your domain, HubSpot will automatically set you up with a standard SSL certificate through Google Trust Services, giving your site a secure foundation.

Behind the scenes, HubSpot entrusts your website's security to top-tier cloud providers like Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services. These providers adhere to strict security standards like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 compliance, ensuring your website is in good hands.

HubSpot employs a web application firewall (WAF) to safeguard against attacks, including DDoS threats. Real-time monitoring keeps an eye on traffic, promptly identifying and thwarting any malicious activity.

And when it comes to data protection, HubSpot has it covered. Your information is securely replicated and backed up across multiple storage locations ensuring your data's safety and quick recovery if needed.

To keep a pulse on your website's security, HubSpot's Security Health is your go-to tool. It provides a comprehensive overview of your security measures, pointing out areas for improvement. You just need to follow the links to address any concerns and strengthen your account’s security.

HubSpot pricing: Is HubSpot good value for money?

Hubspot pricing page screenshot

HubSpot offers a great free plan and an affordable starter plan, but for advance features the jumps in price are significant. (Image credit: HubSpot)

To start your journey with HubSpot, you'll have to choose from their CMS Hub plans, each tailored to cater to specific business needs.

There's a forever-free plan and it comes packed with essential tools for marketing, sales, service, content management, operations, and commerce. They're perfect for small businesses looking for budget-friendly yet impactful solutions that can be simply upgraded as their business grows. However, keep in mind that this fee plan comes with certain limitations, such as up to 25 website pages, no dynamic content, and includes HubSpot branding with a non-customizable favicon.

The next in line, the Starter plan ($20/month paid yearly) is likely enough for most small-to-medium businesses, but if you crave advanced features, the Professional plan ($360/month paid yearly) offers personalization, A/B testing, custom reporting, and more.

The Enterprise plan ($1,200 /month paid yearly) goes further with advanced development-focused features such as additional root domains, memberships, adaptive testing, web apps, and custom objects - everything needed to build a robust foundation for wide-ranging business growth.

HubSpot lets you create custom bundles for your business. The four key products - HubSpot CRM (free), Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, and Service Hub - come in Free, Starter, Professional, and Enterprise plans. For an all-inclusive approach, the Growth Suite bundles them together at a discounted price.

You have the option to optimize your HubSpot experience with expert assistance, ensuring you make the most of the platform's capabilities. To dive deeper into specifics about HubSpot's plans and pricing, check out their pricing page.

HubSpot help and support

screenshot of HubSpot's support page

HubSpot offers several good ways to get support and learn more about the platform. (Image credit: HubSpot)

Even on the Starter plan, you've got the backup of both email and live chat support, and the team is quick to respond and genuinely helpful when you're facing challenges. Also, if you're ever curious or need quick updates, hit up HubSpot support on X (Twitter) – they even encourage their users to do so.

The knowledge base is like a gold mine, covering a ton of topics. It might seem a bit overpacked at first glance, but think of it as your go-to resource, helping you through common issues and diving into advanced features.

There's also a community forum where you can chat with fellow users, tap into their collective wisdom, and pick up strategies to grow better with HubSpot. Plus, HubSpot keeps you in the loop with real-time updates on system status and security – just visit their status page.

However, to get round-the-clock phone support, you'll have to go with the Professional or Enterprise plans. For a pretty penny, this will add that extra layer of assistance for a smooth website-building journey.

HubSpot: What’s not included? What could be better?

While HubSpot CMS Hub offers an extensive array of business-focused, particularly marketing features, the platform could benefit from increased flexibility within its editor. Design flexibility is limited, requiring potential reliance on developers for precise customization, making it more akin to a comprehensive content management system like WordPress than other DIY website builders such as Wix and Squarespace.

One notable downside is the platform's learning curve, attributed to the multitude of features available. Less tech-savvy users may find it challenging to familiarize themselves with the different interfaces and editors for various tasks. The editor's rigidity, despite offering drag-and-drop functionality, might make it a bit challenging to customize the design exactly as you want.

Still, if you're willing to invest time in navigating the learning curve, HubSpot website builder can be a powerful choice, particularly if you're already using HubSpot's CRM or marketing tools.

HubSpot Review: Final thoughts

In summary, HubSpot’s website builder comes as a compelling all-in-one solution, especially when integrated with HubSpot's CRM or email marketing tools. It might not be the most beginner-friendly choice out there and isn't as flexible as some of its competitors, even free website builders. Nevertheless, HubSpot is a marketing powerhouse that excels with robust tools for SEO, blogging, and lead generation.

If you've decided on HubSpot but are looking for superior customization or lack the time to navigate the learning curve, consider collaborating with a developer. When understood and utilized effectively, this comprehensive solution can empower your online presence and marketing endeavors.

The bottom line is, if you are a small or growing business that wants an all-in solution for CRM, marketing tools, and website building, there is little out there that can beat HubSpot’s offering. However, if you want more flexibility in your website design, assessing other options will be worthwhile.

HubSpot website builder FAQs

Is HubSpot really free?

Yes, HubSpot offers a forever-free version but with basic features, including CRM tools. For more advanced features and capabilities, you'll want to check out their paid plans.

Is it hard to learn HubSpot?

HubSpot can have a steep learning curve due to its extensive feature set. While it provides user-friendly interfaces, the diverse range of tools may require some time to master. Fortunately, HubSpot offers training resources and solid customer support to help you navigate the platform effectively.

Does HubSpot's website builder offer integration with third-party apps and services?

Yes, HubSpot's website builder offers integration with various third-party apps and services through its extensive marketplace of plugins and integrations. You can also connect your website with HubSpot’s extensive range of built in tools ranging from a complete CRM to AI powered marketing tools.

Can I connect a custom domain to the HubSpot website builder?

Yes, HubSpot is one of the very few free website builders that allow you to connect a custom domain to your website.

You can search for relevant domain names with any of the best domain registrars. Once you have purchased your domain, you can connect it to your website by going to settings > Content > Domains and URLs > Connect a domain.

If you don’t have a domain, don’t worry. HubSpot gives you a free subdomain to help you get started.

Can I sell on a HubSpot website?

Unlike Wix, Squarespace, and Hostinger, HubSpot doesn’t offer any dedicated ecommerce tools on its website builder. However, that doesn’t stop you from selling via your website.

This is because you can connect to a host of payment processors and ecommerce platforms through HubSpot’s app marketplace.

What AI website building tools does HubSpot offer?

HubSpot offers a range of helpful AI tools that can help speed up the website building process, but they should be used with some oversight.

Firstly, you can tap into the platform's full AI website builder that will create you a website from just a few prompts. Then you can use the AI blog writing tool to create and publish blog posts and the Breeze AI content agent to create bespoke content based on CRM data.

Can I migrate my website from another website builder to HubSpot?

No.

You cannot migrate a full website from another website builder to HubSpot. This is because website builders typically hide the code you would need to fully replicate your website on another platform.

HubSpot does offer a ‘Website Migration Service’. This service rebuilds your website content into HubSpot’s Content Hub. However, it also uses a new theme to do that, so your website will not look the same.

With a $500 set up fee and $20 per page to migrate, costs can add up, but it can be a good option for businesses that are time poor or want to avoid the headache.

Is HubSpot good for SEO?

Yes, HubSpot is in high demand for its SEO capabilities. The CMS Hub, in particular, provides robust tools for optimizing content, managing keywords, and enhancing website visibility on search engines. It is considered a powerful option for businesses focused on inbound marketing and SEO strategies.

Friday website builder review 2025
8:12 pm | July 17, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Software | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Our latest Friday Website Builder review reveals a platform that balances simplicity with powerful functionality, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced developers. While it competes in a crowded market alongside many options in our best website builders roundup, it distinguishes itself through its all-in-one approach and solid feature set.

TechRadar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders to bring you expert insights. Friday's single pricing model sets it apart from competitors, though this approach has both benefits and drawbacks. For users seeking our top recommendation, Wix remains our pick for the best website builder in 2025, offering more flexible pricing options.

Friday launched recently as a new player in the website building space, focusing on eliminating the complexity often associated with development workflows. Its approach centers on providing everything users need in a single package, with some impressive tools that cater specifically to developers and pros.

Friday Website Builder: 2-minute review

Friday Website Builder positions itself as an all-in-one solution for users who want professional websites without the brainwork. It offers a rich user experience with its drag-and-drop editor, template library, and developer mode for advanced customization. Other standout features include ecommerce capabilities, AI content assistance, and SEO tools that help websites rank better in search results.

However, Friday's single $50/month pricing plan creates a significant barrier for users, especially when competitors like Wix offer plans starting at $17/month. While this pricing includes all features without restrictions, it may offer poor value to users who only need basic functionality. Also, limited scalability options and a restricted plugin ecosystem pose challenges for rapidly growing businesses.

What is Friday?

Friday Website Builder is a user-friendly platform that allows individuals and businesses to create professional websites without the need for coding knowledge or technical skill.

It provides a range of intuitive tools and templates to streamline the website creation process, enabling you to design and customize your sites according to your unique preferences and requirements.

With Friday, you can add and edit content, incorporate multimedia elements, optimize for mobile devices, and publish your websites with just a few clicks.

Features

Friday features on dashboard

(Image credit: Friday)

Friday comes with all the features you would expect from one of the best website builders on the market. This ranges from a full website builder to help you get your site from idea to live, along with dedicated features to help you grow your business including an AI content assistant, photo editor, easy pop ups, the ability to create coupons, and multi-language websites.

During my testing of Friday's website builder, I discovered a wide range of powerful features that enhanced my website building journey. Firstly, the platform provided robust ecommerce capabilities, allowing me to effortlessly set up an online store, manage products, and inventory.

The developer mode feature allows the flexibility to edit and add code and make customizations according to my specific requirements. The built-in blog builder offered a seamless way to create engaging blog posts and share my thoughts and ideas with my audience.

I was also impressed with the comprehensive web analytics feature that provided valuable insights into visitor behavior and helped me optimize my website for better performance.

With the option to use a custom domain, you can choose any name for your website to add a professional and personalized touch. Friday's SEO tools proved to be invaluable in optimizing a website for search engines and increasing its visibility online.

The inclusion of SSL security feature helps to keep visitors' data protected. Friday uses AWS hosting which ensures reliable performance and scalability for your websites.

Moreover, the platform's mobile optimization feature automatically adapted my test website to different devices, ensuring a seamless user experience for mobile users. The unlimited bandwidth feature allows the handling of high traffic volumes without any concerns.

Tools

Friday analytics page

(Image credit: Friday)

Friday Website Builder provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline the website creation process. These tools range from basic design elements to advanced ecommerce and marketing features, all integrated into a single platform.

Drag-and-drop editor

The core of Friday's offering is its intuitive drag-and-drop editor that requires no coding knowledge. You can easily add, move, and customize elements by simply dragging them into position. The editor provides real-time visual feedback, allowing you to see changes instantly as you build your site.

Developer mode

For users with coding experience, Friday offers a developer mode that provides access to HTML and CSS editing. This feature bridges the gap between simplicity and advanced customization, letting you fine-tune your website's appearance and functionality beyond the standard editor limitations.

Template library

Friday provides an extensive collection of professionally designed templates covering various industries and website types. Each template is fully customizable and mobile-responsive, giving you a solid foundation to build upon while maintaining design consistency.

Ecommerce tools

The platform includes solid ecommerce functionality with inventory management, automated shipping calculations, and secure payment processing. You can set up product catalogs, manage orders, and create discount codes without needing additional plugins or integrations.

SEO suite

Friday's SEO tools include meta tag management, Google PageSpeed optimization, schema markup support, and AI-generated alt text for images. The platform also features IndexNow integration and automatic sitemap generation to help improve search engine visibility.

AI content assistant

The built-in AI assistant helps generate content suggestions and provides recommendations for website improvements. This tool can assist with writing copy, optimizing content for SEO, and suggesting design enhancements based on best practices.

Ease of use

Friday website builder dashboard

(Image credit: Friday)

Friday is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, even for individuals with limited technical expertise. The platform prioritizes simplicity and intuitive navigation, making it accessible to beginners and experienced users alike.

One key aspect contributing to Friday's ease of use is its drag-and-drop functionality. You can effortlessly add and rearrange elements on your websites by simply dragging and dropping widgets, images, text, and other components onto the desired location. This eliminates the need for complex coding or technical knowledge, streamlining the website creation process.

Additionally, Friday offers a visually-oriented interface that allows you to see real-time changes as you make adjustments to your websites. This instant visual feedback provides a clear understanding of how the site will look and function, empowering you to make informed design decisions.

The platform also provides a user-friendly dashboard that serves as a central hub for managing various aspects of the website. From this dashboard, you can access different tools and features, navigate through pages, customize themes, and track website analytics. The organized layout and intuitive controls contribute to a seamless user experience.

Pricing

screenshot of friday website builder pricing page

(Image credit: Friday)

There is a lot to love about Friday's pricing structure. Unlike the majority of website builders that offer host different plans and packages, which often confuse you more than they help you - Friday offers one plan for everything. Plus, you can cancel at any time, so you aren't tied into any expensive contracts.

When you sign up for Friday you get a 7-day free trial. This offers you an opportunity to make sure the website builder does everything you want. Once your free trial is over, you will then be charged $50 a month.

This may seem a little steep, especially when you look at competitors such as Wix offering plans for as little as $17/mo and Squarespace offering plans from $16/mo. Needless to say, if you are looking for a very basic website builder to build a basic website, Friday won't offer you doo value for money.

However, when you consider the fact that Friday offers you an all-in package for $50/mo, whereas Wix's all-in package is $159/mo and Squarespace's is a similar $49/mo, suddenly Friday seems like a fair to good deal.

Ultimately, it will come down to which tools and features you need. If you just want a simple package, Wix or Squarespace is probably better. But if you want an advanced website builder with plenty of powerful features, Friday is certainly worth considering.

Security

Friday SSL certificate

(Image credit: Friday)

Friday prioritizes the security of its users' websites by offering two essential security features: SSL certificates and backups.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates are crucial for establishing a secure connection between a website and its visitors. SSL certificates ensure that sensitive information remains confidential and protected from potential hackers or malicious actors by encrypting the data transmitted between the user's browser and the website's server. Friday allows you to install SSL certificates, thus enabling secure communication and instilling trust in visitors who access your websites.

In addition to SSL certificates, Friday provides a backup feature to safeguard your website data. Regular backups are vital in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as data loss, server issues, or accidental changes that may compromise the website's functionality or content. By enabling backups, you can restore your websites to a previous state and recover lost data, minimizing potential disruptions and preserving the integrity of your online presence.

By offering SSL certificates and backup functionality, Friday aims to provide a secure environment for your websites. This contributes to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data and helps protect against potential security vulnerabilities or data loss incidents.

Support

Friday customer support

(Image credit: Friday)

Friday offers customer support through various channels, including a comprehensive knowledge base and email support. These options ensure that you have access to the assistance you need when encountering any issues or requiring guidance while using the platform.

The knowledge base serves as a valuable resource, providing you with a collection of articles, tutorials, and frequently asked questions that cover a wide range of topics. It offers step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting guides, and detailed explanations of features, empowering you to find solutions to your queries independently. The knowledge base serves as a self-help tool, allowing you to access information and guidance at your convenience.

For more personalized support, Friday provides email support through two dedicated email addresses: support@findfriday.com and hello@findfriday.com. You can reach out to the support team with your inquiries, concerns, or technical issues. The support team is committed to providing prompt and helpful responses, addressing your queries, and providing guidance to ensure a smooth experience while using the platform.

By offering both a comprehensive knowledge base and email support, Friday ensures that you have access to the resources you need to overcome challenges and make the most of the platform's features.

Alternatives

With just one (fairly expensive) plan, Friday website builder certainly isn’t for everyone.

As our top rated website builder, Wix is a worthy alternative. With plans starting at just $16/mo, Wix is almost certainly better for those who don’t need the full power of Friday. However, even on the entry level plan, with Wix you get access to a whole host of powerful website building tools, many with AI integration.

Read our full Wix review to find out more.

Squarespace is another good option to consider. Similar to Wix, plans start much cheaper at $17/mo and come with a huge range of website building tools. Squarespace is also known for its stunning website designs, making it ideal for those who want to make a big visual impact with their website.

Our Squarespace review goes into more detail on what the platform has to offer.

Friday Website Builder: Summary

Determining whether Friday website builder is the right choice for you depends on various factors such as your website creation needs, technical expertise, budget, and desired level of customization.

However, if you are looking for a user-friendly platform with drag-and-drop functionality, a range of customizable themes, and tools for adding pages, widgets, and blog posts, along with ecommerce capabilities, then Friday website builder could be a suitable choice that caters to your requirements and empowers you to create and manage a professional-looking website with relative ease.

Friday's comprehensive SEO and settings options and 24/7 customer support through a knowledge base and email assistance could also be the deciding qualities for your choice of website builder.

FAQs

What makes Friday different from other website builders?

Friday distinguishes itself through its single, all-inclusive pricing model and focus on providing enterprise-level features in a user-friendly package. Unlike competitors that offer multiple tiers, Friday includes all features — from basic website building to advanced ecommerce and SEO tools, in one plan. The platform also provides both drag-and-drop simplicity and developer mode for code editing, making it suitable for users across different skill levels.

Is Friday suitable for ecommerce websites?

Yes, Friday includes robust ecommerce capabilities with features like inventory management, automated shipping and tax calculations, and secure payment processing. However, the platform may not be ideal for large-scale or rapidly growing online stores due to its single pricing tier and limited scalability options. Small to medium-sized businesses will find Friday's ecommerce tools comprehensive and easy to implement.

How does Friday's pricing compare to competitors?

Friday's $50/month pricing appears expensive compared to entry-level plans from competitors like Wix ($17/month) or Squarespace ($16/month). However, when compared to premium plans that include similar features, Friday becomes more competitive - Wix's comprehensive plan costs $159/month while Squarespace's comparable offering is $49/month. The value depends on whether you need all the included features or would prefer a more basic, affordable option.

Wix website builder review 2025
2:48 pm | March 18, 2022

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Building | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Wix may be the biggest name in website building, but is it right for you? Our Wix review helps you get all the information you need to make an informed decision.

We’ve extensively tried and tested 80+ website builders and found that Wix consistently beats competitors in important areas including tools and features, ease of use, and price. In fact, Wix features heavily across all our buying guides and has maintained the #1 spot in our list of the best website builder platforms for some time.

Wix is a fully-comprehensive website builder, offering everything from high-impact templates and an outstanding AI website builder to powerful business tools including ecommerce features and a booking platform.

There is a lot to cover in this Wix review. We signed up, built a host of test sites, and took an in-depth look at the templates, editor, features, ease of use, speed, security, SEO, apps, hosting, and more. But before we dive into the details, let’s get the TL;DR for those who just want the most important insights and information.

If you decide that Wix is the website builder for you, you can now save on your subscription with our list of the best Wix promo codes.

Wix review: Overview

Wix is the world’s most popular website builder, and by a very long way.

According to BuiltWith, Wix has a massive 33% share of the market, more than any other commercial website builder. It's closely followed by Squarespace at 26%, with GoDaddy and Weebly trailing further behind in 2025.

1. Wix - a top-notch website builder

Wix offers some powerful paid plans, starting from as little as $12 per month for the Light plan (on a three year plan), which gets you 2GB of storage space, a free domain, and the removal of Wix branding.View Deal

What’s the secret? Some website builders focus on newbies, others on experts and the most demanding sites, but Wix targets everyone. Whether you’re a first-timer looking to build a simple personal site, or a company launching a new web store, Wix has the tools and technology to help. We signed up and built a stack of test sites to find out more.

Wix is the world's most popular website builder, the power behind 46% of the market by the number of websites, more than the likes of Squarespace (17%), GoDaddy Website Builder (10%) and Weebly (5%) combined.

Getting started with Wix

Wix got our website project off to a very quick start by allowing us to choose from a huge library of 900+ templates. Whether you’re creating a food blog, an online CV, a pet store, a site for your restaurant, or wedding events business, there’s a template to suit.

We chose a Hotel template, and were immediately impressed. It was a very complete site, with pages showing the rooms, hotel amenities, our policies on hosting weddings and events, with slideshows, downloadable menu PDFs, a Live Chat button, and a Contact Us page with a map and a working Contact form.

Wix hotel website template

Wix offers some stunning templates right off the shelf (Image credit: Wix)

All we had to do next was change the built-in photos and text for our own. If you already have the content you need, you could have most of the site up and running in an afternoon.

Although most templates come with a sensible default set of pages and features, you may well want to add others, and Wix has more options than we’ve seen with anyone else.

This starts with core features like photo galleries, video and music players, embeddable social media streams, buttons, maps, forms and more. But there’s so much more such as blogs, web stores, and forums.

screenshot of Wix app market page

Wix app market adds over 500 possible tools and feature to your website (Image credit: Wix)

If the standard tools don’t deliver what you need, the Wix App Market has 500+ extensions to add new website features and connect your sites to various platforms and services - that’s way more than anyone else.

As with the templates, although Wix has an array of features and apps, they’re not the best in every area. The sheer volume and number of options can make Wix more difficult to use, too. But we think it’s important to have that choice.

Blogs, ecommerce, and speed

If your website needs a blog, then the good news is Wix can add one to any template with a single click. We found it easy to create, organise, and manage posts.

The blogging system doesn’t have the power or flexibility of WordPress, but then neither does anything else. Although we noticed a few issues, they are minor (a post can’t have two authors, for instance). Overall, Wix has all the blogging power most personal and business users will need.

Example of Wix web store page

Wix offers simple, yet powerful ecommerce functionality. (Image credit: Wix)

It’s a similar story with ecommerce. Wix can’t fully compete with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, but that’s no surprise. Ecommerce is only one of the areas Wix covers, and it’s trying to create a service that anyone can use.

But let’s keep this in perspective. If you’re a newcomer, maybe a small or medium business looking to build a capable web store, Wix’s ease of use and lengthy feature list could make it the perfect partner.

Whatever your website or audience, performance is important. We built several test websites and used some of the best speed testing platforms around to see how they compared.

The results were reasonable. Wix adds lots of scripts and other files to its sites, and that means it’s not as fast as, say, a hand-tuned WordPress setup. But that’s no surprise - all website builders have the same issue. Wix delivered similar and very acceptable speeds to Squarespace in our tests, even with its most basic paid plan.

Value

You can get started with Wix for free, no credit card details required. The plan is very limited, with a tiny 500MB storage and bandwidth per month, but it’s enough to test the service.

Paid plans start at $17 a month, but you only get 2GB storage and there’s no ecommerce support. If you’re building a web store or need more features or speed, you’ll be spending $29+ a month on one of the higher plans. That’s a little above average, but it’s also very similar to Squarespace, and we think it’s fair value for what you get.

Wix example websites

In this review we’ll talk about Wix’s many features and what they can do, but if you’re in a hurry, the quickest way to understand the possibilities is to look at what others Wix users have created.

A website about your coding camps could easily be just dull blocks of text, but Kode With Klossy makes great use of Wix photos features, scrolling effects, and animations to create a modern and appealing site.

Evolve Clothing, Roee Ben Yahuda, and Izzy Wheels are professional ecommerce and portfolio sites which use eye-catching graphics, scrolls, and effects to grab and hold your attention.

Wix makes it very easy to use video on your site, and we’re talking about way more than just embedding some YouTube clip. Animal Music Studios produces award-winning music and sound design for ads and elsewhere for many of the world’s biggest brands, and its Wix site allows you to browse them all in an amazing video wall.

If you do nothing else, scroll down Mananalu and count all the handy features Wix allows you to use in ecommerce and other sites: shopping cart top right, video header, social media sharing buttons, Amazon shopping integration, a ‘Find a Store’ button which uses your current location, animations, easy newsletter subscriptions, and more.

Wix pricing and plans

screenshot of Wix pricing

Wix offers a range of plans for everyone from hobbyists to enterprise level businesses. (Image credit: Wix)
Wix Plan Options:

Plan

/mo (paid monthly)

/mo (paid annually)

/mo (paid every 2-years)

/mo (paid every 3-years)

Free

$0

$0

$0

$0

Lite

$24

$17

$14

$12

Core

$36

$29

$24

$21

Business

$43

$36

$29

$26

Business Elite

$172

$159

$121

$110

Free: Great for giving Wix a try

Wix's limited free plan inserts ads on your site, doesn’t support custom domains, and limits you to only 500MB storage and 1GB monthly bandwidth. It’s not for serious sites, but the free plan does give you an easy way to try Wix before you buy, and we think it’s a big plus for the service.

Lite: Ideal for solopreneurs and personal sites

Lite drops the ads and bandwidth limits. It also allows you to use your own domain, making it more suitable for professional users than the free plan. Storage is limited to 2GB, though, there’s no ecommerce or analytics, and there are assorted other restrictions and issues.

For example, you get one automatic monthly backup only (you can have up to three active manual backups); video streaming is limited to 30 minutes; and there’s no support for adding live chat to your site.

Core: Perfect for small, ambitious businesses

If you’re a small business building a web store, a business or other demanding site, we think you’ll be better off with the Core plan. This plan lifts your storage limit to 50GB, it also unlocks ecommerce features, analytics, and site chat.

You’ll also get some added marketing tools and site collaborators, making it ideal for a business that is growing its team.

Business: Great for growing businesses

The business plan is similar to the Core plan, but it gives you more. More storage (100GB), more collaborators (up to 10), and more marketing and ecommerce tools and features. This is a great plan for more established businesses that need that extra bit of power.

Business Elite: Best for established businesses that want to scale

The Business Elite plan is aimed at serious users with big international sites, and although it comes with a hefty price tag, when we dug into the details, we could see why.

Opting for Business Elite gets you unlimited storage and video streaming time, for instance. You also get multi-cloud hosting, access to an advanced developer platform, up to 100 site collaborators, and advanced marketing tools.

This really is an all-in plan from Wix and most businesses won’t ever use up any limits here.

What do Wix users think?

To get a feel for how Wix users feel about the service, we’ve looked at how it scores on popular ratings sites around the world (and how it compares to some of it's top competitors).

Review Site

Wix

Squarespace

Jimdo

Trustpilot

4.6/5 (24,981+ reviews)

1.2/5 (1,494+ reviews)

4.5/5 (5,551+ reviews)

G2

4.2/5 (1,729+ reviews)

4.4/5 (1,089+ reviews)

3.9/5 (18+ reviews)

Capterra

4.4/5 (10,406+ reviews)

4.6/5 (3,328+ reviews)

3.8/5 (42+ reviews)

SoftwareAdvice

4.4/5 (10,406+ reviews)

4.6/5 (3,327+ reviews)

3.8/5 (42+ reviews)

GetApp

4.4/5 (10,400+ reviews)

4.6/5 (3,325+ reviews)

3.9/5 (40+ reviews)

Recent reviews often praised Wix for ease of use, its range of features, and specific incidents of great customer support from individual agents.

Although there are relatively few negative reviews, common themes include poor speeds when creating and editing the site (but not for site visitors), and problems solving complex support issues which can’t be handled in a single contact.

Put it all together and this is a good result for Wix. Its ratings are generally high, comparable to or better than the competition, and although negative reviews are always a concern, we don’t see any indication of major service problems.

Getting started with Wix

Screenshot of editor options on Wix

Get started quickly with Wix's help, or take your time with a more bespoke design (Image credit: Wix)

We clicked the ‘Design a Site’ box, and Wix offered us two choices: allow the service to build a site for us, or choose one of Wix’ many templates and customize it with the editor.

We chose the first ‘Build it for me’ option, and the service asked us a series of questions about our site and our business. What was our business name, email, physical address, or phone number? Did we have any social media links? What colors and fonts did we like? Did we have a logo?

(If you don’t have or want to share any of these details, leave those boxes blank and Wix won’t mention them on the site.)

screenshot of design layout options on Wix

Wix gives you options to pick from, helping tailor your site to your preferences (Image credit: Wix)

Next, Wix suggested three site layouts. We chose our favorite, and Wix asked which pages we needed: ‘Locations’, ‘Store Policies’, ‘FAQ’, ‘About Us’, and ‘Contact.’ Helpful scrolling thumbnails showed us what each page contained.

Pages chosen, we clicked Next, and Wix both created our site and put it online using a Wix subdomain (oursitename.wixsite.com/my-site-1.)

Our results weren’t bad at all, considering we’d told Wix little more than we were running an online shoe store. It chose a good quality ‘woman-putting-shoe-on’ picture for the top of the page, displayed more products (with neat animation effects) as we scrolled down the page, had a built-in store with product filters and a shopping cart, 12 product pages, and more.

Although you’ll want to customize the default copy to suit your needs, this is quicker and easier than you might think. Our sample site used this as its first paragraph, for instance:

‘At My Site, we are dedicated to carrying your favorite designers and showcasing their latest collections. We make sure to offer you outstanding value without compromising on quality. All online orders are inspected prior to shipment to ensure that your package arrives in perfect condition. Are you ready to find your next favorite pair of shoes?’

That may not work for everyone, but it’s a decent first attempt. If you’re happy with the text, add your own business name and it’s sorted in seconds. But even if you want something else, having good default text shows you the points you should probably make (‘favorite designers’, ‘latest collections’, ‘outstanding value’), and you can rephrase or expand those however you like.

We noticed one unexpected limit with Wix sites on all plans: you’re allowed a maximum of 100 static pages. That doesn’t include blog posts, product descriptions, and other dynamic pages, so it shouldn’t be an issue for the vast majority of sites. But if you know it might be a problem for you, Squarespace has a far more generous 1,000 static page limit, and we’ve seen WordPress handle 10,000 static pages successfully in the past.

Wix templates

screenshot of Wix template page

Wix offers a huge range of stunning templates to pick from (Image credit: Wix)

Wix has a huge library of 900+ professionally-designed, clean, and modern website templates to explore, far more than we see elsewhere (Squarespace has 150+, Jimdo 100+.)

The templates aren’t all fully responsive. Wix generally does a good job of ensuring websites look just as good on mobile devices as desktops, but there can be occasional glitches. We didn’t have any notable issues with our test sites, though, and even if we did, the good news is that Wix now has very advanced editors which can produce fully responsive sites. (You can try them for free, too, but more on that later.)

A library of this size means there’s a very good change that you’ll find a template which suits your needs. When we chose the Food category at Squarespace, it showed us eight templates, with cryptic design names like ‘Lexington’ and ‘Hester’, giving us few clues about what they were for.

When we searched for ‘Food’ at Wix it gave us 70+ hits, with clearly labeled templates helping us find food blogs, food shops, online grocery stores, nutritionists, bakeries, cafes, catering companies, Italian/ vegetarian/ pizza/ fast food/ seafood/ burger and other restaurants, and more.

Wix template editor

Once you have picked a template, you can use the easy editor to make it your own. (Image credit: Wix)

Many templates are sensibly set up with appropriate pages and content for their purpose. The Steak House Restaurant has gorgeous pics of juicy steaks, along with default menu and reservation pages, for instance, ready for you to customise with your own details. Meanwhile, the Musician site we chose had default links to our Tiktok, YouTube, BandCamp, SoundCloud, Apple Music, and other sites, along with placeholders for our latest music and video, and a Subscription form for visitors to join our mailing list.

Even if you can’t find a template which precisely suits your needs (you’re a musician but don’t have any videos, for instance), having this many pre-built templates gets you off to a quick start. You can then customise your favorite to deliver just what you want.

If the regular designs just don’t work for you, Wix also provides a bunch of blank templates. These have a range of layouts, but no images or industry-specific titles or text, so you’re free to start with a blank page and create whatever design you like.

Whatever you’re after, the good news is that Wix makes all its templates visible to everyone, without signing up. (Jimdo only displays template thumbnails until you sign up.) Visit the Wix Templates page and you can choose a template and browse it as a full website, exploring every page and feature to see if it’s right for you.

Wix website editor

Wix editor screenshot

The Wix editor is one of the easiest to use on the market (Image credit: Wix)

The standard Wix editor opens with a simple and beginner-friendly look which uses the vast majority of your screen space to display the current page, and keeps other clutter to a minimum.

The first editing steps are simple. We moved our mouse cursor around the page sections - headers, footers, image galleries, sliders - and, in most cases, a Quick Edit button appeared. That sounded promising, so we clicked it, and the Wix editor displayed a single sidebar with options to change titles, captions, images, and everything else in that section. It’s a great approach which makes it easy for anyone to begin editing a page, even if they’ve never used a website builder at all.

Select other elements and Wix gives you relevant options. Click a paragraph of text, for instance, and you can just start typing to add content; clicking a menu displays options to change how it works; and experienced users can right-click just about anything to access a host of advanced options.

Highly customisable

screenshot of website being edited by Wix editor

Wix offers great freedom in your design, but not so much that it is easy to mess up your site. (Image credit: Wix)

If the items on your page (text blocks, images, videos, maps, forms) don’t quite work for your needs, then the editor allows you to resize and reposition them as you like.

One significant feature of the Wix editor is that it allows you to precisely position objects wherever you like on the page, and resize them appropriately. That’s different to Squarespace and some other editors, where you can drop objects onto the page, but they snap to a grid: you can still place them approximately, but you don’t have as much creative freedom.

If you’re an experienced web designer, or you’re looking to achieve very specific goals or effects, the customization options in the Wix editor could be just what you need.

If you’re very much at the beginner end of the market - you’ll probably choose a template, replace the text and images but not much more - then the Wix Quick Edit feature also makes it relatively easy to use.

But if you’re an intermediate user, inexperienced but you’d like to try a few page and site tweaks, then the more guided approach of the Squarespace editor could make it easier to use.

Wix recently integrated AI into its website editor, making it easier than ever before to tailor your website to your needs. Users can interact directly with AI via conversational chat, in response to your questions or instructions the AI will help you edit templates, guiding you through key areas such as selecting color palettes and fonts by extracting colors from your logo to helping you experiment with various themes.

Developer features

screenshot of Wix studio

Wix Studio offers advanced creative tools to all users. (Image credit: Wix)

If the standard Wix-generated pages don’t work for you, the service has advanced options which might help.

The standard editor has a Velo Dev Mode, which allows developers to add custom JavaScript code, or use an array of low-level APIs to reconfigure precisely how the service works.

As of January 2025, Wix Studio has now replaced Wix's Editor X as the platform's more advanced editor aimed at web design freelancers and agencies. It's designed specifically for agencies and professionals. You get advanced design tools without the complexity.

This isn't your typical website builder. Studio offers pixel-perfect control and responsive design by default. Every element automatically adapts to different screen sizes. No manual adjustments needed.

The collaboration features shine for team projects. Multiple designers can edit simultaneously. You see where colleagues are working in real-time. Comments and task assignments keep everyone organized.

Lots of website builders promise design freedom with efficiency, but Studio actually delivers. You can create custom breakpoints for precise responsive control. Drag-and-drop editing works alongside advanced CSS options. Even Figma designs import directly into Studio.

We found the AI integration especially impressive. Smart layout suggestions speed up initial designs. The AI creates custom wireframes based on your project goals. Content generation handles copy across multiple pages instantly.

Client management gets streamlined too. Custom branding removes Wix logos from your sites. Detailed reporting keeps clients informed about progress. Handoff tools make site transfers seamless.

Studio includes over 375 professional templates. Each one's industry-specific and fully responsive. So even with the advanced editor, you're not starting from scratch every time. Wix Studio is purchased separately from the website builder. There's no free plan, but paid subscriptions start at just $19/month with a 14-day money-back guarantee. You don't need a regular Wix subscription if you use Studio.

The flexibility that Wix Studio offers makes it one of the best website builders for agencies and freelancers.

Wix features and tools

Templates get your site off to a good start, but every quality website builder allows you to add a bunch of other features.

In a click or two, Wix can add text boxes, images, video and music players, social media bars, buttons, maps, menus and more. Plus the new AI features pack a ton of value.

AI marketing assistant

Wix's newest AI tool tackles one of business owners' biggest headaches. Meet Kleo, the AI marketing assistant that arrived in 2025.

You don't need advanced marketing expertise to start building your online presence. Kleo handles SEO, social media, email campaigns, and paid ads from one place. It's like having a marketing manager built into your dashboard.

The setup process is refreshingly simple. Tell Kleo about your business goals. The AI creates tailored marketing plans automatically. No guesswork required.

What sets Kleo apart from basic automation tools is that its suggestions are actually useful. Other website builders offer simple content generators. Kleo goes much deeper. It understands your brand voice and target audience.

The AI publishes social posts across multiple channels. It sends email campaigns when timing matters most. You can upgrade your social media and email plans to unlock even more publishing power.

We also found Kleo very consistent during our testing. It does not stray too far from your original voice and tone instructions. However, some assembly might be required to get the content to a publishable state.

Currently, Kleo works in English only. But, Wix plans to expand to other languages soon. The tool also comes free with all premium Wix plans, so no extra subscription is needed.

AI business assistant

Astro launched in April 2025 as Wix's first AI business assistant. Think of it as your digital business partner. Available 24/7 through a simple chat interface.

You'll find Astro in the top right of your dashboard. Click the blue "AI" button to start chatting. The assistant understands natural language perfectly. Just ask questions like you would a human colleague.

The range of tasks Astro handles is impressive. It monitors website traffic and analyzes sales trends. Need a performance report? Astro generates one instantly. Want to optimize your SEO settings? The assistant guides you through every step.

Content creation becomes effortless with Astro. The AI writes blog posts, social media content, and email campaigns. It maintains your brand voice across all platforms. Quality stays consistent whether you're writing one post or one hundred.

Business expansion gets simpler too. Astro helps you add new products to your store. It explores dropshipping opportunities that match your niche. The assistant even manages subscriptions and team permissions.

We liked Astro's proactive approach during testing. The AI doesn't just answer questions, it spots opportunities for growth and suggests relevant tools. This often leads to discovering features you didn't know existed.

Guy Sopher from Wix calls Astro "the largest collection of skills" they've ever built into one assistant. The AI learns continuously, adding new capabilities regularly.

Currently available in English for Wix and Wix Studio users. But, Wix has said that support for languages is coming soon. The assistant works on all Wix plan levels, including the free tier.

example of a form on Wix website builder

Simple forms are a great way to interact with your website users. (Image credit: Wix)

Image handling

Wix earned a thumbs up from us for its strong image support. Squarespace and most of the competition limit you to the usual JPEG, PNG and GIF formats, but Wix also supports the ultra-efficient WebP, saving bandwidth and improving speeds.

We found the very capable Wix image editor helped us prepare most photos without using external tools. We could adjust brightness, contrast, highlights, shadows and more just by dragging sliders; there are 27 filters, crop and resize features, and you can automatically enhance your images with a click.

Other website builders have decent photo editors, and some outperform Wix in one or two areas (Squarespace has more flexible image cropping, for instance.) But, overall, Wix has more adjustments and tweaks than anybody else, and also crams in some surprisingly advanced features.

A Cutout feature automatically identifies the subject of a photo and removes the background. Its success rate depends very much on your photo, but we had excellent results with most of the images we tried.

We loved the ability to add elements to your photos, too. This can be as simple as a text caption, but you can also choose overlay effects including image flares, shadows and reflections.

If you’re short on quality photos, Wix gives you access to free images from both its own library, and the excellent Unsplash. The image search engine isn’t always the best with complex searches (entering ‘traffic lights UK’ still got us photos with freeways and palm trees), but it’s more choice than we usually see elsewhere (Squarespace offers free images via Unsplash only), and we had no problem finding what we needed.

If you can’t quite find the right image, Wix also allows you to search Shutterstock and purchase individual images from only $2.99 each. There are some restrictions (you can use the image for free, but on Wix only), but that’s still a very good deal. Squarespace uses Getty for its premium photos, but it asks around $10 per image.

Wix forms and collections

Some Wix page elements have a huge amount of depth. Choose to add a Form, for instance, and Wix displays multiple templates for various form types. There are Contact forms, Order forms, Registration forms to collect visitor details, and others for applications, feedback, donations, subscriptions, waivers, and more.

That’s just the start. We chose a Contact Us form, clicked Settings and found all kinds of configuration tools.

Forms can change dynamically as users fill them in, for instance (ask an extra question if they choose a certain value.) When a user submits a forum, you can choose whether to display a message, a download link, redirect them to another URL, something else. Wix can save time, too, by automating common tasks: sending them a Thank You email, sending them a coupon, adding them to this or that contact list.

One big plus for Wix is that, because of its vast App Market (with many free options), it can add very major features which completely transform your site.

Squarespace doesn’t offer built-in support for adding live chat or web forums to its sites, for instance. Users can do it, but they must connect their Squarespace sites to third-party apps or services. That works, but it makes life more complicated if there are problems, because you must work with multiple support teams to sort them out.

screenshot of Wix options to add forums to your website

Forums and groups can help you increase engagement and even offer new methods for generating profit. (Image credit: Wix)

Wix, meanwhile, can add live chat and all kinds of community features (forums, monetizable groups, areas where your visitors can share files or photos with each other) with built-in features and the company’s own apps. They’re much easier to add, and if they have any issues, Wix’ own support team should help you get everything working.

That’s important, because these larger features can extend your site in ways you may not even have thought about. You might sign up with Wix thinking you’ll get a simple site about your gardening company, for instance. But what if you added a forum, where you could offer gardening advice? Or a photo sharing area where customers could share before and after pics of your latest projects? There are all kinds of possibilities, even for the smallest of sites.

Wix ecommerce features

Wix is best known as an easy-to-use website builder for blogs, simple personal, and small business sites, but it also includes a very complete ecommerce platform that includes every web store feature you might need.

The service gets off to a great start with its huge choice of templates. When we searched for ‘online store’, Wix presented us with a list of 100 store types, making it easier to find a site which suited our needs.

There’s wide support for selling physical and digital products, services (appointments, classes, courses and more), as well as dropshipping (products shipped by a third party) and print-on-demand products (your designs, produced and shipped by a third party.)

option to sell on Amazon via Wix

Selling on other platforms such as Amazon is easy with Wix (Image credit: Wix)

Wix can handle multiple sales channels, and has support for selling on eBay, Amazon, Google, Instagram and TikTok, and physical stores, as well as your own web store. It also recently launched a new tool that allows you to sell directly through Pinterest.

Connect your store to Wix Payments and you can accept payments via credit card, Google Pay and Apple Pay. It’s easy to add PayPal, too, and support for 80+ other payment gateways allows you to handle crypto, bank transfers, ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes, and more.

Wix Payments charges a reasonable 2.9% fee + $0.30 per online credit card transaction in the US. (Beware, the figures vary widely depending on your customer’s region and payment method. The Wix Payment Processing Fees page has all the figures you need.)

This is similar to many top providers, although there are ways you can cut your costs. Shopify’s starter plan also asks 2.9% per transaction, for instance, but upgrading to the Shopify plan cuts that to 2.6%, and the Advanced plan charges 2.4%.

There’s a lot of work involved in setting up any substantial web store, but Wix does a better job than most of walking you through the process. A helpful wizard breaks this down to the key steps - setting up payments, adding products, defining your shipping rules and more - and there are some excellent help tools.

We particularly liked the tutorials. ‘How to’ guides are often lengthy documents, with lots of screenshots, where it’s hard to connect what you’re seeing to the real control panel. These tutorials aren’t separate documents; they work by explaining steps and animating the actual Wix dashboards, making it much easier to understand what’s going on and remember it for later.

The Wix App Market has a vast range of ecommerce tools to take your store even further. We found impressive apps to create and sell online courses, print barcodes and labels, manage inventory, handle accounting tasks, shipping, marketing, and more. If you’re interested, take a look at the Wix Ecommerce apps, see what’s available.

Wix doesn’t offer ecommerce support with the free or $17 a month Light plan. But signing up for the Core plan gets you the main ecommerce features, including support for selling up to 50,000 products, accepting payments, selling on social media and top online marketplaces, and more. It’s $29 a month on the annual plan, and only $19 if you’re willing to sign up for three years.

Upgrading adds valuable ecommerce extras, such as support for multiple currencies, adding customer reviews, and even creating a loyalty program.

This is fair value, especially at the lower end of the range. Shopify’s starter Basic plan is $29 a month billed annually, for instance; Squarespace offers basic ecommerce features with its $23 a month business plan, but that doesn’t include some of the advanced extras (selling subscriptions, abandoned cart recovery) that Wix bundles with all its ecommerce plans.

Overall, Wix gives you a lot for your cash, making it a decent choice for ecommerce newcomers or small existing sites. But if you’ve a busy existing store, BigCommerce or a good WooCommerce plan could also be worth a look.

Creating a Blog with Wix

Wix website types selection page screenshot

Blogs are a great way to engage your audience and boost search engine rankings (Image credit: Wix)

Wix is one of the best blogging sites on the market. It id very simple for beginners to create their first blog, but also has a pile of advanced features for more demanding and experienced users.

Getting started is really easy. Just select Blog when Wix asks you which pages your new site should include, and it’ll add a blog section for you. (But if you forget, you can add a blog later in a couple of clicks).

A straightforward blog editor allows you to create new posts. This opens with a choice of standard templates for common post types (‘How to…’, ‘Ultimate Guide to…’, ‘Product Review…’, recipes and more. That doesn’t just save time, it helps the blog look more professional because you’re using a consistent format for each post type.

Alternatively, you’re able to create rich posts from scratch, with text, images, galleries, video, GIFs, downloadable files (a PDF you want to share, say), buttons, tables, lists and polls. Squarespace allows you to create blog posts with even more types of content, but, realistically, Wix likely has more than enough options for most people.

Wix AI is now integrated into the platform's blogging tools. You can turn to AI for tailored blog suggestions based on your website/business information. It can also help you by generating comprehensive blog outlines, delivering AI-generated images, and optimizing your content for search engine results.

Ecommerce options include the ability to display product descriptions, and you can allow readers to book services or make appointments directly from the page.

There are some really professional touches here. Hit ‘Publish’, say, and Wix doesn’t just put your post online. It also has templates allowing you to immediately promote your new post via an email campaign or social media post (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Linkedin are supported.)

A strong core set of blog and post management features include the ability to schedule your posts for a later date, and organise your posts with categories or tags to make them easier to find.

We had some issues with the fine details of Wix blogs. You can’t add multiple authors to a blog post, for instance, unlike Squarespace and WordPress.

It was a mixed story with some of the more advanced blog features, too.

We liked the Monetize feature, where you could put some posts behind a paywall and charge for access. But the Import tool, designed to import posts from an existing WordPress blog, didn’t work reliably for us. And a ‘Translate’ option to translate posts into 180+ languages sounds appealing, until you realise it charges per word, won’t translate everything, and has all kinds of usability issues (probably why it rates only 2 out of 5 stars on the App Market as we write.)

Overall (and as we expected), Wix can’t match WordPress for blogging ability. Squarespace is fractionally more powerful, too. But the differences are marginal, and Wix is still a very capable blogging platform with more than enough power for most people. (If blogging is a top priority, create a free Wix account and you can try before you buy.)

What video features does Wix have?

wix video player options

Video can add an element of depth and excitement to your website (Image credit: Wix)

Wix scores for its powerful built-in video features. You can upload videos up to 15GB into your own video library; there’s support for accessing video files stored in your Dropbox or Google Drive account; and you can embed videos directly from YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Dailymotion and Twitch.

If the standard Wix tools aren’t enough, the App Market has plenty more. We ran a few searches and quickly found apps to embed video content from Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, and others.

Wix allows you to host up to 30 minutes of video, even on the free Wix plan. (Beware the 500MB free bandwidth limit, though: streaming services use around 700MB per hour, even with basic 480p footage.)

We were happy to see Wix offers significantly more video storage as you purchase higher plans, with the Business plan giving you 10 hours, and the Business Elite plan dropping all video limits. Squarespace only offers a basic 30 minutes storage on all its plans, and you need to purchase an add-on product to get more.

Unusually, Wix also has direct support for live streaming, both from your mobile or a desktop (Windows, Mac or Linux.) Free Wix users have a 10 minute limit on a single stream, but upgrade to a premium plan and this jumps to three hours. You can even monetize your stream, with options to take payments for individual streams, to (on the higher plans) sell weekly, monthly, or annual subscription plans.

We noticed some issues. When we chose to ‘stream now’ from a mobile device, for instance, Wix could only point us to an iOS app; Android users are left out. Streaming from a desktop takes some work, too, requiring you to install and set up an encoder. And although the Support site does a fair job of walking you through the desktop process, it ignores mobile streaming entirely.

Still, most website builders offer far less video streaming support (and regular web hosts rarely allow it at all.) If you’ve big video plans for your website, Wix’s flexibility and range of tools make it well worth a look.

Wix app market

Wix app market screenshot

The app market helps you grow your site in the ways that matter most. (Image credit: Wix)

Wix has more built-in features than we can count (we know, we’ve tried), but they’re just the start of what it has to offer. The Wix App Market has 500+ apps which can add new design elements, integrate your site with marketing or sales platforms, connect to social media platforms and a whole lot more.

That’s way more than even the best of the competition. Squarespace only recommends 40+ extensions on its site, for instance (although there are plenty of others around, if you go looking.)

This doesn’t quite give you as much choice as you’d think. Although there are loads of apps here, most of them are for niche situations which only apply to relatively few users ( an app to offer extended warranties, say, or connect your Wix store to Simla.com’s CRM platform.)

We checked the number of ratings for various apps to get a feel for how many users they might have, and the results were a surprise. Although Wix has 200+ million users, we noticed that 59 out of the 86 ‘Store’ apps had less than 10 ratings (35 had none at all), and only four (including the built-in web store) had been rated more than 100 times.

If you happen to need one of these niche apps, though, you’ll be very happy they’re available, and there are plenty of other more generally useful examples around. We found some great social media apps to integrate feeds with your site, for instance, or automatically post on your social media site when you create a blog post or add a new product. There are a number of new AI chatbots you can use on the site, and a wide range of marketing, sales, and shipping integrations.

A few apps are entirely free, and most have limited free plans, but it’s likely you’ll have to pay to get their full benefits. Prices vary according to the vendor, but small apps might be just two or three dollars a month, and we noticed some gave us benefits you won’t see outside of Wix.

Sign up with the excellent 123FormBuilder from its own site, for example, and the cheapest standard ad-free plan is $24.99 a month. Sign up via Wix and you’ll find a Starter plan which is much simpler, but also ad-free, and priced at only $3.99 a month.

Overall, the Wix App Market is a big plus for the service, both because it has many ways to help you build your initial site, and it also gives you a lot of scope to grow later. If you’re at all interested in third-party apps or integrations, browse the App Market before you sign up, find out what could work for you.

SEO on Wix

Wix SEO checklist

SEO tools are essential if you want people to find your website (Image credit: Wix)

Building a great website isn’t just about stylish templates and quality design tools. The site should use core SEO (Search Engine Optimization) principles to automatically boost your Google ranking, as well as allowing experts to fine-tune everything for the best results.

Wix does a good job with the SEO basics. While we got on with creating pages and dragging and dropping content, Wix automatically took care of common SEO-related tasks such as managing an XML sitemap, creating a robots.txt file, adding default canonical and other tags, and boosting website speed (also important for SEO) by converting large images to the hyper-efficient WebP format and using its own CDN.

A new AI-powered tool SEO tool analyses your page content to understand search intent, then automatically comes up with the most relevant meta tags. That’s great news, whether you’re new to SEO or just want to save some time.

If the AI suggestions don’t work for you, there are plenty of low-level tweaks available. We were able to edit title tags, meta tags, descriptions, enable AMP for faster-loading pages on mobile devices, even create structured data markup to increase the chance of Google highlighting your site in its search results (for example, by displaying a snippet of your site content in the searcher’s results page.)

An SEO panel includes a host of tools and options allowing you to take more manual control of your site. The SEO Setup Checklist walks you through a personalized set of first steps; an issues lists warns you of problems, and a recommendations list offers useful advice.

If you need more, there are a handful of useful SEO tools in the Wix App Market, including a couple of decent options in Rabbit SEO and rankingCoach.

To get an understanding of how Wix handles SEO, we used SEO checkers seobility and SEO Site Checkup to analyse three Wix templates. Although this could only tell us about the default Wix SEO setup (it can’t account for what you might do later), we were interested to see how a Wix site might perform if you don’t make any SEO changes.

The tests delivered decent results overall, essentially scoring a B grade: not perfect, but no fundamental SEO problems, and there are plenty of tweaks you can make to improve results.

We did notice one more general issue, though, with all our SEO reports saying the site used a lot of CSS and JavaScript files, slowing it down and potentially affecting search engine rankings. That’s not unusual for website builders, though, and we found some used even more. Our Wix templates used 4 CSS files and 10 JavaScripts, for instance, but when we created a couple of Squarespace sites, they used 8 CSS and 14 JavaScript files.

Overall, Wix offers a strong set of SEO abilities which delivers reasonable baseline settings by default, and includes many more advanced options which experts can adjust to suit their needs. That makes the service one of the best small business website builders and a great option for start ups, although if you’ve complex needs, using WordPress gives you even more tools and control.

Wix also recently launched a new analytics tool that helps websites better understand how much traffic they are driving via mentions on AI tools.

Wix security and safety

Wix ssl information page screenshot

Good site security can give you and your visitors peace of mind (Image credit: Wix)

Having a secure website is vital to protect your visitors, your reputation, and your search engine rankings. But it’s also a technical topic, so we were happy to see Wix manages all the complicated bits for you.

The service automatically creates an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate for your site, allowing users to safely browse your pages with a secure encrypted connection.

Wix is compliant with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards), the top industry standard to show a provider can securely protect credit card payments.

Wix doesn’t say much about protecting your site from malware. A support site page simply tells you to report a virus if you spot one, for instance, although Wix does claim to monitor the service 24/7 to ‘identify threats as they appear’ (and there’s built-in DDos protection, too.)

Even if something happens to your site, or perhaps you accidentally trash it yourself, the good news is that Wix automatically maintains a site history. You can easily go back in time to a previous version of the site whenever you like.

Account protection

Wix 2fa screenshot

2 step verification is considered an essential security process (Image credit: Wix)

Every quality website builder needs the best possible security to protect your account, website, and visitors from hackers, malware, bots ,and all the other threats out there.

Wix gets off to an excellent security start with its logon features. 2-step verification (also known as 2-factor authentication, or 2FA) prompts you to enter a code, as well as your username and password, before you can access your account.

Wix can send your 2FA code using email, SMS, and even an authenticator app for the most secure results.That’s a wider choice than we see with many providers. For example, Squarespace also supports 2-step verification by SMS and app, but not email; Hostinger supports app and email, but not SMS.

A Login History page displays account logins, locations, and dates. Even if someone could find a way to bypass the 2FA, their illicit login would show up here and raise the alarm.

If you’re building a business site, you might want to allow other colleagues to help you manage the process. You could share your username and password, but that’s horribly insecure. The Wix ‘Collaborator’ feature allows you to securely share access to your account by adding trusted users, each with their own roles. If one staff member works solely on the web store, for instance, you could allow them to manage store products but not change the site design.

Wix mobile apps

wix mobile app sreenshot

Wix's mobile app makes managing your website incredibly convenient (Image credit: Wix)

Running busy websites is a 24/7 business, but Wix, Squarespace and some of the other top website builders try to help by offering custom Android and iOS mobile apps with assorted site management tools.

Features include the ability to create blog posts, handy as a way to keep productive while you’re on the move.

You can respond to visitors via your site’s Live Chat, if you’ve enabled it, or post replies in your web forum.

The real value of the app, though, is its ability to manage your online business. You can check appointments made on the site, take payments, view the latest sales figures, and explore a bunch of other surprising extras. (If you’ve created an event and issued tickets, for instance, you can scan those tickets with the apps and check those visitors in.)

It’s not all good news. Despite the relatively high app ratings (4.7 for iOS, 4.3 for Android), recent reviews consistently report poor speeds, unreliable blog features, and a host of usability issues.

If you really need to edit your website while on the go, you might also be a little disappointed. Squarespace and Jimdo have apps with a fair amount of editing functionality, but Wix only allows you to tweak its most basic sites.

Overall, the Wix app delivered the functionality we think most people need, allowing them to chat to visitors and keep up-to-date with website stats. But it is a very complex tool with a lot of features, and if mobile functionality is important to you, we’d recommend you give it plenty of testing time before you buy.

Wix AI tools

Wix has plenty of tools to help you manually build a website yourself, but that’s not your only option. It also has AI-powered features which can handle many tasks for you.

Wix's AI website builder asks you a few basic questions and automatically creates a custom website complete with relevant content. It’s easy to use and is a great way to kickstart the website building process. However, like with all of the best AI website builders, the site will almost certainly need some editing in order to make it fit to represent your business online.

Example of Wix's AI website builder chat feature

Wix's AI website builder starts with a short conversation between you and the AI assistant. It then uses the information you provide to produce a complete website. (Image credit: Wix)

The editor has more interesting features, including an ‘AI Creator’ tool to build custom common website sections: About, Welcome, Services, Contact, Team, Features, Promotions and Subscribe. An AI assistant can also be used within the editor to help customize elements such as theme colors and fonts.

Outside of website building tools, Wix also offers a host of other AI tools including a dedicated AI portfolio builder, AI text creator, AI powered image creation, editing, and enhancement tools, as well as image background and object removal features. Further to this, AI is integrated into the blogging feature on Wix, offering everything from ideation to outline and image creation.

Wix users that opt for a Google Workplace account will also gain access to Gemini for Workspace, helping them streamline workflows and boost efficiency via the power of AI.

Wix help and support

Wix support page screenshot

Wix provides a great level support - essential when you run into unavoidable issues (Image credit: Wix)

Wix help begins with the design of its dashboard and editor. Click a web page image, say, and buttons appear with clear captions for common tasks (Change Image, Edit Image.) There’s also a toolbar with small icons, but if you don’t recognise one, hovering your mouse over it gets you a quick description. Even if you’ve never used Wix before, it’s relatively easy to discover features and begin to use them.

A search box points you to the next level of support. Can’t see how to use PDF files on your site, for instance? We typed PDF in the search box, and Wix pointed us to Document Buttons (page elements which allow visitors to download documents), a couple of PDF-viewing apps, and useful support documents on how to upload and share PDFs and other files. Wix has so many features that we couldn’t always find what we needed, but the Search box always pointed us in the right direction.

There’s more detailed Wix help available in the content-packed web support center. Articles are organized into sensible categories (‘Getting started’, ‘Creating your site’, ‘Managing your business’, ‘Promoting your site’, and more), or you can search for whatever keywords you need.

We searched for ‘SEO’, and Wix returned 20 support articles. The top ‘Optimizing Your Site’s Content for SEO’ has a lot of useful information, and points to many related documents if you’d like to know more. It’s good, but we think Squarespace’s SEO Checklist is even better: longer, with extra details and more in-depth advice.

If you can’t find the answers you need - or you’re in a hurry, with a problem you need to fix right now - then you can contact the Wix support team 24/7.

Getting in touch with support is a little more complicated than we expected. When we hit the Contact button, we had to explain our issues to a chatbot first, which tried to refer us to various support site documents.

The bot also asked us if its advice had solved the problem, though, and when we clicked No, it offered us options to open a live chat session, or set up a callback with a support agent. (Yes, while GoDaddy expects you to work through a host of call options and then wait for ages, Wix will call you back, and often in under five minutes.)

That’s better than most of the competition. Squarespace doesn’t offer phone support at all, for instance. It does also have fast email and live chat support, so there’s plenty of help available, but if you like phone support then that’s a big Wix plus.

Is Wix right for you? Summary

Wix works best for home, small or medium business users who want an easy way to build a professional website with some very advanced features.

Whether you’re building a website about your hobby, your band or your business, for instance, Wix goes way beyond the basics. The 800+ template library gets you off to a stylish start, there are hugely configurable image galleries, live streaming support, multiple types of form, a comprehensive booking system, and all the ecommerce, sales, marketing and SEO tools to build a successful web store.

Don’t be intimidated by the length of the feature list, though: you don’t need to master all (or any) of these options right away. If you’re happy with a simple three page website with some text and photos, then that’s fine, start there. But if, in a couple of months, you want to allow visitors to subscribe to a mailing list, you can do that in minutes, no technical knowledge required.

This doesn’t mean Wix is right for everybody. If you feel you’ll never need more than the very simplest of websites, for instance, then there’s no point paying Wix for features you’ll never use. Hostinger website builder could give you everything you need for a fraction of the price.

And if you’re at the other end of the requirements spectrum, building the most demanding of high-traffic business-critical sites, Wix probably won’t give you the control or hosting power you need. Instead try Managed WordPress and our Best Dedicated Server Hosting guide, instead.

But if you’re anywhere in between those two extremes, Wix’s blend of power and ease of use makes it an excellent first choice. And if you’re unsure, sign up for the free plan (no payment details required) and browse the templates, editor, and feature list for yourself.

Wix review: FAQs

How do Wix prices compare?

Wix prices are very similar to Squarespace. Wix's entry level plan starts at $17/mo and Squarespace's just $1 cheaper at $16/mo. Both also have more powerful plans in the mid $20’s which can build very capable web stores.

We worked through the small print, and noticed some significant differences. Squarespace wins out on the $16 plan by offering unlimited storage (Wix only gives you 2GB); but Wix is better for the cheapest ecommerce plan as it doesn’t have a transaction fee (Squarespace charges you 3%, although it drops this on higher plans.)

The differences are more obvious if you’re looking for a high-end ecommerce plan. Wix’s high-end Business Elite is stuffed with ecommerce features, but it’s $159 a month. Squarespace’s high-end Ecommerce plan is less capable, but only $49 a month. And Shopify’s mid-range Shopify plan also can’t match Wix for features, but it’s only $105 a month, and it saves you money with cheaper US credit card fees (2.6% + $0.30 vs. 2.9% + $0.30 for Wix and Squarespace.)

Overall, Wix is at the higher end of the website builder price range, but we think it’s worth it. The mix of power and simplicity means Wix will help you build a better site and save you time, probably justifying any extra cost all on its own.

Note: If you’re looking for something significantly cheaper, take a look at the Hostinger Website Builder. It has only a fraction of the features of Wix, and it’s based on more limited shared hosting technology, but you can get an ecommerce-capable plan from $3.99 a month for the first four years - although it does climb to $13.99 after that.

You can also find great Squarespace promo codes that will make your Squarespace subscription much cheaper for an introductory period.

Does Wix include hosting?

Wix is an all-in-one service which helps you build your website, and hosts it for you on its own servers. You don’t have to pay for a separate hosting service.

This approach makes life much easier. Go shopping for hosting and you have to think about all kinds of technicalities, from whether there’s free SSL, to if there’s a speed-boosting CDN, and what hosting control panel do you get? With Wix, every site automatically gets SSL for security, a CDN for extra speed, and other hosting essentials, so you can focus 100% on building your site.

One issue is that, even if you register your custom domain with Wix and buy a premium plan, you don’t get email included. Wix offers a Business Email plan (which is Google Workspace), but it’s a paid extra, and costs from $6 a month.

There can be disadvantages for expert users, too. The lack of advanced hosting options keeps Wix simple, but it also means you can’t take full fine-tuned control of the hosting to suit your own needs.

You also have relatively limited upgrade options. If you’re using WordPress on shared hosting and need more speed, you can usually upgrade to faster VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting from just a few dollars a month. With Wix, all you can do to get more resources is to sign up for one of its more advanced ecommerce plans (even if you’ll never use any of the ecommerce features.)

Does Wix offer free domains?

Wix offers a free domain for one year with every Premium plan.

You don’t have to choose a domain name when you sign up, good news if you’ve not chosen one yet. When you buy a plan, Wix gives you a ‘1 Year Free Domain Voucher’, and you then have up to two months to redeem it.

Beware: the voucher isn’t valid for all domain extensions. You can use it for .com, .net, .org, .biz, some country-specific domains (.com.au, .co.uk, .com.br, .de, .nl) and more modern extensions such as .blog, .fitness and .shop. But you can’t use it to register .ai, .site, .tv and many other domains.

Check the Free Domain page on the official Wix support site for the full list.

What does Wix charge for domains?

Getting a free domain with your Wix plan sounds appealing, but remember, it’s only free for a year. It’s important to look at what you might pay for a domain long-term.

Wix doesn't spell out its domain costs up-front, so we tried purchasing a few sample sites to get an idea of its prices.

Our test .COM domain was available for $17.35, dropping to $16.35 if we paid for two years up-front, or $15.35 on the three-year plan.

Our test .NET and .CO.UK domains were a little cheaper at $14.95 on the one-year plan, $13.95 over two years, and $12.95 per year over three.

.SHOP domains always go for a premium price, and it's the same with Wix. Our domain was $45.95 for one year, $44.95 per year over two years, $43.95 over three.

Wix offers partial privacy protection for free, masking your name, address, phone number and email address in the WHOIS database. That's good news for individuals, and enough to help you avoid most domain-related spam. But if you're a business, or just want to be thorough, a Full Privacy Protection option also hides your country, state/ province and organization for an extra $9.90 a year.

These prices are more expensive than most, and there are big savings to be made if you get your domain elsewhere. Namecheap charged $10.28 for our .COM domain ($13.98 on renewal), only $6.98 for our .CO.UK ($7.48 on renewal) and only $1.78 for the first year of our .SHOP, then $30.98 afterwards. Full privacy protection is free forever with Namecheap, and you can lock in these savings by purchasing the domains for up to 10 years.

Our advice: take your free domain from Wix, but transfer it to a cheaper registrar towards the end of the year to get the best possible deal.

Does Wix include email?

Wix doesn’t include email as standard with its free or Premium plans. To get email with your domain, you must either buy one more Wix Business Email (aka Google Workspace) accounts at a cost of $6 a month, or use a third-party service from the best email hosting providers.

This isn’t just an issue for Wix. Squarespace doesn’t include free email, either, and although GoDaddy includes free professional email for year one, you’ll pay on renewal.

Does Wix have a money-back guarantee?

If you sign up with Wix and it doesn’t work out, you can cancel within 14 days and get your money back.

The good news is this applies both to monthly and annual subscriptions. Many hosts (including Squarespace) only refund annual plans.

There are some exclusions, but nothing we haven’t seen elsewhere. Wix won’t refund domain registrations or other third-party products, for instance, so be careful when choosing your perfect domain: there’s no changing your mind later.

What payment methods does Wix support?

Wix supports payments via card and PayPal.

Is Wix better than WordPress?

Wix makes it quicker and easier to build your first site than WordPress. Spend just one or two minutes answering some questions and Wix can create a very capable custom website for you, even including a working web store with a built-in shopping cart.

Signing up with Wix is also more convenient, because the service includes web hosting, and Wix will put the site online. Choose WordPress (we’re talking WordPress.org here, not the hosted WordPress service at WordPress.com) and you’ll have to choose the best web hosting service for you, then install WordPress yourself. That’s not difficult, even for newcomers, but it does take more time and effort.

WordPress wins out if you’re more interested in power and features. Wix includes hundreds of apps to add design, marketing, SEO and other tools, for instance, but WordPress offers tens of thousands of plugins which can handle just about any task you can imagine.

WordPress is also far more customisable, and you’re free to use whatever HTML, CSS or JavaScripts you need.

The bottom line: Wix is best for users looking for a quick and easy way to build a professional website or web store, without requiring any web design knowledge of experience.

But WordPress is best for more complex or demanding websites where you need the maximum control and configurability.

How fast is Wix?

The speed of a website varies according to all kinds of factors, from the type of hosting, to the number and size of the files used on each page, and exactly what the size is doing (downloading someone’s full Instagram feed will be much, much slower than displaying a couple of paragraphs of text.)

We can’t give you a definitive verdict on Wix performance, then, but what we can do is use some of the best web benchmarking tools to check the speed of various Wix templates, and report on the results.

Pingdom awarded our Wix sites a performance grade of B, with a score of 84. The site did well on five out of seven performance areas, but Pingdom rated it only a C for the number of HTTP requests (which means pages are slowed down by loading too many files), and a bottom-of-the-class F for not using gzip compression.

GTmetrix also found our site had some room for improvement, partly because its large number of files (675) and some marginally slower-than-usual stats (360ms time to first byte, 1.4s time to first byte, 2.8s time to interactive and 7.3s overall load time.) But the overall GTmetrix verdict was positive, with our site earning the best possible Performance Grade A, with a score of 91%.

Catchpoint essentially said our site wasn’t bad, but did have room for improvement. The details broadly matched our other tests, with GTmetrix reporting that the site was slow to connect and deliver the initial code, also suggesting this might be down to the number of files and scripts.

These results are broadly similar to what we’ve seen from Squarespace and the top competition. Wix doesn’t offer leading-edge server speeds, and (like all website builders) it’s weighed down a little by the sheer number of scripts and CSS files. But it’s more than powerful enough to handle some very large and feature-packed sites, and most users are unlikely to have significant performance problems.

Do big companies use Wix?

Some huge names use Wix - music video platform Vevo (26 billion views a month) is one of the best known - but they’re in a minority, and that’s no great surprise. If you’re in the Fortune 500, you’ll probably want maximum control over your website and hosting, and you’ll have no problem at all finding the funds and expertise to make that happen.

But, Wix is recognized everywhere as a great way to rapidly build amazing-looking websites, and it’s regularly used by some very big names to run their latest web projects.

Booking.com’s Sustainability subsite, for instance; the UN’s Human Rights and Digital Technology hub; TED’s leading-edge AI event site; Unicef’s Core Commitments For Children site ; Live Nation’s user support portal , even the PBS Kids store, are all powered by Wix.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Wix will be right for you, but it does show the service is widely trusted by some very expert users, and that’s a very positive sign.

What are the disadvantages of Wix?

If we leave out the limited free edition, the main disadvantage of using Wix is the lack of mobile-responsive templates. While Wix templates are mobile-friendly, you’ll have to work with the mobile view editor to make sure your site looks good across all devices.

Also, once you choose a template, you can’t simply go back and swap it for another one. No, with Wix you’ll have to start building your site from scratch.

Is selling on Wix worth it?

If you’re wondering whether Wix charges additional transaction fees, the answer is no. However, there’s a standard processing fee for using Wix Payments to process orders and it’s 2.9% of the transaction amount plus $0.30 for the USA. For UK citizens it’s 2.1% of the transaction amount plus £0.20. And if you want to check the processing fees for other countries, check the “Wix Payments Processing Fees” section on Wix’s official site.

So, is selling on Wix worth it? Yes, it probably is. Wix provides all essential (and some additional) e-commerce features and everything else an online store should have. It’s also powerful, superbly secure, and a scalable solution excellent for any e-commerce business.

Is Wix good for SEO?

Wix has a wide range of great SEO tools to help websites rank well in search engine results. Wix gives you the ability to customize your website’s meta tags, URL structure, canonical tags, structured data markup, robots.txt file and more.

Can you switch from Wix to WordPress?

There are two ways you can convert your Wix site to WordPress. The first way is by using an automated migration plugin and the second is by using the RSS feed to import all your posts then manually migrate your pages, images and other content on your website. Website owners who built on the New Wix Blog can use an automated migration plug-in by CMS2CMS.

Do Wix sites show up on Google?

Wix websites are search engine friendly, with Wix guaranteeing that all of your website content can be crawled and indexed by search engines (e.g. Google and Bing) whether you have a Premium site or not.

Is Wix payment secure?

Yes, Wix Payments are secure and complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

Why is Wix so slow?

If you are experiencing a slow loading time on your website, this could be down to the images and media used. If you've chosen high-definition images and videos, it takes up a lot of space. The server first loads the image before loading the site, thus those high-quality images and videos will take more time to load.

Network Solutions website builder review
8:40 am | August 23, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Building | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Network Solutions website builder delivers a no-frills approach to creating business websites. While it may not compete with the best website builders of 2025, it works for small businesses looking for simplicity. The platform clearly prioritizes ease of use over advanced functionality.

Techradar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders. We've found that while Network Solutions meets basic needs, it falls short of modern expectations. For users who need more robust features, Wix remains our pick for the best website builder in 2025.

Still, Network Solutions' website building tool works well for straightforward business sites. You won't find cutting-edge design tools here. But you will get reliable hosting, AI tools, decent performance, and 150+ user-friendly templates.

Network Solutions: 2-minute review

Network Solutions website builder targets small businesses wanting quick online presence. The platform delivers on its core promise: simple website creation without coding knowledge. However, it lacks the sophisticated features found in competitors like Wix or Squarespace.

Founded in 1979 as a technology consulting company, Network Solutions was the world's first domain registrar. The company expanded into website building to serve its small business customer base. Today, it competes in a crowded market with feature-rich no-code platforms like Wix, Webflow, and Bubble. Network Solutions holds its ground through simplicity and reliability, but it struggles to match its competitors' innovation.

What is Network Solutions?

Network Solutions started as a tech consultancy in 1979. The company became famous for managing internet domain names before opening to competition. Today, they offer web hosting, domain registration, and website building services.

Web.com acquired Network Solutions in 2011. More recently, they've decided to combine both website building products into a single solution. Their new website builder targets beginners who need simple sites. You get basic tools without overwhelming options. The platform suits small businesses, personal sites, and anyone wanting quick results without technical complexity.

Features

Network Solutions Website Builder features

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions provides essential website building features without unnecessary complexity. The platform includes over 150 templates, drag-and-drop editing, and mobile responsiveness. You'll find basic SEO tools, SSL certificates, and integrated hosting. These features target small businesses needing professional-looking sites quickly.

The feature set works best for straightforward business websites. Restaurant owners, consultants, and service providers will find adequate tools. However, advanced users seeking sophisticated design options or extensive e-commerce capabilities may feel limited. The platform lacks advanced animations, complex layouts, or detailed customization options.

Network Solutions now also includes AI-powered tools like content writing and logo creation. These features help beginners overcome common obstacles. The AI writer generates website copy, while the logo builder creates basic brand graphics. These additions make the platform more accessible to complete novices.

The pricing justifies the feature set for budget-conscious users. Starting at $1.99 for the first month, it offers good value for basic needs. However, competitors provide more features at similar price points. You're paying for simplicity rather than comprehensive functionality.

Tools

Network Solutions Website Builder tools

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions provides essential website building tools designed for simplicity. It focuses on core functionality rather than extensive options. Each tool serves specific business needs but does not overwhelm beginners.

Drag-and-drop editor

Their visual editor lets you place elements anywhere on your pages. You can add text, images, videos, and forms without coding. The interface uses a section-based approach rather than true drag-and-drop. This keeps things simple but restricts design flexibility.

Template library

150+ professionally designed templates cover various industries. They provide starting points for different business types. All templates include mobile responsiveness, so they can adapt to any screen size automatically. However, switching templates requires rebuilding your entire site from scratch.

AI content creation

There's an AI writer that creates website copy based on your business details. Meanwhile an AI logo builder produces basic graphics using your brand preferences. These tools help overcome creative block for beginners.

SEO and marketing tools

Built-in SEO features include title tags, meta descriptions, and XML sitemaps. The platform also offers social media integration and email marketing capabilities. Additional marketing tools include paid ads management and link-in-bio creation for driving traffic to key pages.

E-commerce features

Basic online store functionality allows product sales through your website. You get shopping cart features and secure payment processing. However, the e-commerce tools remain limited compared to specialized platforms. This works for simple product catalogs but not complex online stores.

Ease of use

Network Solutions Website Builder interface

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions excels in simplicity. The drag-and-drop interface welcomes beginners without overwhelming them. You get 150+ templates sorted by industry, making it easy to find relevant designs.

Their builder uses a section-based approach rather than true drag-and-drop. This keeps things simple but limits design flexibility. We also found the AI tools quite helpful for newcomers. The AI Content Writer creates website copy based on your business details. And the AI Domain Generator suggests relevant domain names using your keywords.

The platform takes an all-in-one approach. You get hosting, domain, SSL, and professional email bundled together. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple services. However, switching templates requires rebuilding your entire site from scratch.

Pricing

Network Solutions Website Builder

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Website

$1.99/month

$16.99/month

Website + Marketing

$3.99/month

$21.99/month

eCommerce

$9.99/month

$29.99/month

Network Solutions offers competitive introductory pricing. The basic Website plan starts at just $1.99 monthly for the first year. This includes hosting, a free domain, SSL certificate, and professional email for three months. The Website + Marketing plan adds appointment scheduling, social media tools, and AI copywriting for $3.99 monthly.

The pricing jumps significantly at renewal. Your $1.99 plan becomes $16.99 monthly in year two. This represents a substantial increase that may surprise budget-conscious users. However, even renewal rates remain competitive compared to premium builders like Wix, which starts at $17/month.

Security

Network Solutions Website Builder security features

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions provides basic security features but charges for advanced protection. All plans include free SSL certificates, which encrypt data between your site and visitors. You also get Perfect Privacy to hide your personal information from WHOIS databases.

The company offers SiteLock Premium as an additional security service. This includes daily malware scans, automatic malware removal, and basic web application firewall protection. It also provides blacklist monitoring and a Content Delivery Network to speed up your site. However, these security features cost extra, unlike competitors who include comprehensive security in their base plans.

Support

Network Solutions Website Builder support

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions provides multiple support channels with mixed results. You get 24/7 phone support and live chat, plus a comprehensive knowledge base. Phone support runs from 7 AM to midnight ET, seven days a week. Live chat operates Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 11 PM.

The quality varies significantly between support agents. Some users report helpful, patient staff who explain solutions clearly. Others encounter abrupt agents who seem reluctant to assist. This inconsistency makes support a gamble. The knowledge base offers hundreds of well-written articles with helpful screenshots. You can usually find answers quickly without contacting support.

Network Solutions includes one hour of expert design support with the basic plan. This helps beginners get started without struggling alone. The company also offers professional design services separately if you prefer hands-off website creation.

Alternatives

Network Solutions targets small businesses seeking simplicity over sophistication. It competes in the budget-friendly segment alongside Hostinger ($2.99/month) and Weebly. The platform works best for basic business sites, restaurants, and service providers who need quick online presence.

The main competitors include Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy. Wix offers more design flexibility and advanced features starting at $17 monthly. Squarespace provides premium templates and better design tools for creatives at $16 monthly. Shopify dominates e-commerce with specialized tools starting at $29 monthly. Network Solutions fits between basic builders and feature-rich platforms, offering reliability without complexity.

Network Solutions website builder: Summary

Network Solutions website builder delivers on its core promise: simple website creation for small businesses. You get reliable hosting, decent templates, and helpful AI tools at competitive introductory prices. The all-in-one approach eliminates service juggling, while customer support provides mixed but generally adequate assistance.

However, significant renewal price increases, limited design flexibility, and basic security features may disappoint users seeking advanced functionality. It's ideal for beginners wanting straightforward business sites without technical complexity.

FAQs

Can I switch to a different template after building my site?

Unfortunately, you cannot easily switch templates in Network Solutions. Changing templates requires rebuilding your entire site from scratch. This means you should choose your template carefully from the start. Consider browsing all available templates before making your selection to avoid later regrets.

How does Network Solutions compare for SEO and marketing?

Network Solutions includes basic SEO tools like title tags, meta descriptions, and XML sitemaps in all plans. The Website + Marketing plan adds appointment scheduling, social media integration, and email marketing tools. The platform focuses on simplicity rather than advanced SEO features. For comprehensive marketing, you may need their professional digital marketing services, which cost extra.

What happens to my website if I don't renew at the higher price?

Network Solutions requires renewal at standard rates after your promotional period ends. If you don't renew, your website will eventually go offline and become inaccessible to visitors. The company typically provides grace periods and renewal notices before deactivation. However, pricing jumps from $1.99 to $16.99 monthly for the basic plan, so budget accordingly for year two.

Does Network Solutions include e-commerce features in all plans?

Ecommerce functionality requires the dedicated eCommerce plan at $9.99 monthly. The basic Website and Website + Marketing plans don't include online store capabilities. The eCommerce plan allows unlimited products and selling on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and eBay. If you plan to sell products online, factor this higher cost into your budget.

Can I use my own domain name with Network Solutions?

You can absolutely use an existing domain name with Network Solutions website builder. All plans include a free domain for one year, but you can connect your existing domain instead. The setup process is straightforward through your account dashboard. If you prefer keeping your current domain registrar, Network Solutions supports domain connection from other providers.

IONOS website builder review 2025
2:32 am | June 14, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Building | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

This IONOS review examines one of the most budget-friendly website builders available in 2025. IONOS prides itself on offering a complete suite of solutions for professionals looking to establish an online presence, including shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and their MyWebsite builder platform. You can also check out our guide to the best website builders for more options.

Techradar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders to bring you expert insights. Based on our tests, IONOS stands out with its AI-assisted design process and some of the lowest introductory prices in the industry, starting at just $1 per month. However, Wix remains our top pick for the best overall website building experience in 2025.

IONOS MyWebsite targets beginners without programming experience, especially with its "MyWebsite Now" builder launched in 2023. We found IONOS delivers on its promise of simplicity, though it won't satisfy users seeking extensive design control or advanced features.

IONOS MyWebsite: 2-minute review

IONOS MyWebsite represents a solid entry-level website builder that prioritizes ease of use over advanced functionality. The platform excels at helping complete beginners create functional websites quickly through its AI-assisted design process. Users simply answer a few questions about their business, and IONOS generates a website draft that can be manually adjusted.

The German internet service provider has built a reputation for affordable web services, and their website builder continues this tradition with introductory pricing as low as $1 per month. However, IONOS faces stiff competition from more feature-rich platforms like Wix and Hostinger. While it offers good value for simple business websites, its limited template selection and rigid design structure may frustrate users seeking creative freedom.

What is IONOS?

IONOS is a German internet service provider that offers a comprehensive suite of online services, including web hosting, domain registration, email hosting, and website building tools. Their MyWebsite builder is specifically designed for UX beginners who want to create professional-looking websites without any coding knowledge or design experience.

The platform uses artificial intelligence to simplify website creation. When you sign up, IONOS asks you questions about your business type, goals, and preferences, then automatically generates a website draft based on your responses. You can then customize this draft using their drag-and-drop editor, which features pre-built sections and layouts that you can modify to suit your needs.

Features

screenshot of IONOS website builder in use

Though IONOS doesn’t compete with higher-end builders like Wix or Webflow on customization, it shines in simplicity and efficiency. (Image credit: IONOS)

Better known for its affordable web hosting, IONOS extends its expertise into site building, offering a user-friendly platform that can support everything from simple personal pages to ecommerce stores.

Though IONOS doesn’t compete with higher-end builders like Wix or Webflow on customization, it shines in simplicity and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for users seeking functionality with minimal hassle.

It's primary offering is an AI-assisted website generation experience, which comes with additional features like a template library, drag-and-drop customization, multichannel ecommerce, and a number of marketing and analytics tools.

Tools

screenshot of IONOS website builder in use

With the AI-powered experience, you answer a few questions about your brand and preferences so IONOS generates up to four layout options. (Image credit: IONOS)

As we just discussed, IONOS is a beginner-friendly website builder with AI guidance for new users being its most important website building feature. But that said, there are other tools in its repository that add to the existing value.

AI tools

With the AI-powered experience, you answer a few questions about your brand and preferences so IONOS generates up to four layout options. If you don't like any of them, it can take another shot and rework the choices. Once you find a layout that fits, you get to personalize it by playing with colors, fonts, and shape themes. As expected, the editing options are a bit basic, so if you’re looking for intricate typography or color schemes, they’re not quite there.

IONOS’s AI also helps with content creation, from filling in text to generating images. You can tweak the tone of the text to feel more friendly, professional, or trustworthy, just by selecting the vibe you want. And the image generator is also pretty handy, even if the results can be hit-and-miss.

Templates

ONOS’s website template range is surprisingly modest, with around 30 options, but it leans toward professionalism and ease of use, keeping design decisions straightforward. These templates cater to all sorts of business, portfolio, and personal projects alike, giving you a polished and professional springboard for your site.

Once you pick a template in IONOS’s editor, customizing your site is simple, though it does lean toward structure over total freedom. Rather than full drag-and-drop flexibility, you’ll add pre-designed sections — like "About," "Galleries," or "Contact" - with only a few style choices for each. You can tweak colors, spacing, and fonts, though the font choices are quite limited.

Ecommerce toolkit

Ready to kickstart your online store? IONOS provides a solid set of ecommerce tools that make it easy to manage your inventory, set up tax and shipping options, and customize product variations - all the essentials you need to hit the ground running.

While it might not have the ultra-advanced features of bigger ecommerce platforms, IONOS has the essentials small-to-midsize businesses need to set up shop, handle orders, and keep customers engaged. Features like discount codes, abandoned cart emails, and social media integration are also part of the package.

Free domain and SSL

With IONOS, each plan comes with a free domain for the first year, which helps keep startup costs down. Plus, they include an SSL certificate right from the get-go, ensuring your site is secure and helping boost your search engine rankins. This built-in SSL support is a big plus for ecommerce sites, as it makes online transactions safer.

Email hosting

IONOS keeps things straightforward by bundling a professional email address that matches your domain — so, no need to set up with another provider. This built-in email feature makes it easy to stay connected with customers. If you need more storage as your business expands, IONOS offers scalable email plans to keep up with your growth.

SEO tools and rankingCoach

With IONOS, you can make your site pop in search results thanks to customizable SEO settings available for every page, giving you the tools to optimize your content and boost your visibility. For a more beginner-friendly SEO boost, you can integrate rankingCoach, a tool that walks users through visibility improvements step-by-step.

IONOS also includes a tool that checks for SEO improvements, making it simple to stay on top of rankings.

Localization features

If your business has global ambitions, IONOS has you covered with translation support for over 60 languages, making it easy to cater to different regions. You can customize content based on location, tailoring messages or promotions to resonate with specific audiences.

This mix of multilingual options and targeted content helps you engage with a whole variety of customers.

Site analytics

After your site goes live, you can dive into visitor stats that answer key questions about your audience: Who are they, and how can you reach them? This info lays the groundwork for successful marketing strategies tailored to your potential customers.

These tools make it easy to track key metrics like visitor counts, session lengths, and page impressions. You’ll also get a good look at your bounce rate, showing where you might want to make some tweaks.

Ease of use

screenshot of IONOS website builder in use

While IONOS makes getting started super simple, there are limitations when it comes to advanced customization. (Image credit: IONOS)

With the IONOS AI site builder, all it takes is a few details about your business, and you’ll have a customizable site complete with tailored images and text. This hands-off method is a lifesaver for busy entrepreneurs who want to channel their energy into more meaningful tasks instead of stressing over design elements.

While IONOS makes getting started super simple, there are a few limitations when it comes to advanced customization. If you’re after a more intricate design, you might hit a few bumps in the road.

Still, if you’re looking for a fast and efficient way to establish your online presence, IONOS is a superb option that helps you get started without the steep learning curve.

Pricing

IONOS pricing

IONOS offers some of the most competitive introductory pricing in the market. (Image credit: IONOS)

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Starter

$6/month

$12/month

Plus

$1/month

$18/month

Pro

$17/month

$30/month

Starter (+ Store)

$6/month

$24/month

Plus (+ Store)

$1/month

$30/month

Pro (+ Store)

$34/month

$62/month

Expert (Store Only)

$44/month

$92/month

IONOS offers some of the most competitive introductory pricing in the website builder market, with plans starting as low as $1 per month for the first year. The Plus plan represents exceptional value during the promotional period, offering 50GB storage and up to 200 pages for just $1 monthly. All plans include a free domain name for the first year, free SSL certificates, and business email hosting.

However, you should be aware that prices increase significantly upon renewal, with the Plus plan jumping from $1 to $18 per month. Despite this, IONOS remains more affordable than many competitors even at renewal rates. The platform also offers specialized e-commerce plans for users wanting to build online stores, though these come at higher price points.

Security

IONOS security notice

(Image credit: IONOS)

IONOS provides solid security foundations with wildcard SSL certificates included on all plans, protecting both your main website and any subdomains you create. This comprehensive SSL coverage makes setting up multiple site sections much easier compared to platforms that require separate certificates for each subdomain.

The platform implements automatic cookie notices to ensure GDPR compliance, which is particularly important for European users. However, IONOS lacks some advanced security features like DDoS protection and automatic backups that you'll find with premium website builders. While this isn't problematic for small websites, it could become a concern as your site grows and requires more robust protection.

Support

IONOS help center

(Image credit: IONOS)

IONOS is built to handle high traffic and keep your site running smoothly, even when visitors are pouring in from across the globe. For businesses looking to keep their audience engaged without slowdowns, IONOS’s infrastructure should deliver dependable speed and stability.

As for support, you’ve got plenty of resources to lean on. Their knowledge base is packed with how-tos on everything from tech tips to marketing advice. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to open it in a separate tab since it’s not right in the dashboard. Still, it's a solid spot for quick guidance.

For those times when you need immediate help, IONOS is one of the few that offer 24/7 phone support - something beginners will appreciate. The team is known for being kind and knowledgeable, too. There’s also live chat from 8 AM to 8 PM if you prefer a quick message over a phone call.

Alternatives

If you’re thinking about IONOS but curious about what else is out there, here’s a quick rundown on how it stacks up against Weebly, Squarespace, and Wix, its top competitors.

Weebly is a perfect choice for ecommerce newbies - it’s packed with tools to make selling easy, all for $12 per month. While Weebly’s free plan gives a nice starting point, its paid plans are a better fit for anyone who wants a polished, professional look.

Read our full Weebly review to learn more.

Squarespace brings a lot of style to the table, with stunning templates that appeal to creatives. Starting at $16, it’s a bit pricier, but the 14-day free trial lets you explore everything it offers before diving in.

Read our full Squarespace review to learn more.

Wix is an awesome alternative if you’re all about creative freedom. With true drag-and-drop customization, you can place elements anywhere on the page. It offers tons of templates, but for total beginners, IONOS will still feel a little easier.

Read our full Wix review to learn more.

IONOS MyWebsite: Summary

If you're a newcomer to site building, IONOS is a superb option. With its budget-friendly starting prices, swift AI setup, and useful SEO tools, getting your site up and running it has never been easier.

That said, its limited customization options and absence of a free trial might leave some aspiring designers wanting more. Still, if you're after a user-friendly platform that won't break the bank, IONOS is a great pick - just be prepared to work within its constraints.

FAQs

Is IONOS good for beginners?

Yes, IONOS excels as a beginner-friendly platform with its AI-assisted website creation process. The platform requires no coding knowledge and guides you through each step of building your site. However, beginners should be aware that customization options are limited compared to other builders.

Does IONOS offer e-commerce capabilities?

IONOS provides e-commerce functionality through dedicated store plans that support hundreds to thousands of products depending on your chosen tier. The platform includes basic features like payment processing through Mollie and social buy buttons, but lacks the advanced e-commerce tools found in specialized platforms like Shopify.

What happens to pricing after the first year?

IONOS uses promotional pricing for the first year, after which rates increase significantly. For example, the Plus plan jumps from $1 to $18 per month upon renewal. While still competitive, this price increase is substantial and should factor into your long-term budgeting.

Can I migrate my existing website to IONOS?

Yes, IONOS offers migration assistance to help transfer your existing website and content to their platform. They provide 24/7 support during the migration process and can help with domain transfers as well.

Jimdo website builder review 2025
6:49 am | May 20, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Building | Tags: , | Comments: Off

This Jimdo review examines an AI website builder that's designed specifically for people who've never built a site before. The Hamburg-based company has been helping users create websites since 2007, focusing on simplicity over advanced features. While our best website builders guide features more powerful options, Jimdo carves out its own niche in the beginner market.

TechRadar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders, giving us deep insight into what works and what doesn't. Jimdo stands out to our team for its straightforward approach, though it can't match the versatility of our top pick Wix, which offers far more templates and advanced features. Jimdo's new AI-driven setup process makes it incredibly accessible, but this simplicity comes with trade-offs in customization and scalability.

Our testing reveals that Jimdo works best for solo entrepreneurs and very small businesses who need something online fast. The platform's "paint-by-numbers" approach keeps things simple but may frustrate users as their needs grow.

Jimdo: 2-minute review

Jimdo earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 rating as a beginner-focused website builder that prioritizes ease of use over advanced functionality. The platform's standout feature is its AI-powered setup process, which can build a basic website by asking you a few simple questions about your business or personal needs. This makes it incredibly accessible for first-time website creators who might feel overwhelmed by more complex builders.

Still, Jimdo's simplicity comes with significant limitations as your needs grow. With only 16 templates available and no way to preview them before committing, design options feel more restrictive than most competitors. The platform caps e-commerce stores at just 100 products and supports only Stripe and PayPal for payments, making it unsuitable for larger online businesses. Founded in 2007 by three German entrepreneurs, Jimdo has built a reputation for helping over 25 million users get online, but it hasn't kept pace with more feature-rich competitors in the website building space.

What is Jimdo?

Jimdo is a no-code builder that lets you create professional-looking websites without writing code or having technical skills. It comes with pre-made website templates and an easy drag-and-drop system, kind of like how you might arrange furniture in a room with a floor planning app. The platform is known for its acessible AI assistant, which can build a basic website for you by asking simple questions.

This company offers two main ways to build your site: AI-powered generation that does most of the work for you, and a hands-on editor where you can customize things yourself within certain limits. Instead of overwhelming beginners with hundreds of options, Jimdo keeps things simple by giving you fewer choices but making those choices very easy to implement. This works well if you want to get online quickly without fussing over every design detail.

Features

Setting Up

Answer a few question and Jimdo will create a template website for you (Image credit: Jimdo)

With Jimdo’s professional domain feature, I was able to get my own domain name for my website all in minutes. Having a custom domain name helps build trust with my customers, making them feel more comfortable when they visit my website.

The multiple pages feature of Jimdo let me create a lot pages on my site so that visitors can learn more about the products and services I offer on my test site. This helps me make sure that visitors see all the best parts of my business at once instead of having to search around for various pieces of information. This also means they’re more likely to stay on the page longer and take action - like signing up for a newsletter or buying something from my site. Jimdo makes it easy for me to optimize my website for Google searches so that more people can find me online. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to improve my ranking on Google so that I can drive even more traffic to the site.

Jimdo also offer GDPR-compliant legal pages feature. With this feature, all of my legal pages like imprint, privacy policy, terms & conditions are now covered by trusted shops guarantee - giving me peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of properly.

Tools

Editing

Your editing options are quite rudimentary (Image credit: Jimdo)

Jimdo provides a focused set of tools designed to get beginners online without overwhelming them with options. The platform emphasizes simplicity over comprehensive functionality, making it easy to understand what each tool does.

AI website builder

Jimdo's standout feature is its AI-powered website creation tool that builds sites automatically based on your answers to simple questions. The system asks about your business type, goals, and preferences, then creates a customized website complete with relevant content and design elements. You can even connect your social media profiles to help the AI better understand your brand and populate your site with appropriate content.

Drag-and-drop editor

The platform offers a visual editor that lets you modify your website by dragging elements around the page, though within the constraints of your chosen template. You can add new sections, change colors and fonts, and rearrange content blocks, but you're limited to the structure and elements provided by Jimdo. This "paint-by-numbers" approach prevents design mistakes but restricts creative freedom.

Ecommerce tools

Jimdo includes basic online store functionality that supports up to 100 products with features like product variants and manual stock updates. The platform handles essential e-commerce needs including flat-rate shipping calculations and integrates with Stripe and PayPal for payment processing. However, the limited product capacity and basic shipping tools make it suitable only for very small online stores.

SEO and analytics

The platform provides beginner-friendly SEO tools that help optimize your site for search engines without requiring technical knowledge. Basic analytics features let you track website performance and visitor engagement, while mobile optimization ensures your site works well on all devices. The SEO guidance is straightforward but lacks the advanced features needed for competitive markets.

Ease of use

Blocks

Build your website using blocks (Image credit: Jimdo)

Jimdo has a very straightforward approach to website building. As we mentioned before, it offers two options: an AI-powered setup that builds your site for you, and a traditional drag-and-drop editor for those who need more hands-on control.

If you opt for the AI assistant, it begins by asking simple questions about your business type, goals, and industry, then automatically generates a website with content and design elements. This takes minutes and eliminates the intimidation factor that often scares beginners away.

But even the drag-and-drop UI maintains this simplicity throughout the editing process. You can smoothly transition between editing specific pages and adjusting overall site design — without getting lost in complex menus. Everything's clean and intuitive, though you're working within the constraints of your chosen template rather than with complete creative freedom.

While this "paint-by-numbers" approach prevents mistakes, it also means you can't break free from predetermined layouts and structures. With only about 16 dated templates available, that can be limiting. But the platform does include features like mobile responsiveness built into all templates, free SSL certificates ,and 24/7 backups for enhanced security.

Pricing

Jimdo pricing

Jimdo offers a free plan to get you started. (Image credit: Jimdo)

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Free

$0

$0

Start

$11.00

$11.00

Grow

$18.00

$18.00

Unlimited

$45.00

$45.00

Basic (Ecommerce)

$18.00

$18.00

Business (Ecommerce)

$22.00

$22.00

VIP (Ecommerce)

$45.00

$45.00

Jimdo offers a free plan to get you started. Unsurprisingly, this plan is pretty limited and requires you to use a .jimdosite.com domain. However, this is a great option if you are just creating a hobby website or looking to test some of the Jimdo features before committing to pay.

To get rid of on-site ads and connect a custom domain, you will need to go for the Start plan. This plan is still a little simplistic but does offer you everything you need to create a professional website, so it is ideal for startups, freelancers, and more serious hobbyists.

If you want to really grow your website, the aptly named Grow plan could be for you. You get everything from the Start plan along with tools for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), visitor statistics, and personalized support (within 4 hours).

Online stores have three plans to pick from: Basicm, Business, or VIP. Business gives you all the ecommerce basics such as the ability to add product variants, social media marketing, and social selling tools. VIP takes this one step further, offering unlimited storage and professional design review.

Security

Jimdo security notice

Jimdo takes security seriously with measures that protect both website owners and their visitors (Image credit: Jimdo)

Jimdo takes security seriously with measures that protect both website owners and their visitors. The platform automatically provides SSL certificates for all websites, ensuring data transmission is encrypted using HTTPS protocols. All financial transactions are secured through PCI DSS certification from the international PCI Security Standards Council, guaranteeing that payment processing meets the highest industry standards.

The company hosts its services on AWS Cloud data centers in Ireland that maintain ISO 27001 and SOC2 certifications, with strict access controls requiring multi-factor authentication and encrypted VPN connections for internal system access.

Beyond basic encryption, Jimdo employs multiple layers of protection including AES-256 encryption for data storage and communication, automated DDoS attack mitigation through Cloudflare partnership, and regular penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.

The platform participates in a Vulnerability Disclosure Program that allows security researchers to safely test and report potential weaknesses. Daily automated backups ensure data recovery capabilities, while malware protection helps prevent security breaches.

Jimdo's professional security team also continuously monitors systems and updates security patches, backed by comprehensive emergency and recovery plans that are tested periodically.

Support

Help

Need help? This knowledgebase could sort you out (Image credit: Jimdo)

The first method for getting assistance from Jimdo is submitting a ticket. This can be done directly on the website, under the “Help” tab located in the navigation bar at the top right side of every page.

Once you click this tab, you will see an option that says “Submit A Ticket” which allows you to fill out a form with all of your relevant information including your name, e-mail address, type of inquiry (such as technical issue or billing question), and additional comments if needed. Once this form has been completed and submitted, you will be able to track your ticket status online in order to find out when it has been answered.

The second method for getting assistance from Jimdo is accessing its help center which can also be found under the “Help” tab.

In the help center you will find helpful guides on topics such as setting up your website, managing content, design features, SEO optimization, ecommerce features, and much more. The help center also contains frequently asked questions along with step-by-step tutorials in order to make sure that you are getting answers quickly and accurately. It should be noted that only paid plans have access to priority support from Jimdo’s customer service team via email; free plans must rely on submitting tickets or accessing the help center for assistance.

Alternatives

One of the main competitors of Jimdo is Wix. Wix offers a comprehensive set of tools to help you build and manage your website quickly and easily. Its drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to customize your site and add media, while its range of themes allows you to create a professional-looking site without having any coding skills.

Weebly is another popular website builder that is often compared with Jimdo. Weebly has an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and hundreds of templates that make it easy to customize your site. It also offers features like built-in analytics, ecommerce tools, and support for multiple languages.

Squarespace is another great alternative to Jimdo if you want an easy way to build and manage a beautiful website. It has a modern interface with plenty of features designed for businesses who want their sites look professional and polished. Squarespace also offers powerful blogging tools, as well as integrated ecommerce features if you plan on selling products or services online.

Jimdo: Summary

Jimdo is a good choice for businesses looking for an easy-to-use platform with plenty of powerful features at an affordable price point. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and comprehensive suite of tools and services, it was the perfect fit for my business - and could be just right for yours too! So if you’re looking for a website platform that will give your business a leg up without breaking the bank, then definitely consider checking out Jimdo.

All these factors add up to make it one of the best small business website builders on the market - although with some more advanced tools, businesses of any size could benefit from using the Jimdo website builder.

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of using Jimdo?

One of the first things I found out about Jimdo was the priority email support is only available to paid plan users. This could be a problem if you have questions or issues and need help from customer service quickly.

Another downside of using Jimdo is that it is limited in customization, which could be an issue if you want to get creative with your website design.

Is Jimdo free to use?

Yes, Jimdo offers you a free plan that you can use to build a website without any cost. However, this plan is limited, for example you cannot connect a custom domain, you only get 500 MB of storage, 2 GB of bandwidth, and you don’t get access to customer support. You will also have ads displayed on your website.

A free website builder can be a great way to test a platform or get a hobby online, but it will rarely offer the level of functionality needed to create a professional presence online.

Can I use my own domain name on a Jimdo website?

Yes, Jimdo allows you to connect a custom domain to your website on all plans. You can also purchase your domain directly through the Jimdo platform, making the process quick and easy.

However, if you opt for the free plan, you will not be able to connect your own domain. Instead, you will be allocated a ‘.jimdosite.com’ for your site.

Is Jimdo reliable?

After building my website on Jimdo, I can confidently say that it is reliable. The user-interface was intuitive and easy-to-use, making the entire process smooth and straightforward. The templates were also visually appealing and had useful features like galleries and contact forms integrated into them.

Weebly website builder review 2025
6:50 am | May 10, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Building | Tags: | Comments: Off

Weebly happens to be one of the earliest drag-and-drop website builders still standing today. It promises simplicity for beginners and no upfront costs to get started. It even maintains its affordable pricing structure, starting at just $10 monthly.​

While there have been no major platform updates since the Square acquisition in 2018, Weebly still makes it onto our list of the best website builders, thanks largely to the fact that it lets you sell online with its free plan.

It’s still a great choice for those looking for simplicity and affordability. Others will find aspects of Weebly outdated and frustrating. This review will help you discover if it is the right platform for you.

Weebly pricing and plans

I found Weebly’s pricing extremely competitive, despite (or perhaps because of) the limited feature set.

It’s most competitive at its lower pricing tiers, though abandoned cart emails and product review support do cost more. Annual billing gets you a discount of 20%+ depending on the plan. Weebly is also the only website builder currently offering a free plan with full ecommerce access.

Plan

Starting rate /mo (paid monthly)

Starting rate /mo (paid yearly)

Renewal rate /mo (paid yearly)

Free

$0

$0

$0

Personal

$13

$10

$10

Professional

$16

$12

$12

Performance

$29

$26

$26

Weebly plans: Explained

Best for selling online for free
Starting at $0/mo

Like all free plans, Weebly’s comes with limitations including on site Square branding, inability to connect a custom domain, and limited bandwidth and storage.

However, Weebly makes it onto our list of the best free website builders thanks to the ability to sell online with its free plan. View Deal

Best for simple websites
Starting at $10/mo

I'd recommend this plan if you're just starting out and need basic functionality. You get custom domain connection and unlimited storage but you'll see Square ads on your site.View Deal

Best for growing businesses
Starting at $12/mo

This plan removes Square ads, gets you a free domain, and lets you use advanced site analytics to track visitor and customer behavior.

You can also put a password lock on certain pages of your website, which is useful for membership sites and online courses.View Deal

Best for established stores
Starting at $26/mo

I found this tier most suited for serious ecommerce operations, since the price jump is relatively significant.

It costs as much as Shopify’s basic plan, but you get abandoned cart emails, product reviews, shipping labels, and advanced ecommerce stats.View Deal

Reviewer's experience: Getting started with Weebly

I decided to build a photography portfolio site to test out Weebly from scratch. The entire process took me about 45 minutes from signup to a publishable website. Here's exactly how my experience unfolded.​

Step 1: Creating my account

Screenshot of Weebly sign up page

Creating an account with Weebly is easy, but lacks sign up options you find elsewhere sich as using your Facebook or Google account. (Image credit: Weebly)

I navigated to Weebly.com and clicked the "Sign Up" button on the landing page. It immediately asked me to sign up for a Square account with an email address and password. I didn’t see any option for signing up with my Facebook, Google, or Apple account, all of which are common on other website builders.

Then, I had to choose between a personal website or online store. I wanted to build a portfolio, so I selected the "I just need a website" option.

Step 2: Selecting a template

Screenshot of Weebly website template options on a white background

Weebly offers several clean, free to use templates to pick from. (Image credit: Weebly)

Instead of confusing upsells or onboarding screens, I was directed straight to the template library from here.

Weebly presented me with approximately 50 templates organized by category. I browsed through portfolio, business, event, and blog options to find something suitable. Each theme was minimal, but decent. I'll note here that there was an odd bug where I kept encountering a 404 error when trying to preview some themes on a bigger screen.

I eventually chose a photography-focused template called Modus Operandi.

Step 3: Using the editor

Screenshot of Weebly website editor with a sample website and tools dashboard to the left of the screen.

Weebly's editor is super simple, making it easy to use, but also restrictive. (Image credit: Weebly)

I clicked "Start Editing" on the top left, which led me to Weebly's drag-and-drop WYSIWYG editor in an instant. The editing interface hasn't changed a lot since I last visited, which made it a bit underwhelming..

There was a left sidebar full of components and my template in the center. I could drag text boxes, images, buttons, etc. directly onto the page. Clicking on any element on the site opened a pop-up contextual menu that let me adjust style settings and other attributes. Changes could be previewed live.

There was also a top bar with tabs that led me to options like adding new pages, changing the theme, or accessing the Weebly App Center.

Overall, the editor is simple to navigate and easy to get to grips with.

Step 4: Adding content and pages

Screenshot of Weebly editor with some written content being edited on it.

You can click on and edit content directly as you go. (Image credit: Weebly)

I created new pages by clicking the "Pages" tab and selecting "Add Page". Weebly automatically added them to my navigation menu, which saved time.

While the positioning and customization tools felt basic, they were easy to use and good enough for most personal websites and basic online stores. There was a simple image editor with a collection of basic filters I could choose from, I could upload videos and add forms, and so on.

Step 5: Connecting my domain

Screenshot of Weebly dashboard for connecting a domain.

You'll need to upgrade to a paid plan to add a custom domain to your website. (Image credit: Weebly)

Weebly prompted me to either register a new domain or connect an existing one. I tested the domain connection feature, which walked me through updating nameservers. The instructions were clear, but there was no automatic option like with Wix or Webflow.

Once completed, the domain setup is finalized within minutes, though it can take a while for some due to the way DNS propagation works through no fault of Weebly's.​ For those on the Professional or Performance plans, you get a free domain for the first year.

Step 6: Publishing the site

Screenshot of a sample website built on Weebly with a white background and several bright images in a grid

You can hit 'Publish' once your site is ready to launch. (Image credit: Weebly)

The final step was simply clicking the large "Publish" button at the top of the editor.

Weebly business tools

Weebly offers the following business tool:

  • Inventory tracking​
  • Order management dashboard​
  • Square integration​
  • App Center for third-party tools​
  • Form builder for lead capture

Weebly covers the essentials but feels sparse compared to modern competitors. Still, I found the inventory management useful for small stores. But the Square integration added unnecessary complexity. I think this platform needs more sophisticated analytics and automation features to compete.​

Read more about Weebly's business tools ▼

Inventory tracking

Screenshot of Weebly stock management dashboard.

Now owned by Square, it is unsurprising that Weebly has strong stock management features. (Image credit: Weebly)

I tested Weebly's inventory tools by adding multiple products with size and color variations. The system let me track stock levels easily and display low stock alerts to create urgency. It's very easy to learn for someone managing their first online store.​

However, I noticed the Square integration made things unnecessarily confusing. Weebly's gradual merger into Square's Item Library means you're sometimes working across two platforms instead of one. For businesses already using Square POS, this is good. But for anyone who would rather not add yet another platform to their stack, it's a letdown.

Order management dashboard

Screenshot of Weebly order management system

You can keep on top of incoming orders with Weebly's dedicated order management system. (Image credit: Weebly)

Order management is clean and functional. I could search products by name, SKU, category, or description, then filter by stock status.

Managing a handful of orders felt effortless.​ Sadly, the system shows its limitations once you scale beyond simple operations.

If you want bulk order processing, automated fulfillment, or sophisticated shipping rules, you will need to upgrade to Square Dashboard. You can also export your order management data as a CSV file to analyze with third-party tools, but that’s about it.

Square payment processing integration

Screenshot of Weebly payment processor options

Easily take payments for online orders with the Square payment integration. (Image credit: Weebly)

Square integration is Weebly's standout business feature.

I could process credit cards online and sync inventory between my Weebly site and a Square point-of-sale system. Any inventory change in Square is automatically updated on Weebly.​

App Center

Screenshot of Weebly Aoo center with some available apps on display

Although Weebly's business and marketing tools are limited, you can expand site capability through Weebly'a App Center. (Image credit: Weebly)

App Center lets you expand your website builder beyond Weebly's core features.

I browsed through apps for shipping, marketing, calendars, and social media integration. Most of them could be installed in just a couple clicks.​

That said, I found the selection noticeably smaller than Wix's App Market at just over 200. But, you can use Automate.io to connect Weebly to services not supported by the App Center.

Form builder

Screenshot of Weebly form builder

Collect helpful data from site visitors with built in forms. (Image credit: Weebly)

Weebly's form element lets you collect customer information without coding. I created contact forms, newsletter signups, and surveys by dragging the form element onto pages. It can also be connected to third-party services like Google Sheets or MailChimp through automation apps.​

The form builder handles basic needs adequately, but lacks sophisticated tools like conditional logic, multi-step forms, or built-in CRM integration. For complex lead capture needs, you'll need third-party form apps from the App Center.​

Weebly marketing tools

Weebly offers the following marketing tools:

  • Site statistics and analytics
  • Email marketing via Weebly Promote​
  • Built-in SEO optimization tools​
  • Blog functionality for content marketing​
  • Social media integration options​
  • Coupon and gift card features​

Weebly's marketing capabilities feel dated compared to what competitors offer today. The email marketing platform (Weebly Promote) worked well for basic campaigns, but I found the SEO tools disappointingly basic. You'll find yourself relying on third-party integrations a lot.

Read more about Weebly's marketing tools ▼

Site statistics and analytics

Screenshot of Weebly site analytics page

Site analytics can help you make informed decisions about your business. (Image credit: Weebly)

Weebly provides basic analytics directly in your dashboard. I could see visitor counts, popular pages, search terms, and referral sources without leaving the platform.

The built-in stats felt limiting for serious businesses. I ended up adding Google Analytics code for deeper insights. Or you can upgrade to a higher-tier plan for access to Square analytics.

Email marketing via Weebly Promote

Screenshot of Weebly email marketing platform

Built in email marketing can help streamline processes and drive traffic back to your site. (Image credit: Weebly)

Weebly Promote integrates directly with your site, making email campaigns straightforward.

I selected pre-made templates, customized messages with a drag-and-drop editor, and emailed contacts without leaving Weebly. However, Weebly Promote requires an additional subscription beyond your website plan.

SEO tools

Screenshot of Weebly SEO tools page

You get some helpful SEO tools on Weebly, but they are a little basic. (Image credit: Weebly)

Every Weebly page includes basic SEO fields.

I was able to edit meta titles or descriptions and customize URLs for each page. Product pages let me add more metadata fields to signal Google what I was selling.

Unfortunately, I couldn't implement advanced structured data, create complex redirect rules, or optimize for rich snippets effectively without third-party tools.

This is fine for basic websites, but doesn’t offer enough to those that really want to compete in SERPs.

Blogging tools

Screenshot of Weebly blogging tools page.

Engage your website audience with helpful blogging tools. (Image credit: Weebly)

Weebly’s blogging tools are adequate but uninspired.

I organized content using categories, tags, and sidebar customizations.

A comment system lets readers engage, with options for Disqus or Facebook login.​ You can set comments to open, closed, or moderated on a blog-wide basis, then override settings for individual posts. ​

Social media integration

Screenshot of Weebly app center

Automate social media posting via Weebly's App Center. (Image credit: Weebly)

Weebly connects to social platforms through the App Center. Weebly Promote also creates dynamic Facebook Ads automatically.​

But the social media tools felt fragmented. Rather than cohesive native features, you're piecing together functionality through multiple apps. I could easily spend more time configuring integrations than actually marketing my site.​

Coupon and gift card features

Screenshot of Weebly discount code creation tool.

Discounts can help drive more sales. (Image credit: Weebly)

Weebly's ecommerce plans include coupon codes and gift cards. I could create percentage discounts, dollar-off coupons, and digital gift certificates to support store promotions.

The gift card functionality improves significantly on higher-tier plans, but the lower plans make it seem too restrictive. Advanced features like tiered loyalty programs and reward points only appear on the Performance plan.​

Weebly support

Screenshot of Weebly support center

You'll need to upgrade to a premium level plan to unlock phone support. (Image credit: Weebly)

Weebly's support structure varies dramatically based on your plan level.

Paid plan users get phone support at 1-844-493-3259 and live chat through their dashboard. Free users are limited to email tickets via the Help Center and Weebly’s community forums.​

I tested the live chat on a paid plan and got connected within 5 minutes. The representative answered my technical question adequately, but didn't seem to have deep product expertise.

However, Trustpilot reviews show customer dissatisfaction with the platform overall. Reddit users also warn against Weebly, with the overall consensus suggesting Weebly's reputation has deteriorated since its Square acquisition.​

Test results: Weebly

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value for money

Affordable pricing starts at $10/month annually, but limited features and outdated templates reduce overall value.

★★★★☆

Ease of use

Extremely easy drag-and-drop editor requires no tutorial, though template restrictions limit creative freedom.

★★★★☆

Design

50+ templates with clean and minimal yet basic designs, ranging from business to personal to ecommerce.

★★☆☆☆

Business tools

Basic inventory management features. Square integration works well. Abandoned cart notifications require the Performance plan.

★★★☆☆

Marketing tools

SEO tools are basic but functional. Email marketing requires add-on subscription. Basic blogging and social functionality.

★★☆☆☆

Support

Live chat and phone for paid plans, but user reviews indicate unhelpful responses and long delays.

★★☆☆☆

Competitor comparison: Weebly

Below we show you how Weebly stacks up against Wix and Squarespace:

Platform

Best for

Our overall rating

Free plan

Paid plans start at

Ease of use

Support

Weebly

Budget-conscious beginners

★★★☆☆

Yes

$10/month

★★★★☆

Live chat, phone, email (paid plans) ​

Wix

Feature-rich customization

★★★★☆

Yes

$17/month

★★★★☆

24/7 live chat, callback, help center ​

Squarespace

Design-focused creatives

★★★★☆

No

$16/month

★★★★☆

Live chat, email, extensive guides

How we tested the Weebly website builder

Every website builder review on Techradar Pro is based on hands-on testing. I start from scratch, building test websites for every platform. Then I select templates, customize designs, add content, and test all major features hands-on.

We've been reviewing software vendors like Weebly since 2012 at TechRadar Pro. Our team has so far tested and reviewed over 80 website builders. For complete details on our evaluation process, see our guide to how we test website builders.

Weebly review: FAQs

Is Weebly really free?

Yes, Weebly offers a free plan indefinitely. You get 500MB storage and can even sell products for free — unlike Wix or Squarespace. But your site displays Square ads, uses a Weebly subdomain, and has limited features. For serious businesses, paid plans remove these restrictions.​

Can I switch Weebly templates after publishing?

Yes, Weebly lets you change templates anytime without losing content. However, content may require repositioning after switching since templates have different layouts.​

Does Weebly work for ecommerce?

Weebly handles basic ecommerce adequately, especially for small stores. You can sell unlimited products on all paid plans, manage inventory, and accept payments through Square. However, advanced features like abandoned cart emails and shipping labels require the $26/month Performance plan. Serious retailers may outgrow Weebly's capabilities quickly.​

How does Weebly compare to Wix?

Wix offers significantly more templates (2,000+ vs 50), better customization freedom, and more advanced features. Weebly costs less and is simpler to use, making it better for absolute beginners and store owners on tight budgets. However, Wix's superior design flexibility and feature depth make it worth the extra cost for most businesses.​ You can read our full guide to Wix vs Weebly to learn more about how they stack up.

Is Weebly good for SEO?

Weebly provides basic SEO tools like editable meta tags, custom URLs, and sitemap generation. Every page is optimized for search engines by default. However, SEO capabilities remain basic compared to competitors, lacking advanced structured data and optimization options. Serious SEO requires third-party tools like MarketGoo.​

What happened to Weebly after Square bought it?

Square acquired Weebly in 2018 and has since integrated it into the Square ecosystem. Weebly has received very few major updates since then, leading to outdated templates and features. Many users report confusion with the Square/Weebly inventory sync, declining support, and difficulties accessing their sites after the merger.

Web.com website builder review 2025
9:21 pm | April 10, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Building | Tags: | Comments: Off
EDITOR'S NOTE:

Web.com has now been integrated into the Network Solutions website builder. If you already have a Web.com website, you can login to Network Solutions with the same credentials.

With many of Web.com's features being transferred, you can read our full Network Solutions website builder review to learn more.

Our detailed Web.com review examines a website builder that has undergone significant changes following its integration with Network Solutions. Web.com, which has been helping small businesses create user-friendly online experiences since 1997, has now been reworked for even more ease of use with AI. But for those seeking advanced website building options, check out our guide to the best website builders.

TechRadar reviewers have spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders to bring you authoritative insights. Web.com offers a straightforward approach to website creation with over 200 templates and AI-assisted design tools. While it provides solid functionality for basic websites, it faces stiff competition from more advanced platforms like Wix, our top pick for the best website builder in 2025.

Web.com, now the Network Solutions Website Builder, emphasizes simplicity over complexity, making it appealing to users who want to get online quickly without technical expertise. However, its focus on ease of use comes at the cost of advanced customization options that more experienced users might expect.

Save 50% on your web.com annual subscription with this code

You can now save a generous 50% when you subscribe to the web.com website builder on an annual basis. Simply enter the code BUILD50 when you checkout to apply the discount. View Deal

Web.com: 2-minute review

Web.com positions itself as a beginner-friendly website builder that prioritizes simplicity. The platform offers a section-based editor rather than true drag-and-drop functionality, which simplifies the building process but limits design flexibility. With over 200 templates covering various industries and AI-powered tools for content generation, Web.com provides a solid foundation for small businesses and individuals looking to establish an online presence quickly.

The company's recent integration with Network Solutions has led to a radical shift in its business model. Founded in 1997, Web.com has built a reputation for serving small businesses. But its acquisition and merger with the Network Solutions brand combines decades of web hosting and domain expertise. Still, this provider occupies a middle ground between ultra-simple platforms and professional-grade tools — though there are better alternatives currently available in each category.

What is Web.com?

Web.com, or Network Solutions Website Builder, is a website building platform designed to help individuals and small businesses create professional websites without coding knowledge. Think of it as a digital toolkit that provides everything you need to build a website — templates, design tools, hosting, and domain registration. The platform uses what's called a "section-based" editor, which means you build your site by adding pre-designed sections (like headers, galleries, or contact forms) rather than placing individual elements wherever you want.

Network Solutions targets website creators who want to get online quickly without dealing with technical complexities. It handles the behind-the-scenes technical aspects like hosting, security, and maintenance, so you can focus on creating content and managing your business. The platform also includes AI-powered tools that can help generate website content and suggest design improvements, making it even easier for beginners to create professional-looking sites.

Features

Network Solutions Website Builder features

Web.com positions itself as a complete website building platform with marketing and ecommerce. (Image credit: Network Solutions)

Web.com positions itself as a complete website building platform with marketing and ecommerce, designed for simplicity over flashiness. The platform offers a solid foundation of essential features, including over 200 templates across four main categories, AI-powered content generation tools, and integrated marketing capabilities through SocialBooster, AdSpend, and email marketing platforms.

Its section-based editor, while marketed as drag-and-drop, provides a more structured approach to website building that streamlines the design process for beginners but limits creative freedom for advanced users.

The platform's feature set is clearly geared toward small businesses and beginners who need to establish an online presence quickly without technical complexity. Web.com also includes practical business tools like appointment scheduling, Google Analytics integration, and basic SEO.

The AI copywriting tool helps generate SEO-friendly content for various purposes, while the marketing suite provides social media scheduling and advertising campaign management. However, the platform lacks the kind of app marketplace found in competitors like Wix, which offers over 800 apps compared to Web.com's basic built-in tools.

Tools

Network Solutions Website Builder tools

Web.com provides a suite of tools designed to help users build, manage, and grow their online presence. (Image credit: Network Solutions)

Web.com provides a suite of tools designed to help users build, manage, and grow their online presence. The platform combines website building capabilities with marketing tools and business features to create an all-in-one solution.

Website builder

The core website building tool uses a section-based editor that allows users to add and customize pre-designed sections. While marketed as drag-and-drop, the interface is more structured, with elements that can be moved within defined parameters to maintain design consistency.

AI-powered content tools

Web.com includes AI tools for generating website content and marketing ideas. These tools can help create text for different sections of your site and suggest improvements to enhance user engagement.

E-commerce features

The platform offers built-in e-commerce capabilities including unlimited product listings, multiple payment options, abandoned cart recovery, and inventory management. Higher-tier plans include marketplace selling and advanced inventory features.

Marketing suite

Web.com provides integrated marketing tools including SocialBooster for social media management, AdSpend for advertising campaigns, email marketing capabilities, and MyLinks for creating custom branded links.

SEO and analytics

The platform includes SEO health checks, Google Analytics integration, and website analytics tools to help users track performance and improve search engine visibility.

Ease of use

Network Solutions Website Builder interface

Web.com prioritizes simplicity throughout the user experience, making it particularly accessible for beginners. (Image credit: Network Solutions)

Web.com prioritizes simplicity throughout the user experience, making it particularly accessible for beginners. The onboarding process includes an AI chatbot that helps generate a starter website, though some users find its initial setup process underwhelming compared to more sophisticated builders. A section-based editor keeps your design process focused, by providing pre-built sections that can be customized and rearranged to create a unique website.

The interface features a clean, intuitive design with a left-side menu containing essential tools like Pages, Blog, and Appointments. Adding new elements is straightforward — you simply click the blue + icon to access different content blocks like buttons, text, galleries, and Google Maps. The platform shows layout guides at the bottom of the editor, helping users understand how elements can be positioned within each section.

While the simplified approach makes Web.com very beginner-friendly, it does limit design flexibility for users who want more control over their site's appearance. You can't change templates for existing pages, and the selection of blocks and elements is more limited compared to advanced website builders. However, the platform compensates with reliable performance, featuring 100% uptime in testing and fast loading speeds averaging 1.2 seconds for the Largest Contentful Paint metric.

Pricing

Network Solutions Website Builder plans and pricing

Web.com's offers significant new-user discounts, with prices reduced by 67-100% for a 12-month term for every new user. (Image credit: Network Solutions)

Plan

Starting rate (paid annually)

Renewal rate (paid annually)

Website Builder

$1.99/month

$16.99/month

Website + Marketing

$3.99/month

$21.99/month

Ecommerce

$9.99/month

$29.99/month

Web.com's offers significant new-user discounts, with prices reduced by 67-100% for a 12-month term for every new user. But on the flip side of that, you can expect a sharp incline in subscription fees once the initial term has passed.

But while the entry-level pricing is higher than many competitors, Network Solutions' overhauled pricing removes any significant price hikes for those looking to upgrade. Web.com's most expensive plan costs $29.99/month during renewal, even with the upgraded features and hardware needed to support ecommerce.

Security

Network Solutions Website Builder terms

Web.com provides essential security features including SSL certificates and secure website hosting across all plans. (Image credit: Network Solutions)

Web.com provides essential security features including SSL certificates and secure website hosting across all plans. The platform offers automatic SSL certificate installation and renewal, ensuring data encryption between websites and visitors. However, the company isn't particularly transparent about its comprehensive security measures, and some security features that competitors include for free may require additional payment.

The platform includes basic security monitoring and protection through its hosting infrastructure, though it lacks some advanced security features found in enterprise-grade solutions. Web.com's integration with Network Solutions brings additional security expertise from a company with 45 years of experience in web services, potentially strengthening the overall security posture. Users seeking enhanced security should consider the platform's SiteLock integration, which offers cloud-based scanning and real-time threat detection.

Support

Network Solutions Website Builder support hub

(Image credit: Network Solutions)

Network Solutions offers a wide range of ways to get in touch with its team, including an online chat feature, phone support, and email support. You could reach out at any time of the day or night, which is great if your team is spread across time zones.

Another great thing is the knowledge base articles. These resources are incredibly helpful, especially for newbies who don't know much about building websites from scratch. There are step-by-step tutorials for setting up your account, as well as more general advice on topics such as SEO optimization and social media marketing.

Alternatives

WordPress.com is one of the most popular website building tools in the world today, and for good reason. It's easy to use and completely customizable, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes and types. The platform also comes with plenty of features, including customizable themes and plugins that can help you create an effective and attractive website in no time at all.

Wix is another great alternative to Web.com website builder if you are looking for something that's easy to use while still providing plenty of features and customization options. With Wix, you can create a professional-looking site without any coding knowledge or technical skills at all—all you need is a drag-and-drop interface and a few clicks of the mouse.

Squarespace is another excellent alternative to Web.com if you want something that's both powerful and easy to use at the same time. Squarespace lets users customize their websites quickly and easily with its intuitive drag-and-drop editor as well as dozens of templates designed specifically for businesses in mind.

Web.com: Summary

Web.com serves as a solid choice for beginners and small businesses seeking a straightforward website building experience with AI-powered assistance. The platform excels in ease of use, performance reliability, and customer support, making it particularly suitable for users who prioritize simplicity over advanced customization.

However, its section-based editor limits design flexibility, and the steep renewal pricing structure may deter cost-conscious users in the long term. While Web.com's recent integration with Network Solutions adds credibility and technical expertise, the platform faces strong competition from more feature-rich alternatives that offer better value propositions.

Web.com: FAQs

How do I create a website on Web.com?

Creating a website on Web.com is easy and straightforward. All you need to do is sign up for an account, select the type of website you want to create (such as an e-commerce store or portfolio site), and then customize it with your own design elements and content.

You can even add features like contact forms, galleries, blogs, and more. Once you’re happy with the design of your site, click “Publish” and your new website will be live for everyone to see.

Can I build an online store with Web.com?

Yes, Web.com offers a dedicated plan for those who want to build an online store. The plan comes with a host of dedicated ecommerce features including secure online payments, the ability to sell via platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and marketplaces, as well as promotional tools such as discount codes and abandoned cart delivery.

Does Web.com offer a free trial?

Unfortunately, Web.com does not offer a free trial of its website builder service at this time. However, they do offer several different pricing plans to suit any budget, so if you have some money saved up you can try out its service without breaking the bank.

Can I create a web page with Web.com?

Yes. With Web.com’s easy-to-use tools, you can create a basic web page in no time at all - no coding experience required.

SEOTesting.com review
6:35 pm | February 26, 2021

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Tags: , | Comments: Off

SEOTesting.com is one of the few SEO tools out there that help you run various tests with your SEO strategy. You can run a test before and after changing your strategy to see its effectiveness. It offers rank tracking and different types of reports and can also be integrated with Google Chrome Extension and Google Data Studio Connector. In this review, we will give you an overview of what SEOTesting.com excels at, where it may fall short, and how it compares in terms of value for money. Whether you are an expert or just starting out, this review will offer an unbiased perspective to help you determine if SEOTesting.com is the right tool. Let's explore and discover more about it.

SEOTesting.com: Plans and pricing

SEOTesting.com pricing

(Image credit: SEOTesting.com)

Single Site Plan ($40/month)

Ideal for individual website owners, this plan covers all features for one website. It's perfect for small business owners or solo entrepreneurs who need a comprehensive SEO toolkit for their single website.

Team Plan ($100/month)

Designed for small to medium-sized teams or freelance SEO professionals, this plan supports up to five websites. It strikes a balance between functionality and cost and is ideal for businesses or consultants managing multiple sites.

Agency Plan ($300/month)

Targeted at large SEO agencies, this plan allows the management of up to 20 websites. It's a robust solution for agencies handling extensive SEO projects across various clients.

All plans include a 14-day free trial, offering a risk-free way to explore the tool's capabilities. The subscription is flexible, operating on a month-to-month basis with easy cancellation options. For those interested, SEOTesting.com also entertains inquiries about annual plans. The pricing is straightforward, based on the number of sites without additional user fees, ensuring a transparent and simple pricing structure.

SEOTesting.com: Features

SEOTesting.com dashboard

(Image credit: SEOTesting.com)

Comprehensive SEO Testing

SEO Testing is a powerful resource for conducting various tests, which are essential for understanding the impact of your SEO strategies. It includes Time-Based tests, which lets you compare your website's performance before and after making specific changes. Next, you get an SEO Split Tests feature which lets you create specific control groups and test groups of URLs to analyze the effectiveness of different SEO tactics. You also get a Group SEO Test that helps you examine multiple URLs or queries together and gives you a broader perspective on your results.

Additionally, it also has URL Switch Tests which evaluate the impact of significant changes, such as publishing topic clusters. Moreover, the ability to conduct tests on historical data provides a unique viewpoint that lets you apply current strategies to past performance and assess long-term effectiveness.

In-depth Reporting tools

SEOTesting.com excels in its reporting capabilities as it offers a range of insightful tools. For starters, the Content Decay Report is instrumental in identifying pages that are losing traffic. This helps you to pinpoint areas that need revitalization. Then, the Brand vs Non-Brand Report sheds light on how different query types affect your site's search performance. Similarly, Content Groups are invaluable for agencies or large sites as they help in performance tracking of specific URL clusters. The tool also enhances content strategy with features like search intent highlighting in queries, tracking Google algorithm updates, and custom annotations in Google Search Console data. Not to mention, the reports focus on long-tail keywords, CTR opportunities, and new keyword rankings and provide actionable insights for you to fine-tune your content strategy.

Content Optimization Focus

SEO Testing focuses heavily on optimizing your site’s content. It recognizes which pages would benefit from adding popular search terms to their titles and meta descriptions, and it gives recommendations for improving the content based on Google Search Console’s data. During our tests, we loved the Cannibalization tool, which helps to identify and resolve conflicts between internal keywords on different pages. Moreover, the tool gives you a quick overview of the most successful and least successful keywords and pages and reports on the questions your website ranks for.

Integration and Accessibility

SEOTesting.com is designed for seamless integration and ease of use. The Google Chrome extension and Google Data Studio Connector are especially remarkable and greatly improve the user experience. For instance, the Chrome extension not only helps with on-page SEO but also shows Google Search Console data right on the browser. It makes your work much more streamlined and organized. Plus, the Google Data Studio Connector makes it easy to add SEO test data to your existing dashboards and makes data presentation and analysis more efficient and insightful.

SEOTesting.com: Interface and in-use

SEOTesting.com focuses on delivering a user-friendly experience through daily email updates containing crucial metrics from the Google Search Console. Moreover, you can customize your own dashboard as per your needs and demands. This emphasis on user experience, combined with the tool's various testing models and reporting capabilities, positions SEOTesting.com as a valuable resource. It particularly benefits those who prefer a data-driven approach to improve their online presence. With its wide range of features, SEOTesting.com streamlines the SEO testing and content optimization process quite seamlessly.

SEOTesting.com: Support

Responsive Customer Support

SEOTesting.com support

(Image credit: SEOTesting.com)

SEOTesting.com offers direct support through a chat widget on its website. The team is online from 9 am to 5 pm UK time. This immediate access to support staff ensures that users can get quick answers to their queries. Additionally, users can reach out via email at hello@seotesting.com for more detailed inquiries or support issues. This dual-channel approach caters to different preferences and ensures that help is just a few clicks or an email away.

Extensive Documentation

The platform has an extensive collection of documents that cover different parts of the tool. It has a guide for beginners, detailed explanations of features like Search Intent, annotations on SEOTesting graphs, and guides on running various SEO tests. The documents are easy to use, with clear instructions and tips to help users make the most of SEOTesting.com.

Specialized Report Guides

SEOTesting.com queries

(Image credit: SEOTesting.com)

SEO Testing’s support team provides specific guides for each type of report generated by the tool. These guides offer insights into interpreting and leveraging reports for SEO optimization, such as finding click-through rate opportunities, understanding top queries missing from titles and meta descriptions, and even utilizing the Content Decay report.

Integration Support

As we already mentioned, if you’re looking to integrate SEOTesting.com with other tools, the platform offers support for their Chrome Extension and Google Data Studio connector. This includes guides on how to set this up and make the most of these integrations. These integrations help you to enhance the tool's functionality and user experience.

Google Search Console Resources

SeoTesting.Com pays importance to Google Search Console as well. They provide an introduction and a list of tutorials and guides for understanding Google Search Console and how you can use SEO Testing to make the most of this feature.

SEOTesting.com: The competition

SEOTesting.com competes with various other alternatives, each with its own unique features. First, is BAVOKO SEO Tools, known for its detailed data and specialized workflow management. Similarly, SEO Scout uses search console data to boost organic traffic. On the other hand, Surfer SEO is great for optimizing content and creating data-driven strategies quickly, whereas, SimilarContent focuses on SEO writing and provides keyword coverage scores for content-focused SEO. Apart from these, Rush Analytics is perfect for small businesses and agencies as it offers an easy-to-use interface and precise scaling of SEO efforts.

Moreover, GetGenie brings AI assistance to content and SEO on WordPress and combines multiple app features. Lastly, Rank Math offers a WordPress SEO plugin for content optimization based on industry best practices. It’s vital to notice that all these competitors focus on different aspects of SEO, from overall management to specialized content optimization and AI tools, catering to a wide range of business needs and SEO strategies. But, if your focus is on testing your strategies along with some other SEO tools, SEO Testing can be an ideal choice for you. Be it the user interface or the cost, it stands tall in this sea of competition that it faces in the industry.

SEOTesting.com: Final verdict

SEOTesting.com mainly focuses on testing and data analysis. It's not an all-in-one solution, but it excels at what it does. The tool's strength lies in its ability to monitor and create extensive reports on the results of your SEO activities with precision. This is what makes it a valuable asset for content analysis and optimization. However, it falls short in areas like rank tracking and technical SEO, which means it's best used in conjunction with its competitors. For those who prioritize data-driven insights and content optimization, SEOTesting.com is a strong contender. Its user-friendly interface and evolving features, backed by top-notch customer service, make it a worthwhile investment for specific SEO needs. While it may not replace your entire SEO toolkit, it certainly enhances it, and offers plenty of unique features that other tools might not always have.

Squarespace review 2025
1:40 am | October 24, 2020

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Website Building | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Squarespace is a designer-friendly no-code platform with great aesthetics that consistently ranks among the best website builder platforms on the market. With its sleek templates and comprehensive feature set, Squarespace positions itself as an all-in-one solution for creating stylish and functional websites with minimal effort.

Over the years, Techradar has spent thousands of hours testing 140+ website builders, making our reviewers the leading experts in what makes a platform exceptional. Squarespace stands out to us for its award-winning templates, which can be modified down to the last pixel thanks to a powerful block-based editor.

Wix remains our top pick for the best website builder of 2025, thanks to a slightly higher number of features at a reduced price point. But, Squarespace's new Blueprint AI and Design Intelligence tools make it a close competitor that gives the former a good run for its money.

Squarespace: 2-minute review

Squarespace is a complete website builder, with everything you would expect from one of the best-known names in the industry. This includes a range of stunning website templates, a full AI website builder, ecommerce features including payment gateway integrations, marketing tools, analytics, and the ability to integrate with select 3rd party services.

The platform was originally built to serve the blogging space but is now capable of hosting practically any type of website from ecommerce stores to freelancer portfolios. Despite the platform's growth, it stays true to its roots by continuing to offer some of the more aesthetically pleasing website templates available.

Squarespace isn’t the cheapest website builder, but it is fairly priced when compared with competitors with similar features, tools, and ease of use. Its entry level plan starts at $16/mo with an annual plan, which is in the same ballpark as Wix ($17/mo) and Hostinger ($11.99/mo). Plus, you can take advantage of a 14-day free trial to test it out, although unlike Wix, it doesn’t offer a forever-free version.

Overall, Squarespace is a safe bet for those looking for an easy to use website builder with all the features most businesses will ever need.

What is Squarespace?

Squarespace is a website builder that helps you create professional websites without coding. It’s like a digital canvas where you can design your online presence. You can use pre-made templates and customize them to fit your vision. Whether you want a blog, portfolio, or online store, Squarespace has all the tools you need.

When you sign up, you can choose from over 180 designer-made templates or use their AI-powered Blueprint tool for a custom design. After that, you can easily add your content, change colors and fonts, and arrange elements with its drag-and-drop editor. Squarespace takes care of technical details like hosting and security, so you don’t have to stress about them.

What’s great about Squarespace for beginners is that everything is in one package. This includes domain registration, cloud hosting, design tools, and a CMS. The all-in-one approach saves you from juggling services from different providers, which can be overwhelming when starting out.

Recent updates

Squarespace 7.1 represents a fundamental shift in the platform's design philosophy, moving away from fixed template families to a highly flexible design system powered by Fluid Engine. This introduces a grid-based editing system that allows users to drag, drop, and layer content blocks with unprecedented freedom, essentially transforming every website into a custom design canvas with zero template limitations.

Design

The Fluid Engine editor enables independent mobile and desktop layout design, giving users granular control over how their content appears across different devices, a significant improvement from the previous version where mobile layouts were automatically generated.

Squarespace 7.1 introduces Auto Layouts that intelligently present content sets, gallery sections for cohesive image displays, and advanced visual effects like Block Pinning for split-scrolling and Text Highlights for emphasizing selected content.

Content management

We found the new page section functionality particularly impressive, as it allows users to divide content into distinct sections with unique design, layout, and styling options. This is a major improvement from 7.0's single content area limitation. They also added Saved Sections functionality in May 2025, enabling users to create reusable design components across multiple pages, speeding up the design workflow for both beginners and professionals.

Ecommerce

For ecommerce users, 7.1 delivers substantial improvements in selling capabilities and product management. The platform now supports up to 10,000 products per page (compared to 200 in version 7.0) and 250 variants per product (up from 100), while introducing nested category navigation and optimized mobile scrolling for longer product descriptions. Product waitlists, previously available only on specific templates, are now accessible across all websites.

However, it's worth noting that Squarespace recently implemented Products V2 with a mandatory migration deadline of August 30, 2025, requiring users with custom code targeting product pages to update their implementations to maintain functionality.

Support

Security and support options have been strengthened through Squarespace's dedicated security team implementing enhanced technical and organizational measures updated in January 2025. The platform maintains a risk-based security approach with continuous monitoring, red team exercises, and threat modeling for new system developments, ensuring robust protection for both company and customer assets.

Integration capabilities have also evolved, though 7.1 maintains Squarespace's philosophy of relying primarily on native tools rather than extensive third-party integrations, which some users find limiting compared to competitors but ensures better stability and support.

Partner program

The platform's recent major update arrived in September 2025 with the launch of Squarespace for Pros, unveiled during Circle Day 2025. This professional-grade experience introduces Finish Layer Design Tools with interactive block animations, customizable transforms (opacity, rotation, offset), and the ability to import external fonts for complete brand consistency.

It also includes integrated practice management for project oversight and client collaboration, plus expanded Circle partner program benefits representing Squarespace's most significant investment to date in supporting professional designers and agencies. However, you should be aware that upgrading from classic editor sections to Fluid Engine is irreversible and may break custom CSS implementations.

Note: Upgrading to the 7.1 version of Squarespace is entirely optional for now. While new users get introduced to Squarespace 7.1 by default, existing website owners can choose to keep the legacy version of the website builder, along with all its existing features and support.

Features

Squarespace features

Squarespace provides a wide range of features for different website needs. (Image credit: Squarespace)

Squarespace has always offered some of the best website templates on the market, making it a firm favourite amongst creatives such as artists and photographers. Anyone looking for a stunning website should seriously consider Squarespace.

Owain Williams, Website Builder Editor

Squarespace provides a wide range of features for different website needs. At the heart of the platform is a powerful drag-and-drop editor with a smart grid system. This helps keep your design elements aligned. You’ll also find over 180 professionally designed templates. These templates are great starting points for creating stunning websites. They feature a modern, minimalist design with plenty of white space and room for photos.

If you want to sell online, Squarespace offers strong ecommerce tools in its Business plans. You can sell physical and digital products, offer subscriptions, and create discounts. It even helps with abandoned cart recovery emails and social media sales. The platform supports various payment methods, such as PayPal, Stripe, and Square, and includes automatic tax calculations. However, these ecommerce features come at a higher price compared to some competitors.

In 2023, Squarespace introduced Blueprint AI, which streamlines website creation. This AI system guides users through five simple steps to create a personalized website. It also generates content with its AI text generator. We found this feature helpful for beginners facing the "blank page" anxiety. Still, the AI-generated templates seem basic compared to Squarespace's professionally designed options.

The platform has specialized tools like Acuity Scheduling for booking appointments, available for $16 a month. It also offers portfolio collections for showcasing work and various blocks to enhance user experience, like search and archive functions. While Squarespace includes many built-in features, it mainly relies on its own tools. This limits extensive third-party integrations in most areas. Squarespace’s pricing ranges from $16 to $52 per month (billed annually). Although it's a premium price, the quality of design and features usually justify the investment for users.

Tools

Squarespace tools and add-ons

Over the years, Squarespace has stacked on a bunch of different tools and add-ons to make its website builder more lucrative. (Image credit: Squarespace)

Over the years, Squarespace has stacked on a bunch of different tools and add-ons to make its website builder more lucrative. This includes everything from SEO features to help you optimize your content strategy to AI tools for assistive design suggestions.

Blogging

Squarespace is well known for being one of the best blogging sites around. So, if you’re into blogging, you’ll be glad to hear that Squarespace provides a full set of blogging features such as built-in blog pages, a comment section, and content promotion tools. However, if you’re making a blog as a means of making money, Squarespace shouldn’t be your first choice. First off, to get hold of ecommerce features, you’ll have to purchase the “Business” plan or up, and it will set you back $23 per month (if you subscribe for a year) or $36 for one month.

Ecommerce

The Business plan (and up) will also let you integrate a shopping cart into your website with ease, as well as sell physical products, digital downloads, online services, and subscriptions. However, if we take the 3% transaction fee on sales and the plan’s initial price tag into account, this solution doesn’t seem particularly pocket-friendly.

Also, Squarespace isn’t as strong as some of its competitor (like Shopify) when it comes to shipping and payment options – for instance, manual payments isn’t an option and you can’t sell in multiple currencies.

SEO and marketing

Squarespace also offers superb Search Engine Optimization (SEO) features, which will help you get your site in front of your core audience. There are multiple options for social media marketing, email marketing, and custom post designs. Not only are these tools powerful, but they are easy to use - this makes it one of the best small business website builders on the market.

AI tools

Although Squarespace’s AI offering isn’t quite as advanced as some competitors such as Wix and Hostinger, it does offer a host of helpful AI-powered tools that will make creating your website a breeze.

The list starts with the option to use AI to get your initial website set up. If you select this option Squarespace will ask you a few questions such as the name of your site, which sections and pages you want on your website, which colors and fonts you want to use, and then use your answers to build your site.

Like with most AI website builders, the results are a little generic and will need some editing. Luckily, Squarespace also offers some AI tools to help you do this. For example, you can use an AI copywriter to help you complete your site's written content. A similar tool can be used to create product descriptions, which can be a lifesaver for large online stores.

Finally, Squarespace also offers AI-powered branding and email marketing tools, helping you make the right impression and getting you in front of the right people.

Integrations

Squarespace doesn’t take too kindly to third-party tools – while there’s a decent variety of versatile tools it’s not up to scratch – so, you might feel like you’re stuck with Squarespace's ecosystem.

Website editor

We should also talk about Squarespace’s up-to-date, drag-and-drop editor called Fluid Engine, a superior version to their old editor. As soon as you add an element or change something on the template you’re using, it will become visible straight away. It also offers a decent level of customization choices, so you can adjust your template to suit your needs and desires.

The only major drawback is that you can’t place elements (such as images or text) wherever you want them to be - you can position them in pre-built places bounded by grid lines. Also, while you’ll be prompted to save your site after each change, you won’t enjoy the convince of the autosave functionality.

Ease of use

Squarespace editing interface

Of all the website builders we have tested, Squarespace ranks as one of the easiest to use. (Image credit: Squarespace)

Of all the website builders we have tested, Squarespace ranks as one of the easiest to use. Its drag-and-drop editor balances simplicity and functionality. This makes it great for beginners but still offers depth for experienced users. The clean, minimalist interface removes clutter. It shows only the tools you need, like the option to add a new section, which appears when you hover over an existing section.

Getting started with Squarespace is easy. During onboarding, you answer a few questions about your website's purpose and goals. This helps the platform tailor its recommendations to your needs. The 14-day free trial lets you explore without rushing into a paid plan. We liked that no credit card is needed to start the trial, allowing risk-free experimentation.

Squarespace emphasizes user experience (UX) principles, evident in how the platform works and the sites it creates. The editor uses a smart grid system to align elements. This helps beginners create visually balanced pages. Real-time previews show how your changes affect your site, making the design process dynamic. However, some users notice lag or unresponsiveness with larger, content-heavy websites.

The platform includes accessibility features through its All in One Accessibility Widget. This makes your website more usable for people with various disabilities, including visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive impairments. Yet while customization is simple, Squarespace has limits. Once you pick a template, you can't switch to another without rebuilding your site. And some advanced customizations need CSS or JavaScript knowledge, which is only available on higher-tier plans.

Pricing

Squarespace pricing

With Squarespace, you can choose between four all-in-one plans ranging from $16 to $52 per month. (Image credit: Squarespace)

Plan

Monthly cost (paid monthly)

Monthly cost (paid annually)

Personal

$25

$16

Business

$36

$23

Commerce (Basic)

$40

$28

Commerce (Advanced)

$72

$52

The site builder’s price tag is on par with similar all-in-one solutions on the market and it provides plenty of bang for the buck. However, if you only wanted a pocket-friendly site builder without other components of Squarespace, we’re sorry to say you won’t find this here.

If you’re in for an all-in-one solution, you can choose between four plans ranging from $16 to $52 per month, if you opt for an annual billing option, that is. If you choose a one-month-only option, the price will spike significantly.

While Squarespace doesn’t offer a forever-free edition of its site builder, there is a 14-day free trial with all four plans and no credit card details are required. It is also worth mentioning that you can often save on your subscription by using Squarespace promo codes and/or signing up for a longer period of time.

As for payment methods, Squarespace accepts all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express included), JCB, Diners Club (in USD only), and SEPA direct debit (in EUR only). As you already suspect, you can’t pay via PayPal or Bitcoin (BTC).

For a more detailed review the plans available on Squarespace you can read our full Squarespace pricing guide.

Integrations

Squarespace takes a curated approach to integrations, offering built-in connectivity to carefully selected platforms rather than an open marketplace of third-party apps. The platform provides what it calls "Connected Services," which are seamlessly integrated into the core Squarespace experience.

This includes essential tools for payment processing (Stripe, PayPal, Square), shipping carriers (FedEx, UPS, USPS), social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo), and marketing services (Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Facebook Pixel). We find that this approach ensures reliable performance and support, though it may feel limiting compared to platforms that offer thousands of third-party integrations.

But for automation enthusiasts, Squarespace also supports Zapier integration, which opens up connectivity to over 1,000 additional 3rd-party apps and services. Through Zapier, users can create automated workflows (called "Zaps") that trigger when specific events occur on their Squarespace site, such as new form submissions, newsletter signups, or product purchases. Common automation scenarios include adding new form submissions to Google Sheets, creating CRM entries in Salesforce or HubSpot, sending notifications to Slack, or adding contacts to email marketing platforms like ConvertKit.

Finally, Squarespace offers API access for developers looking to build custom integrations, though this requires technical expertise. API key generation is possible through the platform's developer settings. It uses OAuth 2.0 authentication and provides REST endpoints for managing content, products, orders, and inventory.

Developers can access endpoints for site-level configurations, e-commerce functionality, and content management, enabling custom solutions for businesses with specific integration needs. This is useful for connecting Squarespace to enterprise systems like ERPs, CRMs, or custom fulfillment services that aren't available through the standard integrations.

Security

Squarespace security features

Squarespace websites are all kept on secure with SSL certificates, two-factor authentication (2FA), and protection against distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. (Image credit: Squarespace)

Squarespace websites are all kept on secure with SSL certificates, two-factor authentication (2FA), protection against distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and a login activity panel. While the activity log won’t protect your site by itself, it’ll help you discover if any logins were made from suspicious or unknown devices.

Squarespace’s security staff is monitoring all Squarespace sites round-the-clock for threats and vulnerabilities to make sure your site is properly protected. Still, if you discover a vulnerability, you can report it to the security staff and they’ll conduct their investigation on it.

Customer support

Squarespace help center

You can seek assistance from Squarespace’s support staff via live chat, email, and X (Twitter). (Image credit: Squarespace)

If you get stuck somewhere during your Squarespace journey, you can seek assistance from their support staff via live chat, email, and X (Twitter). Sadly, phone support isn’t available.

Live chat is available Monday to Friday, 4 AM to 8 PM, ET, and once you contact the staff, someone will get back to you in a matter of minutes. In contrast, email support is available 24/7, but the response time can sometimes be sluggish.

As for self-service, you can visit the Help Center which contains a well-supplied knowledge base, video guides, and an avidly active community forum you can conveniently browse by topics.

Alternatives

As we noted earlier, Wix is an awesome alternative for those who want to build their site on a tight budget or entirely free — it even offers a forever-free edition of its site builder for personal use. Plus, it’s super simple to use, packed with features, and provides automatic backups.

If you’re searching for a cheap yet endlessly customizable site builder, WordPress is the solution of choice. Since it’s an open-sourced software, it has thousands of themes, templates, plugins, how-to guides, and a committed community that can lend you a helping hand. While it’s not as beginner-friendly as Squarespace or Wix, it makes up for it with a fabulous level of flexibility and freedom.

Finally, Shopify is built for ecommerce from the ground up, so if an ecommerce solution is what you’re looking for, it might be the best choice. Squarespace offers all essential ecommerce features, but it’s still better suited for a professional site or a blog.

How we tested Squarespace

To test the Squarespace website builder, we started by setting up an account. We then got hands-on with the tools and features available when building a website on the platform. This included exploring the various available website templates, SEO and marketing tools, and testing the drag-and-drop website editor.

We also reviewed the available plans, comparing their pricing and what they include. Finally, we researched what level of help and support is available to users and how the platform protects users’ websites from security threats.

You can learn more about how we test website builders with our full guide.

Summary

Squarespace is a splendid, simple-to-use site builder with terrific templates and it gets better each time a new version crops up. Hitting high marks in all major areas, Squarespace site builder qualifies as an amazing all-arounder in the market, and it’s also fit for small and mid-sized online stores.

Their website builder comes packed with tools and features such as email marketing, an SSL certificate, and options for mobile responsive templates - giving you everything you need to launch and grow your website in one convenient space.

However, Squarespace keeps its users on a short leash with a low level of customization and the inability to switch between templates without starting from scratch. Also, the lack of auto-save features makes it less convenient than some of its competitors.

Squarespace: FAQs

Does Squarespace have a free plan?

No, unlike some other website builders, Squarespace doesn’t have a free plan. However, it does offer a free 14-day trial. This offers you the opportunity to test out the platform to make sure it is the right one for you.

Does Squarespace charge a transaction fee on sales? 

It depends on the plan you pick.

The Business plan ($23/mo paid annually) is the cheapest plan which offers the full range of ecommerce functionality but charges a 3% transaction fee for physical products and services sold via the site. Both the Commerce plans (Basic ($27/mo paid annually) and Advanced ($49/mo paid annually)) charge a 0% transaction fee.

So, at just $4 extra a month, most ecommerce businesses would benefit from investing in the Commerce plan. But you will need to do the math to decide which one works best for you.

Can I get a discount on a Squarespace plan? 

Is Squarespace better than Wix?

Well, it depends on what you’re looking for in a site builder. Wix offers more templates overall, but the ones you’ll get with Squarespace look better. Also, Wix has a forever-free edition, while with Squarespace you can make use of a 14-day free trial, and that’s about it.

Both site builders are easy to use, offer robust ecommerce features, and provide superb value for money. However, Wix is cheaper while Squarespace has more additional tools for growing your site.

Is Squarespace good for beginners?

Yes, Squarespace is one of the best site builders for beginners. Its intuitive, drag-and-drop editor is backed by simple-to-follow guides in case you get stuck. And if that doesn’t do the trick, you can rely on rather responsive customer support staff.

What are the downsides of using Squarespace?

The primary drawbacks of using Squarespace are the shortage of customization capabilities, the absence of auto-save features, and the lack of phone support. Also, there are cheaper options around and some of them offer a free edition of their site builders too.

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