If you’ve been thinking about launching a personal blog, an online store or a business website, you’ve probably realized there’s a sea of options out there. This website pricing comparison guide will help you navigate the choices and find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Building a site has become far more accessible thanks to modern platforms that don’t require coding experience. However, each one has its own unique pricing and features. This article will compare website builders and walk you through their costs, so you can decide confidently which builder matches your goals, without spending more than what’s needed.
- Each platform, whether it’s Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, Shopify or WordPress.com, has a range of plans aimed at different needs, from hobby sites to full-blown online businesses.
- Don’t just grab the cheapest option. Ensure your selected plan covers storage, customization tools, SEO and e-commerce (if needed).
- Leave room for growth, most website builders let you start small and upgrade as you go, which is a big plus if you’re unsure how your site will evolve.
- Watch for hidden costs. Domain fees, premium templates, apps or transaction fees can add up quickly, so always look beyond the base subscription.
- Reliable customer service can make building and maintaining your site more enjoyable, especially if you’re a beginner.
Source: Small business product display by Donuts by Dominic
What to consider in pricing
When you compare website builders, it’s vital to examine more than just the monthly or annual fee. Each platform has its own set of pros and cons, so you want to find the sweet spot of affordability and functionality when factoring in how to finance your business.
Features offered
Some essential features to watch for include:
- Bandwidth and storage: If you upload lots of media or anticipate heavy traffic, free or entry-level plans might be too limiting.
- Templates and theme variety: A robust template library can give you a head start in design, ensuring your site looks professional from day one.
- Blogging tools: If sharing content is part of your plan, look for built-in blogging features such as tagging, categories and scheduling.
- Social media integration: It’s easier to promote your site and engage visitors if you can embed social feeds or quickly add share buttons.
- Analytics: Basic traffic stats are often included, while some higher-tier plans offer deeper insights or Google Analytics integration.
- Print on demand: Consider whether the platform supports print-on-demand services, which let you list designs without upfront inventory and handle product creation, packaging and shipping automatically.
The trick is matching what you’ll actually use with what each plan includes. You don’t want to be stuck in a plan that lacks critical features, but there’s no point paying for extras you’ll never need.
What factors affect website builder pricing?
Several factors can influence the final price you pay, including which plan tier you select. Higher levels typically unlock greater storage, bandwidth and specialized features like advanced SEO or e-commerce. The quality of support also varies by plan, with premium options sometimes offering priority or around-the-clock assistance.
Your billing cycle makes a difference too, as annual subscriptions often come at a lower overall cost compared to monthly billing. Finally, premium add-ons and plugins may add extra monthly fees, so it’s important to keep that in mind when budgeting.
Ease of use
User-friendliness can be a real game-changer. Modern website builders typically rely on drag-and-drop editors and intuitive dashboards, but they’re not all created equal. If you’re not tech-savvy, an overly complex interface can cost you extra time or money for support or outside help.
Consider whether you’d like the ability to tweak every aspect of your site or if you’re happy using pre-built layouts. Some platforms lock you into a more rigid structure, while others let you move elements around freely or add custom code. It’s all about balancing your desire for creative control with how comfortable you are learning new tools.
Even if your chosen builder is straightforward, challenges can still arise, like domain settings or design quirks. Reliable customer support can be critical in these moments. Some builders only offer email or forum support at lower tiers, while premium plans might include live chat or 24/7 phone service. If you suspect you’ll need frequent help, a plan with robust support might be worth the extra cost.
Source: small business packaging from Meraki Chocolate
E-commerce capabilities
If you plan to sell online, you’ll need to ensure your chosen builder supports a variety of e-commerce tools like product listings, payment options and checkout processes. It’s worth checking if the platform integrates with popular gateways like Stripe or PayPal, and whether it imposes extra transaction fees on top of regular credit card charges. You should also take a close look at how inventory is managed. Some builders allow automated tracking of your stock, while others require manual updates, which can have a big impact on efficiency.
Additionally, marketing tools can play a critical role in boosting sales, integrated features like coupon codes, abandoned cart emails and gift cards help keep customers engaged. Finally, it’s essential to consider scalability if you anticipate growth. A builder that accommodates more products or advanced features will make expansion smoother. Although advanced e-commerce functionality often comes at a higher monthly cost, it can save you headaches when building a successful online business.
SEO tools and options
A site that doesn’t appear in search results is practically invisible. Most builders include fundamental SEO features, like editable meta titles and descriptions, but advanced SEO or plugin support may be locked behind higher-tier plans. If organic traffic is a priority for you, look for a builder that’s known for user-friendly, robust SEO functionality.
Learn more about essential SEO tasks for small businesses with our handy SEO checklist.
Popular website builders pricing comparison
Below is a closer look at the top sites helping you compare different website builder options side by side based on pricing, main features and unique perks.
Source: Vista x Wix
Wix
Free plan features
Wix is popular for its intuitive drag-and-drop editor and huge selection of templates. The free plan includes:
- A Wix subdomain
- Wix ads displayed on your site
- 500MB storage and 500MB bandwidth
- Basic design functionality
While it’s great for small personal or test projects, you won’t be able to connect a custom domain or remove Wix branding until you upgrade.
Premium plan tiers and pricing
Wix paid plans start with Light ($17/month) and Core ($29/month). These remove Wix ads, let you connect a custom domain and provide more storage/bandwidth. Higher tiers like Business ($36/month) or Business Elite ($159/month) add perks such as increased storage, priority support, advertising vouchers and e-commerce features like:
- Secure online payments without extra transaction fees
- Product listings and basic store management
- Some marketing tools and abandoned cart recovery (in higher plans)
As you move up, you’ll find better shipping options and advanced marketing to help you grow.
Squarespace
Overview of pricing tiers
Squarespace stands out for its stylish, modern templates. There are no free plans, but you won’t see ads on any tier. Approximate pricing:
- Personal ($16/month)
- Business ($23/month)
- Basic Commerce ($28/month)
- Advanced Commerce ($52/month)
Annual subscribers often get a free custom domain for the first year.
Additional features for higher plans
If you’re selling products:
- Business allows limited e-commerce but charges a 3% transaction fee.
- Basic Commerce and Advanced Commerce have no Squarespace transaction fees, plus advanced shipping, abandoned cart recovery and more marketing tools.
Squarespace’s all-in-one approach makes it especially appealing to design-focused users who still want a practical set of tools under the hood.
Business vs. personal plans
The Personal plan suits basic sites like portfolios or personal blogs. If you want to do e-commerce or access advanced marketing features, you’ll likely need at least the Business plan. Just be mindful of that additional transaction fee, which can take a bite out of profits if you have frequent sales.
Weebly
Free vs. paid plans
Weebly (now owned by Square) also offers a free plan with a Weebly subdomain and Weebly ads. If you only need a casual site or a place to experiment, this might suffice. For professional use, you’ll likely want to upgrade.
Breakdown of pricing levels
Paid plans range from about $6 to $29/month. The Personal plan ($6/month) lets you connect a custom domain but still has some Square ads. The Professional plan ($12/month) removes ads and provides unlimited storage. For e-commerce, the Performance plan ($26–$29/month) unlocks perks like abandoned cart emails, real-time shipping rates and an option for PayPal payments.
Unique selling points
Weebly’s claim to fame is its simplicity, some might say it’s one of the easiest builders around. And for businesses that also have a brick-and-mortar presence, the native Square integration is a strong advantage, letting you merge in-person and online transactions more seamlessly.
Source: shop owner of small business Pom Pom
Shopify
Pricing per month
Shopify is a dedicated e-commerce solution, making it a top pick for serious online stores. Main plans:
- Basic Shopify ($29/month)
- Shopify ($79/month)
- Advanced Shopify ($299/month)
These prices can be lower if you pay annually or biennially. Despite the seemingly higher cost, you get an extremely comprehensive suite of online selling tools.
Transaction fees and additional costs
If you use Shopify Payments, you avoid extra transaction fees. Otherwise, fees range from 0.5% to 2% depending on your plan. You might also buy premium themes or third-party apps from Shopify’s marketplace, which come with their own costs. Factor those expenses into your budget for a realistic look at monthly outlay.
Plan differentiations
- Basic Shopify: Good for smaller or newer stores.
- Shopify (mid-tier): Suits growing businesses that need deeper reporting and more staff accounts.
- Advanced Shopify: For high-volume merchants, includes advanced reports, lower transaction fees and more shipping options.
Shopify’s razor-sharp focus on online selling can’t be beaten by most general website builders, making it a top option if e-commerce is your primary goal.
WordPress.com
(Note: This section covers WordPress.com, not WordPress.org. WordPress.com is a hosted service, where you create your website without needing advanced technical skills, but you have limited customization options. WordPress.org is the open-source software that you download and install on your own web hosting, giving you complete control but requiring you to manage hosting, updates and security.)
Free and paid plan options
WordPress.com’s Free plan provides a WordPress subdomain and displays ads. If you want a custom domain, you’ll need a paid plan:
- Personal ($4/month annually)
- Premium ($8/month)
- Business ($25/month)
- E-commerce ($45/month)
Higher tiers remove ads, allow custom domains and offer more storage.
Business and e-commerce solution plans
The Business plan lets you install plugins and themes, giving you more flexibility closer to the WordPress.org experience. For online selling, the e-commerce plan includes built-in payment solutions, premium designs and features like shipping integration.
Upgrade costs and benefits
Upgrading typically gets you:
- Removal of WordPress.com ads
- Access to premium themes
- More advanced design and customization features
- Greater support and analytics
WordPress.com is especially appealing if you’re a dedicated blogger or if you want the robust plugin ecosystem without managing your own hosting or server updates.
For further reading, check out VistaPrint’s guide on learning the best practices in how to create a business website.
Source: small business website design by Mike Barnes via 99designs by Vista
Additional cost considerations for website building comparison
No matter which platform you choose, there may be some extra costs involved in launching and maintaining your site. Being aware of these helps you plan your budget accurately.
Domain registration costs
Many builders offer a free domain for the first year with annual subscriptions. Afterward, a standard .com domain typically runs around $10–$20 per year, though special extensions cost more. If you prefer a separate registrar, you’ll often pay about the same but may have more control over DNS settings. You may also need to consider registering your business.
Web hosting fees
Hosted platforms (Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, Shopify, WordPress.com) typically include web hosting in their monthly or annual fees, so you don’t have to worry about separate hosting. If you opt for a self-hosted setup, you’ll need to pay a provider. Shared hosting can be as low as $3–$10/month, while more advanced (and pricier) hosting might be needed for high-traffic sites.
SSL certificates
Google and most modern browsers frown upon sites without HTTPS. Thankfully, the majority of website builders provide a free SSL certificate with their plans. Self-hosted sites can use free services like Let’s Encrypt. Double-check that HTTPS is included or easily obtainable to protect users’ data—and your search engine rankings.
Plugin and extension costs
Many builders feature app stores with both free and premium plugins. Specialized e-commerce, SEO or marketing apps can bring an additional monthly or one-time fee. If you have a specific feature in mind, like dropshipping functionality or membership portals, make sure it’s available on your chosen builder and factor any extra cost into your overall budget.
Evaluating value for money
When doing a comparison website builder exercise, the true value lies in the balance between cost, capabilities and ease of use. Cheaper plans might suffice for small or personal sites, but if you need advanced e-commerce, premium design elements or robust analytics, the investment in a higher-tier plan usually pays off.
Comparing features across price tiers
Make a checklist of the must-have features your site will need:
- Custom domain
- Enough storage/bandwidth
- E-commerce tools (if selling products)
- Aesthetic templates or flexible design options
- Decent SEO tools
- Customer support that meets your needs
Match each builder’s tiers against this checklist to see where you stand. If you discover you’d have to upgrade to a substantially more expensive plan for a single necessary feature, it might be worth exploring a competitor that includes it at a lower tier.
Free trials and money back guarantees
A fantastic way to test the waters is through free plans or trials, which many platforms provide. If a builder doesn’t offer a free plan, it might have a money-back guarantee period (often 14 to 30 days). During that time, you can experiment with the editor, templates and some features to confirm the platform meets your standards. If you’re not satisfied, cancel within the guarantee window to avoid losing money.
Source: small business website design by Armin Braunsberger via 99designs by Vista
You’ve compared, now time to share
You’ve just explored a thorough website pricing comparison and seen how different platforms handle features, pricing and extra costs. Whether you’re a blogger looking for an audience, a small business in search of a customer-friendly online presence or an entrepreneur eager to launch your e-commerce empire, the perfect match is out there.
Now’s the time to take action. Pick a platform that resonates with your goals and start building. Don’t be afraid to experiment with free trials or starter plans to get a feel for the interface. Before you know it, you’ll have a polished site online, ready to welcome visitors and grow your brand or community.
FAQs about website builder costs
How much does it cost to build a website with a website builder?
Costs vary widely, from free plans (with limited functionality and forced branding) to advanced e-commerce subscriptions exceeding $300/month. Common paid tiers start around $4–$15/month for personal or small business sites, with e-commerce plans often beginning around $20–$30/month or more. Annual billing typically offers discounts, plus a free domain for a year in many cases.
Which website builder offers the best value for small businesses?
“Best value” depends on your specific requirements. If you’re mostly focused on cost-effectiveness and ease, Weebly or Wix’s lower to mid-tier plans can be great. Squarespace shines for design-heavy sites, though it’s slightly pricier. Shopify is a top choice if you’re heavily into e-commerce, but be mindful of transaction fees and add-on costs. Consider not just today’s needs but your potential future growth, so you pick a platform that can scale with your business.
Are there free website builders, and are they worth it?
Yes—Wix, Weebly and WordPress.com all have free offerings. These are ideal for personal or test sites but come with drawbacks: the platform’s branding and a subdomain, limited storage/bandwidth and fewer customization options. For professional or commercial use, consider upgrading to remove ads and gain access to crucial features like a custom domain.
How do website builders compare to hiring a web developer?
A professional web developer can create a fully customized site but often charges more (sometimes in the thousands), plus possible ongoing maintenance fees. Website builders, meanwhile, have a lower cost of entry, are simpler to update and don’t require programming skills. They might not deliver the same level of uniqueness as a custom build, but they’re typically the go-to for most individuals and small businesses seeking an affordable, easy-to-manage online presence.
