Choosing the best website builder depends on your specific goal, whether you’re launching a high-end portfolio, a massive online shop, or just a simple blog.
Based on testing and performance data for 2026, here are the top-rated platforms categorized by their primary strength:
Top Recommendations
Wix – Best Overall
It offers the most creative freedom with a “pixel-perfect” drag-and-drop editor and over 900 templates. It includes a robust free tier and advanced AI tools for generating site designs and copy.
Squarespace – Best for Creatives
Known for the industry’s most stylish, professional templates, it is the top choice for portfolios, photography, and service-based businesses like consultants or artists.
Shopify – Best for E-commerce
If your primary goal is selling, Shopify provides unparalleled inventory management, international shipping tools, and abandoned cart recovery.
Hostinger – Best Value/AI
Offering the lowest starting prices (often under $3/month), it features a highly efficient AI website builder that can generate a site in minutes, along with an AI heatmap to track visitor attention.
Webflow – Best for Designers
Ideal for those who want total design control without writing code manually, though it has a steeper learning curve than Wix or Squarespace.
Quick Comparison
| Builder | Best For | Standout Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | General use | Massive App Market (800+) | Free to ~$159/mo |
| Squarespace | Visual design | Top-tier template aesthetics | ~$16 – $79/mo |
| Shopify | Scaling stores | 100+ payment gateways | ~$29 – $259/mo |
| Hostinger | Budget | Fastest site load speeds | ~$2 – $13/mo |
| GoDaddy | Beginners | Marketing & SEO focus | Free to ~$30/mo |
Specialised Use Cases
- WordPress.com: Best for blogging and content-heavy sites due to its massive plugin ecosystem.
- SITE123: Best for simple one-page sites; it prioritizes speed of setup over customization.
- BigCommerce: Best for large-scale retailers who need more granular built-in features than Shopify.
Are you looking to build a personal portfolio, a business page, or an online store? Knowing your primary goal will help narrow these down to the perfect choice.