Searching for the best WYSIWYG web builder to create a professional website without extensive coding knowledge? You're in the right place. WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) web builders are designed to make website creation intuitive and accessible, allowing users to design and customize websites visually. This guide will help you understand the top WYSIWYG web builders, ensuring you find the best fit for your needs.
Many users face challenges in finding a website builder that balances ease of use, design flexibility, and advanced features. WYSIWYG web builders aim to alleviate these pain points by offering visual drag-and-drop interfaces, customizable templates, and robust tools. Drawing from my 20 years of experience in digital marketing and web development, I've evaluated numerous website builders. This review leverages my expertise to provide a thorough, unbiased evaluation of the best WYSIWYG web builders.
⏳ Do you want to skip the read and get right to my top pick? The best WYSIWYG web builder for most people is Wix.
Our List of the Top WYSIWYG Web Builders:
We present our lineup of the top WYSIWYG site builders includes several gold-standard options and WYSIWYG free web builders for truly easy site creation, along with two of the best user-friendly ecommerce platforms currently available.
The honours list in this WYSIWYG web builder review is as follows:
- Wix – best general WYSIWYG website builder (My Top Pick!)
- Squarespace – best for design and beauty
- WordPress.com – best for flexibility
- Shopify- best for eCommerce
- Weebly – best for beginners
Quick Comparison Table
Compare popular website builders by price, strengths, key features, and review availability. This table is designed to help beginners, small businesses, and creators quickly choose a platform for building a professional website without needing custom development.
| Platform | Price / Basic Plan + CTA | Best For | Key Features | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Squarespace | Free trial / Paid from around $16/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best design-led websites | Polished templates, portfolios, blogging, ecommerce, scheduling, memberships, email campaigns | Squarespace Review |
| 2. Wix | Free / Paid from around $17/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best overall website builder | Drag-and-drop editor, AI builder, 2000+ templates, hosting, SEO tools, ecommerce, bookings, marketing tools | Wix Review |
| 3. Hostinger Website Builder | Paid from $2.99/mo+ promo pricing | Check Pricing | Best value website builder | AI builder, hosting, SSL, templates, SEO tools, email tools, ecommerce on higher plan | Hostinger Review |
| 4. WordPress.com | Free / Paid from around $4/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best for blogs and content sites | Themes, blogging, SEO options, plugins on higher plans, scalable content management | WordPress.com Review |
| 5. Shopify | Free trial / Paid from $29/mo+ annually | Check Pricing | Best ecommerce website builder | Online store, checkout, products, apps, POS, multichannel selling, inventory tools | Shopify Review |
| 6. Webflow | Free / Paid site plans from around $14/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best for designers and advanced control | Visual design control, CMS, animations, custom layouts, responsive design, client-ready builds | Webflow Review |
| 7. GoDaddy Website Builder | Free trial / Paid from around $9.99/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best for fast small-business sites | AI setup, domain tools, hosting, marketing tools, appointments, ecommerce on higher plans | GoDaddy Website Builder Review |
| 8. Duda | Paid from around $19/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best for agencies and client sites | White-label options, client management, team tools, responsive builder, ecommerce add-ons | Duda Review |
| 9. IONOS Website Builder | Intro from $1/mo+; renews higher | Check Pricing | Best budget business builder | AI tools, domain, email, SSL, SEO tools, booking tools, multilingual-friendly setup | IONOS Website Builder Review |
| 10. Weebly | Free / Paid from around $13/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best basic free builder | Simple drag-and-drop editor, Square ecosystem, basic ecommerce, beginner-friendly setup | Weebly Review |
| 11. Framer | Free / Paid from around $10/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best modern design-led sites | Visual editor, CMS, animations, SEO tools, fast publishing, strong landing-page design | Review Coming Soon |
| 12. Webnode | Free / Paid from around $8.50/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best multilingual simple sites | AI website builder, multilingual options, templates, domain options, simple editor | Webnode Review |
| 13. SITE123 | Free / Paid from around $12.80/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best guided setup | Simple website creation, templates, hosting, multilingual support, basic ecommerce | SITE123 Review |
| 14. Jimdo | Free / Paid from around $11/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best simple AI-assisted sites | AI setup, simple editor, business listings, ecommerce add-ons, beginner-friendly tools | Jimdo Review |
| 15. Carrd | Free / Pro from $9/year+ | Check Pricing | Best cheap one-page websites | One-page sites, responsive templates, custom domains on Pro, forms and embeds on higher plans | Carrd Review |
| 16. Dorik | Free / Paid plans | Check Pricing | Best lightweight no-code builder | No-code websites, AI tools, CMS options, custom domains, agency plan options | Review Coming Soon |
| 17. Strikingly | Free / Paid plans | Check Pricing | Best simple one-page sites | Mobile-friendly templates, quick setup, one-page websites, basic store features | Strikingly Review |
| 18. HubSpot Content Hub | Free tools / Paid from $20/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best CRM-connected business sites | Website pages, blog, forms, CRM, personalization, analytics, marketing automation | Review Coming Soon |
| 19. Simvoly | Paid from around $18/mo+ | Check Pricing | Best sites plus funnels | Website builder, funnel builder, ecommerce, appointments, memberships, CRM features | Simvoly Website Builder Review |
| 20. Web.com | Intro pricing / Renews higher | Check Pricing | Best legacy SMB option | Website builder, domain services, hosting, business tools, done-for-you options | Web.com Review |
What are WYSIWYG Website Builders?
To kick off this WYSIWYG web builder review, WYSIWYG means “what you see is what you get.”
The meaning of the acronym itself pretty much describes the sort of builder you end up with: what you see is what you get.
WYSIWYG website builders are creation platforms that you can use right out of the box and, in terms of technical specifications, lay everything out for your perusal. All the features are there; you don’t need special codes or access privileges to unlock anything. There are several WYSIWYG web builder downloadable software and WYSIWYG free web builders you can use, too.
How We Chose the Leading WYSIWYG Web Builders:
Our review is based on the following criteria:
- Ease of use – is there a learning curve associated with using this web builder?
- Features and functionality – what sort of features and functionalities can you expect from the builder?
- SEO and Mobility – can this WYSIWYG builder help you rank well on Google and other search engines?
- Support and Resources – will you get competent support from the builder?
- Value for money.
Our Best WYSIWYG Website Builders in Detail:
In this WYSIWYG web builder review, let's get up close and personal with each candidate.
1. Wix – My Top Pick Of WYSIWYG Website Builders!!!
Overview:
Founded in and still operating from Tel Aviv, Israel, Wix is the site builder of choice for over four million users across the globe and has been since 2006. Having grown by leaps and bounds over the course of nearly two decades, it offers a two-pronged approach to site building. Users can simply answer a few questions and generate an AI-built website or use the drag-and-drop approach using the template-based builder.
Features:
- WIX Artificial Design Intelligence (WIX ADI) site builder;
- Conventional drag-and-drop builder;
- SEO tool suite; and
- Ecommerce tool suite
Pros:
- One of the easiest site builders to learn and use;
- Has a WYSIWYG free web builder version;
- Offers possibly the most extensive selection of functional add-ons;
- Offers maximum creative flexibility;
- Excellent technical assistance
Cons:
- No reversion function – if you create a page using a Wix WYSIWYG web builder templates, you can’t easily swap it out and need to start again from scratch;
- The more scalable features involve premium third-party applications that need to be paid for;
- One can easily get lost with all the available features in the UI
Pricing:
The platform has a WYSIWYG free web builder, but with annoying ads included. Monthly rates range from $4.50
There's a 14-day money-back guarantee on all plans. Do your diligence and read their terms of use before committing to create a website via Wix.
Squarespace
Overview:
First up on our list of the best WYSIWYG editors – Squarespace.
Web design ware? Squarespace has it. Blogging interface you can use from the get-go? Squarespace has that, too. In fact, this website builder offers something for everybody, regardless if you’re just creating a site as a personal online portfolio or a full-blown ecommerce facility.
We have to say in this WYSIWYG web builder review: it's not the most tractable of site builders. However, it is one of the more popular choices as it allows users to offer scheduled services and digital downloads on top of physical products. Likewise, it is one of the few ecommerce-friendly site builders that offers a wide range of functions specific to the creative industry, service industry, and the performing arts. With today’s economy veering more towards becoming gig-based, this can be seen as an advantage working in Squarespace’s favour.
Features:
- Drag and drop site builder with built-in ecommerce capabilities;
- Over 100 industry-specific design templates;
- Built-in site customisation modules;
- Cloud-based hosting;
- Mobile application for editing or site management on the fly; and
- SEO toolkit
Pros:
- This WYSIWYG web builder is truly optimised for ecommerce site creation and management;
- Industry-specific templates allow creators to have a professional look for their sites;
- Top notch when it comes to technical support
Cons:
- Despite being one of the best WYSIWYG editors, it can be difficult to manipulate, especially for those new to the platform;
- Scores low when it comes to customisation
Pricing:
Not a WYSIWYG free web builder. Subscription cost runs between $12 and $40 a month, with ecommerce plans pegged at $26 monthly at the most basic
Squarespace trial comes in 14 days of free testing of the Business Plan, as shown in their terms of service page.
Weebly
Overview:
Weebly has been around for nearly 20 years and, along with arch-competitor Wix, is considered one of the leading WYSIWYG free web builders currently available.
Thanks to its acquisition by ecommerce solutions developer Square Inc, it has also built up quite a reputation as one of the easiest online store builders to use, as well as one with myriad features that entrepreneurs and business owners can use to maximise their potential in the virtual marketplace.
As of the time we conducted this WYSIWYG web builder review, this site builder boasts of having been used to create (and even host) over 50 million websites worldwide.
Features:
- Intuitive drag and drop;
- SEO toolkit;
- Ecommerce toolkit;
- In-platform applications marketplace for third-party integrations;
- SSL certificate; and
- Cloud-based hosting
Pros:
- Drag and drop interface allows for easy – and quick – site creation;
- One of the most affordable in terms of pricing;
- Already includes ample site security features in its packages
Cons:
- Limited choices when it comes to aesthetic elements despite being one of the best WYSIWYG editors;
- Offers SEO tools, but the functionality is limited;
- Updates are sporadic at best
Pricing:
This is a great WYSIWYG free web builder. From $5 monthly for a Weebly subscription, but a caveat: full functionality is only available for the top two pricing tiers.
A 30-day money back guarantee is applicable to all paid subscriptions. Therefore, users who aren't happy with the service can receive a full refund if they cancel their account within 30 days of activation or within 30 days of the service contract renewal.
Shopify
Overview:
Used by both startups and established businesses to get a strong foothold in the digital marketplace, Shopify continues to be the WYSIWYG builder / best WYSIWYG editors of choice in the ecommerce sector.
At present, it enjoys widespread use in over 175 countries thanks to a stable creation platform bolstered by an extensive range of tools that include SEO management solutions, ecommerce-specific applications, and analytics.
The platform's long-standing advantage has always been its intuitive site builder, as you can use it almost as soon as you've signed up for and logged into your account. Its UI puts all the tools out where users can readily see them.
Its intuitive nature also means that the system will learn how users work and recognise their most frequently used tools, enabling them to build and manage their sites more efficiently and effectively.
Features:
- Intuitive drag and drop site builder;
- Online store management suite, including multiple staff account creation and point-of-sale functionality;
- On- and offline marketing tools; and
- Shipping and logistics features for both domestic and international transactions
Pros:
- User-friendly working interface;
- Exceptional analytics processing and management;
- Can interface with numerous third-party apps for optimised functionality
Cons:
- Not all features are available, depending on which country you’re in;
- Using add-on apps or plugins can add considerably to your costs;
- Lacks functionality in terms of content management
Pricing:
Shopify will set you back between $29.00 to $299.00 monthly
WordPress.com
Now we go to WordPress.com in this WYSIWYG web builder review.
Overview:
Admittedly, WordPress is the first thing that comes to mind when people are looking for a WYSIWYG free web builder they can use right off the bat.
Indeed, it has long been the gold standard when it comes to the easiest manner by which anyone can create a website. Throw in the fact that it also offers managed hosting (in the case of WordPress.com) as well as linking users with established/preferred hosting partners like Bluehost, it takes much of the stress out of both site creation and site management.
Features:
- CMS site creator for this best WYSIWYG editors;
- Integrated news and blogging function;
- Post scheduling feature;
- Responsive web design;
- Extensive selection of functional plugins; and
- Numerous aesthetic / design options
Pros:
- Users are assured of secure hosting for their sites with this WYSIWYG web builder compared to more conventional builders or hosting providers;
- Sites created with the platform are already SEO- and mobile-ready;
- Offers above-average functionality when it comes to social media integration and marketing
Cons:
- While this is a WYSIWYG free web builder, customising your site may prove costly as many themes, templates, and plugins need to be paid for;
- The CMS engine used for site creation has long been known to be vulnerable when it comes to hackers and denial of service attacks;
- Too many updates tend to distract users from their work
Pricing:
- Free to use version available for this WYSIWYG web builder. But take note that the functionality and features included are considerably less than what you would get with a paid subscription;
- Monthly rates range between $4 to $45
A 14-day money-back guarantee applies to all paid subscriptions as per their Terms of Service.
Conclusion and Personal Recommendations
Now, let's wrap up this WYSIWYG web builder review;
As we stated earlier in the introduction, not all the best WYSIWYG editors are made equal, but the very best ones are those that allow for maximum ease of use, allowing users to build and deploy their sites in minutes.
While there are ecommerce-ready leading options like WIX, we recommend that those in the market for the best WYSIWYG editors/builders also read up, test them for a trial period, and find a builder that really suits the way they work.
FAQ:
I have an online business; which of these WYSIWYG online web builders should I consider?
Three of our best WYSIWYG editors featured are actually great for those getting into ecommerce. Between them, both Squarespace and Shopify offer a highly engaging creation and management experience. However, for those who are complete novices to ecommerce, the ecommerce edition of the Weebly site builder will help give you a feel for the different processes involved in creating and managing an online store.
I have absolutely no experience when it comes to coding; which one of these builders would work best for me?
For absolute beginners, it’s best to cut your teeth on Weebly. The very basic CMS builder essentially works like a word processing module, enabling you to create pages in a flash. Once you feel more comfortable, expand your horizons into some of the best WYSIWYG WordPress editors.
That's all for now:
If you've read all the way through this topnotch WYSIWYG web builder review, we are thankful. We hope you can now answer the question of what is the best WYSIWYG editors option for you! We have a large collection of articles, guides, and comparison reviews of eCommerce solutions, web hosting providers, website builders, and more! Feel free to check them out;
- best website builders for small business
- Squarespace vs WordPress
- webflow vs wordpress
- best website builder and hosting
- best ecommerce credit card processing
Hi, I’m Stuart Kerr Spindlow; the publisher behind StuartKerrs.com.
I review and evaluate digital marketing software used by businesses, marketers, and website owners; including hosting platforms, website builders, email marketing tools, SEO software, analytics, and automation systems.
I hold a degree in Computer Science from The Open University and began my career working in financial technology, developing and supporting production software systems, banking intranets, and web platforms. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve tested, implemented, and analysed a wide range of digital tools across real-world business environments.
Today, this site focuses on independent, experience-led software reviews. Tools are assessed based on usability, performance, pricing transparency, long-term value, and suitability for real businesses; not vendor claims or sponsorships.
I don’t run an agency and I don’t sell services through this site. The goal is simple: publish honest, practical software reviews that help people choose the right tools with confidence.
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