Website builders bundle design templates, hosting and maintenance into one subscription, while web hosts give you server space to run software such as WordPress yourself. Builders trade flexibility for convenience; hosting trades convenience for control.
Prioritise speed, uptime, security updates and how easily you can move away later. Your domain name should always be registered in your own account, never only through a designer or agency.
What to look for
- Templates and visual editing
- Free SSL certificates
- Uptime monitoring and backups
- Built-in SEO controls and sitemaps
- Forms, bookings and basic e-commerce
- Custom domain and professional email
How pricing works
- Builders: monthly plans, with e-commerce features on higher tiers
- Hosting: low introductory rates on multi-year terms that renew higher
- Domains, email and premium themes or plugins are often separate
- Managed WordPress hosting costs more but includes updates and caching
Model three-year cost with our total cost of ownership calculator.
Commonly evaluated Website Builders & Hosting providers
Selected by our editors as a starting point — not ranked, and not paid placements. Ratings appear only after genuine reviews pass moderation.
Wix
Squarespace
WordPress.com
Hostinger
SiteGround
Bluehost
Questions to ask every vendor
- What is the renewal price after the introductory term?
- Can we export the site if we leave?
- Where are backups stored and how quickly can you restore?
- Is staging included for testing changes?
- What uptime guarantee is offered, and what is the remedy?
Red flags
- Introductory pricing that triples at renewal
- Domain registered in the vendor's or agency's name
- No site export
- Upsell-heavy checkout with pre-ticked add-ons
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a website builder or WordPress?
Related guides
- How to choose business software: a 7-step buying framework
- CRM buyer's guide for small and mid-sized businesses
- The hidden costs of SaaS: total cost of ownership explained
Editorial content written by the BusinessReviews.com team following our editorial policy. Vendor names are trademarks of their owners. Verify current pricing and features with each vendor.