Top 8 Responsive Website Builders for Beginners

Having a mobile-responsive website is no longer just an option – it’s a necessity. Gone are the days of clunky, unoptimized sites that frustrate users on their smartphones. Now, with the help of responsive website builders, crafting mobile-friendly websites has become effortless.

When choosing the perfect responsive website builder, keep these key features in mind:

In this article, we’ll delve into 8 top-notch responsive website builders, each catering to your unique needs, whether you’re a small business owner or an individual looking to create a stunning personal website. Let’s explore these website-building gems and find your perfect match!

 

Squarespace: Powerful Design-Oriented Website Builder

Squarespace is a powerful website builder tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and creative individuals. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows easy creation of beautiful websites, even without coding knowledge. With access to professionally designed templates, users can build fully customizable and responsive sites.

🔑 Key Squarespace Features

Squarespace offers an array of features, including eCommerce capabilities, integrated analytics, SEO tools, custom domains, and social media integration.

It boasts excellent blogging functionalities with RSS feeds and comments moderation options, as well as 24/7 customer support via phone or chat.

❌ Drawbacks

One limitation of Squarespace is its limited customizability.

This makes significant changes to the layout or functionality challenging.

💲 Squarespace Pricing

All of Squarespace’s plans offer access to the full library of their responsive templates.

• Personal: $16 a month, excluding eCommerce.
• Business: $23 a month, including marketing features and eCommerce.
• Online Store (Basic): $27 a month, for online selling without transaction fees.
• Online Store (Advanced): $49 a month, offering advanced eCommerce features.

👤 Who is Squarespace for?

Squarespace is an excellent choice for small businesses and freelancers seeking an attractive, responsive website. It provides ample customization options, though its higher cost might not suit everyone.

However, Squarespace may not be the best fit for larger and rapidly growing businesses with specific and constant functional needs, complex navigation requirements, and advanced SEO demands.

If you’re looking for a platform with more flexibility, level of control, and limitless customization and functionality options in the form of extensions, you might consider more powerful solutions. Check out our WordPress vs Squarespace comparison review where we take a closer look at both solutions and compare them based on unique features, pros and cons, SEO tools, CMS tools, ease of use, extensions, integrations, eCommerce functionality, and pricing.

Already have a Squarespace project in mind you wish to discuss?

 

SITE123: The Quickest Website Builder

SITE123 is the go-to website builder if you want to create a site quickly without compromising functionality. With its simple point-and-click editor, you can build a functional site in minutes, even if customization options are limited. The platform offers over 180 templates for various niches, all fully mobile responsive by default. While the templates may look similar, you can customize headers, colors, and fonts to add uniqueness to your site.

🔑 Key Features of SITE123

Using the free version of SITE123 offers the advantage of a quick and effortless website setup without any coding involved. It provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to create a basic website in no time.

Additionally, the free plan includes valuable features like SEO optimization tools, which enhance your site’s visibility on search engines. This means you can establish a functional and well-optimized website without any financial investment.

❌ Drawbacks

SITE123 has a couple of drawbacks that are worth considering. Firstly, to remove all SITE123 ads, you’ll need to opt for the more expensive Advanced plan, which might be costlier compared to other competitors.

Secondly, although most of the available layouts are sufficient for standard websites, creating a highly unique and distinctive look for your site could be a bit challenging with the platform’s layout restrictions.

💲 SITE123 Pricing

• Free: Suitable for small websites and testing the editor.
• Basic ($10.80/month): Includes eCommerce with 10 orders/month and offline payment methods.
• Advanced ($16.80/month): No ads, adds PayPal to eCommerce, and allows translation into another language.
• Professional ($22.80/month): Includes credit card payments and supports up to three languages.
• Gold ($28.80/month): All-inclusive with 10 mailboxes, unlimited orders, and support for up to five languages.

Paid annual plans come with a free domain for the first year and allow you to connect an existing domain. Prices may vary based on the subscription duration.

👤 Who is SITE123 for?

Ideal users who want to quickly create a functional website without delving into extensive customization. It is ideal for individuals or small businesses who value ease of use and need a straightforward point-and-click editor. With over 180 templates and multilingual support, it caters to various markets and niches. However, if you prioritize complete customization and advanced features over speed, SITE123 might not be the best fit.

 

Strikingly: Responsive Builder For One-Page Websites

Strikingly is a user-friendly website builder that excels in creating well-designed one-page websites with responsive themes. It offers easy-to-use tools and the flexibility to switch templates without rebuilding the entire site. While customization options are somewhat limited compared to other builders, Strikingly is an excellent choice for showcasing products or services on a one-page site.

🔑 Key Features of Strikingly

Social media has become an essential tool for businesses to flourish. Strikingly acknowledges this significance and provides a social feed section in its builder. By linking your social media accounts, visitors can easily follow your updates.

However, it’s important to note that certain features are limited in the free plan. Upgrading to the Pro plan or higher allows you to import posts from a Facebook page instead of your personal timeline. Additionally, higher-tier plans enable you to integrate a live chat feature using Facebook Messenger on your website.

Strikingly offers connectivity to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, displaying your latest posts on your site. While the social feed might not be the most sophisticated or intuitive, it serves its purpose. Moreover, Strikingly automatically checks your feed every five minutes for new posts, ensuring your website stays up-to-date with your social media activities.

❌ Drawbacks

Strikingly has some drawbacks that users should consider. Firstly, its basic customization tools are not ideal for complex websites that require extensive customization as they grow. Secondly, the value for money might not be satisfactory as the design options and features are limited, especially when starting at the base price.

Thirdly, for those looking to run a more advanced e-commerce store, higher-tier plans are necessary as the platform’s e-commerce capabilities are somewhat restricted.

Lastly, Strikingly lags behind in site speed performance compared to other website builders, which can impact the overall user experience.

💲 Strikingly Pricing

Strikingly allows a free start, but its limitations prompt upgrading to a paid plan.

Premium plans start at $8/month and include a custom domain, 2 sites, and up to 5 pages per site.

👤 Who is Strikingly for?

A great choice for beginners and those looking for a simple, affordable option to create a blog or basic website. However, for businesses that anticipate growth and require more customization and advanced features, Strikingly may not be the most scalable option. Nonetheless, if a quick online presence at an attractive price is your priority, Strikingly remains a viable website builder.

 

Tilda: Block-Based Design-Oriented Responsive Website Builder

Tilda is an innovative and user-friendly website builder that allows users to create well-designed and responsive websites. With its extensive collection of pre-built blocks and customization options, Tilda offers flexibility and simplicity for website creation.

🔑 Key Features of Tilda

Tilda stands out as a unique and innovative website builder with a focus on web design. Its free version offers many theme options to help users showcase their distinctive style and creativity. With 450 pre-built blocks, Tilda allows for endless style possibilities, providing access to a vast collection of icons, fonts, and colors for customization.

The platform excels in typography and visual content, supporting videos, pictures, and galleries for enhanced website appearance. The use of blocks streamlines the design process, allowing users to choose from professionally designed modules that solve complex tasks effectively.

❌ Drawbacks

Tilda has a few drawbacks that users should consider before choosing the platform. First, some users have experienced subpar customer support, citing issues with responsiveness and assistance. Additionally, the available template designs may be somewhat limited, which could be a drawback for those seeking more diverse and unique options.

Another limitation is that the free plan does not allow users to connect to their own domain, which may hinder branding opportunities. Lastly, Tilda does not support .pdf and .docx file uploads, potentially restricting certain website functionalities.

💲 Tilda Pricing

Tilda operates on a freemium model with both free and paid plans. The free plan offers limited access to blocks and includes a “Made on Tilda” label on pages. Additionally, the free plan lacks a custom domain feature and file uploads.

For more control and access to all features, users can opt for the Personal Plan ($11 per month) or the Business Plan ($21 per month, billed annually), making Tilda suitable for those seeking simplicity and flexibility in creating simple websites and one-page projects, but not recommended for complex website projects.

👤 Who is Tilda for?

The tool is an excellent choice for users looking to create simple websites and one-page projects with a focus on design aesthetics. It suits individuals and small businesses seeking ease of use and flexibility in website creation. However, for those who require more control over individual pages or intend to develop complex websites, Tilda may not be the best choice.

 

Webflow: High-End Website Builder Comparable to CMS

Webflow, like the other website builders discussed here, offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor that enables you to create, design, and publish a responsive website without any coding required. It caters to both beginners and experienced users alike, positioning itself as a hybrid between a modern SaaS site builder and a traditional web developer platform.

If you have programming knowledge, you’ll appreciate the high level of freedom and customization available. Webflow provides access to CSS and JS managers, granting you granular control over your website’s styles and animations.

🔑 Key Features of Webflow

The tool stands out with its extensive array of features, encompassing custom code editing, dynamic content, and powerful eCommerce capabilities.

The platform’s major advantage lies in its remarkable flexibility, granting users the ability to effortlessly customize their websites with various design options like fonts, colors, and layouts. This level of customization empowers users to craft unique and engaging experiences for their visitors.

❌ Drawbacks

Webflow offers a powerful set of features, but beginners may face a learning curve while getting acquainted with its capabilities. Additionally, its eCommerce capabilities, though sufficient for small-scale stores, might not meet the requirements of larger e-commerce enterprises. The blog content editor is less flexible compared to some other platforms.

Moreover, certain advanced features are exclusively available in higher-priced plans, which may impact users on a budget. Notably, Webflow lacks a built-in plugin library, but users can still enhance their website’s functionality by integrating third-party tools.

💲 Webflow Pricing

Webflow offers three pricing plans to cater to different needs. The Starter plan is available for free, allowing users to try out the platform and get a feel for its capabilities. For more advanced features, the Core plan is priced at $19 per month, offering up to 3 seats and the ability to create up to 10 website projects while also allowing users to export their code.

The Growth plan, priced at $49 per month, provides the freedom to create an unlimited number of projects, making it ideal for those who require more scalability and flexibility in their web development endeavors.

👤 Who is Webflow for?

This is a suitable choice for individuals and businesses seeking to build modern, responsive websites. While it may require some extra effort compared to other website builders, it offers a wealth of features and functionalities. Moreover, the platform provides flexible pricing plans, making it suitable for a wide range of budgets.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, Webflow empowers you to create professional and visually stunning websites with ease.

Of course, if you like building websites the other way around-  a clean slate to add any kind of customization and functionality in the form of extensions- then consider more powerful tools such as WordPress. You can check out our Webflow vs WordPress detailed review where we compare the two platforms based on key features, CMS tools, design tools, ease of use, extensions, integrations, eCommerce functionality, and pricing.

Already have a Webflow project in mind you wish to discuss?

 

Weebly: The Easiest Drag-and-Drop Responsive Website Builder

Weebly stands out as one of the pioneers in the world of no-code website-building platforms. With its user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, it offers an incredibly simple and intuitive way to design and customize websites.

Whether you want to add text, images, videos, forms, or other elements, Weebly provides a wide array of features to make your website creation process a breeze.

🔑 Key Features of Weebly

Weebly comes with a wide range of features that cater to various website needs, such as responsive templates, eCommerce capabilities for online selling, blog tools for writing posts, analytics to monitor visitor activity, SEO tools for improved search engine visibility, domain name registration options, and more.

The platform’s standout advantage lies in its user-friendly nature, making it ideal for individuals with little to no web design or development experience.

❌ Drawbacks

Since its acquisition by Square in 2018, Weebly has faced a notable drawback, as product updates have been scarce. The platform’s app store contains underwhelming options, and its limited selection of templates is becoming outdated, despite all of them being mobile-responsive. Occasional glitches might also arise on the platform, impacting user experience.

Additionally, Weebly exhibits certain limitations in its SEO functionality, and design flexibility is somewhat restricted, hindering more extensive customization. Moreover, third-party integrations are limited in scope, limiting the platform’s ability to fully connect with other tools and services.

💲 Weebly Pricing

The Professional plan starts at an affordable $12 per month.

However, if you prefer to test the platform for personal projects or explore its capabilities, the free plan is an ideal starting point. Whether you’re a beginner or require more advanced functionalities, Weebly offers options to suit your specific needs.

👤 Who is Weebly for?

Weebly is a compelling option for those seeking to build a free website, thanks to its generous free plan. However, compared to other platforms, it may appear somewhat outdated and lacks extensive customization options and essential tools for long-term growth.

Despite this, it remains beneficial for beginners due to its step-by-step guidance, particularly in SEO implementation.

 

IONOS: Budget-Friendly Builder for Business Websites

MyWebsite Now from IONOS is a user-friendly website builder that allows you to create professional and fast-loading sites. While it may not have an extensive array of customization options, IONOS strikes a good balance between editing freedom and ease of use.

🔑 Key Features of  IONOS

With 18 industry-specific templates, IONOS offers a decent selection, though more variety would be appreciated.

However, its font, color, and animation options contribute to the creation of impressive and professional-looking sites that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes, including mobile.

❌ Drawbacks

The platform may be confusing and limiting to work with, as some users might find it challenging to achieve certain customizations or functionalities due to the interface’s design. Unlike many other website builders, IONOS does not offer a free plan or free trial, which limits users’ ability to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.

Additionally, the interface design may appear outdated to some users, lacking the modern and sleek aesthetics seen in other website builders.

However, IONOS does offer some compelling features, such as cheap website building with affordable prices for all its plans, including e-commerce options. It also excels in handling websites with video elements and animations, thanks to its impressive loading speeds. Moreover, IONOS provides a free professional email address with every plan, offering business email solutions.

The platform also offers tools to check website performance, responsiveness, load speeds, and security, helping users make informed decisions to improve their site’s performance.

💲 IONOS Pricing

IONOS offers incredibly affordable plans, with their cheapest plan starting at just $1 per month. They have three plans to choose from: the Starter Plan at $1/month, the Plus Plan at $5/month, and the Pro Plan at $10 per month. However, it’s essential to note that these prices are promotional introductory prices, valid for the first 12 months only.

After the initial period, the renewal prices will increase to $5/month for the Starter Plan, $10/month for the Plus Plan, and $15/month for the Pro Plan. Despite the price increase after the initial period, IONOS’s plans still remain relatively budget-friendly options for website building.

👤 Who is IONOS for?

The MyWebsite website builder from 1&1 IONOS is tailored to assist small businesses in establishing an online presence. Its exceptional value for money is a significant advantage, especially for startups with limited budgets.

As many new businesses often have financial constraints, the affordability of IONOS’s plans allows them to create a professional and respectable online presence without stretching their budget too thin.

 

GoDaddy: Responsive Website Builder for Analytics and Reporting

GoDaddy stands out as one of the top responsive website builders, offering powerful analytics features. Its straightforward and user-friendly design elements streamline the website-building process, making it accessible to all users.

In contrast to other platforms, GoDaddy prioritizes simplicity and effectiveness, providing essential tools for designing, constructing, and launching a fully responsive website optimized for search engines.

Getting started is a breeze – by answering a few questions about your business, such as industry and category, the site builder generates a mobile-friendly website in under five minutes. With its focus on responsiveness and optimization, GoDaddy proves to be a reliable choice for creating effective websites quickly and efficiently.

🔑 Key Features of  GoDaddy

GoDaddy’s website builder offers a seamless and hassle-free setup, providing your business name and essential pages to get started swiftly.

From there, you can effortlessly customize each page to accurately represent your specific business, products, or services.

❌ Drawbacks

While GoDaddy’s website builder is an excellent choice for many small businesses due to its simplicity, it may not be the best fit for everyone. While GoDaddy’s e-commerce functionality works well for modest web shops, larger stores might benefit from specialized eCommerce platforms like Shopify, which offer more comprehensive features.

Additionally, GoDaddy’s emphasis on ease of use limits some layout personalization options, making it less ideal for perfectionists who require extensive control over design elements.

💲 GoDaddy Pricing

GoDaddy offers a basic plan starting at $9.99 per month.

It provides users with a drag-and-drop website builder, the ability to connect a custom domain name, website security with SSL encryption, and access to customer support, among many other features.

👤 Who is GoDaddy for?

The builder proves to be a reliable choice for new websites and small businesses in need of a professional-looking website quickly and effortlessly, with analytics and reporting tools.

Its intuitive user interface and affordable pricing plans make it an excellent option for those who want to explore website design without any complications.

 

Feeling motivated and inspired to roll up your sleeves? Awesome. In case you need a web development partner for your current and future projects, here at htmlBurger, we are more than glad to discuss your needs. Wanna talk?

 

Let’s Wrap It Up!

To sum up, for beginners seeking to create mobile-friendly websites without the need for coding knowledge, the top 8 responsive website builders offer a range of user-friendly options. Squarespace stands out for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and extensive features, while SITE123’s simplicity and multilingual support make it ideal for quick site creation.

Strikingly’s one-page site specialization suits those looking for a straightforward, beginner-friendly approach. Webflow offers the perfect balance between customization and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Weebly impresses with its affordable plans and marketing tools, though it may lack some advanced features.

IONOS’s value for money is a plus for small businesses, and GoDaddy excels in simplicity and marketing tools.

Each of these builders caters to different needs and preferences, making it easier for beginners to find the right fit and establish a strong online presence with ease.

In the meantime, explore more insights and resources on web design and web development by checking out our other articles!

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