Best Website Builders for Small Businesses in 2025
Best online website builder comparison: cheapest options, pros, cons, and which is best for YOUR business
📅 December 3, 2025
⏱️ 12 min lectura
✍️ Adratech Team
Looking for the best online website builder for small business? Wondering what is the best place to build a website for small business in 2025? With options like Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, WordPress, and GoDaddy, finding the cheapest website builder for small business that still delivers quality can be overwhelming. This guide compares every major platform with real 2025 pricing, honest pros and cons, and clear recommendations.
The Truth About Website Builders in 2025
Website builders have evolved dramatically. Today's platforms offer AI-powered design, built-in SEO tools, and e-commerce capabilities that would have cost thousands of dollars just a few years ago.
But here's what marketing won't tell you: no single builder is "the best" for everyone. The right choice depends entirely on your business type, technical comfort level, budget, and growth plans.
Let's cut through the noise and look at what each platform actually delivers in 2025.
But here's what marketing won't tell you: no single builder is "the best" for everyone. The right choice depends entirely on your business type, technical comfort level, budget, and growth plans.
Let's cut through the noise and look at what each platform actually delivers in 2025.
1. Wix - Best All-in-One Solution
Best for: Small businesses wanting maximum features without coding
2025 Pricing: $17 - $159/month (billed annually)
Wix remains the most versatile website builder on the market. With over 2,000 templates and an extensive app marketplace, it handles everything from simple portfolios to complex e-commerce stores.
Plans breakdown:
• Light ($17/mo): Custom domain, no Wix ads, 2GB storage - good for simple sites
• Core ($29/mo): E-commerce enabled, booking tools, analytics - best value for most businesses
• Business ($36/mo): Advanced e-commerce, gift cards, dropshipping
• Business Elite ($159/mo): Unlimited storage, priority support - for high-volume stores
Pros:
✅ Most features of any builder: forums, appointments, restaurants, music, multilingual
✅ Drag-and-drop editor with total design freedom
✅ Strong SEO tools built-in
✅ 14-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
❌ Can't switch templates once site is live
❌ Transaction fees (2.9% + $0.30) on payments
❌ Gets expensive with apps ($3-20/month each)
❌ Not the cheapest for simple sites
Verdict: If you want one platform that does everything and don't mind paying for quality, Wix is hard to beat. Just budget for the Core plan ($29/mo) minimum if you need e-commerce.
2025 Pricing: $17 - $159/month (billed annually)
Wix remains the most versatile website builder on the market. With over 2,000 templates and an extensive app marketplace, it handles everything from simple portfolios to complex e-commerce stores.
Plans breakdown:
• Light ($17/mo): Custom domain, no Wix ads, 2GB storage - good for simple sites
• Core ($29/mo): E-commerce enabled, booking tools, analytics - best value for most businesses
• Business ($36/mo): Advanced e-commerce, gift cards, dropshipping
• Business Elite ($159/mo): Unlimited storage, priority support - for high-volume stores
Pros:
✅ Most features of any builder: forums, appointments, restaurants, music, multilingual
✅ Drag-and-drop editor with total design freedom
✅ Strong SEO tools built-in
✅ 14-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
❌ Can't switch templates once site is live
❌ Transaction fees (2.9% + $0.30) on payments
❌ Gets expensive with apps ($3-20/month each)
❌ Not the cheapest for simple sites
Verdict: If you want one platform that does everything and don't mind paying for quality, Wix is hard to beat. Just budget for the Core plan ($29/mo) minimum if you need e-commerce.
2. Squarespace - Best for Design-Focused Businesses
Best for: Creatives, service businesses, restaurants, photographers
2025 Pricing: $16 - $52/month (billed annually)
Squarespace is where design meets functionality. Every template looks like it was crafted by a professional designer, and the built-in scheduling tools (Acuity) make it perfect for service-based businesses.
Plans breakdown:
• Basic ($16/mo): Beautiful templates, basic features, 2% transaction fee if selling
• Core ($23/mo): Custom code, premium integrations, 1 free Google Workspace email - recommended
• Plus ($39/mo): Abandoned cart recovery, real-time shipping rates, product waitlists
• Advanced ($52/mo): Unlimited video storage, advanced commerce features
Pros:
✅ Stunning, award-winning templates (all mobile-responsive)
✅ Best-in-class scheduling with Acuity integration
✅ No transaction fees except on Basic plan
✅ 14-day free trial
✅ Free domain first year with annual plans
Cons:
❌ Less flexible than Wix - you work within the template structure
❌ Fewer third-party integrations
❌ 2% fee on Basic plan sales
❌ Limited to 2 contributors on Basic
Verdict: If visual impact matters to your business and you offer services with appointments, Squarespace is your answer. The Core plan at $23/mo hits the sweet spot.
2025 Pricing: $16 - $52/month (billed annually)
Squarespace is where design meets functionality. Every template looks like it was crafted by a professional designer, and the built-in scheduling tools (Acuity) make it perfect for service-based businesses.
Plans breakdown:
• Basic ($16/mo): Beautiful templates, basic features, 2% transaction fee if selling
• Core ($23/mo): Custom code, premium integrations, 1 free Google Workspace email - recommended
• Plus ($39/mo): Abandoned cart recovery, real-time shipping rates, product waitlists
• Advanced ($52/mo): Unlimited video storage, advanced commerce features
Pros:
✅ Stunning, award-winning templates (all mobile-responsive)
✅ Best-in-class scheduling with Acuity integration
✅ No transaction fees except on Basic plan
✅ 14-day free trial
✅ Free domain first year with annual plans
Cons:
❌ Less flexible than Wix - you work within the template structure
❌ Fewer third-party integrations
❌ 2% fee on Basic plan sales
❌ Limited to 2 contributors on Basic
Verdict: If visual impact matters to your business and you offer services with appointments, Squarespace is your answer. The Core plan at $23/mo hits the sweet spot.
3. Shopify - Best for Serious E-commerce
Best for: Businesses primarily selling products online
2025 Pricing: $29 - $299/month (billed annually)
If e-commerce is your core business, Shopify is built specifically for you. It powers over 4 million online stores and handles everything from single-product stores to enterprise operations.
Plans breakdown:
• Starter ($5/mo): Sell via social media links only - no real website
• Basic ($29/mo annual): Full online store, 2 staff accounts - perfect for starting
• Grow ($79/mo annual): Professional reports, 5 staff accounts - for growing stores
• Advanced ($299/mo annual): Custom reports, 15 staff accounts, lowest fees
• Plus ($2,300+/mo): Enterprise solution
Pros:
✅ Best e-commerce features: abandoned cart, tax calculation, discount codes
✅ 100+ payment gateways supported
✅ Excellent POS integration for physical retail
✅ Massive app ecosystem
✅ 3-day free trial, then $1/mo for first 3 months
Cons:
❌ Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments
❌ Apps add up quickly ($10-50/mo each for premium ones)
❌ Steeper learning curve than Wix/Squarespace
❌ Themes are expensive ($150-400 for premium)
❌ Monthly costs grow fast with apps
Verdict: If you're selling products and want the most powerful e-commerce tools, Shopify is worth the investment. But be realistic about total costs - most stores spend $100-300/mo when you add apps.
2025 Pricing: $29 - $299/month (billed annually)
If e-commerce is your core business, Shopify is built specifically for you. It powers over 4 million online stores and handles everything from single-product stores to enterprise operations.
Plans breakdown:
• Starter ($5/mo): Sell via social media links only - no real website
• Basic ($29/mo annual): Full online store, 2 staff accounts - perfect for starting
• Grow ($79/mo annual): Professional reports, 5 staff accounts - for growing stores
• Advanced ($299/mo annual): Custom reports, 15 staff accounts, lowest fees
• Plus ($2,300+/mo): Enterprise solution
Pros:
✅ Best e-commerce features: abandoned cart, tax calculation, discount codes
✅ 100+ payment gateways supported
✅ Excellent POS integration for physical retail
✅ Massive app ecosystem
✅ 3-day free trial, then $1/mo for first 3 months
Cons:
❌ Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments
❌ Apps add up quickly ($10-50/mo each for premium ones)
❌ Steeper learning curve than Wix/Squarespace
❌ Themes are expensive ($150-400 for premium)
❌ Monthly costs grow fast with apps
Verdict: If you're selling products and want the most powerful e-commerce tools, Shopify is worth the investment. But be realistic about total costs - most stores spend $100-300/mo when you add apps.
4. WordPress - Best for Full Control & Scalability
Best for: Tech-comfortable users who want unlimited flexibility
2025 Pricing: $3 - $50/month (hosting) + additional costs
WordPress powers 43% of all websites on the internet. It's not a "builder" in the traditional sense - it's a content management system (CMS) that you install on hosting you purchase separately.
Cost breakdown:
• Hosting: $3-50/month (Hostinger $2-7/mo, Bluehost $5-13/mo, premium VPS $30-100/mo)
• Domain: $10-15/year
• Premium theme: $0-200 one-time
• Premium plugins: $0-500/year
• Total first year: $100-1,000+ depending on needs
Pros:
✅ 100% ownership - you control everything
✅ Unlimited customization with 60,000+ plugins
✅ Best for SEO when configured properly
✅ No platform lock-in - move anytime
✅ Cheapest option long-term for complex sites
✅ Can handle any scale
Cons:
❌ Steeper learning curve
❌ You're responsible for updates, security, backups
❌ Can be vulnerable if not maintained
❌ Quality depends heavily on theme/plugins chosen
❌ Support is scattered (hosting, theme, plugin vendors)
Verdict: WordPress is powerful but requires more technical involvement. Best for businesses planning significant growth or needing features no builder offers. Consider hiring a developer for setup.
2025 Pricing: $3 - $50/month (hosting) + additional costs
WordPress powers 43% of all websites on the internet. It's not a "builder" in the traditional sense - it's a content management system (CMS) that you install on hosting you purchase separately.
Cost breakdown:
• Hosting: $3-50/month (Hostinger $2-7/mo, Bluehost $5-13/mo, premium VPS $30-100/mo)
• Domain: $10-15/year
• Premium theme: $0-200 one-time
• Premium plugins: $0-500/year
• Total first year: $100-1,000+ depending on needs
Pros:
✅ 100% ownership - you control everything
✅ Unlimited customization with 60,000+ plugins
✅ Best for SEO when configured properly
✅ No platform lock-in - move anytime
✅ Cheapest option long-term for complex sites
✅ Can handle any scale
Cons:
❌ Steeper learning curve
❌ You're responsible for updates, security, backups
❌ Can be vulnerable if not maintained
❌ Quality depends heavily on theme/plugins chosen
❌ Support is scattered (hosting, theme, plugin vendors)
Verdict: WordPress is powerful but requires more technical involvement. Best for businesses planning significant growth or needing features no builder offers. Consider hiring a developer for setup.
5. GoDaddy - Best for Speed & Simplicity
Best for: Non-tech users who need a basic site fast
2025 Pricing: $10.99 - $26.99/month
GoDaddy's website builder is the fastest way to get online. Their AI can generate a basic site in under a minute. It's simple, straightforward, and backed by GoDaddy's massive support infrastructure.
Plans breakdown:
• Basic ($10.99/mo): Custom domain connection, SEO tools, SSL security
• Premium ($22.99/mo): Online payments, appointment booking
• Commerce ($26.99/mo): Unlimited products, marketplace integrations
Pros:
✅ Easiest to use - AI builds site in minutes
✅ Good 24/7 customer support
✅ Free email for first year
✅ Built-in SEO wizard
✅ 7-day free trial
Cons:
❌ Very limited customization
❌ Basic e-commerce features
❌ Prices jump 25%+ on renewal
❌ Domain not included (extra cost)
❌ Templates are generic
Verdict: GoDaddy works if you need something basic online quickly. But for anything beyond a simple informational site, you'll outgrow it fast.
2025 Pricing: $10.99 - $26.99/month
GoDaddy's website builder is the fastest way to get online. Their AI can generate a basic site in under a minute. It's simple, straightforward, and backed by GoDaddy's massive support infrastructure.
Plans breakdown:
• Basic ($10.99/mo): Custom domain connection, SEO tools, SSL security
• Premium ($22.99/mo): Online payments, appointment booking
• Commerce ($26.99/mo): Unlimited products, marketplace integrations
Pros:
✅ Easiest to use - AI builds site in minutes
✅ Good 24/7 customer support
✅ Free email for first year
✅ Built-in SEO wizard
✅ 7-day free trial
Cons:
❌ Very limited customization
❌ Basic e-commerce features
❌ Prices jump 25%+ on renewal
❌ Domain not included (extra cost)
❌ Templates are generic
Verdict: GoDaddy works if you need something basic online quickly. But for anything beyond a simple informational site, you'll outgrow it fast.
6. Hostinger - Best Budget Option
Best for: Budget-conscious businesses wanting AI features
2025 Pricing: $2.99 - $9.99/month (billed annually)
Hostinger's AI Website Builder is the newest major player, offering impressive AI tools at budget prices. It's a solid choice for small businesses watching every dollar.
Plans breakdown:
• Website Builder ($2.99/mo): AI builder, 150 templates, free domain, SSL
• Business ($3.99/mo): + e-commerce, 100 products
• Cloud ($9.99/mo): + unlimited products, abandoned cart recovery
Pros:
✅ Extremely affordable
✅ AI website builder, content writer, image generator included
✅ Easy multilingual site setup
✅ Free domain and SSL
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
❌ Limited features on cheap plans
❌ Platform lock-in (can't export site easily)
❌ Less mature than competitors
❌ Fewer templates and integrations
❌ Not ideal for complex sites
Verdict: Hostinger is hard to beat on price. If budget is your primary concern and you need a simple site, it delivers solid value. Just don't expect Wix-level features.
2025 Pricing: $2.99 - $9.99/month (billed annually)
Hostinger's AI Website Builder is the newest major player, offering impressive AI tools at budget prices. It's a solid choice for small businesses watching every dollar.
Plans breakdown:
• Website Builder ($2.99/mo): AI builder, 150 templates, free domain, SSL
• Business ($3.99/mo): + e-commerce, 100 products
• Cloud ($9.99/mo): + unlimited products, abandoned cart recovery
Pros:
✅ Extremely affordable
✅ AI website builder, content writer, image generator included
✅ Easy multilingual site setup
✅ Free domain and SSL
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
❌ Limited features on cheap plans
❌ Platform lock-in (can't export site easily)
❌ Less mature than competitors
❌ Fewer templates and integrations
❌ Not ideal for complex sites
Verdict: Hostinger is hard to beat on price. If budget is your primary concern and you need a simple site, it delivers solid value. Just don't expect Wix-level features.
Quick Comparison Table
| Builder | Best For | Starting Price | E-commerce From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | All-in-one solution | $17/mo | $29/mo |
| Squarespace | Design & services | $16/mo | $23/mo |
| Shopify | E-commerce stores | $29/mo | $29/mo |
| WordPress | Full control & scale | $3/mo | $5/mo + plugins |
| GoDaddy | Simple sites fast | $10.99/mo | $26.99/mo |
| Hostinger | Budget-conscious | $2.99/mo | $3.99/mo |
Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
The advertised prices are just the beginning. Here's what you'll actually spend:
Domain name: $10-50/year (free first year with most annual plans, then you pay)
Premium templates:
• Wix: Free templates included
• Squarespace: Free templates included
• Shopify: $0-400 (free themes are limited)
• WordPress: $0-200
Apps/Plugins (monthly):
• Email marketing: $10-50/mo
• Advanced SEO tools: $10-30/mo
• Booking systems: $15-40/mo
• Live chat: $15-50/mo
Transaction fees:
• Wix: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Squarespace: 0-2% depending on plan
• Shopify: 0-2% + payment processor fees
• All platforms: Payment processor fees (Stripe/PayPal ~2.9%)
Realistic monthly budget:
• Basic informational site: $15-30/mo
• Service business with booking: $30-60/mo
• Small e-commerce store: $50-150/mo
• Growing e-commerce: $150-400/mo
Domain name: $10-50/year (free first year with most annual plans, then you pay)
Premium templates:
• Wix: Free templates included
• Squarespace: Free templates included
• Shopify: $0-400 (free themes are limited)
• WordPress: $0-200
Apps/Plugins (monthly):
• Email marketing: $10-50/mo
• Advanced SEO tools: $10-30/mo
• Booking systems: $15-40/mo
• Live chat: $15-50/mo
Transaction fees:
• Wix: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Squarespace: 0-2% depending on plan
• Shopify: 0-2% + payment processor fees
• All platforms: Payment processor fees (Stripe/PayPal ~2.9%)
Realistic monthly budget:
• Basic informational site: $15-30/mo
• Service business with booking: $30-60/mo
• Small e-commerce store: $50-150/mo
• Growing e-commerce: $150-400/mo
When DIY Builders Aren't Enough
Website builders are great for getting started, but there are scenarios where custom development makes more sense:
Consider professional development when:
• You need unique functionality not available in apps
• You're processing $50,000+/month in sales
• You need integrations with specific business systems (ERP, CRM)
• SEO and performance are critical for your business
• You want to own your code and hosting completely
• Your site is a core business asset, not just a brochure
Custom development costs:
• Professional website: $3,000 - $10,000
• E-commerce store: $8,000 - $25,000
• Custom web application: $15,000 - $50,000+
Long-term cost comparison:
5-year cost of Shopify ($79/mo + apps):
~$150/mo × 60 months = $9,000
5-year cost of custom e-commerce:
$12,000 development + $50/mo hosting × 60 = $15,000
The difference? With custom development, you own everything, have no transaction fees, and can scale without platform limitations.
Consider professional development when:
• You need unique functionality not available in apps
• You're processing $50,000+/month in sales
• You need integrations with specific business systems (ERP, CRM)
• SEO and performance are critical for your business
• You want to own your code and hosting completely
• Your site is a core business asset, not just a brochure
Custom development costs:
• Professional website: $3,000 - $10,000
• E-commerce store: $8,000 - $25,000
• Custom web application: $15,000 - $50,000+
Long-term cost comparison:
5-year cost of Shopify ($79/mo + apps):
~$150/mo × 60 months = $9,000
5-year cost of custom e-commerce:
$12,000 development + $50/mo hosting × 60 = $15,000
The difference? With custom development, you own everything, have no transaction fees, and can scale without platform limitations.
Our Recommendations by Business Type
- ✓ Restaurant/Café: Squarespace ($23/mo) - beautiful menus, reservation system built-in
- ✓ Photographer/Creative: Squarespace ($16/mo) - stunning galleries, portfolio-focused
- ✓ Consultant/Coach: Wix ($29/mo) - booking, courses, memberships all possible
- ✓ Local Service Business: Wix ($17/mo) or GoDaddy ($10.99/mo) - simple and effective
- ✓ Small E-commerce (under 50 products): Squarespace ($27/mo) or Wix ($29/mo)
- ✓ Serious E-commerce (50+ products): Shopify ($29-79/mo) - built for selling
- ✓ Tech Startup: WordPress - flexibility to scale and customize
- ✓ Budget-Tight Startup: Hostinger ($2.99/mo) - get online affordably
- ✓ Growing Business ($100k+ revenue): Custom development - invest in your digital foundation
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
After analyzing all major platforms in 2025, here's the bottom line:
🏆 Best Overall: Wix - Most features, most flexibility, good for 80% of small businesses.
🎨 Best Design: Squarespace - If aesthetics matter and you offer services.
🛒 Best E-commerce: Shopify - If selling products is your primary business.
💪 Best Control: WordPress - If you're technical and want unlimited customization.
💰 Best Budget: Hostinger - If every dollar counts and you need something basic.
⚡ Fastest Setup: GoDaddy - If you need something online TODAY.
Remember: The "best" platform is the one that fits YOUR specific needs, budget, and growth plans. Start with a free trial before committing, and don't be afraid to switch later if your needs change.
And if you're still unsure, or your business needs have outgrown DIY builders, consider talking to professionals who can assess your specific situation and recommend the right path forward.
🏆 Best Overall: Wix - Most features, most flexibility, good for 80% of small businesses.
🎨 Best Design: Squarespace - If aesthetics matter and you offer services.
🛒 Best E-commerce: Shopify - If selling products is your primary business.
💪 Best Control: WordPress - If you're technical and want unlimited customization.
💰 Best Budget: Hostinger - If every dollar counts and you need something basic.
⚡ Fastest Setup: GoDaddy - If you need something online TODAY.
Remember: The "best" platform is the one that fits YOUR specific needs, budget, and growth plans. Start with a free trial before committing, and don't be afraid to switch later if your needs change.
And if you're still unsure, or your business needs have outgrown DIY builders, consider talking to professionals who can assess your specific situation and recommend the right path forward.
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