January 29

Cheapest Website Builder and Hosting Best Options for 2024

0  comments

The worldwide web may be something billions of people use on a regular basis. Yet, only a tiny fraction of Internet users have the technical knowledge and training in programming, graphic design, and digital marketing required to build a quality website from scratch. 

This knowledge gap drives the proliferation of website builders that make it easy for people to build a website without needing the assistance of an IT expert. Still, website builders are not created equal. We assessed numerous website builders and have developed a shortlist of ten that provide the cheapest combination of a website builder and hosting service. Let’s find out what gives them the edge.

With the basics of offshore hosting out of the way, let’s get down to the best six providers.

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Zyro

Zyro

  • Fast-loading web pages that are SEO-optimized by default.
  • Drag-and-drop editor with a convenient grid for ease of customization.
  • Free access to an AI-powered logo maker.
9.8
Visit Zyro
Ucraft

Ucraft

  • Multilingual website.
  • Live system uptime status page.
  • Runs on Google Cloud infrastructure.

9.7
Visit Ucraft
Weebly

Weebly

  • In-built SEO.
  • Contact and lead capture forms.
  • Image editor with in-website editing capabilities.


9.5
Visit Weebly
Web.com

Web.com

  • Dozens of content blocks for rapid page creation.
  • One hour of free design consultation from an expert web designer.
  • Professional email addresses.
9.5
Visit Web.com
Gator

Gator

  • Auto-optimized website layouts.
  • Free LogoMaker to build your own logo.
  • CRM capabilities.
9.4
Visit Gator
WordPress.com

WordPress.com

  • Mature, tried-and-tested website builder.
  • Advanced content management capabilities.
  • Free domain registration for the first year (annual paid plans only).
9.3
Visit WordPress.com
Zoho

Zoho

  • Drag-and-drop builder
  • Each version of a page is saved so you can roll back when needed.
  • Zoho CRM forms.
9.2
Visit Zoho
Jimdo

Jimdo

  • Make changes to the design at any time after publishing.
  • Multiple websites per plan.
  • Copyright-free image library.

9.2
Visit Jimdo
Wix

Wix

  • Builtin SEO and marketing features.
  • More than 900 templates to choose from.
  • Drag-and-drop AI-driven editor.


9.1
Visit Wix
Squarespace

Squarespace

  • Drag-and-drop editor.
  • Pre-built customizable layouts.
  • Live interactive webinars for customer support.


9.1
Visit Squarespace

1. Zyro

Owned by leading web host Hostinger, Zyro is the best website builder for its ability to create diverse types of responsive personal and business websites from fully customizable templates. Your website is configured for speed from the ground up, which is vital for increasing conversions and improved search engine visibility. The business plan comes with an eCommerce platform as well. 

Zyro has a 30-day money-back guarantee. All customers have access to 24/7 support via live chat, email, web form, and a large knowledge base. 

Main features:

  • Drag-and-drop editor with a convenient grid for ease of customization;
  • Free access to an AI-powered logo maker;
  • Free integration with Messenger/WhatsApp live chat;
  • Fast-loading web pages that are SEO-optimized by default

  Pros

  • Free hosting;
  • Unmetered bandwidth;
  • Unmetered storage;
  • Free SSL certificate;
  • Free professional email address (first 3 months).

Cons

  • Monthly subscriptions do not include free domain registration or a professional email address;
  • Extra fee for priority support, so your inquiries are answered before non-priority users.

Plans & Pricing

  • Website plan ($11.99 monthly);
  • Business plan ($14.99 monthly) – 20+ online payments options, 500 products.

2. Ucraft

We rank Ucraft second for its easy-to-use, drag-and-drop editor that builds responsive, professional websites. With websites running on Google Cloud’s industry-leading infrastructure, you get quick, affordable, and secure hosting for free. In addition, the wide range of customizable templates are suitable for everything from personal websites and blogs to business portals and online stores. 

All plans are covered by a 14-day money-back guarantee. Customers have access to 24/7 support via live chat, email, a knowledge base, and a user community discussion forum. Ucraft has a live system status page viewable by the public that shows uptime over the preceding 90 days. Uptimes are typically at 99.99 percent. 

Main features:

  • Drag-and-drop builder;
  • Multilingual website;
  • Unlimited web pages for paid plans
  • Live system uptime status page;
  • Runs on Google Cloud infrastructure

  Pros

  • Free SSL certificate;
  • Unmetered bandwidth;
  • Automatic backups;
  • Free hosting available

Cons

  • Free plan comes with Ucraft branding. You have to upgrade to remove it.

Plans & Pricing

  • Free website ($0 monthly) – Ucraft subdomain, Ucraft branding, 15 web pages;
  • Pro Website ($13 monthly) – Custom domain, unlimited web pages, 15 products;
  • Pro Shop ($24 monthly) – Custom domain, unlimited web pages, 1,000 products;
  • Unlimited ($75 monthly) – Custom domain, unlimited web pages, unlimited products.

3. Weebly

One of the most established website builders with a history going back more than 15 years, Weebly was always going to make this list. We rank it in third place for its customizable designs, SEO-ready elements as well as handy contact and lead capture forms. 

It provides the tools you need to create a responsive, professional site powered by integrated marketing techniques and sophisticated analytics. With Weebly's eCommerce offering, you can run an online store with simplified shipping, inventory management, and taxation processes.

Weebly has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers get 24/7 support via live chat, email, a knowledge base, and a user community discussion forum.

Main features:

  • Drag-and-drop builder;
  • Image editor with in-website editing capabilities;
  • Custom fonts to facilitate brand consistency;
  • In-built SEO;
  • Contact and lead capture forms.

  Pros

  • Free SSL certificate;
  • Free hosting available

Cons

  • Weebly branding on the free plan. You have to upgrade to remove it.

Plans & Pricing

  • Free ($0 monthly) – Weebly subdomain, Weebly branding, 500 MB storage;
  • Connect ($5 monthly) – Custom domain, 500 MB storage;
  • Pro ($12 monthly) – Custom domain, ad-free, free domain registration (first year), unmetered storage, $100 Google ad credits;
  • Business ($25 monthly) – Custom domain, ad-free, free domain registration (first year), unmetered storage, $100 Google ad credits;
  • Business Plus ($38 monthly) – Custom domain, ad-free, free domain registration (first year), unmetered storage, $100 Google ad credits, $96 email marketing credit.

4.  Web.com

We rank Web.com as the fourth best for its more than 150 responsive templates complemented by over a dozen content blocks for rapid site creation. You also have access to millions of free stock images as well as one hour of free design consultation from an expert web designer. If you are creating a business website, you get to file LLC business formation for free, though state-specific fees may apply.

Customers have access to 24/7 support via live chat, email, phone, and a knowledge base.

Main features

  • Drag-and-drop builder;
  • Dozens of content blocks for rapid page creation;
  • One hour of free design consultation from an expert web designer;

  • Professional email addresses;

  • Built-in blog

  Pros

  • Free SSL certificate;
  • Automatic daily backups;
  • Free domain registration (first year);
  • Free LLC business formation filing.

Cons

  • No free hosting plan;
  • State-specific fees may apply to LLC formation.

Plans & Pricing

  • Website Essentials ($14.99 monthly);
  • Business Essentials ($19.99 monthly) – Logo builder, SEO tools;
  • Ecommerce Essentials ($32.99 monthly) – Logo builder, SEO tools, eCommerce features;
  • Ecommerce Premium ($49.99 monthly) – Logo builder, SEO tools, eCommerce features, fulfillment automation.

5. Gator Website Builder

Owned by prominent web host HostGator, we placed Gator Website Builder in fifth place for its auto-optimized website layouts and industry-specific designs. This AI-driven approach stands in contrast to many website builders that require you to sift through numerous templates. It is also search-optimized from the get-go. Use the free LogoMaker to build your own logo. 

Gator Website Builder has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers have access to 24/7 support via live chat, email, phone, and a knowledge base

Main features:

  • Auto-optimized website layouts;
  • AI-driven website design;
  • Free LogoMaker to build your own logo. Website branding is automatically matched to your logo
  • Free email marketing campaigns monthly;
  • CRM capabilities

  Pros

  • Free SSL certificate;
  • Unmetered bandwidth;
  • Free domain registration for the first year (only for subscriptions of at least one year);
  • $200 search engine marketing credits.

Cons

  • No free hosting plan.

Plans & Pricing

  • Express Start ($4.99 monthly) – 3 email campaigns monthly, 3-product eCommerce store;
  • Express Site ($6.49 monthly) – 5 email campaigns monthly, 10-product eCommerce store
  • Express Store ($12.49 monthly) – 10 email campaigns monthly, unlimited product eCommerce store.

6. WordPress.com

WordPress has enjoyed remarkable success as the world's number one CMS. Its popularity can partly be attributed to the success of WordPress.com as a website builder and free web host. So WordPress.com’s website builder takes sixth place for its product maturity, customizable themes, and inbuilt SEO.

Customers have access to 24/7 support through, by far, the largest and most active user community in the website builder and CMS space. Paid plan subscription gives you access to live chat (yearly/multi-year subscriptions only) and email support.

Main features

  • Mature, tried-and-tested website builder;
  • Advanced content management capabilities;
  • Free themes;
  • Free domain registration for the first year (annual paid plans only);
  • Largest and most active user community in the website builder and CMS space.

  Pros

Cons

  • Plans do not include professional email.

Plans & Pricing

  • Free ($0 monthly) – WordPress.com subdomain, 1 GB storage;
  • Personal ($4 monthly) – Custom domain, 6 GB storage, ad-free;
  • Premium ($8 monthly) – Custom domain, 13 GB storage, ad-free, unlimited premium themes;
  • Business ($25 monthly) – Custom domain, 200 GB storage, ad-free, unlimited premium themes, SEO tools.

7. Zoho Website Builder

Zoho Website Builder places seventh for the nearly 200 pre-designed and customizable layouts/sections/templates allowing you to design a website easily and quickly. Zoho’s visual editor helps you experiment as you preview different customizations to find what works. 

Each version of your page is saved (Pro plan only), so you can roll back to where you want as and when needed. Your website seamlessly integrates with other Zoho products, such as Zoho CRM, Zoho SalesIQ, and Zoho PageSense.

Zoho has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers have access to 24/7 support through help desk tickets, email, phone, live chat, a large knowledge base, and an active user community discussion forum.

Main features

  • Drag-and-drop builder;
  • Visual editor;
  • Zoho CRM forms;
  • Seamless integration with other Zoho products, such as Zoho SalesIQ and Zoho PageSense;
  • Each version of a page is saved (Pro plan only), so you can roll back when needed.

  Pros

  • Free SSL certificate

Cons

  • Plans exclude email;
  • No free hosting plan

Plans & Pricing

  • Starter ($7 monthly) – 5 pages, 500 MB storage, 10 GB bandwidth, 5 forms;
  • Pro ($20 monthly) – 50 pages, 100 GB storage, unmetered bandwidth, 50 forms.

8. Jimdo

We placed Jimdo’s modular website builder in eighth place for its flexible layouts, mobile-optimized design, and versatile online store. The company has a reputation for helping the self-employed, as well as small and medium-sized businesses, leverage the power of the world wide web.

Jimdo has a 14-day money-back guarantee. Customers on paid plans have access to 24/7 support through help desk tickets. The company also has a large knowledge base with answers to the more common questions. 

Main features

  • Drag-and-drop editor;
  • Multiple websites per plan;
  • Copyright-free image library;
  • Free logo creator;
  • Make changes to the design at any time after publishing

  Pros

  • Free SSL certificate;
  • Free domain registration for paid plans in the first term of the contract (either one month, one year, or two years);
  • Free hosting is available.

Cons

  • Support response depends on the plan signed up for. No customer support for the Play plan, which is in contrast to the 1-hour customer support response for the Unlimited plan;
  • No live chat or phone support

Plans & Pricing

  • Play ($0 monthly) – 5 websites, 2 GB bandwidth, 500 MB storage, Jimdo subdomain.
  • Start ($12 monthly) – 10 websites, 10 GB bandwidth, 5 GB storage, Custom domain, ad-free, support (no more than 2 days).
  • Grow ($19 monthly) – 50 websites, 20 GB bandwidth, 15 GB storage, custom domain, ad-free, traffic statistics, personalized support (no more than 4 hours);
  • Unlimited ($49 monthly) – Unlimited websites, unmetered bandwidth, unmetered storage, custom domain, ad-free, traffic statistics, premium support (no more than 1 hour).
  • Basic store ($15 monthly) – 10 websites, 10 GB bandwidth, 10 GB storage, custom domain, eCommerce store features;
  • Business store ($19 monthly) – 50 websites, 20 GB bandwidth, 15 GB storage, custom domain, eCommerce store features;
  • VIP store ($39 monthly) – Unlimited websites, unmetered bandwidth, unmetered storage, custom domain, and eCommerce store features.

9. Wix

Wix is the ninth-best cheap website builder due to its exceptionally large database of customizable templates – more than 900. These give you the ability to create a quality website with advanced functionality and in-built marketing solutions. It comes with a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor for ease of customization.

Web pages are built for rapid page loading and are SEO-ready. To get your site up and running quickly, you can make the most of Wix Artificial Design Intelligence which builds a website for you after you answer a small set of questions.

Paid plans are covered by a 14-day money-back guarantee. Customers have access to 24/7 support through help desk tickets and a detailed knowledge base.

Main features

  • Drag-and-drop AI-driven editor;
  • More than 900 templates to choose from;
  • Free logo maker;
  • Builtin SEO and marketing features;
  • Large community of users

  Pros

  • Free SSL certificate;
  • Free hosting available;
  • Free domain registration for the first year (paid plans only except Connect Domain plan).

Cons

  • The Free and Connect plans come with Wix ads

Plans & Pricing

  • Free ($0 monthly) – Wix subdomain, 500 MB bandwidth, 500 MB storage;
  • Connect Domain ($4.50 monthly) – Custom domain, 1 GB bandwidth, 500 MB storage;
  • Combo ($8.50 monthly) – Custom domain, 2 GB bandwidth, 3 GB storage, ad-free;
  • Unlimited ($12.50 monthly) – Custom domain, unmetered bandwidth, 10 GB storage, ad-free;
  • VIP ($24.50 monthly) – Custom domain, unmetered bandwidth, 20 GB storage, ad-free;
  • Business Basic ($17 monthly) – Custom domain, unmetered bandwidth, 20 GB storage, ad-free, accept payments, CRM;
  • Business Unlimited ($25 monthly) – Custom domain, unmetered bandwidth, 35 GB storage, ad-free, accept payments, CRM;
  • Business VIP ($35 monthly) – Custom domain, unmetered bandwidth, 50 GB storage, ad-free, accept payments, CRM.

10. Squarespace

A CMS that doubles up as a website builder, Squarespace rounds out our top 10 for its drag-and-drop editor that simplifies the process of creating responsive websites from diverse customizable templates. For quicker design, Squarespace has pre-built customizable layouts for specific web page types, such as Contact Us or About pages. 

Whether you are looking to launch an eCommerce store, portfolio website, or blog, Squarespace has what you need to create memorable web pages without breaking the bank. Customers have access to 24/7 customer support via email, live chat, live webinars, a rich knowledge base, and an active user community discussion forum.

Main features:

  • Drag-and-drop editor;
  • Pre-built customizable layouts;
  • Live interactive webinars for customer support
  • Large community of users

  Pros

  • Free SSL certificate;
  • Free domain registration (first year);
  • Unmetered bandwidth;
  • 14-day free trial.

Cons

  • Pricey entry-level paid plan;
  • No free hosting plan;
  • No money-back guarantees or refunds

Plans & Pricing

  • Personal ($16 monthly) – Unmetered bandwidth;
  • Business ($23 monthly) – Unmetered bandwidth, fully integrated eCommerce;
  • Basic Commerce ($27 monthly) – Unmetered bandwidth, fully integrated eCommerce, customer accounts;
  • Advanced Commerce ($49 monthly) – Unmetered bandwidth, fully integrated eCommerce,  customer accounts, abandoned cart recovery, commerce APIs.

Conclusion

The overwhelming majority of people registering websites today do not have an IT background. Website builders were primarily made for this audience though their breadth of functionality today has made them appealing to web design gurus too. That said, the hundreds of website builders in the market differ greatly in affordability, functionality, usability, versatility, and security. We identified these best ten cheap website builders with a hosting option as demonstrating a balance of features and cost that is a cut above their peers.


Tags


You may also like

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Get in touch

Name*
Email*
Message
0 of 350
>