Website Builder vs WordPress: Which One to Choose in 2025

Earlier, creating a website required a lot of work. You would have to be well-versed in programming languages and put in hours of coding. But things have changed drastically over the years. Today, online tools can help you create websites from scratch easily and quickly. Depending on your needs, you can choose between a regular website builder or something more sophisticated like WordPress. A quick website builder vs WordPress comparison will help you decide.

What is WordPress?

WordPress.org is a free, open-source software for building websites. You can start using it by downloading the WordPress source code. Since this platform does not include a hosting service, you must sign up with a separate web host and install the software on their server. Once the setup is complete, you can start building your own website using the platform and enjoy several exciting features.

WordPress.com is another popular version of WordPress that’s simpler to use and comes with web hosting space. That said, it offers limited features and may require you to pay and subscribe to a plan.

Note that we will compare the self-hosted, free version WordPress.org that gives you 100% ownership of your site, instead of the for-profit WordPress.com.

When Should You Use WordPress?

WordPress offers better control over your website and more scope for customization. This makes it suitable for creating corporate websites, large-scale eCommerce stores, and dynamic news sites. But since the platform is complex, you should use it only if you have certain basic technical skills for installing and using the software. You should also have your own web server or the budget to hire a separate hosting service.

What is a Website Builder?

Website building tools are easier to use and usually provide free web hosting. They allow you to create and design sites without getting into the whole coding and installation mess. Most of them have drag-and-drop features for easy webpage customization as well as ready-to-use templates. You can pick between an online and an offline website builder.

When Should You Use a Website Builder?

These tools are perfect if you want to create a simple website but do not have the time or technical skills. All you have to do is sign up with the best website builder of your choice by paying a fee and use the simple in-built tools to start creating the site. A website builder is a great solution if you are looking for a user-friendly, cost-effective, customizable, easy-to-update, and time-saving method to build your online presence.

Top 3 Website Builders You Can Consider

Wix

Wix is an all-around website builder with an extensive list of built-in features that can help you design a professional website. Its mobile-specific tools make it easier to create websites even with smartphones. You can choose between Wix’s free and paid plans based on your requirements.

Hostinger

Hostinger is a well-known website builder that comes along with Hostinger web hosting. By subscribing to this platform, you can benefit from a simple drag-and-drop interface, a free SSL certificate for your site, and a logo maker to simplify the process of logo and website development.

Bluehost

Bluehost is among the best website builders that simplifies the website creation process. It integrates with WordPress, which means you can get the best of both worlds instead of having to choose a standalone option.

Website Builder Vs. WordPress: Comparison Table

Features	Website Builder	WordPress
Ease of Use	Most website builders have a beginner-friendly interface with a drag-and-drop function. No coding is needed for development.	It requires installation and some technical and coding knowledge.
Hosting	Hosting is included in most plans, so no separate setup is required.	Hosting must be purchased and configured separately.
Design and Themes	Design is limited to the available templates with a few editing and customization options.	You can make extensive design changes by modifying the code.
Customization	Customization is limited based on the platform’s available tools and ecosystem.	You have complete control over the site’s layout, code, and features.
Cost	Most platforms have a subscription-based cost.	WordPress is free, but you may incur costs for hosting, plugins, and some themes.
Ownership	You are bound by the platform’s policies and might not have complete ownership of your site.	You will have complete ownership and control over your website and its data and content.
E-commerce	Website builders have built-in features for developers to set up small to medium-sized online stores.	WordPress has plugins that you can use to set up online stores and listings.
SEO	Basic built-in SEO tools are available with most builders.	WordPress has advanced SEO tools that let you have full control over URLs and metadata.
Plugins/Apps	Plugins can be purchased from the app’s marketplace.	Thousands of plugins are available for various features, each with commendable integration.
Security	The platform manages site security.	You and your web host are responsible for site security. Plugins can be used for security updates and backups.
Scalability	Website builders are a good choice for small to medium-sized websites.	WordPress sites are highly scalable and can be used for anything, right from blogs to enterprise sites.
Support	Most platforms have direct email and chat support.	You can access WordPress’ support forums to troubleshoot issues.
Content Management	Website builders offer simple content management.	You can manage blogs, news sites, and content-heavy platforms with full CMS capabilities.
Migration	A locked-in ecosystem makes it difficult to migrate the site.	Full migration and export is possible.
Analytics	Integration with analytics tools is limited.	WordPress easily integrates with several analytics tools.
Updates	The provider handles automatic updates.	You must manually update the platform or schedule it for a later date and time.

Should I Use WordPress or a Website Builder?

The choice depends on the kind of site you want to build and run. If you want to build a blog and scale it, either option will work. But if you plan to develop an eCommerce platform, WordPress might be better because it offers more control and flexibility. Website builders and WordPress have pros and cons, so consider an option after thorough research.

FAQs

Which is better for beginners: WordPress or a website builder?

Website builders are a better pick for beginners who want to escape the technical difficulties of website creation and build a site quickly using drag-and-drop features.

Is WordPress harder to use than website builders like Wix or Squarespace?

WordPress has a steeper learning curve than Wix and Squarespace. These tools have pre-designed templates and pre-set layout options that make things much easier.

Which option is more affordable: WordPress or a website builder?

It is difficult to say which would be more affordable. Every website builder charges a different fee depending on the plugins, themes, and other features offered. While WordPress is free to download and use, you will have to pay for a web host.

Can I move my site from a website builder to WordPress later?

Yes, but it often requires manual work and content reformatting.