8 Drag-and-Drop Website Builders: No Coding Required
Last updated: September 28 2024
In this post, we’ll guide you through 8 beginner-friendly drag-and-drop website builders, empowering you to create your site effortlessly without any coding skills required.
These selections are based on our test on each platform’s ease of use, functionality, and no coding requirement, as well as on real users’ reviews.
Why Should You Choose A Drag-and-Drop Platform To Create Your Website?
Here are compelling reasons to opt for a drag-and-drop platform:
User-Friendly Interface
Drag-and-drop platforms are renowned for their user-friendly interfaces. You can visually assemble your website by simply moving elements around on the page, making the process intuitive and straightforward.
No Coding Skills Required
These drag-and-drop website builders eliminate the need for coding knowledge, making website creation accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background.
Efficiency and Speed
Drag-and-drop builders significantly reduce the time it takes to design and launch a website. You can quickly assemble pages, add content, and make changes, all without the lengthy process of coding.
Design Flexibility
Despite being simple to use, many drag-and-drop website builders offer a range of customization options. You can choose from various templates, color schemes, and design elements to create a unique website that reflects your brand or personal style.
8 Best Drag-and-drop Website Builders For Beginners
Here are eight of the best drag-and-drop website builders that are particularly well-suited for beginners:
Shopify
Shopify stands out as a leading e-commerce builder, empowering individuals and businesses to swiftly establish online stores. It combines aesthetics with functionality, offering excellent design options and user-friendly website management. It’s perfect for those looking to build an online store, providing robust sales features along with design flexibility.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored for e-commerce with integrated tools.
- Attractive, responsive templates.
- Seamless integration with payment gateways.
- Secure shopping cart with SSL encryption.
- Round-the-clock customer support.
Cons:
- No free plan.
- Transaction fees if not using Shopify’s built-in payment gateway – Shopify Payments.
- Premium themes come with an additional cost.
Pricing
Shopify offers a range of subscription plans for creating an e-commerce store, varying prices from $39 to $2000+ per month. If you opt for an annual subscription, you can save 25% on upfront fees. Please note that these prices are for the US, and fees may differ in other regions.
Website builder features
- User-friendly interface with customizable themes
Shopify’s professional yet intuitive visual editor distinguishes itself by providing extensive customization options. Its drag-and-drop interface and the section-based editor ensure straightforward navigation.
The Shopify Theme Store offers more than 150 paid and free templates, catering to a wide range of businesses across various industries and sizes.
Users can fully customize these templates, enabling the creation of a unique e-commerce store that differentiates from competitors. All of these themes are mobile-responsive, making your online store easily accessible and functional on both smartphones and tablets.
- E-commerce features
Being a dedicated e-commerce platform, Shopify provides comprehensive features such as product management, inventory tracking, and secure checkout processes. It enhances the e-commerce experience with advanced tools like automatic tax calculations for easier financial management and a variety of payment options for customer convenience.
Additionally, features like abandoned cart recovery and SEO tools underscore Shopify’s commitment to improving the online retail experience. The platform also boasts a Shopify App Store with over 8,500 apps, allowing merchants to further enhance their store’s functionality.
- SEO and marketing tools
Shopify includes built-in SEO features to help improve your store’s visibility on search engines. It also offers marketing tools for email campaigns, social media integration, and more.
- Reliable hosting and security
The platform includes secure, reliable hosting with unlimited bandwidth and takes care of all software updates, ensuring your store runs smoothly and securely.
Shopify is best for:
- E-commerce businesses seeking a fully functional online presence.
- Users who are comfortable with a higher price point for a comprehensive e-commerce solution.
Wix
Wix, a prominent name in website building, has garnered widespread recognition from extensive advertising and its robust no-code solution. Renowned for cloud-based web development services, Wix offers website creation and immediate hosting, making it a preferred choice in the community.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable plans.
- Over 900 customizable templates.
- Flexible drag-and-drop editor.
- AI-powered builder.
- Robust marketing and SEO tools.
- Moderately quick loading times.
- Phone support, live chat, and email support.
Cons:
- Storage limitations for some plans.
- Need to edit the site from scratch when switching templates.
- Advanced features are only available in higher-priced plans.
Pricing
Wix offers five subscription plans priced from $16 per month. Depending on the chosen plan, these plans unlock features like removing Wix ads, custom domain support, additional storage, and advanced capabilities.
Website builder features
- Wix editor and Wix ADI
Wix offers two distinct editors: the Wix ADI and the classic Wix editor. The former leverages Artificial Design Intelligence to construct personalized websites based on user responses to simple questions. Meanwhile, the classic Wix editor, recognized as a true drag-and-drop site builder, empowers users to place elements such as text, images, buttons, and galleries anywhere on the page, allowing for precise and customizable designs.
- Wide range of templates
Wix has a library of over 900 customizable templates and caters to many categories, ensuring flexibility for businesses, artists, and more. These templates, characterized by their flexibility and ease of use, can be effortlessly customized, enabling users to change fonts, layouts, and colors without hassle. Importantly, all templates are designed to be mobile-responsive, ensuring a seamless experience across various devices.
- Integrated SEO tools
Beyond its core website-building capabilities, Wix excels in marketing and SEO. The platform provides tools that are simple to use yet powerful, contributing to enhanced search engine rankings.
- E-commerce capabilities
Wix provides essential features for online stores, such as shopping carts, various payment methods, and inventory management, making it a good choice for e-commerce. Its notable features include a range of e-commerce options for online selling, media galleries to display visual content, and scroll effects for an engaging user experience. Additionally, Wix offers a marketplace where users can download extra apps to customize further and enhance their websites.
- Media galleries and blog functionality
The platform offers advanced media galleries for images and videos, including professional galleries, sliders, and other interactive features.
It also includes a built-in blog feature, allowing users to easily create and manage blog posts, complete with social sharing and commenting functionalities.
Wix is best for:
- Service-based businesses like photographers, consultants, personal trainers, and freelancers
- Small businesses seeking a unique online presence.
- Creative professionals desiring versatile and customizable templates.
- Individuals creating personal websites with a user-friendly and adaptable platform.
Squarespace
Since its inception in 2004, Squarespace has emerged as a leading website builder, celebrated for its captivating designs and robust features. Striking a balance between simplicity and sophistication, Squarespace caters to beginners and seasoned users, providing an intuitive platform for creating professional and visually appealing websites, including robust e-commerce solutions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- High-quality, visually appealing templates tailored to various industries.
- User-friendly interface facilitating easy navigation.
- Robust e-commerce solutions for comprehensive online store management.
- Seamless integrations with popular third-party apps and services.
Cons:
- Limited drag-and-drop freedom.
- Fewer template options than competitors.
- Advanced features require CSS/HTML knowledge.
Pricing
Squarespace has four subscription plans with a 14-day free trial, with monthly packages ranging from $23 to $65. Additionally, users can enjoy a generous 24% to 30% discount if they pay for their subscription annually, adding further value to their pricing structure.
Website builder features
- Drag-and-drop interface
Squarespace boasts a clean and intuitive drag-and-drop interface, offering users a straightforward tool to create their website layouts effortlessly. This user-friendly feature ensures that beginners and experienced users can easily navigate the platform, streamlining the website creation process.
- Elegant, professional templates
With a curated collection of over 100 high-quality design templates, Squarespace caters to various needs and industries. These templates are organized into categories such as blogs, portfolios, and e-commerce sites, offering users different visually appealing options to suit their specific goals. The emphasis on quality and aesthetics ensures that users can create professional-looking websites without extensive design knowledge.
It empowers users to personalize their templates through the Style Editor, which provides various design options and settings. This feature allows for in-depth customization, enabling users to tailor their websites to match their brand identity and unique preferences, ensuring a distinctive online presence.
- E-commerce capabilities and integration
Squarespace facilitates seamless integration with various third-party apps and services, including popular social media platforms, analytics tools, and mailing lists. This connectivity enhances the website’s overall functionality, allowing users to incorporate additional features and tools to meet their needs.
It also provides comprehensive e-commerce tools, enabling users to create, manage, and optimize online stores. From inventory management to order processing and optimization features, Squarespace ensures a robust e-commerce experience, making it an ideal platform for businesses to establish and grow their online presence.
Squarespace is best for:
- Artists, photographers, designers, writers, and other creative professionals to showcase their portfolios and work.
- Restaurants and Cafes.
- Personal and Business Blogs.
- Local businesses like fitness studios, beauty salons, and boutique stores.
GoDaddy
GoDaddy emerges as a user-friendly, section-based website builder catering to individuals and businesses seeking a swift and efficient web-building experience. Boasting a clean drag-and-drop editor and many features, it stands out for its simplicity, making website creation accessible to both novices and small businesses.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple and intuitive site editor for easy customization.
- Robust selection of analytics tools, including GoDaddy Insight.
- Impressive site loading speed, approximately 1 second.
- Site content automatically reformats when switching themes.
- Affordable pricing plans compared to competitors.
Cons:
- Limited creative freedom available.
- Restrictive block elements.
- Some features lack depth.
- Sites may not be as visually appealing as other builders.
Pricing
GoDaddy Website Builder offers pricing plans ranging from $9.99 to $20.99 monthly, delivering excellent value for money. A 30-day free trial is also available, which is ideal for merchants to explore the platform to see if it fits their needs.
Website builder features
- Drag-and-drop interface and AI-powered website builder
GoDaddy Website Builder incorporates a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, allowing effortless customization of website layouts. The editor is divided into three primary sections – website, theme, and settings – ensuring a streamlined and intuitive experience. Users can modify layouts, choose themes, and add areas with ease.
Additionally, the platform offers the option of utilizing Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) for accelerated website completion by providing necessary details, making it an accessible choice for users of all levels.
- Responsive design templates
With an extensive collection of over 200 sleek templates, it caters to diverse needs, ranging from businesses to bloggers and artists. Each template, designed by professionals, provides a modern and intuitive foundation for website customization.
- SEO and marketing tools
GoDaddy Website Builder goes beyond basic website creation, offering a feature-rich environment for various online ventures. For e-commerce, the platform provides everything needed to build and manage an online shop effectively. SEO tools, including Google Analytics, empower users with insights into website performance, enabling strategic improvements.
The email marketing feature facilitates aesthetically pleasing and consistent campaigns. GoDaddy Insight, a unique feature, guides users in reaching their site goals by assigning tasks and providing actionable recommendations, enhancing the overall user experience.
GoDaddy is best for:
- Freelancers and solo entrepreneurs.
- Creative professionals.
- Small retailers.
- Personal blogs and websites.
- Real estate agents.
Hostinger
Hostinger Website Builder caters to beginners, offering an easy-to-use, AI-assisted platform for swiftly creating visually stunning and high-performance websites. Designed for optimal user experience, this builder features many customizable themes suitable for personal and professional use, making website creation accessible.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 130+ modern and customizable templates.
- User-friendly drag-and-drop editor with a pixel-perfect grid system.
- AI-powered features, including a content writer, logo maker, and heatmap generator.
- Exceptional performance, loading websites in just 1.1 seconds.
Cons:
- Limited design flexibility.
Pricing
While Hostinger Website Builder offers cost-effective solutions starting at just $1.99 monthly, providing excellent value. The affordability makes it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly web-building solutions. Additionally, a 30-day free trial adds further value, allowing users to explore the platform’s features risk-free before committing fully.
Website builder features
- Ease of use
Hostinger’s drag-and-drop editor simplifies website building, allowing users to add elements and customize their web pages effortlessly. The intuitive interface ensures a smooth navigation experience, making it easy for users to create fully functional websites without a steep learning curve.
- Various ready-made designs
With over 130 customizable templates, Hostinger Website Builder offers a diverse selection across various categories. While less extensive than some competitors, the templates are aesthetic, easy to use, and compatible with desktops, mobiles, and tablets. This ensures users find a suitable template for their needs, whether for an e-commerce business or a fashion blog.
- AI-powered business tools
Hostinger Website Builder provides a range of additional features to enhance the website-building experience. AI-powered business tools, including a content writer, craft compelling copy within seconds. SEO tools contribute to improved search engine rankings, while a heatmap offers insights into user interactions with the website, enhancing overall performance.
Hostinger is best for:
- Educational Institutions.
- Personal Blogs and Websites.
- Freelancers and Solo Entrepreneurs.
- Technology Startups.
- Niche Communities and Forums.
Webflow
Webflow caters to designers and developers seeking heightened control over website design and functionality. While it demands a steeper learning curve, it offers unparalleled flexibility for those with technical backgrounds, making it a potent choice for a no-code solution.
With features like a Visual CSS Designer, responsive design tools, an extensive component library, eCommerce integration, and support for custom code, Webflow stands as a robust platform for users with specific design requirements and advanced preferences.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced design capabilities.
- Extensive component library for efficient development.
- Responsive design tools for seamless multi-device experiences.
- Integration with popular CMS platforms.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve.
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors.
- Less suited for beginners or non-technical users.
Pricing
Webflow offers three plan categories: Basic, CMS, and Business, with prices ranging from $14 to $212 per month for yearly plans. This tiered pricing structure allows users to select a plan that aligns with their needs, ensuring flexibility and scalability.
Website builder features
- Robust design tools
Webflow’s Visual CSS Designer empowers experienced users to create intricate CSS animations and transitions without coding. This feature provides a potent design tool for those with specific design requirements, offering advanced customization options.
Its responsive design tools ensure websites adapt seamlessly to diverse screen sizes and resolutions. This enhances the overall user experience, making it easy for developers to craft a multi-device experience without extensive coding.
With an extensive component library, Webflow simplifies the development process by offering pre-built elements like sliders, lightboxes, and forms. This saves time and effort, especially for users aiming to efficiently add functionality to their websites.
- Seamless ecommerce integration
The native eCommerce integration in Webflow streamlines the creation and management of online stores. Advanced features, such as custom product layouts and multi-currency support, make it a comprehensive solution for businesses venturing into e-commerce.
- Advanced customization
Webflow allows users to incorporate custom code, providing an additional layer of customization for those with specific requirements or seeking advanced functionality. This feature ensures tailored website development according to unique needs.
Webflow is best for:
- Designers and developers with technical backgrounds.
- Users seeking advanced design capabilities and customization.
- Businesses requiring a sophisticated online store with eCommerce features.
- Those comfortable with a steeper learning curve.
Jimdo
Jimdo distinguishes itself through its AI-powered website builder, offering users a streamlined setup process. The platform caters to various business types with templates tailored for quick and personalized design choices.
With a focus on user convenience, Jimdo includes eCommerce tools, a mobile app for on-the-go editing, and blogging capabilities, making it an attractive option for individuals and small businesses aiming to establish a compelling online presence.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-powered website creation for quick setup.
- Business-specific templates for diverse design options.
- eCommerce features with payment options.
- Mobile app for convenient on-the-go editing.
- Blogging capabilities for engaging content creation.
- Social media integration for effective online brand building.
Cons:
- Dependence on specific add-ons and plugins for customization.
- Basic SEO tools with limitations.
- Limited range of third-party integrations.
- Limited template variety.
- Slow customer support reported by some users.
Pricing
Jimdo’s pricing in the US starts with the Start Plan at $9 per month and the Grow Plan at $14 per month. Additionally, Jimdo offers a free plan called Play, providing users with basic design templates to create a simple site quickly. This allows users to explore the platform before committing to a paid plan.
Website builder features
- Easy website creation with AI-powered tools and ready-made templates
Jimdo stands out with its AI-powered website creation process, allowing users a swift and efficient setup. The AI streamlines the initial stages of website development, making it particularly appealing for those seeking a quick and hassle-free start to their online presence.
It offers a range of templates meticulously tailored to different business types. This specialization provides users with a diverse selection of design options aligned with their specific industry or niche, ensuring a personalized and visually appealing website.
- Robust eCommerce features
The platform equips users with the essential tools to set up and manage online stores effortlessly. With various payment options integrated, Jimdo caters to businesses looking to establish a seamless and secure online shopping experience for their customers.
- Mobile management
Jimdo recognizes the importance of flexibility in website management. The inclusion of a mobile app allows users to edit and update their websites conveniently while on the go. This feature ensures that users can make quick adjustments from anywhere, enhancing the platform’s overall accessibility.
- Built-in SEO tools
It also understands the significance of search engine visibility. The platform includes SEO tools and optimization options, empowering users to enhance their website’s rankings on search engines. These tools contribute to improving online discoverability and attracting a broader audience.
Jimdo is best for:
- Creative professionals.
- Personal blogs and websites.
- Nonprofit organizations.
- Home services providers.
Weebly
Launched in 2006, Weebly boasts a rich history of continuous improvement, making it one of the oldest and most reliable solutions in the no-code niche. Its user-friendly interface has empowered over 50 million websites, catering to a diverse clientele. Weebly stands out for its longevity, accessibility, and affordability, offering a budget-friendly paid version and a free option for an intuitive website-building experience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor.
- Includes a forever free version,
- Full of blog features (e.g., HTML formatting).
Cons:
- Fewer templates compared to other platforms
- Lacks in-depth customization.
Pricing
Weebly presents an affordable pricing structure, starting at $10 per month. While more extensive plans are available, reaching up to $26 per month, the lower-tier plans suffice for those seeking to build more straightforward websites. Additionally, Weebly provides a forever free version, ensuring an accessible and budget-friendly building experience for users.
Website builder features
- Easy to use and highly customizable
Weebly’s drag-and-drop editor is renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness. With an extensive selection of over 200 fonts, users gain essential control over the appearance of their websites, ensuring a personalized touch.
Offering 40+ highly customizable themes, Weebly caters to various needs, including blogs, businesses, and portfolios. While the template count is moderate, their diversity ensures suitability for different purposes.
- Enhance functionality
It extends functionality through third-party applications, enabling users to integrate communication, marketing, and social media tools seamlessly. The platform supports online store capabilities for effective e-commerce ventures, along with team management and a membership area capability for restricted access.
Weebly is best for:
- Individuals and businesses seeking an easy-to-use website builder.
- Those on a budget looking for a cost-effective solution.
- Users with a preference for a forever free version and affordable plans.
Features To Look For In A Website Builder With Drag-and-drop Interface
When selecting a website builder with a drag-and-drop interface, consider the following essential features to ensure a seamless and effective website creation experience:
Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Editor
Look for a platform that offers an intuitive and user-friendly drag-and-drop editor. This tool should empower you to effortlessly place, rearrange, and customize various elements on your webpage without requiring coding skills. A seamless editing experience is crucial for quick and efficient website development.
Responsive Templates
Prioritize a website builder that provides a diverse collection of responsive templates. Responsive design ensures that your website looks and functions optimally across different devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. This feature guarantees a consistent and user-friendly experience for visitors regardless of their device.
Customization Options
Choose a platform that offers extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the look and feel of your website. The ability to personalize colors, fonts, layouts, and other design elements is essential for aligning your site with your brand identity. A high level of customization ensures uniqueness and professionalism in your online presence.
Widgets and Add-ons
Ensure the website builder supports a variety of widgets and add-ons to enhance the functionality of your site. These could include contact forms, social media integrations, e-commerce features, and more. Diverse widgets provide additional features and tools that cater to specific business or personal requirements, making your website more dynamic.
SEO Tools
Look for built-in SEO tools that facilitate the optimization of your website for search engines. This includes features such as customizable meta tags, sitemaps, and SEO-friendly URLs. Effective SEO tools contribute to improved visibility and rankings on search engine results pages, ensuring your website reaches a wider audience.
How to Choose the Best Website Builder for Your Business
Choosing the best website builder for your business is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of several vital factors. Here are six essential factors to guide you in making the right choice:
Identify Your Business Needs
Before selecting a website builder, clearly define the purpose and goals of your website. Whether it’s an e-commerce platform, a blog, a portfolio, or a business site, understanding your needs will help you choose a builder with the appropriate features.
Evaluate Ease of Use
Consider the ease of use, especially if you lack technical expertise. Opt for a website builder with an intuitive interface, preferably one that offers a drag-and-drop functionality. This ensures that you can design and manage your website without grappling with complex coding.
Assess Design Flexibility
Examine the templates and design flexibility the website builder offers. Choose a platform that provides a diverse range of templates aligned with your brand. Additionally, ensure that there are enough customization options to make your website visually distinctive and representative of your business.
Review Features and Functionality
Determine the features essential for your website. If you plan to sell products online, prioritize builders with robust e-commerce capabilities. For content-centric sites, look for blogging tools and SEO support. Assess the overall functionality to guarantee it aligns with your specific requirements.
Consider Scalability
Select a website builder that can grow alongside your business. Scalability is crucial, allowing you to expand your site’s features and content as your business evolves. This ensures that your website remains practical and relevant in the long term.
Examine Cost and Value
Carefully review the pricing plans offered by different website builders. Consider your budget and choose a plan that not only fits within your financial constraints but also provides good value for the features included. Compare the features offered in each plan to make an informed decision based on your business needs.
Final Thoughts
“In conclusion, Shopify emerges as the pinnacle Website Builder Drag-and-Drop among the myriad options. It sets itself apart with user-friendly interfaces, powerful tools, and a commitment to simplicity, making it the optimal choice for beginners and seasoned developers. Elevate your online presence effortlessly with Shopify’s unparalleled drag-and-drop capabilities, proving why it stands as the best in the realm of website builders.”