Before we get onto what the best mobile website builder tools are, let’s have a history lesson. Once upon a time, a developer built a website. That site showed ten pages for a local hair salon, and the customers of that salon would slowly load those pages on their Netscape browsers.
The idea of a mobile website wasn’t in the minds of most people, not to mention the idea of a computer in their pocket. But the world has obviously changed, and Google has let everyone know that a website’s visibility online relies quite a bit on the mobile version. Unfortunately, it’s somewhat of a pain to build two websites, or even one responsive website from scratch. That’s where mobile website builder tools come into play.
Although some experienced developers may scoff at the idea of using a website builder like Squarespace or Wix, many of them realize how valuable these platforms can be – not only for pleasing clients, but for improving their own margins.
In general, the goal with the best mobile website builder tools is to speed up the development process, while also creating a beautiful website that looks like a professional made it. In addition, professional developers and designers still typically have the opportunity to tap into the site files and complete some custom coding.
So, if you’d like to find a tool that’s well-optimized to deliver a great mobile design, you’re in the right place! Keep reading to learn about the benefits of mobile website builder software, along with our list of the best options to consider.
What makes the best mobile website builder?
If you want to build your own responsive website, there are some must-have features when seeking out a mobile site builder. Most experienced developers utilize these tools to expedite their already busy design process. Therefore, we like to see some of the following elements for making development easier in general:
- 🎨 Beautiful and plentiful templates to start with
- Development is a game of creating something new while also avoiding instances of reinventing the wheel. Even the best designers begin with templates, since you can also make more advanced changes with CSS/HTML – and you’re bound to provide clients with faster development times when you use a template.
- 📱 Responsiveness that actually works and looks good
- Just about every theme developer or website builder company boasts that its templates are responsive. However, some aren’t that great, and others end up being almost useless. You typically can’t figure this out until you test the mobile templates on your own devices. We did the testing for you and found the best responsive website builders (with great themes) below.
- 💻 Strong and reliable hosting
- Whether you’re building websites for clients or managing your own websites, it’s far easier to handle all other elements of your business when you don’t have to think about hosting. Some of the best website builders offer high-grade, secure hosting for reasonable monthly pricing – all without the hassle of managing the server yourself.
- 🔄 Drag and drop interface
- You’ll at least want a visual interface that allows you to complete simple tasks outside of more complex coding. There’s no reason to make your job more difficult when you have drag-and-drop elements or at least fields and sliders to adjust things like photos, fonts, and colors.
- 🛒 Built-in eCommerce tools
- Not all businesses start selling online. Sometimes you run a blog or simply post information about your brick-and-mortar store. However, the prospect of selling online is always intriguing as a future income source. That’s why your site builder should have solid eCommerce tools – especially if you’re a developer, since some clients will most likely ask about this in the future.
- 🔌 Apps that work well on the mobile interface
- Many times this is out of your control (since the apps are usually made by third-party companies). However, some of the website builder companies are better at vetting these app developers than others. For instance, Shopify is known for a rigorous application process so that all app functionality looks great on mobile devices and integrates well with Shopify.
And now…the best mobile website builders
Here’s a quick summary if you’re in a hurry and can’t read the whole thing:
Builder | Price (per month) | Good for small business | Good for eCommerce | Good for agencies/developers |
---|---|---|---|---|
Squarespace | $16.00 – $40 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Wix | $17.00 – $500 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Shopify | $24.00 – $299 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Elementor / WordPress | $4 – $17 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Weebly | $0 – $38 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Jimdo | $0 – $19 | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Duda | $19.00 – $52 | ❌ | for some plans | ✅ |
1. Squarespace
Squarespace has gained notoriety over the years as a site builder with stunning templates. It’s likely your best option if you, or clients, are interested in placing large, high-resolution graphics on your sites.
Squarespace used to only offer regular websites, but it has successfully expanded into the eCommerce world to provide excellent payment processing and shopping cart modules. You’ll also find that the system is highly visual and great for launching multiple websites in a short period of time. Not only that, but the Squarespace pricing is reasonable and the hosting is top-notch.
Overall cost and pricing plans 💵
A free trial is offered without the need for a credit card.
- Personal Website – $16.00 per month
- Business Website – $18 per month
- Basic Online Store – $26 per month
- Advanced Online Store – $40 per month
Pros 👍
- Squarespace can be used for managing multiple websites for your own network or for clients.
- The Developer Program allows for fully custom websites with the help of templates, integrations, and custom coding.
- The templates are highly visual and some of the most modern-looking options on the market.
- Most of the features you need are included – instead of having to install apps.
- The templates actually look beautiful and work well when running on mobile devices.
- The online store tools are rather powerful, with a free SSL certificate, no transaction fees, and unlimited products.
Cons 👎
- Squarespace doesn’t have an app store, which could limit you depending on what you need.
- Although somewhat reasonable, there is better pricing from the other mobile website builder options on this list.
- The backend website building isn’t as intuitive as the competition, especially compared to Wix and Shopify.
Is this the best mobile website builder for you? 🧐
I like Squarespace for those who want high-resolution photographs that still look great on mobile devices. Mobile and desktop media support is the main reason you would consider Squarespace, since you can find better pricing and features elsewhere. But, you can’t beat the beauty of how Squarespace elements snap into place when being viewed on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets!
You may also be interested in:
- Squarespace vs WordPress: Which Is Best for Making a Website in 2021?
- 4 Best Website Builders According to Reddit in 2024
- 24 Basic Types of Web Pages to Have on Your Website
2. Wix
With its fun TV advertisements and beginner-focused interface, it’s no wonder how Wix has become one of the most popular website builders online. Having said that, you should also consider Wix if you’re not a beginner. It offers one of the best drag-and-drop editors on the market, and it has quality templates as well.
The main reason we like Wix is that the company always seems to be improving the site builder. Oh yeah, and the pricing is great when you look at all of the designs, integrations, and settings offered. For speed, professionalism, and a wide range of options, Wix is a great place to start for any experience level.
Overall cost and pricing plans 💵
Wix sells two types of plans: regular websites and eCommerce websites. The pricing is extremely inexpensive across the board, and you receive free hosting, Google Analytics, and custom domain support with all plans.
- Combo Website – $17.00 per month
- Unlimited Website – $17 per month
- Pro Website – $23 per month
- VIP Website – $39 per month
- Business Basic (eCommerce) – $23 per month
- Business Unlimited (eCommerce) – $27 per month
- Business VIP (eCommerce) – $49 per month
- Business Enterprise (eCommerce) – $500 per month
Pros 👍
- Wix has one of the more flexible and affordable pricing structures in terms of website builders.
- A free plan is actually available if you don’t want a custom domain. This might be useful for students or hobbyists.
- The eCommerce features are nice for smaller online stores.
- The templates are eye-catching and easy to use.
- You can take advantage of a wonderful drag-and-drop editor.
- Wix has an App Market for extending the functionality of your website.
- Wix has a tool called Corvid, which is an advanced platform for developing web apps from the convenience of the Wix dashboard.
Cons 👎
- Storage and video minutes are limited in a few of the plans.
- Don’t expect to launch an online store and build it into something huge. The eCommerce features are great but limited.
Is this the best mobile website builder for you? 🧐
Wix is one of the better all-around mobile website builders since you can make a professional website if you have no experience and not have to worry about making your design responsive. All themes are ready for mobile devices, and you can customize the heck out of them with the advanced development tools. Wix also has a large app library, all of which are vetted and ready for mobile environments.
3. Shopify
Shopify is the all-around solution you need for making an online store. It’s not what a company would go for if they only needed an informational business website, seeing as how the entire website builder is made for you to construct eCommerce stores.
Shopify is definitely one of the most popular ways to launch your online store, and much of this has to do with its extensive app store, great themes, and the simplicity of the builder. The customer base also enjoys some excellent pricing options.
Overall cost and pricing plans 💵
Shopify pricing is competitive amongst eCommerce platforms. It doesn’t have any plans for websites only, but it provides a cheap option for adding a simple online store to an existing website. Shopify has a free trial, along with hosting for all plans.
- Shopify Lite – $9 per month
- Basic Shopify – $24.00 per month
- Shopify – $79 per month
- Advanced Shopify – $299 per month
- Shopify Plus – Starting at $2,000 per month
Pros 👍
- It’s a complete online store builder, with unlimited products, no transaction fees, and more.
- Shopify integrates with several social networks, including a direct Facebook Ads option.
- The pricing is reasonable compared to other store builders.
- The themes are plentiful, beautiful, and mobile responsive.
- You can make blog posts and website pages outside of the online store.
- You gain access to a large app store.
- The customer support – both the resources and dedicated support – is some of the best in the business.
Cons 👎
- Shopify isn’t made for regular business websites.
- The pricing goes up rapidly as you upgrade.
- Third-party payment gateways are supported, but a transaction fee is required.
- If needed, you have to find a developer that’s familiar with the unique Shopify coding language.
Is this the best mobile website builder for you? 🧐
Shopify serves as a rapid website builder for those who require an online store. Consumers are becoming more likely to shop through mobile devices, so it’s great that Shopify has a large library of mobile responsive themes. All eCommerce items are expanded and shown so that customers can shop easily – like with larger buttons and more accessible product photos. You can also expect all apps to work well on mobile sites. Skip Shopify if you’re more interested in a standard business website and not a mobile online store.
4. WordPress (when paired with Elementor)
There are many WordPress site builders out there, but our favorite would have to be Elementor. It offers a free version, integrates well with WordPress, and provides a clean drag-and-drop editor. The whole point of Elementor is to make development faster and easier for professionals.
It incorporates some excellent tools for lead generation and conversions, along with modules and settings to create any type of website you want. What’s also great is that Elementor works with all WordPress themes.
Overall cost and pricing plans 💵
The free download offers features like the drag-and-drop builder and 30 basic widgets. It’s powerful, but anything besides that requires a paid plan:
- Personal – $59.00 per year
- Plus – $99 per year
- Expert – $199 per year
WordPress is free, but you can’t forget about costs for things like hosting and themes. For instance, Bluehost hosting starts at $1.99 per month – and you receive a free domain name. Some themes are free, but you could end up spending $50-$150 for a premium WordPress theme.
Pros 👍
- You have more control over your website since it’s running on WordPress.
- The free Elementor plugin has 30 modules, which is usually more than enough for the average business.
- The drag-and-drop editor is one of the best I’ve seen.
- Some of the plans include popup and WooCommerce site builders.
- You can get access to even more widgets and Pro templates.
- You’re able to design online stores with the help of over 15 shop widgets.
Cons 👎
- More site maintenance is required, since elements like hosting and security aren’t managed for you.
- The higher plans may be a bit expensive for companies/individuals on budgets.
Is this the best mobile website builder for you? 🧐
All experienced WordPress designers should enjoy the Elementor interface for making mobile-friendly websites. I would typically recommend this to anyone who craves more control over their websites and doesn’t like the rigidity of a typical site builder. If you need the quickest, easiest option for making a website with responsiveness, look elsewhere. That said, some WordPress themes out there work great on mobile devices. Just make sure you test everything out on your phone and tablet before buying.
5. Weebly
Weebly is somewhat similar to Wix, except the fact that Weebly has lower prices and fewer features. That being said, some companies and developers may like the idea of a $5 per month website – even though it has Weebly ads.
The website themes are simple and unique to certain industries but don’t expect anything too complicated or powerful. Weebly does offer a drag-and-drop builder, and its themes work nicely on mobile devices.
Overall cost and pricing plans 💵
Weebly doesn’t have a free trial because the Free Plan gives you a decent look into the website builder. The plans include:
- Free Plan – $0
- Connect – $5 per month
- Pro – $12.00 per month
- Business – $25 per month
- Pro Online Store (eCommerce support) – $12 per month
- Business (eCommerce support) – $25 per month
- Business Plus (eCommerce support) – $38 per month
Pros 👍
- Weebly is the least expensive of these best mobile website builder tools, even when going for an eCommerce plan.
- You could run a forever free website if you’re willing to have ads on your website.
- All features are included with a monthly fee. From hosting to themes, making a website is fast.
- Weebly provides high-quality onboarding and education resources. The customer support is also decent.
- The built-in features are nice, but you can always extend your functionality with the app store.
Cons 👎
- Some plans have transaction fees for using third-party payment providers.
- The Weebly themes are simplistic in design, making them less suitable for growing businesses.
- The eCommerce features are limited until you get to the Business Plus Plan.
- Organizing pages and posts is not as intuitive as it should be.
- You may find it difficult to move to a different website builder if needed.
Is this the best mobile website builder for you? 🧐
Weebly makes a lot of sense for hobbyists, teachers, and journal writers who don’t want to pay any money for a clean, modern, and mobile-friendly site. Weebly also offers some great deals for small business and eCommerce plans, all of which provide beautiful mobile themes and some apps to help you out.
6. Jimdo
Jimdo is a lesser-known site builder that uses artificial intelligence to speed up the entire production process. The platform has three separate products that integrate with each other: the website builder, an online store creator, and a domain personalization tool.
Quite a bit of inspiration is situated on the Jimdo website, so you’re given a guide on how to make interesting designs with that artificial intelligence. It appears that the starting point is a simple, barebones template, so these might work okay for some businesses.
Overall cost and pricing plans 💵
Jimdo has both business and eCommerce plans. A free plan is provided, so there’s no need for a trial. They have four business plans:
- Play – $0
- Start – $11.00 per month
- Grow – $21.00 per month
Here are the Jimdo plans for an online shop:
- Basic – $21.00 per month
- Business – $19 per month
Pros 👍
- A free plan is provided.
- All of the plans are affordable, and you don’t ever have to worry about having advertisements on your website.
- Navigation menus are automatically generated for you.
- You receive many basic elements for small businesses, such as social buttons, maps, and contact information.
- Jimdo provides access to a large collection of stock photos.
- All plans have included hosting.
Cons 👎
- The templates are limited and not as modern as one would want.
- It’s a little difficult to understand exactly how the AI is helping with development.
- Different pricing is presented depending on where you are in the sales process (AKA charging some customers more than others for the same thing).
Is this the best mobile website builder for you? 🧐
Jimdo does the trick for small businesses since the drag-and-drop mobile builder has everything you need – such as the forms and maps. The feature-set is a bit limited, but that may be an advantage for those who don’t need anything crazy. If you want the best mobile responsive themes, skip Jimdo. If you like low pricing – and decent mobile designs – consider it.
7. Duda
Duda boasts one of the top team collaboration systems to go along with its stunning mobile website builder. It’s made for agencies, publishers, and hosting companies, seeing as how you gain access to a scalable and affordable platform.
What’s interesting about Duda is that you can pay per website or go for more of a team-based plan and receive multiple websites with your package. You also get incredible speeds with the help of Amazon Web Services hosting.
Overall cost and pricing plans 💵
A 30-day free trial is offered, and you can also save with annual payments. The Basic plan is the option for buying each website separately.
- Basic – $19.00 per month
- Team – $29 per month
- Agency – $52 per month
Custom plans are also available if you speak with the Duda sales team.
Pros 👍
- The team and agency plans include collaboration tools and features for client management.
- Website communication tools are unique in that you can send out special messages depending on where your site visitors are located.
- You can backup your website and restore it if something goes wrong.
- Making a multilingual website is much easier with Duda than with other builders.
- The lower tiers are affordable, especially since you can buy individual websites for $19.00 per month.
Cons 👎
- The Agency plan has a large price jump, and it’s the only package that allows for multiple websites.
- Duda lacks an app store, so you don’t get any integrations for expanding your site.
- The eCommerce support is there, but some plans have product maximums.
Is this the best mobile website builder for you? 🧐
Agencies should absolutely think about Duda as an affordable and fast mobile website builder. Some of the plans have amazing collaboration and client management tools – many of which can also be accessed on mobile devices to design your website on the go.
How to narrow down the top mobile website builders
Mobile website builders are all over the place today. A simple search through Google brings up thousands of decent results, along with ads for the hottest new website builders on the market. A beginner wouldn’t have much of a problem choosing any of the options on this list and having a good experience making a website. However, a more experienced developer should be more careful, since you may end up really disliking the templates or not thinking the mobile responsiveness is that great.
Here are some suggestions to guide you along your way:
- Consider Squarespace if you want an incredible mobile and standard design.
- Consider Wix if you want the best mobile drag-and-drop builder and cheap plans.
- Consider Shopify if you’re making an online store and want to sell to those who buy through mobile devices.
- Consider WordPress with Elementor if you want a sleek builder, you enjoy WordPress and its many mobile themes.
- Consider Weebly if you’re on a budget.
- Consider Jimdo if you’d like to make quick responsive business sites.
- Consider Duda if you need affordable agency plans with mobile designs and collaboration tools.
Hopefully, this list and the recap allows you to narrow down your search for the best mobile website builder. It often seems like they’re all the same, but it pays to do your research so you don’t regret your choice in the future!
You may also be interested in ☞ website builder comparison chart.
That said, let us know in the comments if you have any questions about the best mobile website builders.
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Layout, presentation and editing by Karol K.