Key takeaways:
- WordPress alternatives generally fall into four groups: all-in-one website builders, e-commerce platforms, design-focused tools, and open-source CMS.
- The best choice depends on your priorities. You may want simplicity, online selling, design control, or enterprise scalability.
- Look beyond base pricing. Consider overall ownership costs and how much maintenance you are willing to handle and, most importantly, what actual users are saying.
Finding a WordPress alternative in 2026 is a challenging task, considering it remains the world’s most popular content management system (CMS). It powers millions of websites and is known for its flexibility and vast plugin ecosystem. Many businesses continue to rely on it. But for small businesses, solopreneurs, or non-technical users, WordPress is not always the easiest option.
Nearly 80% of U.S. businesses now use low-code or no-code tools to speed up digital adoption. This shows a clear shift toward platforms that are easier and faster to manage.
This guide explores the best WordPress alternatives for website building, grouped by use case:
- All-in-one website builders for speed and simplicity
- E-commerce-first platforms for selling online
- Designer-grade tools for creative control
- Open-source CMS for advanced customization
Here, we’ll help you choose a platform that fits your needs, not just the one that dominates the market.
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How we developed this list
We began with the most recognized WordPress alternatives, focusing on platforms with a strong reputation, user adoption, and overall value. From there, the review emphasized what real users report about day-to-day performance.
Our evaluation included several key factors:
- Core features and functionality
- Pricing and hidden costs
- Ease of use for beginners and non-technical users
- Flexibility and customization options
- E-commerce support where relevant
- Scalability for growing businesses
- Quality of customer support
To capture user sentiment, we analyzed 60 user reviews from trusted sites such as Capterra, G2, Reddit, and Trustpilot. We also did free trials to better understand onboarding and usability.
This combination of feature analysis and user feedback ensures that the list reflects real-world experiences rather than marketing claims.
Why people look for WordPress alternatives
People usually explore WordPress alternatives when the platform no longer aligns with their priorities, technical comfort level, or long-term goals. Common reasons include:
- Growing complexity: WordPress often relies on installing plugins and custom configurations to achieve specific functionality. As a site grows, managing these moving parts can become time-consuming and harder to maintain. WordPress competitors that function as static site generators (SSGs) can help mitigate complexity by generating a site from templates.
- Ongoing maintenance requirements: Regular updates for WordPress core files, themes, and plugins are essential. For many users, keeping everything up to date and compatible feels like an unnecessary burden.
- Security concerns: Because WordPress is widely used, it is a frequent target for attacks. Securing a WordPress site typically requires additional plugins, monitoring, and best practices that not all users are willing to manage themselves.
- Rising long-term costs: While WordPress is free to use, costs can accumulate over time through hosting, premium themes, paid plugins, security tools, and developer support.
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users: Customization and troubleshooting often require technical knowledge. Users who prefer visual editors or guided setups may find other platforms easier to work with.
- Faster setup needs: Some users want to launch quickly with minimal configuration. All-in-one platforms with built-in features can reduce setup time compared to a typical WordPress build.
- Better fit for specific use cases: E-commerce, design-focused sites, or enterprise projects may benefit from platforms built specifically for those needs rather than a general-purpose CMS.
These factors don’t make WordPress a poor choice, but they do explain why many users begin looking for alternatives that better suit their needs for building and managing websites.
WordPress vs modern website builders
Compared to WordPress, modern website builders take very different approaches to website creation and management. Understanding how they compare can help clarify which option better fits your needs.
- Setup and ongoing maintenance: WordPress requires manual setup, including selecting a hosting provider, installing themes and plugins, and managing updates over time. Maintenance is an ongoing responsibility. Modern website builders typically handle setup, updates, and infrastructure automatically, allowing users to focus more on content and business tasks.
- Cost predictability: WordPress costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as hosting, premium themes, plugins, security tools, and developer support. These expenses often grow as a site scales. Website builders typically offer fixed pricing plans that bundle hosting, features, and support, making long-term costs more predictable.
- Hosting and security ownership: With WordPress, users are responsible for choosing a hosting provider and implementing security measures. This offers control, as well as accountability. Modern website builders often include hosting and security as part of their platform, reducing the need for hands-on management while limiting control at the infrastructure level.
- Customization vs convenience: WordPress excels in customization, especially for users who need advanced functionality or custom development. Website builders prioritize convenience with built-in tools, visual editors, and preconfigured features. This trade-off often comes down to a balance between flexibility and ease of use.
- Who WordPress is still best for: WordPress remains a strong choice for developers, content-heavy websites, and businesses that need full control over functionality, data, and hosting. It is also well-suited for users who are comfortable managing technical details or working with development teams.
Both approaches can support successful websites. The right choice depends on how much control you need, how much time you want to spend on maintenance, and how predictable you want your costs and workflows to be. In fact, some free WordPress alternatives can address the issues some users encounter.
The 11 best WordPress alternatives
- Network Solutions
- Wix
- Squarespace
- Shopify
- BigCommerce
- Webflow
- Framer
- HubSpot CMS
- Joomla
- Drupal
- Ghost
The table below provides a quick overview of some excellent WordPress alternatives. Each entry highlights the starting price, key features, and which type of user is likely to benefit most.
Platform | Pricing (starts at) | Key features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Network Solutions | $4.99 / month (Website Plan) | Website builder with AI features, 1-year free domain & domain privacy, 3 months free professional email, 1-month free SSL certificate, 1-hour expert design support, logo builder & design studio | Small businesses that want an all-in-one, low-maintenance option |
Wix | $17/month (Light Plan) | Beginner-friendly page builder, 800+ templates, app marketplace, free domain for 1 year, multi-cloud hosting, light marketing suite, accept payments, 2 GB storage, 2 site collaborators | Creatives and SMBs needing design flexibility and scalable features |
Squarespace | $14/month (Personal Plan) | Modern templates, blogging and e-commerce tools, built-in SEO, mobile optimization, free domain for 1 year, extensions, 24/7 support | Designers, bloggers, and small businesses wanting a polished, professional site |
Shopify | $25/month (Basic Plan) | Advanced e-commerce features, multi-channel selling, secure payments, 10 inventory locations, 24/7 chat support, in-person selling via phone or POS device | SMBs focused on selling products online |
BigCommerce | $39/month (Standard Plan) | Scalable e-commerce platform, multi-channel sales, no processing fees, unlimited products and bandwidth, mobile-friendly website, live shipping quotes, 24/7 live phone and chat support | Medium to large online stores needing growth capacity |
Webflow | $18/month (Basic Plan) | Visual editor with advanced customization, built-in AI assistant, custom domain support, responsive design tools, 150 pages, unlimited form submissions, 10 GB bandwidth, surge protection | Designers, freelancers, and marketers who need design control |
Framer | $10/month (Mini Plan) | Real-time collaborative editor, no-code animations, Figma integration, custom domain, 2 pages, 10 GB bandwidth | Designers, freelancers, and marketers who need design control |
HubSpot CMS | $9/user/month (Starter Plan) | Built-in CRM, smart content, SEO mangement, reliable web hosting, drag-and-drop editor, premium cloud hosting, website analytics, multi-language content, landing pages, blogging | Marketers, B2B companies, and service providers |
Joomla | Free (open-source) | Flexible CMS, multilingual support, 5,700+ extensions, user access controls, customizable templates, strong community support | Tech-savvy users and organizations with complex content needs |
Drupal | Free (self-hosted) | Highly scalable, secure, advanced content structuring, multilingual support, built-in SEO, accessibility tools, customizable workflows | Enterprises, governments, and large institutions |
Ghost | $18/month (Starter Plan) | Clean publishing platform, fast performance, membership and newsletter tools, custom domain, SEO optimization, distraction-free writing environment | Writers, bloggers, and publishers focused on content and audience |
Disclaimer: Pricing and features are accurate at the time of writing, but may change. Always confirm details with the provider before making a decision.
Pricing: Starts at $4.99 per month
Network Solutions Website Builder
Network Solutions was established in 1979, evolving from the original .com domain registrar into a full-service platform for small businesses. We are recognized for bringing together domain registration, web hosting, website building, email, and security in one place. This makes it a strong choice for users who want convenience and reliability without juggling multiple vendors.
Unlike design-first competitors, we focus on business functionality. We solve the common problem of piecing together multiple services by offering an all-in-one package that helps small businesses build and manage a professional site with less effort.
For many small businesses, our website builder serves as a WordPress alternative, eliminating the need for plugins, third-party hosting, and manual updates.
Key unique features
- AI-powered website builder with industry-specific templates helps small business owners launch a professional site quickly.
- Integrated hosting, domains, and SSL certificates remove the hassle of managing separate providers.
- Built-in marketing and SEO tools support visibility without the need for complex plugin setups.
- Professional email hosting linked to your domain improves brand credibility and consistency.
- Optional professional web design services provide added support for businesses that want a custom look.
Who it’s best for
- Small businesses that prefer reliability and convenience over extensive design freedom
- Business owners who want one provider for all core web services
- Companies that value security, uptime, and integrated tools for growth
What users are saying
Business owners often praise us for our reliable hosting and all-in-one platform that combines website building, domain management, and marketing software. Users highlight its ease of use despite some limitations in customization options.
One user noted, “I’m surprised by the relative user-friendliness of the Network Solutions website builder. It wasn’t 100% intuitive, but the overall publishing experience was very manageable thanks to their helpful support team.”
Another customer said, “Kudos to Network Solutions support team for helping me get my site live in less than a week. It’s very easy to get help from them.” While some wish for more modern templates, most appreciate the stable performance and helpful support available.
Pricing and plans
Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
Website | $4.99/month (renews at $15.99/month) | AI website builder, 1 year free domain & domain privacy, 3 months free professional email, 1 month free SSL certificate, 1-hour expert design support, logo builder |
Website + Marketing | $7.99/month (renews at $20.99/month) | All Website features plus appointment scheduling, social media & email marketing, Google My Business listing |
E-commerce | $13.99/month (renews at $28.99/month) | All Marketing features plus secure checkout, sell on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay, and more |
Note: Pricing is accurate as of the time of writing and is subject to change without prior notice. Always confirm the latest details with us directly.
Wix
Wix is one of the most recognized website builders for creative flexibility, which allows users to create visually striking websites without coding knowledge. It is known for its drag-and-drop editor and large library of customizable templates. Compared to what we offer, which emphasizes simplicity and bundled business services, Wix places a strong emphasis on design freedom and third-party integrations. While this gives users more creative control, it can also increase costs as features often depend on premium add-ons.
For users who want to fully design their own site, Wix competes strongly. For businesses that prefer reliability and an all-in-one service, we often prove to be the simpler, lower-maintenance option.
Key unique features
- Drag-and-drop page builder with over 800 customizable templates
- Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) for fast, automated site creation
- App Market with 250+ integrations that extend functionality for marketing, bookings, or e-commerce
- Mobile optimization ensures websites perform well across devices
- Built-in e-commerce capabilities support online selling without relying on third-party plugins
Who it’s best for
- Creatives who value visual design flexibility
- Small business owners who want a DIY approach to building and maintaining their site
- Users who prefer ready-made templates but want room to customize
What users are saying
Wix remains a favorite for its sheer versatility and drag-and-drop simplicity, offering over 2,000 customizable templates. Many users value its AI-driven website building tools and 24/7 support, though some mention the overwhelming number of features and occasional slow loading times.
One user reflected, “Wix’s editor is intuitive and the AI chatbot builder made onboarding straightforward.” However, switching templates after publishing remains a limitation for some.
Another Wix user mentioned, “Customer service was fast and helpful, and the live chatbot made getting answers easy.”
Pricing and plans
Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
Light | $17/month | 2GB storage, free domain (annual), 2 collaborators |
Core | $29/month | 50GB storage, basic marketing, e-commerce features, 5 collaborators |
Business | $39/month | 100GB storage, advanced e-commerce, scheduling, 10 collaborators |
Business Elite | $159/month | Unlimited storage, advanced marketing, developer platform, 15 collaborators |
Note: The pricing shown is for annual billing; monthly rates are higher. Prices are current at the time of writing, but may change—check Wix for updates.
Squarespace
Squarespace is known for its designer templates and is user-friendly, making it a good option for those prioritizing aesthetics. Its all-in-one approach includes blogging, e-commerce, and marketing software within a single platform. Compared to our products, Squarespace places greater emphasis on aesthetics. While it delivers professional-looking sites, businesses may find advanced e-commerce or marketing tools locked behind higher-cost tiers.
Squarespace is ideal for users who prioritize design above all else. For those who prefer broader bundled services — including domains, email, and security — our website builder remains a more practical choice.
Key unique features
- Award-winning templates optimized for visually focused businesses
- Integrated blogging and e-commerce tools with support for products, subscriptions, and services
- Marketing features such as email campaigns and promotional pop-ups
- Mobile-ready designs ensure consistency across devices
- 24/7 customer support with onboarding resources and troubleshooting guides
Who it’s best for
- Designers, photographers, and creatives who want a stylish website
- Small businesses looking for an all-in-one platform with strong visual appeal
- Bloggers and entrepreneurs who want built-in content and commerce tools
What users are saying
Squarespace is highly regarded for its professionally designed templates and user-friendly page builder. Users like how quickly they can build elegant sites with minimal effort. Positive remarks often focus on reliability and responsive customer support.
A satisfied user shared, “Squarespace is the easiest website builder I’ve tested, with beautiful templates that simplify design.”
Another reviewer mentioned, “I love using Squarespace! Their customer support is responsive, and the website editor is intuitive even for someone who isn’t tech-savvy.”
Pricing and plans
Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
Basic | $25/month | Custom domain, up to 2 contributors, 3% store fee |
Core | $36/month | Unlimited contributors, 0% store fee, advanced analytics, promotional pop-ups, Google email |
Plus | $56/month | Lower service fees (1.7%), advanced shipping, sales funnels, up to 10 contributors |
Advanced | $139/month | Lowest service fees (from 1.5%), advanced commerce tools, full customization, unlimited contributors |
Note: The prices reflected above are for monthly billing only. Transaction fees apply to digital products and memberships. Pricing may change—check Squarespace for current details.
Shopify
Shopify is one of the most recognized e-commerce platforms out there. It is designed for businesses that want to sell products online with minimal setup. Unlike all-in-one builders such as ours, Shopify is e-commerce-first, with features focused on inventory, payment, and shipping.
Key unique features
- Comprehensive e-commerce toolkit for managing products, shipping, and taxes
- Multi-channel selling across social media, marketplaces, and in-person POS
- Customizable store themes designed for online shops
- Large app marketplace that extends functionality when needed
- Shopify Payments for secure transactions with reduced fees
Who it’s best for
- Small to mid-sized businesses focused on online sales
- Retailers that want to manage multiple sales channels in one system
- Entrepreneurs looking for built-in e-commerce tools
What users are saying
Shopify users consistently praise its strong e-commerce capabilities, including inventory management and seamless payment integrations. Many find it ideal for scaling online stores and appreciate its extensive app marketplace.
A shopper shared also commended their support, “[Their] customer service [team are] real people, and they are great!”
Another business owner expressed, “Easy to use – just about to hit 100 orders in just 2 months.”
Pricing and plans
Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
Basic | $29/month | 10 inventory locations, 24/7 chat support, in-person selling |
Grow | $79/month | 10 inventory locations, 24/7 chat support, 5 staff accounts |
Advanced | $299/month | 10 inventory locations, enhanced 24/7 chat support, 15 staff accounts, local storefronts by market |
Plus | $2,300/month (1- or 3-year term) | 200 inventory locations, priority 24/7 phone support, unlimited staff accounts, fully customizable checkout, up to 200 POS locations, wholesale/B2B sales |
Note: Pricing billed monthly. Always confirm with Shopify for the latest rates.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a hosted e-commerce platform designed for scaling businesses. It includes more features out of the box than many competitors and does not charge processing fees. Compared to our services, which provides bundled tools for small businesses, BigCommerce is more suitable for larger stores with complex requirements.
Key unique features
- No transaction fees, even with third-party payment processors
- Multi-channel integrations with Amazon, eBay, and social media
- Built-in SEO software to support product visibility
- PCI-compliant hosting for security
- Advanced analytics and customer segmentation for marketing
Who it’s best for
- Medium to large businesses planning for growth
- Retailers selling across multiple sales channels
- Stores that want comprehensive features without heavy reliance on apps
What users are saying
BigCommerce attracts users focused on robust built-in features to support larger online stores. Customers appreciate the SEO tools and multi-channel integrations but sometimes find the interface less intuitive.
One reviewer wrote, “Customer service is fantastic. Any time I’ve called in, someone answered quickly and was able to resolve my issue.”
Another user stated, “Easy to use and set up. Integrates well with my other systems and is a good fit for my store.”
Pricing and plans
Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
Standard | $29/month | Up to $50k annual revenue, no service fees, 24/7 support |
Plus | $79/month | Up to $180k annual revenue, abandoned cart saver, customer groups |
Pro | $299/month | Up to $400k annual revenue, faceted search, SSL, robust toolset |
Enterprise | Custom pricing | Over $1M revenue, dedicated support, tailored features |
Note: Pricing shown is for monthly billing. Revenue thresholds trigger automatic plan upgrades.
Webflow
Webflow is a designer-focused platform that combines visual building with developer-level flexibility by providing complete design freedom without the need for heavy coding. It is often chosen by designers and agencies that want more control over layouts. While we emphasize ease of use and bundled features, Webflow is better suited for users who prioritize customization.
Thanks to its zero-cost starter offer, it can serve as a viable free WordPress competitor.
Key unique features
- Visual editor with custom layout control and animations
- Built-in CMS for blogs, portfolios, and business sites
- Responsive design tools for multiple devices
- Code export for developer customization
- Integrations with Google Analytics, Zapier, and marketing platforms
Who it’s best for
- Designers and agencies seeking flexible design options
- Freelancers building websites for clients
- Marketers and startups needing content editing with visual control
What users are saying
Webflow is favored by designers and developers for its deep customization without coding. Users praise its professional-grade design tools but warn that it has a steep learning curve for beginners.
One user said, “The templating system is amazing, and the growing Webflow community is a plus. Recommend for anyone looking for efficient no-code/low-code solution!”
Another customer shared, “I rarely write reviews but wanted to comment on my refund experience. I noticed I had forgotten to cancel my account and was charged today. I requested a refund and it was approved immediately and the money was sent a minute later. Good experience.”
Pricing and plans
Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
Starter | Free | 2 pages, Webflow domain, 50 CMS items |
Basic | $14/month | Personal domain, 150 pages, basic hosting |
CMS | $23/month | 2,000 CMS items, 50GB bandwidth, site search |
Business | $39/month | 300 pages, 100,000 CMS items, advanced features |
Enterprise | Custom pricing | Enterprise-scale security, collaboration, SLA |
Note: Pricing is accurate at the time of writing and may change without prior notice. Always confirm details with Webflow directly.
Framer
Framer began as a prototyping tool and now functions as a website builder. It is designed for creatives and small businesses that want interactive, visually engaging websites. Compared with our website builder, which focuses on bundled business services, Framer is more design-focused and suited for simpler sites.
Key unique features
- Collaborative editor that allows real-time teamwork
- No-code animations and interactions for modern web experiences
- Figma integration for smooth design-to-site workflows
- Built-in hosting with SEO optimization
- Lightweight code output for fast performance
Who it’s best for
- Designers and freelancers creating personal or client sites
- Small businesses needing landing pages or marketing sites
- Creatives wanting interactive, visually rich sites
What users are saying
Framer appeals to creative professionals who want to combine design and development seamlessly. Users like the modern interface and prototyping tools but note it’s less accessible to non-technical users.
A user found that, “Framer’s customer service must have taken a look in the mirror as they were exceptional. The tech has always been a 10/10, and now the customer service is getting close!”
Then, one user also shared, “After two weeks of using Framer I’m able to launch my website to a very high standard.”
Pricing and plans
Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Limited features, Framer branding |
Mini | $10/month | 2 pages, 10 GB bandwidth, custom domain |
Basic | $30/month | 1,000 pages, 50 GB bandwidth, password-protected |
Pro | $100/month | 10,000 pages, 100 GB bandwidth, 10 CMS collections |
Note: These plans are billed monthly. Pricing is accurate at the time of writing and may change without prior notice. Always confirm details with Framer directly.
HubSpot CMS
HubSpot CMS is part of HubSpot’s larger marketing and CRM ecosystem. It is designed for businesses that want a content platform tightly connected with lead management and automation. Unlike our services, which bundle domains, hosting, and security for general business use, HubSpot CMS emphasizes integration with marketing and sales tools.
Key unique features
- User-friendly editor with flexible templates
- Built-in CRM integration for tracking contacts and leads
- Smart content tools that personalize pages for different visitors
- SEO recommendations and analytics within the dashboard
- Reliable hosting and monitoring included
Who it’s best for
- B2B companies that want marketing and website tools in one system
- Service providers who rely on lead generation and CRM workflows
- Startups that want a scalable content and marketing platform
What users are saying
Marketing teams and small businesses value HubSpot CMS for its seamless integration with CRM and marketing automation tools. Users repeatedly mention how it simplifies managing web content alongside lead generation workflows.
A user mentioned, “We made the switch to HubSpot from Salesforce, and although HubSpot is expensive, the way it has automated many aspects of our sales and general business cannot be undersold. The product is continually being advanced and overall has made a massive transformation in our business.”
Then, another user also shared, “Best CRM platform. We track all our leads and plan campaigns here.”
Pricing and plans
Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
Free | $0/month | Basic CMS tools, easy-to-use editor, premium hosting, website analytics |
Starter | $15/user/month | Basic CMS tools, hosting, and support for small teams |
Professional | $1,450/month (5 users) | Advanced marketing systems, SEO recommendations, and dynamic content |
Enterprise | $4,700/month (7 users) | Custom objects, scalable content management, and enterprise-level security |
Note: Pricing is accurate at the time of writing and may change without prior notice. Always confirm the latest details with HubSpot directly.
Joomla
Joomla is an open-source CMS that offers more flexibility out of the box than many alternatives. It allows for detailed content management and advanced user permissions. Compared to our product, Joomla requires more technical knowledge, but it provides greater control for complex sites.
Key unique features
- Flexible CMS with advanced user controls
- Multilingual support included without extra plugins
- 5,700+ extensions to expand functionality
- Ability to use multiple templates on a single site
Who it’s best for
- Organizations that need detailed content and access control
- Tech-savvy users or developers who want more flexibility than WordPress
- Businesses with multilingual or complex site requirements
What users are saying
Joomla users appreciate the platform’s powerful flexibility and extensive extensions. It attracts developers who can leverage its complex capabilities, but it is less friendly for beginners.
A user shared, “A really good and comprehensive CMS, use for most of my sites.”
Then, another user also mentioned, “We’ve been using Joomla to power some of the world’s biggest websites as well as some very complex apps. A +10 from me for this fabulous piece of software!”
Pricing and plans
Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
Core Software | Free | Downloadable CMS, open-source license |
Personal | $99/year | 1 Joomla website, access to all extensions, basic support (72-hour response time) |
Business | $199/year | Up to 5 Joomla websites, access to all extensions, premium support (48-hour response time) |
Agency | $399/year | Unlimited Joomla websites, access to all extensions, VIP support (24-hour response time) |
Note: Joomla is free software, but costs for hosting, domains, and premium extensions apply. Pricing is accurate at the time of writing and may change without prior notice. All listed prices are billed annually.
Drupal
Drupal is another open-source CMS, known for scalability and security. It is often used by large institutions such as universities and government organizations. Compared with our website builder, Drupal offers deeper customization but requires technical expertise to manage.
Key unique features
- Advanced content structuring with taxonomies and custom content types
- Highly scalable for large, high-traffic sites
- Multilingual support built in
- Large library of modules for additional functionality
- Strong security track record, favored by enterprise users
Who it’s best for
- Enterprises and institutions that need secure, complex websites
- Development teams with coding expertise
- Organizations managing large amounts of structured content
What users are saying
Drupal attracts users looking for a highly customizable, secure, and scalable CMS solution especially for large or complex projects. Technical users commend its powerful frameworks but caution about a steeper learning curve for beginners.
A user shared, “Flexible framework that can be used for any business that expects growth and scale!”
Then, another user also mentioned, “Good amount of customization is possible without harming the standard structure.”
Pricing and plans
Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
Core software | Free | Open-source CMS with advanced customization options |
Hosting | $10–30/month | VPS or managed Drupal hosting from third-party providers |
Modules & themes | Free–$100+ | Add-ons for design, content types, or integrations |
Custom development | $50–150/hour (developer rates) | Professional setup, theming, or scaling for enterprises |
Note: Drupal software is free, but costs for hosting, domains, and professional development apply. Pricing is accurate at the time of writing and may change without prior notice.
Ghost
Ghost is a CMS built for publishing and membership-based websites. It focuses on fast performance and a minimalist design. Unlike our offers, which provide a broad set of business services, Ghost is purpose-built for writers and publishers.
Key unique features
- Streamlined publishing interface with Markdown support
- Built-in memberships and subscription tools
- Email newsletter features included
- Fast, minimalist performance for content-driven sites
- Open-source version plus managed hosting option
Who it’s best for
- Writers, bloggers, and publishers focused on content
- Businesses or individuals offering paid memberships or newsletters
- Users who prefer a minimalist publishing platform
What users are saying
Focused primarily on publishing and blogging, Ghost is praised for its minimalistic, fast, and content-centered platform. Users highlight its smooth interface and speed, with bloggers appreciating its built-in SEO features.
A user shared, “Ghost is a great headless CMS for a company blog. It’s user-friendly for writers and content managers, plus easy for developers to build beautiful, high-performing pages.”
Then, another user also mentioned, “By far the best experience I ever had when it comes to paid subscriptions and blog posts — no cap.”
Pricing and plans
Plan | Cost/Term | Plan inclusions |
|---|---|---|
Ghost (Pro) – Starter | $15/month (billed monthly) | For solo blogs & newsletters: custom domain, email newsletter, 1,000 members, simple design settings |
Ghost (Pro) – Creator/Publisher | $29/month (billed monthly) | For custom publications: 3 staff users, custom themes, 8,000+ integrations, paid subscriptions, advanced analytics |
Ghost (Pro) – Business | $199/month (billed monthly) | For teams scaling up: 15 staff users, priority support, early access to features, 10,000 members, high usage limits |
Ghost (Pro) – Custom | Custom pricing (1–3 year term) | For enterprise: unlimited staff users, advanced configurations, dedicated IP, 99.9% uptime SLA, unlimited members |
Note: Pricing is based on Ghost’s official monthly billing rates and may vary for annual or multi-year commitments. Information is accurate at the time of writing and subject to change without prior notice.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. WordPress remains one of the most widely used CMS platforms, powering millions of websites. However, many small businesses and individuals now choose alternatives that are easier to set up and maintain.
ChatGPT cannot directly build a WordPress website, but it can help you plan your structure, write content, or generate code snippets. To actually build a site, you’ll still need a platform or a developer.
Alternatives include website builders like Network Solutions, Wix, and Squarespace; e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and BigCommerce; design-focused tools like Webflow and Framer; and open-source CMS options such as Joomla and Drupal.
Ghost is a lightweight, open-source CMS focused on publishing. Unlike WordPress, which supports a wide range of site types, Ghost is designed mainly for bloggers, writers, and newsletter creators.
It depends on your needs. WordPress is powerful for customization and has a large plugin ecosystem. But for users who want simplicity or bundled services, alternatives like Network Solutions, Squarespace, or Shopify may be a better fit.
Yes. Many modern website builders and all-in-one platforms do not rely on plugins at all. Core features such as design tools, SEO settings, security, and performance optimization are built into the platform. This reduces compatibility issues and eliminates the need to manage third-party extensions.
For beginners, the easiest alternatives are platforms that offer guided setup, visual editors, and built-in features. These tools are designed to minimize technical decisions, making it easier to create and manage a website without prior experience or ongoing maintenance tasks.
The best alternative for small businesses is typically a platform that combines ease of use with predictable pricing and built-in essentials like hosting, security, and customer support. This allows business owners to maintain a professional online presence without spending time on technical upkeep or unexpected costs.
How to choose the right WordPress alternative
The best platform for you depends on what you value most in building and managing your website. Each option has different strengths, so consider your goals before deciding.
- Simplest all-in-one: Network Solutions, Wix, Squarespace
Ideal for small businesses and individuals who want everything in one place. These platforms bundle hosting, domains, templates, and design tools, making it easy to get a professional site online without juggling multiple services.
- Store-first: Shopify, BigCommerce
Designed for businesses that prioritize online sales. These platforms include advanced e-commerce tools for product management, payments, shipping, and multi-channel selling.
- Design control: Webflow, Framer
Suited for designers, agencies, and freelancers who want maximum creative flexibility. These tools allow near-complete control over layouts and interactions without requiring users to code every element from scratch.
- Structured CMS: Drupal, Joomla
Best for organizations and developers that need advanced customization, content structuring, and multilingual support. These platforms offer more complexity but require technical expertise.
- Publishing-first: Ghost
Tailored for writers, bloggers, and publishers who want a fast, minimalist platform. Ghost is designed around content creation, memberships, and newsletters.
Choosing your best WordPress alternative
The right WordPress alternative depends on what you want your website to achieve. If you value simplicity and bundled tools, platforms like Network Solutions, Wix, and Squarespace keep everything in one place.
For businesses that prioritize online selling, Shopify and BigCommerce provide store-first solutions.
Web designers often prefer Webflow or Framer for full creative control, while organizations needing advanced customization turn to Drupal or Joomla.
Writers and publishers may find Ghost the most streamlined fit.
For small and medium-sized businesses, Network Solutions stands out as the most convenient all-in-one choice. We bring together domains, hosting, security, and an AI-powered builder so you can launch a professional site quickly without managing multiple providers.
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