Compare website builders, ecommerce platforms and managed site options.
Review the full list first, then open any product for a detailed explainer and alternatives.
Shopifyshopify.comWebsites & Ecommerce
Best for: Businesses where ecommerce is the main job of the website
Shopify is aimed at businesses where ecommerce is the main job of the website. Its core offer includes Online store, Checkout and Inventory. A practical strength is deep ecommerce ecosystem.…
Squarespacesquarespace.comWebsites & Ecommerce
Best for: Service businesses and brands prioritising polished presentation
Squarespace is aimed at service businesses and brands prioritising polished presentation. Its core offer includes Website builder, Templates and Commerce. A practical strength is strong visual presentation. Check less flexible…
Websites & Ecommerce
Best for: Small businesses wanting an easy visual website builder
Wix is aimed at small businesses wanting an easy visual website builder. Its core offer includes Website builder, Templates and Bookings. A practical strength is accessible visual editing. Check platform…
WordPress.comwordpress.comWebsites & Ecommerce
Best for: Content-led businesses wanting a hosted WordPress route
WordPress.com is aimed at content-led businesses wanting a hosted WordPress route. Its core offer includes Website publishing, Themes and Plugins on relevant plans. A practical strength is strong publishing foundation.…
| Product | Best for | Cost | Basis / commitment | Useful comparison facts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopifyshopify.comShopify | Businesses where ecommerce is the main job of the website | Basic from £19/month on annual billing | ecommerce subscription · Monthly or annual billing | Online store · Checkout · Inventory | Full details |
| Squarespacesquarespace.comSquarespace | Service businesses and brands prioritising polished presentation | Public plans or quote — check current price | plan/service pricing · Plan, order or contract terms vary by selected product. | Website builder · Templates · Commerce | Full details |
| Small businesses wanting an easy visual website builder | Public plans or quote — check current price | plan/service pricing · Plan, order or contract terms vary by selected product. | Website builder · Templates · Bookings | Full details | |
| WordPress.comwordpress.comWordPress.com | Content-led businesses wanting a hosted WordPress route | Public plans or quote — check current price | plan/service pricing · Plan, order or contract terms vary by selected product. | Website publishing · Themes · Plugins on relevant plans | Full details |
Start with the buying criteria on this page, remove products that fail a must-have requirement, then compare the remaining options side by side.
Not automatically. A lower headline price can be poor value if important features, support or usage allowances are missing.
Review it when your business changes materially and before a renewal, price change or contract commitment.
Build a manageable plan around the places customers actually discover and evaluate your business.
Read guide →Create a professional email setup that is easier to manage as the business grows.
Read guide →A simple set of checks before you invest in a name, domain, signage or marketing.
Read guide →A practical checklist for presenting a local business consistently and giving customers useful information.
Read guide →Choose a website platform around what the site must actually do: generate enquiries, take bookings, sell products or build trust.
Read guide →Compare checkout and payment choices around conversion, fees, settlement, refunds and platform compatibility.
Read guide →