The Best Website Builder App Is?
We created this review site because, of all the websites claiming to review “website builder phone apps”, almost none actually do. And absolutely none have done it thoroughly. There are many website builder reviews, some of them good, looking at website builders for computers. If you want to know what is the best website builder app on a phone, we made this for you.
We asked a diverse group of testers to build websites, from start to finish, using the iOS and Android apps in our review, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each app from the following perspectives:
- Ease of Use (User Interface and Design)
- Features & Functionality
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Performance & Reliability
- Support & Documentation
- Pricing & Value
Click on any one of the app cards below to see the full review for each app.
To find out more about how we reviewed each app, see How We Review.
Best Website Builder Overall
SimDif came out top with our testers, who found the app easy to use and supportive of users’ learning. The only note of criticism was in the limited layout and design options.
FreeSite App was found to be an easy way to build a website, albeit one with a limited set of features. It does, however, offer users the a simple switch to another app by the same company, SimDif, for more advanced capabilities.
Instant Website Builder App offers a user-friendly app for creating visually appealing websites with customization options, though it faces limitations like occasional bugs, mobile optimization concerns, and layout adaptability on smaller screens.
The Universe app is a tool with a mix of strengths and limitations. Testers found it suitable for fun and quirky creative projects that align with social media trends. However, the editor’s usability poses challenges, affecting basic operations like text editing and block management.
The Wix Owner app offers ambitious capabilities, but with a steep learning curve, and limitations compared to the desktop version. Overall, Wix’s App is a powerful tool for creating and managing websites, catering to both beginners and more experienced users.
GIZI is a valuable tool for individuals seeking to create impressive landing pages without a hefty price tag. However, it may not be the best choice for more intricate website projects, especially if users lack advanced design skills.
Milkshake’s strengths lie in its mobile-focused design, ease of use, quick website creation, design customization, and affordability. However, limitations such as the absence of a desktop layout, and a lack of advanced features reduce its potential for more professional website needs.
Strikingly’s one-page-website focus and intuitive interface received positive feedback. However, limitations in features, customization, and bugs lower its overall performance and user satisfaction. The app’s value for beginners seeking simple websites is evident, but more comprehensive solutions may be preferred by users with more complex needs.
The Jimdo Creator app gave our testers a mixed bag of experiences. While it garnered positive feedback for simplicity, quick website creation, and appealing designs, the limitations and missing features, particularly in the free plan, will be a drawback for some users.
Leia A.I. app offers an innovative approach to website creation using AI technology, but it falls short of its potential due to a range of execution and maintenance issues. It seems to have been repurposed for commercial use without adequate attention to user experience and support.
Crayon is a website builder app that allows users to create simple websites directly from their mobile phones. Despite its potential, Crayon’s limitations and lack of substantial updates hinder its ability to deliver a satisfying website building experience.
All but one of our testers gave up on Weebly without completing the test due to critical issues like not being able to open an account in the app, and not being able to edit text. It’s also missing several other essential features.
Weebly was bought fairly recently by Square Online, and it has been suggested in several places online that it may eventually be discontinued or merged with Square’s own store builder app.
Best Easy Website Builder
SimDif was praised for its intuitive interface, clear instructions, and emphasis on content quality and education. Room for improvement in areas of template variety, design flexibility, and certain aspects of workflow efficiency were noted.
FreeSite scored well for ease of use. Testers found the app intuitive to navigate and gave high marks for comprehensibility. There were some initial challenges for beginners due to slightly overwhelming icons and buttons. Once testers became familiar with the interface, it became easier to use.
Instant Website Builder App was appreciated for its interface, design, and templates, although the app’s unique system may take some getting used to. Noted challenges included the relationship between the app and the generated website being difficult to comprehend, the app’s focus on selling, and the approach to user education.
While some testers found Milkshake intuitive and easy to navigate, others encountered challenges, especially in navigating the interface. Milkshake adopts a novel approach by allowing users to choose and add different types of Cards, each serving as a page on the site. This innovative concept can be both empowering and slightly complex for newcomers.
GIZI was well-rated for user-friendliness, with an intuitively navigable interface, particularly for users familiar with gestures like swiping and dragging. Testers noted a manageable learning curve, efficient workflow processes, and clear instructions, although there is room for improvement in terms of pre-filled content. GIZI has consistent design but some issues with visual hierarchy. The app offers reasonably customizable templates, emphasizes graphic design over sales, and has a focus on user education, but is weaker in supporting content quality and organization.
Jimdo offers a mixed but generally positive user experience. It caters to varying skill levels, exhibits consistent design, and focuses on user satisfaction without aggressive marketing. While improvements are needed in areas such as offering clear instructions, design flexibility, and visual hierarchy, the app’s intuitive interface and effort to simplify tasks contribute to its overall usability.
The user interface and design of Strikingly gained mixed reviews. The app seems to strike a balance between usability and design appeal, however, our testers experienced bugs and inconsistencies in the app’s behavior, which impact the overall user experience.
Some testers found the Wix Owner app’s interface straightforward, with helpful text prompts and visual cues. Others thought things could have been clearer, such as the map feature and section naming. Several testers also noted that the App felt a bit overwhelming due to the number and complexity of features.
Our testers rated Universe well for workflow efficiency, design flexibility, and consistency. However, they noted challenges related to the learning curve, visual hierarchy, and accessibility.
While some testers found Leia A.I. manageable, others struggled with touch screen sensitivity and small clickable area sizes. Testers also suggested Leia improve tooltips and user guidance. All-in-all the app seems to need improvement in terms of user interaction and responsiveness.
Crayon presented challenges in the app’s user interface and design, particularly in navigation, clarity, and design flexibility. The app also has room for improvement in terms of business ethics and user support. However, it garnered enough positive feedback to suggest that the app still offers some value to users.
All but one of our testers gave up on Weebly without completing the test due to critical issues like not being able to open an account in the app, and not being able to edit text. It’s also missing several other essential features.
Weebly was bought fairly recently by Square Online, and it has been suggested in several places online that it may eventually be discontinued or merged with Square’s own store builder app.
Strongest Website Builder App Features
Universe app was appreciated by Testers for a comprehensive set of tools for creating, editing, and managing websites, with a variety of customization options. Some limitations and challenges were noted, particularly in the area of language options and integrations.
Testers liked SimDif‘s essential tools for website creation, including text editing, image uploading, and form creation. They also praised the app’s multi-language support. However, limitations in features and extensibility, for example that social media icons require paid versions, were mentioned.
The Wix Owner app gained mostly positive sentiments regarding the App’s capabilities. Testers appreciated the huge range of features, extensibility and collaboration capabilities. They also noted significant limitations in the customizability of themes and layout.
Instant Website Builder gained mixed ratings, with positive feedback on layout control but confusion regarding content blocks and design customization. The navigation was also praised, but collaboration features were found lacking. The app supports third-party integrations, mainly focused on social media and Google Translate, with some requiring a subscription. Language options are available but have translation quality issues.
FreeSite offers the essential website-building features, and excels in language options, but lacks commonly used options like form customization. Extensibility is also limited, with only a few extra features like Google ownership verification.
Crayon offers good functionality, including image and text editing tools, and some extensibility with PayPal and Google Search Console integration. It received positive feedback for customizability, with various block types and strong layout, design, and feature control. Noted limitations include a lack of collaboration options, a lack of popular third-party integrations. The app also offers multiple language options for its interface but lacks built-in options for publishing in different languages.
Leia AI received a reasonable score but lacks integration options, language support, and collaboration features. Leia shows potential in terms of functionality and customization, particularly for paid users. However, it needs to address limitations in the free plan for a more versatile user experience.
GIZI provides most of the essential tools for website creation and some degree of customizability, but there’s room for improvement in terms of collaboration options, customizability, and integrations. The limitations in feature control and the lack of multi-language support also contribute to an average score for this category.
Jimdo offers features and functionality for creating, editing, and managing websites. However, the poor overall rating in this category reflects Jimdo’s limited functionality, lack of extensibility, minimal collaboration support, and weak customization and integration options.
Strikingly evoked a range of sentiments, encompassing appreciation and concern here. Testers found the app’s core functionality to be good, but limitations in customization, collaboration, integrations, and language options were noted.
Milkshake’s overall rating for Features and Functionality is poor.Our testers’ experiences indicate that while Milkshake might suit those seeking minimalistic web presence with a mobile focus, it falls short for users requiring comprehensive features, integrations, and multi-language capabilities.
All but one of our testers gave up on Weebly without completing the test due to critical issues like not being able to open an account in the app, and not being able to edit text. It’s also missing several other essential features.
Weebly was bought fairly recently by Square Online, and it has been suggested in several places online that it may eventually be discontinued or merged with Square’s own store builder app.
Best SEO Capabilities in an App
FreeSite performed well in SEO abilities, with a very overall high rating. Testers noted robust SEO capabilities including metadata customization, URL customization, mobile optimization, and effective website optimization.
SimDif received strong ratings for its SEO capabilities, including for metadata customization, URL customization, mobile optimization, and overall website performance. Our testers found it to be a powerful tool for crafting websites that not only look visually appealing but also excel in terms of search engine optimization and user experience.
GIZI has some strong SEO features, including mobile optimization, site loading speed, and image optimization. These features contribute to an effective and well-optimized website that is likely to rank well in search engine results. However, GIZI does not allow users to edit meta descriptions and keywords, which will impact an overall SEO strategy.
Strikingly’s ratings for SEO were mixed, but mostly promising. While certain metadata customization and mobile optimization are well-executed, areas like URL customization and image compression offer room for improvement.
Universe offers a mixed bag of SEO features and performance. Depending on your needs and priorities, it may be worth exploring, especially if you require strong URL customization and image optimization. However, potential users should be aware of potential mobile performance issues and limited SEO documentation.
While Instant Website Builder was generally rated well for SEO Abilities including metadata customization and mobile optimization, areas for improvement related to image compression, site optimization, and load times were noted. Testers also said that the app could do better by addressing image optimization, and other performance issues.
Milkshake was praised for its mobile optimization and fast load times. Limitations in metadata and URL customization, as well as uncertainties about site optimization, will impact its overall effectiveness for SEO-conscious users.
Leia’s SEO abilities were generally highly rated, with options for metadata and URL customization. Testers appreciated the mobile optimization feature, with websites loading quickly and correctly on mobile devices. However, the app’s performance in website load times received mixed ratings. The automatic optimization of images and assets was rated positively, but testers also noted room for improvement.
Testers had varying experiences with the Wix Owner App’s SEO abilities. While some found the app’s SEO capabilities, mobile optimization, and site performance to be good, others encountered limitations in metadata and URL customization.
Jimdo offers mixed strengths in SEO and performance-related aspects. While websites are mobile optimized, and website loading times are good, there is room for improvement in metadata customization, URL customization, and image optimization. For users seeking strong SEO capabilities, the app may require supplementary tools or work to achieve good search visibility and performance.
Crayon offers metadata customization, but not URL customization, mobile optimization, or good website loading speed.
Our assessment suggests that the app needs to focus on refining its SEO features and addressing the identified issues to provide users with better tools for improving their website’s search engine rankings, mobile responsiveness, and overall performance.
All but one of our testers gave up on Weebly without completing the test due to critical issues like not being able to open an account in the app, and not being able to edit text. It’s also missing several other essential features.
Weebly was bought fairly recently by Square Online, and it has been suggested in several places online that it may eventually be discontinued or merged with Square’s own store builder app.
Best Website and App Performance
FreeSite was well reviewed for performance and reliability with testers finding the app to be dependable and efficient. Minor areas for potential improvement were noted.
SimDif’s strengths include stability, reactivity, and quality assurance. Testers noted its mobile-first design and adaptive layouts, though some minor improvements in touch interactions could enhance the user experience further.
GIZI received very positive user experience ratings. It excels in areas like stability, user guidance, and mobile-first design, while there is room for improvement in reactivity and quality assurance. Testers relate that users can rely on GIZI for creating functional websites, especially with a focus on mobile devices, but should be aware of some limitations in desktop functionality and responsiveness.
Instant Website Builder generally received positive feedback in areas like mobile-first design, touch-friendly interactions, and reactivity; there were concerns around stability and quality assurance.
Milkshake was found to be stable, responsive, and capable of handling content well. User guidance was found to be good, but basic. The published websites made by Milkshake have very limited adaptation to different screen sizes.
Jimdo received a good overall score here. Responsiveness, touch interactions, stability, and website previews all contribute to a reliable environment for website building. However, users should be aware of the app’s limitations, particularly in the free plan, which lacks features.
Our testers had mixed perceptions of the Universe app’s performance and reliability. While the app generally performs well and provides stable experiences, some testers encountered minor issues related to reactivity, user guidance, and some design aspects.
Wix had mixed reviews here with some testers reporting issues with app stability, reactivity, completeness, user guidance. There were also remarks about quality assurance, and inconsistent mobile-first design.
While Strikingly excels in certain areas like adaptive layouts and mobile-first design, problems with stability, reactivity, and user guidance contributed to a merely average overall rating.
Crayon exhibits strengths in mobile-first design and responsiveness, aligning with modern design best practices. However lags and delays during loading and saving operations, contributed to a below-average stability rating. User guidance was generally well-regarded, although translation issues affect its perceived quality. While the app provides most of the tools needed for website creation, hosting is excluded, and ratings indicate mixed potential for successfully completing tasks.
While Leia shows promise in areas like user guidance, mobile-first design, and adaptive layouts, significant issues related to stability, completeness, website testing and previewing, and touch interactions need urgent attention. Users looking for a reliable and robust website-building experience might want to consider alternatives until these issues are addressed.
All but one of our testers gave up on Weebly without completing the test due to critical issues like not being able to open an account in the app, and not being able to edit text. It’s also missing several other essential features.
Weebly was bought fairly recently by Square Online, and it has been suggested in several places online that it may eventually be discontinued or merged with Square’s own store builder app.
Good Support in a Site Builder App
Wix got mostly positive reviews for support channels, including email, live chat, and chat bots. However some testers found the responses unhelpful. The documentation is comprehensive: with tutorials, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides, but some noted gaps in relevance, especially concerning the mobile app. An active user community was also noted.
Instant Website Builder was rated somewhat averagely for Support & Documentation. Testers appear to have experienced a mix of positive and negative interactions with the support system and documentation. Areas noted for potential improvement included the effectiveness of support responses, community features, and transparent communication about data privacy
Strikingly offers multiple support channels and comprehensive documentation, contributing positively to the app’s overall appeal. However, the absence of an active community and documentation accessibility issues slightly impact the overall rating in this category.
While some of our testers found Universe support channels, documentation, and community helpful, others encountered challenges and expressed dissatisfaction with the level of support provided, resulting in a fairly poor score overall.
FreeSite offers email support and comprehensive documentation. Overall our testers had mixed views of FreeSite’s support. While the support channels and responsiveness earned positive ratings, the lack of an active community impacted the overall score.
Testers found Milkshake’s support and documentation barely satisfactory. However, the app’s transparency and options for data privacy are rated positively. Milkshake’s support channels include live chat and an interactive FAQ, but the effectiveness and availability of support leave room for improvement.
SimDif offers support via email and an interactive FAQ, and received varying ratings for support channels. Response times were generally quick, and testers gave positive feedback on the effectiveness of support. SimDif is transparent about data privacy policies and provides options to close accounts and erase data.
Jimdo’s support offered testers a mixed experience. While the documentation is generally comprehensive, the app lacks a dedicated user community. The support system includes multiple channels, including email, and responses are generally effective. Data privacy concerns are addressed transparently, giving users control over their personal data.
Our testers found Leia to have areas of concern around support and data privacy. A lack of response to support requests, limited communication channels, outdated documentation, and unclear data privacy policies collectively contribute to a poor experience. Leia AI clearly needs to focus on improving its support system, and address data privacy in a more user-friendly manner.
GIZI received its worst score here, falling well short for customer support. It does offer support channels, including a chatbot, email, and an interactive FAQ, but the documentation is not comprehensive, offering only a brief tour of a few features. GIZI lacks an active user community, and also lacks transparency regarding its data privacy policy, particularly for when a user discontinues using the service, raising concerns about personal data handling.
A 30% score paints a bleak picture of Crayon’s ability to assist users effectively. Testers faced significant challenges when seeking support or trying to navigate the available documentation. The app’s lackluster customer support, poorly-written documentation, and absence of a helpful user community have collectively contributed to this disappointing outcome.
All but one of our testers gave up on Weebly without completing the test due to critical issues like not being able to open an account in the app, and not being able to edit text. It’s also missing several other essential features.
Weebly was bought fairly recently by Square Online, and it has been suggested in several places online that it may eventually be discontinued or merged with Square’s own store builder app.
Best Value ANd TOP Free Website Builder
SimDif was praised for its pricing options, flexibility, and transparency in communication. The locally adjusted purchasing power parity pricing was also rated well. It was also noted that SimDif offers good value in the free version by providing everything necessary for publishing an effective website.
Milkshake offers competitive pricing tiers, with options ranging from free to premium plans. The app’s value for money was praised by testers, especially considering its low price point. Transparent pricing was also mentioned favorably.
FreeSite offers only a free plan, and not surprisingly received a fairly high cost-effectiveness rating. The app was also rated positively for transparency
While some testers found Universe’s pricing tiers flexible and cost-effective, there were varying opinions about the transparency of the pricing structure and the overall value provided by the app.
GIZI has a few tiers and options, including for domain name purchase and a Supreme Plan, though testers found that these options lacked depth. Nevertheless, the app earns a strong rating for cost-effectiveness, indicating good value for its features. It also communicates its pricing clearly. Overall, GIZI scored reasonably well for pricing and cost-effectiveness.
While our testers generally appreciated Instant Website Builder’s different pricing tiers and perceived good cost-effectiveness, there were concerns about the initial price point and the transparency of pricing communication.
Strikingly’s pricing structure and value for money received an average rating of 63%. While the app offers cost-effective solutions for single-page websites, the difficulty in accessing upgrade options in the app may create uncertainty for some users. Testers found the pricing structure to be transparent, but some expressed doubts about the value of the plans.
While Leia offers a variety of pricing tiers, including a full-featured option, the effectiveness of these options is debated. The app’s aggressive promotion of the “Leia Growth Club” is a concern, and transparency issues about post-trial plan options need to be addressed.
Crayon’s pricing and value proposition is a double-edged sword. While positive aspects like transparent communication about basic pricing and the availability of different tiers, critical issues like functionality problems and hidden fees diminished the overall value our testers perceived in the app. Addressing these issues is crucial for Crayon to truly offer competitive pricing and deliver meaningful value to its users.
Wix has multiple pricing tiers, with a free plan and premium tiers. While some testers found the pricing flexible and competitive, others expressed concerns about transparency in pricing structures, hidden fees, and limitations in the free plan. Some testers perceived good value, while others noted misalignment with their expectations.
Jimdo’s poor score here may reflect a lack of visibility of pricing tiers within the app. While some testers found the pricing competitive and transparent, others noted poor communication about paid tiers and features. This is a common problem for apps which are designed mainly to support a desktop website builder, rather than to be a standalone product.
All but one of our testers gave up on Weebly without completing the test due to critical issues like not being able to open an account in the app, and not being able to edit text. It’s also missing several other essential features.
Weebly was bought fairly recently by Square Online, and it has been suggested in several places online that it may eventually be discontinued or merged with Square’s own store builder app.