Is a No-Code Website Builder Right for You? Exploring Pros, Cons, and Top Options

No-code tools have changed the game when it comes to building websites. It’s now easier than ever to create a website without having to write a single line of code! But just because something is easier doesn’t always mean it’s the best solution. In this blog post, we’ll cover the pros and cons of using a no-code website builder, and highlight some of the most popular no-code platforms designed specifically for marketing websites.

What is a No-Code Website Builder?

Before we dive into the details, let’s first align on what we mean by a no-code website builder.  No-code platforms essentially make the process of website creation visual and accessible to non-developers. No-code website builders feature a drag-and-drop editor to build the site, turning the process into something anyone—developer or not—can create. At the end of the day, the output is still code, but the process of getting there becomes simpler.

No-code tools can save time and make complex designs accessible, but that convenience does come at a price – it’s not one-size fits all. Let’s dig into the details.

No-Code vs. Low-Code: What’s the Difference?

The terms “no-code” and “low-code” are often used interchangeably, but they cater to different needs and skill levels. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right approach for your project. Let’s break it down:

Technical Expertise

• No-Code: Designed for non-technical users, no-code platforms focus on accessibility, allowing anyone to create a website or app with drag-and-drop functionality and visual interfaces. You don’t need coding knowledge to get started.
• Low-Code: While low-code platforms are also user-friendly, they typically require some programming knowledge to unlock their full potential. They’re better suited for developers or teams with a mix of technical and non-technical members.

Customization Capabilities

• No-Code: Offers simplicity but at the cost of flexibility. Customization is often limited to what the platform provides, which may restrict advanced functionality or unique designs.
• Low-Code: Provides more control and flexibility, allowing for custom code and integrations. This makes it a better option for projects that require tailored solutions or advanced features.

Scalability and Complexity

• No-Code: Best for smaller projects with straightforward requirements, like marketing websites or MVPs. Scalability can be an issue, as these platforms often struggle with complex workflows or high-traffic demands.
• Low-Code: Handles scalability and complexity more effectively, making it suitable for enterprise-level applications or projects that need intricate logic and backend support.

Development Time and Cost

• No-Code: Typically faster and more cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for developers and extensive testing. It’s ideal for quick turnarounds and budget-conscious projects.
• Low-Code: While still faster than traditional development, it may require more time and investment due to the need for some coding and a higher level of customization.

In short, no-code is perfect for fast, simple projects that prioritize ease of use, while low-code offers more flexibility and scalability for teams with some technical expertise. The right choice depends on your project’s requirements, budget, and long-term goals.

The Good and The Not-So-Good of No-Code

The Benefits of No-Code Tools

Instant Visual Feedback: a key feature, and arguably one of the best things about no-code, is the “what you see is what you get” factor. You can make adjustments on the spot and see changes immediately. This connection between design and output is one of the main reasons no-code platforms are perfect for designers wanting to experiment and iterate fast.

Ease of Use: No-code platforms transform technical complexity into an easy-to-use interface. Instead of needing to know how to code or understand the nuances of HTML or CSS, you can select from menus and toggles. This simplicity is perfect for getting projects off the ground quickly and keeping things flexible.

Easy Animations and Interactions: No-code tools often shine when it comes to adding life to a website. Animations, hover effects, and transitions are typically built into the platform features, so users have full control while designing the website.

The Drawbacks of No-Code Tools

Platform Lock-In: Most no-code tools are proprietary, meaning you rely solely on them to keep your website live. If that platform changes or dissolves, so does your project. Some do let you export static code, but converting that into a maintainable, flexible website isn’t always straightforward and will likely require a developer or SME to help you.

You Still Need the Basics: No-code tools let you skip coding, but that doesn’t mean you can just skip understanding the basics of good web design or avoid code entirely.  For a website to be well built, the code must be well structured. Hierarchy, structure, accessibility, and SEO are still crucial if you want an impactful user experience, site traffic, and conversion —and that’s where knowledge of HTML and CSS is still critical.

What to Look for in a No-Code Website Builder?

Not all no-code tools are created equal. When selecting the best platform for your needs, there are several criteria to consider to ensure you’re choosing a tool that balances functionality, ease of use, and long-term viability. Here’s what we looked for when compiling our list:

How Did We Choose the No-Code Tools for This List?

We evaluated tools based on their ability to meet the needs of various users—from designers and marketers to developers seeking a faster workflow. Our criteria included:

• Popularity and Community Support: Platforms with active user communities and robust support systems tend to offer better resources, troubleshooting, and updates.
• Features and Functionality: We prioritized tools with strong core functionality, including customization options, animation capabilities, and robust CMS support.
• Ease of Use: Intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop editors, and accessible learning resources were key considerations for making platforms approachable for non-developers.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Tools that can grow with a project or integrate with external systems earned bonus points for adaptability.
• Cost and Value: We considered pricing structures and whether the tools offer a good return on investment for both small and large-scale projects.

Must-Have Features in a No-Code Website Builder

When selecting a no-code platform, these features are non-negotiable for creating high-quality websites:

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: An intuitive editor that makes it easy to design pages without writing code.
• Responsive Design Tools: Built-in tools to ensure websites look great on any device, with customizable breakpoints.
• Customizable Templates: High-quality templates to serve as a starting point, allowing flexibility for personalization.
• Animation and Interaction Options: Features for adding hover effects, transitions, and other interactive elements to bring designs to life.
• CMS Functionality: A robust content management system for organizing and updating site content efficiently.
• SEO Tools: Built-in tools to manage metadata, optimize images, and improve search rankings.

Quality-of-Life (QoL) Features

In addition to the essentials, these extras can make the design and development process smoother:

• Version Control: The ability to roll back to previous versions of the site.
• Collaboration Tools: Features like multiplayer editing or project sharing to streamline teamwork.
• Integration Capabilities: Seamless connections with third-party tools for analytics, email marketing, or e-commerce.
• Export Options: The ability to export code for future customization or platform independence.

Ultimately, the best no-code website builder is the one that aligns with your project’s specific goals, budget, and complexity. With this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of what to look for and how to choose the right tool for your needs.

Our Favorite No-Code Website Builders: A Deep Dive

Webflow: the king of no-code

Webflow is one of the most well-known and beloved no-code tools, offering professional-grade features for designers, marketers, and developers. Since its launch in 2013, Webflow has been a go-to platform for creating visually stunning and highly interactive websites. It’s especially popular among professionals who value precision and control. At GLIDE, we’ve used Webflow to bring the Wellcore website to life—get in touch to learn how we can do the same for you.

Pros:

• Mature platform (launched in 2013).
• Good animation capabilities.
• Robust learning centre at Webflow University. Bonus points for learning modules that are extremely fun and engaging
• Robust template library for both paid and free templates
• Everything in one place (but at the cost of platform lockin)
• App market

Cons: 

• Steep learning curve for non-developers. 
• Could be expensive especially as your site grows.
• Only one person can be in the designer mode at a time.
• Working with classes is confusing and not user friendly. Webflow element classes work similarly to CSS classes but don’t allow as much flexibility. Using utility classes is possible but managing them and using them is not very user friendly.
• CMS doesn’t allow for complexity beyond basic site
• No Table element

Who it’s best for: Designers and developers who value fine-tuned control over animations and complex site builds, and who are comfortable with a learning curve to unlock the platform’s potential.

Pricing: Webflow offers a free plan for basic sites, but premium plans start at $14/month, with advanced features scaling up to $39/month for businesses.

Example site: Wellcore – designed by GLIDE

Framer: the designer’s choice

Framer was built with designers in mind—letting you stay in your comfort zone while getting your hands on some web development tools. This makes it a perfect choice for creatives who prefer design-first workflows but want the option to dig into development when needed. Framer also excels in team collaboration, making it a strong choice for projects involving multiple contributors.

Pros:

• Designing/developing at the same time (via free-form canvas)
• Seeing different viewports side by side.
• Easy to learn for designers (start with design and switch to “dev” whenever you want and learn as you go).
• Powerful interaction/animation capabilities (easier to do compared to Webflow)
• Multiplayer mode (multiple people can work on a site, like in Figma).
• Active development of new features.

Cons: 

• Lacks reusable styles/classes. There are typography and color styles but no element classes that can be reused across the design (you can use components which helps but it’s not the same as classes in Webflow or CSS in general).
• Missing some unit types (e.g. rem/em units for typography).
• No easy page-building using predefined blocks.
• Limited CMS options.

Who it’s best for: Designers who love visual workflows, want powerful animation capabilities, and need a collaborative platform.

Pricing: Framer’s free plan is generous, while premium plans start at $15/month, with advanced collaboration and publishing tools available at higher tiers.

Example site: GOODLUCA

Webstudio: the open-source wildcard

Webstudio, founded by Oleg Isonen ( a previous Webflow employee), is like Webflow’s twin but without the pain points. A rising star, we view this as a very promising software due to their active development and ongoing improvements. Webstudio does not have a built-in CMS feature, but relies on various headless third-party CMS options (Airtable, Ghost, Notion, WordPress, and others). With active development and open-source flexibility, it’s gaining traction among users who value control and customization.

Pros:

• It’s open-source and can be also self-hosted. You don’t have to worry about proprietary software that may one day end and you lose all your projects.
• No platform lock-in.
• Much better way of managing tokens compared to Webflow.
• Free tier is very generous – you can connect a custom domain and manage your site and have it hosted on Webstudio for free.
• Since CMS is an integration, depending on what third-party platform you choose, the capabilities can be much broader.
• Active development and improvement

Cons: 

• The CMS must be integrated via a third party (there’s no default built-in CMS in Webstudio)
• No grid layout (soon to be released).
• No built-in interactions & animations engine… yet. These are planned but GSAP, an industry standard JavaScript animation library, can be used. 
• No component editor. Components could be substituted with Slots but a component editor would be ideal. But it’s another planned element in their upcoming product features list.
• No easy page-building using predefined blocks.

Who it’s best for: Developers or advanced users who want open-source tools with greater flexibility and no reliance on proprietary platforms.

Pricing: Free tier available with hosting and custom domains included.

Example site: Unsloth

Wix Studio: The new(ish) kid in town

Wix Studio builds on the legacy of Wix, combining its ease of use with features designed for the no-code space. The recent acquisition and rebranding of Editor X into Wix Studio signals a shift toward catering to more advanced creators who need fluid responsiveness and animation capabilities.

Pros:

• Built-in fluid responsiveness for elements, e.g. sizing, typography. However this comes at the price of accessibility.
• Powerful animation capabilities with lots of predefined options.
• App market.
• Although far from perfect, the AI tool for responsiveness (adjusting layout for smaller viewports), is a promising feature.

Cons: 

• Painfully slow sometimes.
• The interface takes getting used to—sometimes feels disjointed or confusing.

Who it’s best for: Beginners or small business owners who need an intuitive platform with quick setup and built-in animation options.

Pricing: Plans range from $16/month to $45/month, depending on storage and premium features.

Example site: Studio Chocolate

Honorable Mentions: Other Tools to Consider

If the big players don’t quite meet your needs, there are several other no-code tools worth exploring. While these platforms may not be as widely known, they all have their own unique strength and weaknesses. 

YCode: Packed with features and an easy CMS, but it’s lacking in reusable styles

YCode is an up-and-coming no-code platform that emphasizes ease of use and robust CMS capabilities. Its clean interface and straightforward workflow make it a great option for small projects. However, it does lack some advanced styling features that seasoned developers may miss.

Pros:

• Intuitive and feature-packed.
• Strong CMS support for managing site content.
• Straightforward and beginner-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Limited in terms of reusable styles, which can slow down design workflows.
• Less flexible compared to platforms like Webflow or Framer.

Who it’s best for: Non-technical users or small teams who prioritize simplicity and built-in CMS functionality over customization.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $19/month.

Example site: Hoperfy

WeWeb.io: Ideal for Web Apps

WeWeb.io focuses on creating highly interactive web apps rather than traditional websites. While it includes impressive animation tools, the range of available animations is more limited compared to other platforms.

Pros:

• Great for web apps with interactive features.
• Solid animation capabilities.
• Flexible integration with external data sources.

Cons:

• Limited animation variety.
• May feel overly complex for simple marketing sites.

Who it’s best for: Developers and businesses looking to create dynamic web apps with interactive elements.

Pricing: Plans start at $30/month for professional use.

Example site: Nuvucycle

Dora.run: Includes Built-In 3D

Dora.run stands out with built-in 3D features, making it a unique choice for websites that need immersive design elements. However, its layout system isn’t ideal for serious design work, which limits its usability for complex projects.

Pros:

• Built-in 3D features.
• Easy-to-use interface for creating visually interesting sites.
• Affordable pricing.

Cons:

• Layout system lacks flexibility for intricate designs.
• Not ideal for complex workflows or high-traffic sites.

Who it’s best for: Creative projects that require 3D elements, like portfolios or experimental designs.

Pricing: Free plan available; premium plans start at $10/month.

Example site: Only Card

Vev.design:  A Niche Option for Designers

Vev.design focuses on providing creative freedom for designers with built-in interactivity and animation features. It’s still evolving and finding its place in the no-code ecosystem.

Pros:

• Great animation capabilities.
• Highly visual editor designed for creatives.

Cons:

• Lacks advanced CMS and scalability features.
• Still catching up with competitors like Webflow or Framer.

Who it’s best for: Designers looking for creative control over animations and layout without diving into code.

Pricing: Free tier available; premium plans start at $25/month.

Example site: Morpho

Divhunt:  Lightweight and User-Friendly

Divhunt offers a fast and lightweight platform for creating websites quickly. While it’s easy to use, it lacks the depth of features found in more established tools.

Pros:

• Easy to learn and use.
• Lightweight platform for fast builds.

Cons:

• Limited advanced features.
• Lacks flexibility for complex designs.

Who it’s best for: Beginners or small businesses looking for quick, simple website builds.

Pricing: Free plan with premium options starting at $12/month.

Example site: Pinta Travel

Studio.design: An Emerging Creative Platform

Studio.design targets creative professionals with a focus on simplicity and streamlined workflows. While promising, it’s still building its feature set and user base.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use platform for creative professionals.
• Streamlined design workflow.

Cons:

• Limited features compared to established players.
• Still maturing as a platform.

Who it’s best for: Creative individuals or teams needing straightforward design tools.

Pricing: Free tier available; premium plans start at $20/month.

Example site: Surolino Community

Webwave: An Entry-Level Tool with Professional Potential

Webwave combines ease of use with professional-grade features, though it’s still developing compared to giants like Webflow. Its interface makes it a viable choice for users looking for an alternative to more complex platforms.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with professional-grade options.
• Affordable pricing.

Cons:

• Feature set is still growing.
• Not as powerful or flexible as Webflow or Framer.

Who it’s best for: Small businesses or freelancers who want a straightforward yet capable design tool.

Pricing: Free plan available; premium plans start at $16/month.

Example site: M87LAB

Should You Go No-Code?

No-code platforms are powerful and accessible, and can open doors for those individuals who don’t write code to create something great. For designers, they’re a fantastic way to bring visions to life without a developer on standby. At GLIDE, we view them as viable options in situations where speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness are top priorities for our clients.

But no-code websites aren’t without limitations. Platform lock-in, issues for scalability, accessibility, conversion goals, and a learning curve that still requires an understanding of web fundamentals are all important considerations. The question isn’t so much whether no-code is good or bad—it’s whether it’s right for your unique project needs and website goals. 

Wondering if a no-code platform is right for you? Get in touch and we’ll help guide you through your options to uncover the best approach for your goals.