Best 7 Website Design Software in 2026: Find the Right Fit

Introduction

Wix is the best overall website design software for most businesses. It pairs visual control with built-in business features. This roundup compares seven tools for different needs, including ecommerce, WordPress sites, and design-led marketing pages. The right fit depends on how much control you want, how quickly you need to get started, and how you plan to manage your site.

Quick comparison table

1. Wix

Best for: Businesses that want a hosted site builder with business features in one place.

Wix pairs customizable templates with visual design tools, so you can shape your site without starting from scratch. Hosting and business features are included, too, which keeps site creation and everyday operations in one platform.

The main draw is the combination of visual editing and business tools. Wix suits businesses that want to build and manage a site without piecing together separate services for every task. The all-in-one setup is convenient, though its many controls may take a little time to learn.

2. Squarespace

Best for: Businesses and creators who want professionally designed templates.

Squarespace offers a template-led starting point and drag-and-drop editing, so you can customize pages without separate design software. Its site-building package also includes hosting, SEO tools, and ecommerce features.

The polished templates work alongside tools for running a site or store. Squarespace is a practical option if visual consistency matters and you want hosting and commerce features in one platform. It feels less like a blank canvas than a design-first tool, but the templates keep setup straightforward.

3. Elementor

Best for: WordPress users who want more visual control over page design.

Elementor adds a drag-and-drop editor and visual styling controls to WordPress. You can arrange page layouts and adjust their appearance, while forms and dynamic content tools support more than static landing pages.

Its main strength is visual page building within WordPress. It’s worth considering if your site already runs on WordPress and you want more control than the standard editing experience offers. Elementor works within the broader WordPress environment, rather than as a separate hosted website platform.

4. Framer

Best for: Teams creating responsive marketing pages and CMS-driven sites.

Framer brings visual design and publishing into one workflow. Teams can create responsive layouts and publish websites, including marketing pages and sites with content that needs ongoing management.

Framer lets teams design and publish responsive websites visually. It’s a good fit if you want those tasks in one workflow, especially when you’ll update content over time. Check that its visual approach suits how your team plans and maintains the site.

5. Webflow

Best for: People who want detailed visual design controls alongside a CMS.

Webflow combines visual website-building tools with CMS support. You can create responsive sites and manage their content, with design controls for shaping layouts instead of relying solely on preset templates.

The combination of visual controls and a CMS is Webflow’s main appeal. It can suit sites that need both flexible layouts and managed content. Consider how much control your team needs and how you’ll handle updates after launch.

6. Shopify

Best for: Businesses whose website needs to support online sales.

Shopify pairs store-design tools with features for managing products and sales. The customer-facing site is just one part of the platform; managing products and sales is central to its role in an online business.

That connection between site design and store operations is Shopify’s main strength. It makes sense when selling products and managing the work behind those sales are your priorities, rather than simply creating a visual presence. If your site doesn’t need ecommerce, Shopify’s store-focused features may be more than you need.

7. Figma Sites

Best for: Readers exploring a design-focused way to create and publish websites.

Figma Sites is included here as a website creation product alongside other visual builders. The available information says Figma supports website creation and publishing, making it an option for people interested in a design-led approach.

Its appeal is bringing website creation into a visual design product. That may interest people who want to explore how a design-focused tool can support publishing. Product information is limited, so check its current capabilities against your site requirements before choosing it.

How we picked these tools

This list covers several approaches to website design software: hosted builders, WordPress tools, and ecommerce platforms. We compared their stated design controls, publishing options, and included business features.

Each tool serves a different need, and none is right for every business. Our selection reflects the product information available and avoids unsupported claims about pricing, performance, or results. Check current plan details and features before committing, especially if your site depends on a specific capability.

Frequently asked questions

What does website design software do?

It helps you create and arrange a website’s pages and visual elements. Some tools also handle broader site management, including hosting, content, SEO tools, or online sales.

How do I choose between a hosted builder, WordPress tool, and ecommerce platform?

Choose a hosted builder if you want site creation and hosting in one place. A WordPress tool such as Elementor suits sites already using WordPress. An ecommerce platform such as Shopify is a better fit when product and sales management are central to your business.

Do design tools include hosting, SEO, CMS, or publishing?

Some do, but features vary. Template-led platforms may include hosting, SEO, or ecommerce tools. Other products work within WordPress or offer CMS support. A design-focused product may also support publishing, but check that its current features meet your needs.

The verdict

Wix is the strongest overall pick for businesses that want visual design tools alongside hosting and built-in business features. Squarespace is a strong runner-up if polished templates and bundled site tools matter most. Shopify is the better fit when managing products and sales is the priority. Choose based on your site type and the features you need.