Best WordPress Alternatives 2025: CMS and Website Builders

Remember when WordPress was pretty much everyone’s go-to choice for building websites?

Well, times are changing! While WordPress still powers a huge chunk of the internet (about 47% of all websites!), I’ve noticed more and more people asking about other options.

Let’s chat about why you might want to look beyond WordPress and explore some exciting alternatives.

Why Are People Looking for Something Different?

You know how sometimes having too many choices can be overwhelming? That’s kind of what’s happening with WordPress these days.

Think of it like a smartphone with too many apps — it can start running slowly and get buggy. WordPress often needs lots of plugins to work well, which can make your website feel like it’s carrying too much weight.

Plus, keeping a WordPress site secure can feel like a full-time job. It’s like leaving your house — you need to make sure all the windows are locked and the security system is on.

With WordPress being so popular, it’s unfortunately a frequent target for cybercriminals.

What Should You Look for in a Website Builder?

Before we dive into the alternatives, let’s talk about what makes a great website platform.

It’s kind of like choosing a new car — you need to think about what features matter most to you:

• Is it easy to drive (or in this case, easy to use)?
• How customizable is it?
• Will it help you get found on Google?
• Does it fit your budget?

Let’s Meet the Contenders!

I’ve spent time exploring different platforms, and here are the most impressive ones I’ve found in 2025.

Think of these as different tools in your toolbox — each one is perfect for specific jobs.

For the Creative Souls: Webflow

Imagine having the power of a professional design studio at your fingertips — that’s Webflow.

It’s perfect if you love having complete control over how your site looks. While it might take some time to learn, it’s like learning to use Photoshop — totally worth it if you’re serious about design.

Pricing: You can start for free, but expect to pay around $39/month for a proper business site.

For Beginners: Wix

Think of Wix as your friendly neighborhood website builder. It’s like having training wheels on your bike — perfect when you’re just starting out.

You can drag and drop elements anywhere you want, and there are tons of templates to choose from.

Pricing: There’s a free plan, or you can go up to $49/month for all the bells and whistles.

For Online Stores: Shopify

If you’re selling products online, Shopify is like having your own digital mall.

Everything you need to run an online store is built right in — from payment processing to inventory management.

Pricing: Starts at $29/month, which is pretty reasonable for what you get.

For Big Organizations: Drupal

Drupal is like the Swiss Army knife of website platforms — it can do pretty much anything, but you need to know how to use it.

It’s perfect for large organizations that need robust security and can handle complex sites.

Pricing: The software is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting and possibly development help.

For Beautiful Simplicity: Squarespace

Squarespace is like having a professional designer on speed dial. Their templates are gorgeous, and everything just works.

It’s perfect for photographers, artists, or anyone who wants their site to look polished without much effort.

Pricing: Starting at $16/month, it’s quite reasonable for what you get.

For Content Creators: Ghost

If blogging is your main focus, Ghost is like a sleek, modern writing desk — clean, uncluttered, and perfect for focusing on your content.

It’s super fast and great for newsletters too.

Pricing: Starts at $9/month, which is perfect for individual creators.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best platform for you depends on your specific needs. Ask yourself:

• How tech-savvy are you?
• What’s your budget?
• What’s the main purpose of your website?
• How much time can you invest in learning the platform?

Think of it like choosing a restaurant — the “best” choice depends on what you’re in the mood for, your budget, and your dietary preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

My Personal Take

Having worked with many of these platforms, I’d say Webflow is fantastic if you want to create something unique and don’t mind the learning curve.

For beginners, Wix or Squarespace are your best bets — they’re like the friendly cafes of website builders, welcoming and easy to navigate.

For online stores, definitely check out Shopify first. And if you’re running a large organization with complex needs, Drupal might be worth the extra effort it requires.

Remember, most of these platforms offer free trials, so you can test drive them before making a decision.

It’s like trying on clothes — what looks good on paper might not feel right when you actually use it.

Originally Published at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/future-web-design-top-10-wordpress-alternatives-2025-varun-bhagat-jr5pc/