Building a website today is no longer a daunting task, but it can certainly be an annoying one. Most websites require a fair amount of text, images, and general organization, which can take several hours to assemble, even with the best tools. But what if you could create a website from scratch in just a few minutes? This is the promise of AI website builders.
The Promise of AI Website Builders
AI website builders aim to simplify the process of website creation by using artificial intelligence to streamline tasks such as designing a site, organizing content, and getting it online. While this sounds like a bold claim, several apps claim to deliver on this promise with varying degrees of success.
Having spent over 15 years building websites using various platforms—including hard-coded HTML, WordPress, and a regrettable experience with Drupal—I can attest that getting a site live has significantly improved. What once took an entire weekend can now often be accomplished in an afternoon using the best theme-based site-building tools. With the rise of AI technology, I was curious to explore how AI website generators compare to traditional methods.
Evaluating AI Website Builders
To assess the effectiveness of these tools, I tested numerous AI website builders, focusing on several key criteria:
- Usability: The best AI website builders should be intuitive, making it easy for users to create and customize their sites without extensive technical knowledge.
- Customization: A genuinely effective AI website builder should allow for real customization. If the tool merely fills a generic template with AI-generated text, it fails to deliver on the promise of personalization.
- Design Quality: The generated websites should look modern and appealing, meeting the standards set by established website builders.
- Overall Experience: The interface should be user-friendly, with clear documentation to assist users in navigating the platform.
After testing over 50 AI website builders, I found that very few of them offered genuine utility. Many of the tools I encountered were little more than tech demos, simply populating templates with standard text based on user prompts.
Top AI Website Builders
Here are my picks for the best AI website builders currently available:
1. Wix: Best for Most People
Wix is my top recommendation for most users. Its AI site designer effectively combines usability with functionality, allowing users to quickly create a site tailored to their needs.
Pros:
- Intuitive AI site designer that responds well to user input.
- Backed by a mature website builder ecosystem with extensive features.
Cons:
- While effective, it may not feel as futuristic as some of the other tools.
Starting with a chatbot, Wix guides you through a series of questions about your website’s purpose. Despite a couple of missed requests, the AI effectively impacts the design, enabling you to create a functional photography portfolio in under 10 minutes.
Wix also allows for easy editing through its drag-and-drop builder, giving you control over the site’s content and design.
Pricing: Free with Wix branding and domain; from $17/month for the Light plan, which includes a custom domain for one year.
2. Jimdo: Best Free AI Website Builder with Affordable Upgrades
Jimdo is an excellent choice for those looking for a free option with reasonable paid plans. This long-standing site builder has evolved its AI editor, making it user-friendly while still effective.
Pros:
- Offers a robust free plan with affordable upgrades.
- Provides a quick AI-powered site-building experience.
Cons:
- The AI capabilities are limited to the initial site creation phase.
When building a site, Jimdo allows users to choose between a theme or an AI-generated design based on their input. After a brief setup process, Jimdo creates a draft site that users can further customize.
Pricing: Free with Jimdo branding and domain; from $11/month for the Start plan, which includes a custom domain.
3. CodeWP: Best for Complex WordPress Sites
For those looking to create more complex WordPress sites, CodeWP is an exceptional tool that enables users to generate intricate WordPress code without needing advanced coding skills.
Pros:
- Tailored for users who understand WordPress and want to create complex custom sites.
- Provides a GPT-powered code generator that simplifies the coding process.
Cons:
- Requires a moderate level of technical knowledge to fully utilize.
CodeWP allows users to enter prompts to generate specific WordPress functions, making it an invaluable tool for developers looking to enhance their sites without extensive coding experience.
Pricing: Free for 20 AI generations per month; from $28/month for 10,000 generations and 28 code modes, including WooCommerce and WordPress SQL.
4. Framer: A Glimpse into the Future of AI Website Builders
Framer represents the cutting edge of AI website generation. While it is not perfect, it offers an impressive interface that allows users to create a rough website from a descriptive prompt.
Pros:
- Offers a fun and engaging AI experience.
- Integrates well with the rest of the site-building app.
Cons:
- Requires further refinement to turn initial drafts into fully functional websites.
Framer’s AI can take prompts and generate a basic site structure, complete with draft copy and images. However, users must manually add links and further customize the design, making it more suitable for those who have some technical know-how.
Pricing: Free with Framer branding for hobby projects; from $10/month/site for the Mini plan, which allows for two pages and 1,000 visitors per month.
Do You Really Need an AI Website Builder?
While AI website builders are enticing, traditional website builders are already straightforward to use. Many provide a plethora of templates, ensuring that users can find a design that suits their needs without needing advanced technical skills.
Even as the landscape of website building evolves, I’m still skeptical about the necessity of AI in the process. The ability to generate a website from a written prompt may be more of a novelty than a game-changer for most users. A more practical approach might be to seek out an AI website builder that is supported by a robust non-AI website builder, providing the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
The world of AI website builders is still developing, but some options stand out for their utility and effectiveness. While tools like Wix and Jimdo provide excellent user experiences with solid customization options, CodeWP and Framer cater to users seeking deeper functionality.
As the technology continues to advance, we may see AI website builders evolve to become more sophisticated and user-friendly. For now, however, users should weigh their options carefully, considering whether the convenience of AI outweighs the established reliability of traditional website builders. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a first-time site creator, the tools at your disposal can help you create a stunning website that meets your needs.