Cheapest website builders for 2026 startups
Startups.co.uk's research identifies Hostinger, Shopify, and GoDaddy as the cheapest website builders in 2026, with plans starting from £1 per month.
Hostinger, Shopify, and GoDaddy are the cheapest website builders for UK entrepreneurs in 2026, according to a new report from Startups.co.uk. The analysis is based on over 300 hours of in-house research, pricing checks, and user testing.
While the rankings prioritise price and value, the publication states it only recommends builders that also offer good features, support, AI tools, and design functionality. The report cautions that introductory deals can be misleading, urging founders to weigh subscription fees against potential renewal price hikes and additional costs.
How the builders compare
The source provides a direct comparison of starting prices, ecommerce plans, and trial periods.
| Builder | Starting Price | Cheapest Ecommerce Plan | Free Trial or Plan | Money-Back Guarantee | Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostinger | £2.69/month (with code STARTUPS) | £3.99/month | 14-day free trial | 30 days | 0% |
| Shopify | £1/month (for first 3 months) | £19/month | 3-day free trial | 30 days (refund eligibility, subject to review) | 1.5%-2% + 25p |
| GoDaddy | £7.99/month | £13.99/month | Free plan | 30 days | Not shared publicly |
| Wix | £8.10/month (with code TAKE10) | £16/month | Free plan | 14 days | 2.1% + 20p |
| Squarespace | £10.80/month (with code SU10) | £12/month | 14-day free trial | 14 days | 0%-7% (plus card processing) |
Detailed breakdown of top picks
Hostinger is labelled the cheapest overall. Its three paid plans range from £2.99 to £7.99 per month, but the best discount requires a 48-month subscription. The report notes Hostinger's renewal prices are steep, with the Premium plan increasing by 268% from £2.99 to £10.99 per month after the initial term. It offers a 14-day free trial, AI tools, and a drag-and-drop editor but lacks a free plan and basic email marketing on lower tiers.
Shopify is highlighted as the best for online stores, despite its higher standard pricing of £19 to £259 per month. New users can get their first three months for £1. The platform offers scalable plans and supports agentic commerce. The report warns of many additional costs, including custom domains and third-party apps.
GoDaddy offers a free plan with limited features and ads. Its paid plans start at £7.99 per month. The builder is described as an easy-to-use option with great value, making it fast to create a website. However, its transaction fees are not publicly shared.
Key costs for founders to consider
The Startups.co.uk report stresses that a low headline price does not mean a bad product. It advises entrepreneurs to look beyond introductory deals. Budgeting must include extra charges like custom domain names, renewal prices, third-party apps, and transaction fees. Hostinger and GoDaddy have cheap introductory prices that increase upon renewal, while Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace have fixed pricing.
For businesses planning to sell online, transaction fees vary significantly. Shopify charges 1.5% to 2% plus 25p per transaction, while Hostinger charges 0%. The research methodology weighted website functionality and user experience most heavily, at 25% each. Pricing accounted for 15% of the overall score.
