We lay it all on the table.

Website builders: pros and cons

There are many different ways to create a website. You could hand-code it from scratch (or have someone else do it), use a website editor like Dreamweaver, or go for an open-source content management system (CMS).

Or you could use a website builder. Now, I know what you're thinking. "A website builder? Isn't that like a construction kit or a Lego set?" But while it may sound like that, believe it or not, many small to medium-sized businesses are using these systems to create their professional websites quickly and easily. Of course, not many people like to admit it, so these systems remain a well-kept secret.

Here are some of the pros and cons of website builders to help you decide for yourself.

Advantages to the building-block method

Easy to use: No programming skills required.

One-stop shop: Everything is included - your hosting, the software for your website, blog or online store, and all your maintenance.

Low cost: Website builders rarely cost more than what you'd pay for a hosting package with a similarly-sized web space. And they're often free.

Anyone can use them: Creating a website is almost as easy as setting up a Facebook or LinkedIn profile.

Feature-rich: A good provider will develop their website builder on an ongoing basis (much like our test recommendations).

Security updates: Your provider will install security updates too, avoiding the serious issues that have arisen in this area in the past with open-source CMS (especially with Wordpress and its free templates).

Spikes in traffic will not cause downtime: if you host your website yourself, be aware that a significant increase in traffic could cause your website to crash (e.g. if a popular website links to your site). If you are using one of our recommended website builders however, it's one less thing to worry about - these tools can easily handle large amounts of traffic.

Drag and drop integration: Widgets, Google AdSense, Paypal, forms, etc. - you'll find there's very little that you can't add.

Support: Technical support is offered via email, live chat or forums, depending on the provider.

And the disadvantages

Limited flexibility: This is what it really comes down to. How much flexibility are you prepared to give up? For example, if you have to use a specific layout, you might find a website builder too limited. The only way to know for sure is to give it a try.

Relying on one provider: It's important that your provider is well managed from a business point of view, because you could lose your website if it goes bust. That's why it's generally better to go with an established provider.

Data control: Your data is stored off-site. Some providers may be based in your country, others in Europe or further afield.

Installing server-side code: Programmers won't like this, but website builders are a no-go zone for PHP, Java and SQL. Then again, if you use these languages you're unlikely to be looking at website builders anyway. Nor are there as many add-ons as you'd find in an open-source system.

Large web projects: These systems are simply not appropriate for larger or more complex web-based projects.

So if you'd like to try a website builder, be sure to check out our tests reports first. All providers offer free trial periods.