Best website builder for small business in Canada for 2025

Choosing the right website builder for your business can be overwhelming with so many options out there, each with its own strengths and drawbacks. That’s why I, alongside the Cybernews research team, have tested and reviewed dozens of platforms to help make your decision easier.

In this article, I’ll share my top picks and my experience with each of them. Read on to find the best website builder for small business sites in Canada that would suit your needs.

6 best website builders for small businesses

1. Wix – best website builder for small business sites overall
2. Hostinger Website Builder – cheap and easy builder for small businesses
3. SITE123 – user-friendly website builder for small businesses in Canada
4. Shopify – best web builder for eCommerce
5. GoDaddy website builder – easy-to-use builder with various marketing features
6. Squarespace – top website builder with excellent business features and beautiful templates

What should a small business web builder have?

A good website builder for small business sites should come with some key features:

• Templates and customization. A variety of ready-made templates allow quick changes to layouts, colors, and other design elements to reflect your brand’s identity.
• User-friendly editor and interface. An intuitive drag-and-drop editor lets you create a website without needing any technical know-how.
• eCommerce capabilities. eCommerce functionalities are crucial if you’re selling online.
• Pricing and scalability. Focus on providers with a strong price-to-value ratio to make the most of your investment, along with various options for scaling as your business expands.
• Additional features. Features for SEO, analytics, and marketing are essential for optimizing your small business website and maximizing its potential.

Check out our YouTube review of the best website builders for small businesses to learn more about our top picks’ editors, templates, performance, and more.

Best website builders for businesses – detailed review

Together with the research team, I’ve tested dozens of providers for several weeks before shortlisting the best website builders for businesses in Canada. To make the cut, these providers were tested and compared across multiple areas including ease of use, templates, and eCommerce and business tools.

1. Wix – the best website builder for small business sites in Canada

Rating:	4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Price range:	Free version or $17.00-159.50/month
Templates:	900+
Best deal:	Get Wix with 50% OFF

Visit Wix

Wix is the best website builder for small businesses for several reasons. It’s incredibly easy to use, with a simple setup and intuitive interfaces. Plus, the builder offers a wide range of built-in features and an impressive collection of 900+ templates to fit any niche.

There’s a free version, but it’s fairly limited. It’s really only good for testing Wix to see if the builder meets your small business needs without spending a dime. Otherwise, I’d recommend opting for its paid plans, which start at $17.00/month. You can cancel within 14 days for a full refund.

For which websites is Wix suitable?

Website type	Benefits	Limitations
Simple business site	Easy setup, editor, and management, with many templates to choose from	Limited advanced features for more complex or niche businesses
Business site with blog	Built-in basic blogging tools	Features not as robust as those on dedicated blogging platforms
Business site with services	Plenty of built-in tools and features to manage services	Advanced features may require third-party integrations, hard to migrate your data
All-in-one business site	Combines eCommerce, marketing, and CRM (customer relationship management) functionality in one easy-to-use platform	Lacks some advanced eCommerce features compared to dedicated platforms like Shopify, may not be ideal for large-scale eCommerce operations

My experience using Wix

One of Wix’s biggest selling points is its massive selection of templates. Whether you run a jewelry store, a real estate company, or a vintage car garage, there’s a template for you. I also like that there’s an AI builder for business owners who prefer a hands-off approach – just answer a few questions, and it will generate a tailored site.

I find Wix’s drag-and-drop editor easy to use, too. Compared to other top builders like Hostinger and Squarespace, it feels more responsive, flexible, and intuitive.

Wix’s comprehensive business tools are another major draw. While the basic features, like multi-channel selling, built-in SEO, and email marketing, are well covered, I also appreciate the specialized options for common industries such as ticket and event management, restaurant and hotel management, and content monetization.

The downside is that many advanced features, such as automated sales tax and multiple currencies, are only available on higher-tier plans. While I don’t love that, it’s understandable, and Wix still offers a fair bit more than most competitors. That said, unlike Shopify, you might need third-party integrations for more robust eCommerce features if you’re selling online with Wix.

2. Hostinger Website Builder – budget-friendly website builder with AI functionalities

Rating:	4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Price range:	Free demo or $2.32-3.25/month
Templates:	150+
Best deal:	Get Hostinger Website Builder, 81% OFF + free months

Visit Hostinger Website Builder

Hostinger tops the list if you’re looking for a cheap website builder for small business sites. With plans starting at just $2.32/month, it’s one of the most affordable providers in the industry – perfect if you’re on a budget or simply want a cost-effective option.

If you’re planning to sell online, you can easily upgrade to its still affordable Business plan. At just $3.25/month, this fantastic deal offers eCommerce features and 0% transaction fees. Plus, for your peace of mind, Hostinger has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For which websites is Hostinger Website Builder suitable?

Website type	Benefits	Limitations
Simple business site	Very affordable pricing, an intuitive editing process	Fewer customization options compared to builders like Wix and Squarespace
Business site with blog	Lightweight blogging platform with the ability to schedule blog posts	Limited blogging-related functionalities
Business site with services	Easy to navigate with helpful AI tools	Advanced features may require third-party apps or workarounds
All-in-one business site	All-in-one hosting and website building	Lacks scalability options, no app store

My experience using Hostinger Website Builder

Hostinger Website Builder’s straightforward interface and smooth drag-and-drop editor make it a breeze for small business owners to quickly build a site, even without a technical background. However, I noticed its customization options are limited compared to Wix and Squarespace.

What really stands out for me, though, is Hostinger’s integration of AI tools. They handle all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on your business. For instance, you can use its AI tool to generate a website in minutes. Setup aside, there are other AI-powered features like an image generator, heatmap, logo maker, and SEO assistant.

For online sellers, Hostinger covers the basics like shipping management and appointment setup. Plus, with 20+ payment options, you’re set to handle transactions smoothly, no matter your customers’ preferred payment method. That said, it lacks advanced functionalities like those offered by Shopify.

My main concern is the absence of an app market, making it challenging to add extra marketing, SEO, and eCommerce features without resorting to tricky workarounds. Also, with only two plans, scalability could become an issue as your business grows.

3. SITE123 – simple solution for small business owners in Canada

Rating:	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Price range:	Free version or $21.33-45.00/month
Templates:	160+
Best deal:	SITE123 from $12.80/month

Visit SITE123

SITE123 is my top pick for small businesses looking for a simple, no-fuss builder that lets them quickly build a site. Its ease of use extends from setup to its interfaces and management tools.

There’s a free version, but it’s severely limited with low storage and bandwidth. You also can’t connect your domain, and there’s a branded floating tag, which isn’t a good look for any business. It’s more suited just for testing the builder. If you’re ready to commit, SITE123 has 5 paid plans starting from $21.33/month, all with a 14-day money-back guarantee.

For which websites is SITE123 suitable?

Website type	Benefits	Limitations
Simple business site	Quick and easy setup	Basic features, limited design customizations
Business site with blog	Solid SEO and marketing tools for optimization	Fewer tools compared to dedicated blogging platforms
Business site with services	Allows integration of basic business features	Lacks advanced features for service-based businesses
All-in-one business site	Quick and simple all-in-one solution for basic small business websites	Minimal customization and scalability, better suited for smaller websites

My experience using SITE123

Simplicity is clearly SITE123’s first priority. The setup process is incredibly easy – guided by a wizard, I had my site up and running in minutes. Its pre-made templates and ready-to-publish structure also mean that business owners don’t need design knowledge to create an attractive site. However, the trade-off for this simplicity is limited customization options.

Like everything else about SITE123, its features focus on simplicity. As a result, you won’t see extensive or advanced options like those offered by GoDaddy and Squarespace. Instead, you’ll find basic but user-friendly SEO, email marketing, and eCommerce tools.

If you’re building a simple, small website, most SITE123 plans could work. However, for an online store, I’d recommend one of the higher-tier plans – such as Professional or Gold – since its Basic and Advanced plans are restricted to just 10 and 50 orders per month, respectively.

4. Shopify – best website builder for small business sites selling online

Rating:	3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Price range:	Free trial or $29.00-299.00/month
Templates:	100+
Best deal:	Try Shopify free for 3 days + 1 month for $1

Visit Shopify

Shopify makes this list of top website builders due to its commitment to eCommerce. Specializing in this area, Shopify offers a long list of features to enhance and simplify selling online.

While Shopify doesn’t offer a free plan or a money-back guarantee, you can try it out with its 3-day free trial. Although this trial period is short, it should provide enough time for you to explore Shopify’s tools and interfaces to see if they meet your small business needs.

For which websites is Shopify suitable?

Website type	Benefits	Limitations
Simple business site	Easy-to-customize templates	Basic blogging tools compared to dedicated platforms like WordPress
Business site with blog	Built-in intuitive blogging platform	Fewer tools compared to dedicated blogging platforms
Business site with services	Wide selection of eCommerce features, complemented by a diverse app library	SEO and content marketing functionalities are limited
All-in-one business site	Combines eCommerce, product management, and marketing in one platform with easy scalability	High start-up and transaction fees, some advanced features only available on higher-tier plans or as paid add-ons

My experience using Shopify

The first thing that stood out to me is Shopify’s laser-sharp focus on eCommerce. From product listing to management and payment integration, everything is designed for a smooth experience.

You’ll find robust features like inventory management, analytics, marketing suite, and eCommerce automation. Another huge plus is Shopify’s app store, which offers 8000+ apps, including options for sales channels, shipping, marketing, and store management. The sheer variety allows for seamless scaling as your business grows.

In return, you’ll pay a premium for Shopify’s plans, starting at $29.00/month – a noticeable jump compared to more economical platforms like Hostinger Website Builder. Some features like tax/duties estimation and bot protection are also exclusive to higher-tier plans. But, of course, you might not need all of these right away.

Additionally, there are transaction fees ranging from 0.2% to 2%, depending on your plan. So, you’ll have to weigh these costs against the comprehensive features offered.

5. GoDaddy Website Builder – website builder with strong marketing tools

Rating:	3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Price range:	Free trial or $9.99-20.99/month
Templates:	22+
Best deal:	Get up to 50% OFF GoDaddy website builder

Visit GoDaddy

GoDaddy’s #1 appeal for most small business owners is its marketing tools. All plans, except the entry-level Basic, include built-in tools for SEO, social media, and email marketing. And they’re all available at an affordable price point.

Plans start at $9.99/month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. While there’s no free plan, GoDaddy offers a one-month free trial for all website-building plans, giving you plenty of time to explore the builder’s features, interfaces, and design tools.

For which websites is GoDaddy Website Builder suitable?

Website type	Benefits	Limitations
Simple business site	Simple setup process with pre-designed templates	Few customization options, higher pricing
Business site with blog	Basic blogging features included	Lacks advanced blogging capabilities and SEO tools
Business site with services	Built-in tools for service-based small businesses	Advanced features require third-party integrations, limited customization
All-in-one business site	Combines web hosting, design, and marketing tools in a beginner-friendly platform	Lacks flexibility, control, and scalability for large-scale business websites

My experience using GoDaddy Website Builder

GoDaddy’s biggest strength is how much it focuses on small businesses. It makes setup a breeze, allowing you to spend more time building your business and less time worrying about getting your site online. That said, I find its editor more restrictive and less intuitive compared to Wix.

GoDaddy also provides a solid set of business tools. On the eCommerce side, there are scores of features including online payment gateways, Shippo for shipping, and Google Analytics. I also like GoDaddy InSight – a goal-based to-do list that tracks metrics like website views, conversions, and social media activity while comparing your performance to similar businesses.

Meanwhile, the integrated email marketing tool is easy to use, with a simple drag-and-drop email editor and access to high-quality stock images. Social media integration also means you can manage multiple platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X, directly from your GoDaddy dashboard. SEO optimization tools are also available.

One thing that bugs me, though, is that SEO optimization isn’t included in the cheapest plan. It’s a crucial feature for any business, especially when starting out.

6. Squarespace – top website builder for professional-looking small business sites

Rating:	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Price range:	Free trial or $16.00-99.00/month
Templates:	180+
Best deal:	Get up to 36% OFF Squarespace

Visit Squarespace

Squarespace is another one of my top picks for small businesses in Canada, as it lets you easily create a professional, attractive site in no time. It also offers ample tools that make managing your business much easier.

Plans start at $16.00/month. If you change your mind, you can get a refund within 14 days, but a $20.00 fee applies if you’ve used the free domain offer. So, it’s a better idea to explore the builder with its 14-day free trial before committing.

For which websites is Squarespace suitable?

Website type	Benefits	Limitations
Simple business site	User-friendly with sophisticated, professional templates	Limited design flexibility, slight learning curve
Business site with blog	Strong built-in blogging, SEO, and social sharing tools	Blog editor could be more intuitive and content-friendly
Business site with services	Many built-in service-centric tools	Some tools are paid add-ons, limited third-party options
All-in-one business site	Elegant templates with powerful eCommerce, blogging, and service features	Premium pricing, added transaction fees

My experience using Squarespace

My first impression of Squarespace was how polished and visually stunning its templates are. With 180+ elegant and modern options, they’re ideal for small businesses in creative industries like photography, design, or fashion. However, customization is limited compared to Wix due to its block-building system.

That said, Squarespace is packed with business tools. For eCommerce, it offers diverse features for order, inventory, product catalog, and shipping management. Its Commerce plans also unlock advanced features like related products, waitlists, and low-stock alerts.

I also like the Purchase Funnel panel in Squarespace Analytics. It tracks how each stage of the sales funnel converts, showing where customers drop off and how many visits turn into purchases.

One downside is the 3% transaction fee on the Business plan, which feels very steep for small businesses. In a way, you’re strong-armed into upgrading to the Commerce plan to avoid the fee.

Compare business website builders

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of what each website builder offers small businesses in Canada:

Brand	Wix	Hostinger Website Builder	SITE123	Shopify	GoDaddy	Squarespace
Rating	4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Best for	Small to big businesses	Small to medium businesses	Small to medium businesses	Small to big businesses	Small businesses	Small to big businesses
eCommerce capabilities	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
SEO tools	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Free domain	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Templates	900+	150+	160+	100+	22+	180+
Free plan	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌
Starting price	$10.50/month	$2.32/month	$12.80/month	$29.00/month	$6.99/month	$16.00/month
Best deal	Get Wix with 50% OFF	Get Hostinger Website Builder, 81% OFF + free months	SITE123 from $12.80/month	Try Shopify free for 3 days + 1 month for $1	Get up to 50% OFF GoDaddy website builder	Get up to 36% OFF Squarespace

Web builder ranking methodology

At Cybernews, we have a clear and comprehensive method for reviewing website builders. For more details about our process, check out our How We Test Website Builders page.

To help you find the best website builder for small business sites in Canada, our research team and I began by evaluating 32 builders to identify those with suitable plans. From there, we narrowed it down to 6 builders that met our criteria. Here’s how we tested them further:

1. Website building system (30%). We picked builders that offer a wide selection of templates and customization options, prioritizing ease of use, especially during setup.
2. eCommerce capabilities (30%). Since online sales are a lifeline for small businesses, we chose builders that facilitate eCommerce and provide dedicated features.
3. Features (20%). We included only builders with the best tools for small businesses. While basics like SSL certificates are non-negotiable, we also reviewed their additional tools for SEO, analytics, social media management, and more.
4. Price (20%). The best website builder for small business sites shouldn’t break the bank while providing great value. We assessed both their prices and what they offer to ensure you get your money’s worth.

Based on their performance in these areas, we ranked the builders from 1 to 6 to provide reliable and well-rounded recommendations for your small business needs.

Final thoughts

Finding the right website builder for your small business doesn’t have to be difficult if you know what to look for. For the best experience, choose a builder with a diverse selection of templates and customization options, user-friendly interfaces, robust tools, and competitive pricing.

Based on our testing, the top two choices for the best website builder for small business sites in Canada are Wix and Hostinger Website Builder. Both platforms offer easy setup, intuitive management, and plenty of tools for selling online and enhancing your business – all at wallet-friendly prices.

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