11 Framer Alternatives for Website Building

by | Jul 13, 2023

Whether you’re looking to sell website services to local businesses or somehow turn the site vision in your head into an online presence that works well and looks top-notch, the tools you use to get from point A to point B truly matter.

Maybe you’re already using Framer. Maybe you’re just considering it because you’ve heard the name floating around the internet. Either way, it’s crucial you take the time to check out these top Framer alternatives. You may be surprised how much you can improve your workflow and increase UX when you have the right tech at your disposal.

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What is Framer?

Framer is a platform that offers users a soup-to-nuts approach to building and hosting websites. Subscribers have access to a wide range of tools that support the design process, allowing people with zero coding experience to do everything from constructing marketing sites to crafting online campaigns. The use of visual mockups and interactive elements helps everyone from design amateurs to time-strapped experts to turn even complex ideas into publishable sites.

Framer started as a prototyping tool but has evolved into a far more comprehensive platform. Framer sites are known for having beautiful layouts and impressive UX, both of which are possible whether you’re a coding whiz or completely new to digital architecting. The biggest plus of Framer’s web app is its customization. It’s a step up from basic website editors, which can be a significant boon for those with big ideas and a similar big assist.

Framer’s main features

There are a bevy of reasons Framer has become so popular, and it’s mostly down to these fine features:

  • Tons of templates. You can access both free and paid templates and have an instant framework to use when building your site.
  • Built-in SEO. Optimize Framer web pages quickly using technology that preps your site for search engine scans, helping you to rank and stay competitive.
  • Figma to Framer transfers. If you’re already familiar with Figma, you can import designs straight to Framer and then add more layers and elements to make your site exponentially more dynamic.
  • Code-free animation. Capture your audience’s attention with scroll, appear, transform, and parallax effects and scrolling that bring static sites to life.
  • Side-by-side viewports. Make changes to your design with multiple versions — say, desktop, tablet, and mobile — lined up side by side on your screen. Updates also happen automatically, so you can see changes as they happen and ensure all tweaks will render correctly.
  • Intuitive linking. Broken links are in the past, thanks to automatic link updates following page name changes — traffic redirects included.
  • Scroll effect triggers. Want certain features to replay when a user scrolls? Prefer that scroll animation triggers come into effect below the fold rather than above? Framer gives you control over scroll effects, including enter and exit options.
  • Integrated CMS. Use Framer’s content management system to build and post everything from blog posts to job listings. Organize content using themed collection blocks and manage displayed content from a central database.

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Why would someone look for Framer alternatives?

While Framer is a good choice for some designers, there are some drawbacks that are hard to ignore. If you’re looking for certain features or have an interest in outsourcing website design and development, you may want to keep an eye on these considerations that could hinder your productivity or ability to scale.

Limited CMS

Framer’s content management system is useful for organizing how content is stored and displayed, but other platforms do a better job of helping content-based businesses succeed. Designers, editors, and developers who prefer more control over how content is added (through a CSV or API, for instance) or who want to build custom search experiences might not be satisfied with Framer’s functionality.

Not-quite seamless design

Framer likes to talk up their Figma to Framer plugin, but the reason that plugin is necessary is that so many people prefer designing on Figma. Chalk that up to Framers somewhat less intuitive design experience, which may drive people to look for something that beats both Figma and Framer. There are also issues with some Figma features not properly copying over, which means you could lose layers.

Fewer tutorials

Some aspects of Framer are quite user-friendly, and it doesn’t take much to get up and running initially. But if you run into problems, it can be hard to find solutions. Other platforms may be easier to use and have more robust support options, which makes them attractive alternatives for new and time-strapped designers uninterested in troubleshooting.

Cost

Cost can be a major consideration for bootstrapped startups and other small- to medium-sized businesses that simply don’t have the cash flow available to cover monthly web design and hosting fees. Framer does offer a free plan, but the features available to no-pay clientele are limited. Users can access Framer’s Design Editor, but their finished sites will automatically display a Framer banner, which could interfere with the client’s own branding.

Paid Framer subscriptions start at $10/month for the Mini Plan (suitable for up to 1,000 visitors per month), with Basic $20/month (10,000 visitors per month) and Pro $30/month (100,000 visitors per month) plans available as well. There is a small discount (about $5/month) available for those who pre-pay for a full year. This beats out some other sites’ pricing, but remember, you get what you pay for. The money you save could mean you’re missing out on features that could benefit your business.

11 top Framer alternatives

1. Vendasta

Vendasta offers a next-generation managed WordPress Hosting solution that helps businesses and resellers build, manage, and scale high-performing websites without the technical hassle. Powered by Google Cloud Platform, it’s a fully managed, white-label hosting environment designed for speed, security, and scalability.

Whether you’re a designer, agency, or franchise network, Vendasta’s WordPress Hosting makes it easy to deliver fast, reliable, and SEO-friendly WordPress sites—all under your own brand. With one-click installs, automatic backups, built-in analytics, and integrated AI tools, you can focus on client growth instead of server management.

One of the biggest advantages of Vendasta’s WordPress Hosting is its rebrandable and scalable nature. Partners can offer it as part of their resale portfolio, giving clients access to professional-grade hosting, CRM integration, and AI engagement tools like Conversations AI, which captures and qualifies leads through chat, phone, and text directly on client websites.

Vendasta’s key features include:

  • Google Cloud infrastructure: Built on containerized hosting, Vendasta ensures stable performance, automatic failover, and top-tier security powered by the same network that supports Google Search and YouTube.
  • Centralized multisite management: Manage up to five subsites under a single WordPress install. Perfect for franchises, agencies, and multi-location businesses that want consistent branding and unified control.
  • Integrated AI workforce: Add Conversations AI to engage leads instantly through website chat or phone and automatically sync interactions to your included CRM.
  • Seamless analytics and reporting: Track website performance with Google Analytics integration and share results via Vendasta’s white-labeled Executive Report.
  • Free migrations and staging environments: Move existing client websites to Vendasta’s platform with zero downtime and test updates safely in a one-click staging setup.
  • 24/7 white-labeled support: Get round-the-clock assistance via chat, phone, or email, ensuring your clients receive top-tier service under your brand.

With its multisite capabilities, AI-powered engagement, and managed Google Cloud infrastructure, Vendasta’s WordPress Hosting stands out among Framer alternatives as a complete solution for anyone looking to offer professional, scalable, and high-performing websites at scale—without needing to touch the backend.

2. Figma

Figma is known as the original cloud-based collaborative interface design tool. You can work with other designers and editors, both tweaking the same file at the same time and sending changes back and forth at lightning speed. No clunky email chains and time-wasting uploads and downloads here.

All-in-one design and prototyping capabilities put Figma at the top of a lot of designers’ lists, but being cloud-based means Figma is pretty much useless if the internet is out. But when you do have smartphone access, you can self-check site updates even if you’re out to dinner or at a meeting with clients.

3. Duda

Duda has a strong editor that works equally well for crafting desktop, tablet, and smartphone-ready sites. Analytics tools help you understand where traffic is coming from. You can make improvements and optimize on the fly, plus Duda has more than 100 templates and a store packed with tools to further drive site development.

For designers more well-versed in the tech aspects of editing and site building, Duda allows for custom CSS and HTML code. While pricing is relatively affordable (the Basic plan is $19/month with discounts for annual prepay), there is no free tier, and features like adding additional team members and accessing chat and phone support require higher-tier subscriptions.

4. InVision

InVision is a dream for creative types looking to breathe life into their design visions. Use the brand’s free plan to execute a single project without making a long-term commitment. Animation is easy thanks to CoffeeScript, a program so simple to use that even non-programmers can publish sites that move. Invision supports multi-device prototyping, enabling design across any of eight pre-installed devices or others set up by developers.

Perhaps the most interesting feature offered by Invision is screen presentations that mimic actual web page viewing. Show clients works in progress and see in living color how edits will look to your audience.

5. Webflow

Webflow’s builder features a drag-and-drop canvas combined with a central interface that’s user friendly even for aspiring web designers who’ve never seen a line of code before. But the platform’s real claim to fame is that it shows the code that’s generated by those drag-and-drop moves, allowing newbies to learn coding as they put text blocks and images into place.

Experienced designers may still appreciate Webflow for its no-brainer approach, and they can switch back and forth between WYSIWYG editing and tweaking the magically appearing lines of code to dial things in perfectly.

Another differentiator is that Webflow signups include hosting powered by Amazon’s AWS. This partnership makes it easy to navigate design and hosting in one place.

6. WordPress

WordPress offers managed hosting and easy website design using its built-in Gutenberg block editor. There are less bells and whistles compared to some other Framer alternatives, but that can make it easier to make quick decisions without muddying the waters.

WordPress does offer lots of templates and user-generated widgets to help increase functionality. Just beware that many of these aren’t officially tested and rated. Still, you can try WordPress for free and even Premium hosting is just a few dollars per month, so you have some room to play.

7. Squarespace

Squarespace is a mainstay in the site-builder industry. Their reputation for helping small businesses build not only websites but entire brands has given them a lot of name recognition. Start with a website template, then customize as needed to add or remove pages or incorporate extras like a calendar or scheduling utility.

Some people consider Squarespace to be comparatively bare bones, but that’s also a plus in some cases. The straightforward interface makes it easy for hair salons, restaurants, service businesses, and online stores to get up and running quickly and ensure they have a reliable, modern-looking online presence.

8. Wix

Wix markets itself as the everyman’s platform, with not only a website builder on tap, but also tons of information, guides, and business services to help individuals and companies go from concept to success. The creation sector of the site offers a slew of design options, including a library of over 800 templates, site hosting, and both web and mobile app development.

Service-based business, bloggers, and ecommerce stores can benefit from the peripheral solutions offered by Wix, and there’s even email marketing and social media assists. But Wix has drawbacks, including lack of flexibility (no interchangeable templates) and the site’s branding present on sites made using the free plan.

9. Adobe XD

Think of Adobe XD as a lightweight version of design go-tos like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. You can design prototypes, mockups, and wireframes for both mobile and web apps fairly quickly, and there’s an extensive asset library standing by. But the program works best on desktop, which can limit utility, and there’s a steep learning curve that can be a turn-off for anyone who doesn’t plan on using the platform long term.

10. Axure RP

Axure helps designers and entrepreneurs press fast-forward on the wireframing process by providing pre-packaged components accessible immediately after the software is downloaded and installed. The RP in Axure RP stands for rapid prototyping, and that is indeed the platform’s main focus. If that’s your main focus as well and you’re okay taking the time to explore the widgets and interactions that’ll help your site stand apart, Axure may be a solid choice.

11. HubSpot CMS Hub

HubSpot is already a very customer-driven platform, and it funnels the data it collects on the CRM side to power up its CMS and website builder. Not only can users take advantage of a drag-and-drop editor and piggyback on existing themes, but there’s also blog support, solid hosting, and all that data to help inspire next-level UX.

How to choose the right Framer alternative for your business

If you’re interested in exploring Framer alternatives, think about the following categories and how they’d factor into your final decision.

Budget

Don’t overpay for a site builder or prototyping tool. Look for options that offer multiple tiers or packages, so you pay for only what you need and have the option to scale up when the time is right.

Industry

Some platforms, like Wix and Squarespace, are well-suited to startups and service businesses because they include vast libraries packed with knowledge that goes beyond design to cover the nitty-gritty aspects of running a business. But if you’re a designer or project manager who just wants a hand with site construction, opting for a stripped-down Framer alternative can help you maintain focus and avoid distractions.

Specific Needs

Do you need lots of add-ons like an on-page daily weather report or event countdowns? Are you interested in connecting with a website builder reseller and offering white-label SEO services alongside design solutions? Will you be transferring in-progress design from one platform to another? The answers to those questions will determine which platform best suits your needs and help you avoid signing up for a tool that will still leave gaps in your game plan.

Framer alternatives FAQs

1. What are the best Framer alternatives for web design?

Some of the best Framer alternatives include Vendasta, Webflow, Duda, Wix, and Squarespace. Each offers different benefits, but Vendasta stands out for its Managed WordPress Hosting—a fast, secure, white-labeled solution on Google Cloud that lets your business build and scale websites with ease.

2. Why would someone choose a Framer alternative?

Designers and businesses often look for Framer alternatives when they need more flexibility, scalability, or stronger content management options. Vendasta’s WordPress Hosting provides a more powerful CMS, integrated AI tools, and centralized multisite management ideal for agencies and multi-location brands.

3. How does Vendasta compare to Framer?

While Framer focuses on design, Vendasta offers a complete managed hosting ecosystem that combines design freedom with automation, analytics, and scalability. Built on Google Cloud, Vendasta’s WordPress Hosting includes AI engagement tools, free migrations, and 24/7 support, making it a stronger long-term choice for resellers and SMB providers.

4. What features should I look for when comparing Framer alternatives?

When choosing a Framer alternative, prioritize usability, performance, and scalability. Vendasta’s WordPress Hosting includes one-click installs, automated backups, AI-powered engagement, and multisite support—all managed through a single branded dashboard to streamline operations.

5. Which Framer alternatives are best for agencies and multi-location businesses?

Platforms like Vendasta, Webflow, and Duda serve agencies and franchises well. Vendasta’s Premium WordPress Hosting supports multisite management under one install, ensuring consistent branding, centralized analytics, and smooth updates across all client locations—making it ideal for growth-focused resellers.

6. Are Framer sites worth it?

Framer offers accessible tools for beginners to build sleek websites without coding, but platforms like Vendasta provide more flexibility, scalability, and backend power. If you want full ownership, WordPress compatibility, and white-label capabilities, Vendasta’s managed solution delivers far more long-term value.

7. Is Framer completely free?

Framer offers a free plan that’s ideal for testing or hobby projects, but it includes Framer branding on published sites. Paid plans start at $10 per month. Businesses that need professional hosting, scalability, and client-ready white-labeling will find more value in Vendasta’s managed WordPress Hosting solution.

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