Despite its popularity, WordPress is far from perfect.

First of all, beginners often have a difficult time using the platform in a way that allows them to maximize its potential. Second, WordPress sites are vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Updating the system comes with its share of challenges. Your website may become slower, and some plugins may stop working. Plus, it's common to encounter frequent error messages.

The good news is, you can always switch to a different content management system (CMS). Below we'll share some of the best alternatives to WordPress to help you make the right choice.

1. Squarespace

Squarespace website builder

Nearly 40 percent of all websites run on WordPress, according to the Search Engine Journal. Squarespace, one of its closest competitors, powers roughly 1.5 percent of sites, but it may be a better choice.

Squarespace features more than a hundred templates in every niche you could think of. Users also have access to powerful blogging tools, built-in SEO tools, and web analytics.

This CMS appeals to creative professionals, but anyone can use it to get a website up and running. Its templates come with pre-built page sections that make it easy to customize your site or blog, no matter your experience level. Plus, there's no need to install widgets and plugins.

Squarespace templates have a clean design, with big photos, uncluttered menus, and easy-to-navigate pages. You can simply drag and drop to create the look you want. When you're done, you'll have a fully responsive website that works well on any device. Plus, you can change your website's colors, fonts, and content layout with one click.

Squarespace website builder

Users can connect their Squarespace account to their social media pages. This feature allows you to display content from your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page on your site. At the same time, it makes it easier for readers to share your posts and follow your business on the major social networks. With WordPress, you would have to install social share buttons and tweak the settings yourself.

The same goes for website analytics. Squarespace templates have built-in analytics, which allows you to easily track sales, page views, traffic sources, and top-performing content. WordPress, on the other hand, requires installing plugins or using third-party apps to monitor these metrics.

As far as pricing goes, Squarespace charges $12 to $40 per month—depending on the plan you choose. All membership plans include a free custom domain name for one year, plus:

  • Free SSL certificates
  • Unlimited bandwidth and storage
  • SEO tools
  • Web analytics
  • 24/7 technical support

Unlike WordPress, Squarespace doesn't require users to get a separate hosting plan or pay for premium themes. Everything is included in the price.

2. Weebly

Weebly templates

Like Squarespace, Weebly is a drag-and-drop website builder with ready-to-use templates. Users can choose from over 40 responsive themes for online stores, portfolio websites, business sites, and blogs. Most templates have a minimalist design, with clean lines and big, bold typography.

What makes Weebly stand out is its ease of use. Simply sign up for a free account, set up your website, and upgrade to a premium plan later on. All themes feature a built-in image editor, drag-and-drop blocks, web analytics, and free SSL certificates.

Related: How to Set Up SSL for Free

Weebly websites include sitemaps and SEO tools that make it easy to optimize your pages, content, and metadata. There is also the option to create custom forms and newsletters with just a few clicks. Users can also add image galleries and video backgrounds to their sites to create complex layouts.

Another cool feature is the App Center, which offers hundreds of apps for marketing, eCommerce, social sharing, and more. Weebly apps are similar to the plugins available to WordPress users, but they're easier to install and set up.

Weebly apps

Quick Facebook Chat, for example, enables users to communicate with their consumers via Facebook Messenger directly on their sites. Other apps allow you to create website pop-ups, post jobs, edit photos, or sell products.

The free plan doesn't include a custom domain name and more advanced features, such as web analytics and eCommerce tools. If you want to connect your domain name to Weebly, you'll have to sign up for the Connect plan, which is $5 per month.

The Pro Plan is $12 per month, while the Business plan costs $25 per month when paid annually. These options are best for online stores. Power sellers can sign up for Business Plus, which is $38 per month and includes inventory management tools, shipping labels, automatic tax calculators, and more.

3.Webnode

Webnode templates

Webnode is not as popular as other alternatives to WordPress, but this doesn't mean it's not worth your attention. On the contrary, it's one of the best website builders for beginners due to its ease of use and high design flexibility.

Users have access to nearly 100 templates for blogs, restaurants, online stores, law firms, and everything in between. The themes are similar to those available on WordPress. All you need to do is to select a template and then customize it with your business logo, images, forms, and other elements.

Like Weebly and Squarespace, Webnode offers a drag-and-drop editor for pages, sections, and photo galleries. It's so easy to use that you can set up and edit your website directly from your smartphone.

While Webnode doesn't have as many features as other website builders, it's ideal for setting up a basic site. You can use your own domain name, list products for sale, add membership registration, create password-protected pages, and more.

webnode features

Depending on the plan selected, users can translate their websites into over 40 languages. This option comes in handy for those looking to reach a global audience. Plus, you can enhance the functionality of your site or blog by adding widgets.

The free version allows you to try things out before committing to a membership plan. Prices start from $3.90 per month for the Limited plan to $22.90 per month for the Profi plan. The latter includes up to 5GB of storage, form builders, analytics, video backgrounds, unlimited languages, and automatic backups.

Find the Best Alternative to WordPress

As you can see, WordPress isn't your only option. If you're looking for a hassle-free alternative, try the platforms listed above.

Squarespace, for example, appeals to creative professionals. Webnode can be a good choice for beginners and multilingual websites, while Weebly offers the best of both worlds.

Later, you can try more advanced solutions, such as Shopify, Joomla, or Drupal. Another option is Jimdo, an AI-powered assisted website builder that requires no coding skills.

Most platforms offer a free trial or a free plan, so go ahead and explore your options. Ideally, choose a WordPress alternative that allows you to scale up or down as your business needs change.