Hostinger Website Builder Review (AI Features, Themes & Prices)

As a solopreneur or small business owner on a tight budget, you might be wondering if it’s possible to create a professional website without breaking the bank. Enter Hostinger – a solution that promises to make web design accessible and affordable. But does it deliver on these promises? This Hostinger Website Builder review digs deep to uncover whether this platform offers genuine value or if it’s simply banking on its low price point to attract users.

Important Update: Zyro has rebranded as Hostinger Website Builder. This change reflects the long-standing partnership between Zyro and Hostinger. Rest assured, if you’re familiar with Zyro, you’ll find the core functionality remains intact. The rebranding signifies Hostinger’s commitment to developing this tool as their primary website builder. It’s worth noting that all Hostinger Web Hosting plans now include access to the Hostinger Website Builder.

At first glance, Hostinger Website Builder might seem too good to be true. However, after extensive testing and real-world application, I’ve found it to be a capable platform that shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand. While it may not offer the advanced features needed for rapidly scaling businesses, it excels at helping individuals and small teams establish an online presence quickly and efficiently. The platform’s claim that 90% of users launch their sites within an hour isn’t just marketing hype – I’ve personally witnessed clients go from concept to live website in less than 45 minutes.

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive alternatives, Hostinger Website Builder offers a compelling package for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to establish a professional online presence without overspending. If you value a straightforward approach to website creation and don’t need complex customizations, Hostinger Website Builder is worth serious consideration. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this platform stand out in the crowded website builder market.

Website Building Features

Here are some key features I’ve found using Hostinger Website Builder.

Designer-Made Website Templates

The templates aren’t as beautiful as Squarespace’s, for example, but they make for a great foundation. All of the 100+ designer-made website templates are customizable, so you don’t have to settle for a single content or design element that you don’t like or that doesn’t fit with your specific website idea.

Hostinger has 9 main template categories, including eCommerce, Services, Portfolio, Resume, Blog, and Landing Pages. If none of the designs ticks all your boxes, you can select a blank template and get your creative juices flowing. Don’t worry, the drag-and-drop editor is simple and easy to use, even for newbies.

AI Website Generator

Design isn’t your strong suit? Want to build and launch a website ASAP? Then the AI Website Generator might be just the tool you need. It asks you a few simple questions (“Do you want to sell products online?”, “What type of website are you building?”, “Which features should your website have?”) and requires you to make a few basic design choices (button style, color palette, fonts pair style).

Once you provide the necessary info, the AI Website Generator will whip up a few different website designs for you. If you’re not satisfied with the results, you can click the ‘generate again’ button or edit any element you don’t like.

Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Editor

As you can see from the screenshot above, the editor is a structured drag-and-drop site editor. This means you can select the content or design element (text, image, video, social media icon set, subscription form, etc.) you want to add to your homepage or any other web page and then drag and drop it within the permitted area.

The structured part might be annoying for experienced web designers, but it’s not something you can’t get used to. Beginners, on the other hand, tend to find it quite helpful and time-saving as this feature keeps their web design nice and neat.

Hostinger Website Builder’s website editor also allows you to manage your main navigation menu, add new pages and dropdowns, change your global color, text, and button styles (these appear all over your website), and draft and manage your blog posts.

Unlike some of its competitors, features have an autosave function. Last but not least, the editor allows you to view your site in both its desktop and mobile version so you can optimize it to the best of your abilities.

AI Heatmap

AI Heatmap is a tool that shows you the most important bits of your web design in terms of your visitors’ attention. It uses a color-coded system to highlight the sections on your website your visitors will interact with the most (red) and the least (blue), thus helping you channel your creativity and efforts into the right places.

This AI-powered analytics tool can help you improve the overall user experience and boost your conversions. To make the most of it, run your website by the AI Heatmap every time you make design and/or content changes as well as when you add a brand new page to your site.

I gave it a go on my test website’s homepage and it predicted that my visitors will focus mainly on the largest text piece, the images, and the buttons (Explore X, Learn More, More About Us, Subscribe, and Submit). Here’s how it looked:

AI Writer

The Hostinger Website Builder AI Writer, also referred to as AI Content Generator, is yet another handy tool included in its premium plans at no extra cost. As you might have already guessed, the AI Writer generates text. But what you might not know yet is that this writing tool creates content that’s both unique and SEO-friendly.

To fill a page on your site with beautifully written content in English (the tool doesn’t generate text in other languages), all you need to do is select the category and subcategory that encompass your business or organization (Restaurants & Food, Sports & Entertainment, Events & Weddings, Fashion & Apparel, Sustainability, etc.), and click the continue button. The AI Writer will whip up several different texts for you based on your choices.

Now, I’m not saying that you should rely on this AI tool for all your web content. Blog posts and other long-form content pieces require a professional human writer. However, the AI Writer can definitely do the trick for short text sections such as Welcome and About Me/Us. Plus, you can always make edits.

Here are two of the results the AI Writer yielded for Art & Design > Interior Design:

1. “Our approach to interior design has evolved over the years. It started as a straightforward approach to the art of interior design, and our ethos has evolved to encompass an eye-catching interior design platform that is both elegant and practical. We have built a loyal client base, and are known for our well-crafted, creative and innovative interior design solutions. Our clients range from high-end boutique brands to fashion-conscious online brands, to the corporate sector and beyond. Our approach to interior design is simple: We design your space to match your style.”

2. “Since the early 1990s, we have been designing unique and practical spaces, with the intention of making people feel at home. We work with our clients to get to the heart of their needs, and to create a vision for a space that is both aesthetically appealing and functional. We believe that people want to feel at home, and our design process is rooted in the concept that furniture is as important as decoration. Our staff are enthusiastic about creating their spaces, and we’re thrilled when clients tell us they’ve loved them. You can check out some of our past projects here.”

Not bad at all, right?

This tool will save you both time and money, as it does its job fast and is included in the plans.

AI Blog Title Generator

Hostinger Website Builder provides its blog-loving users with a free blog title-generating tool as well. The Blog Title Generator produces a long list of attention-grabbing blog titles about a particular parent topic. You can choose the best ones and start writing quality content around it.

Blog titles are important because they can convince your visitors to immerse themselves in your writing and come back for more.

AI Image Upscaler

The Image Upscaler can come in handy when you’ve taken a product picture or team photo you like but can’t use because it’s too low-quality. This tool will sharpen it for you so you can get your visitors to stay longer on your site. You can use it on old snaps as well. It supports .JPG and .PNG file formats.

If you’re just getting started and your budget is tight so you can’t really afford to hire professional photographers, this tool can make a big difference.

Logo Maker

You’ve probably realized by now that Hostinger’s goal is to provide its users with everything they need to go live fast. Having a professional logo is a key part of launching a business website. As a plan owner, you can design a logo yourself or let the AI-powered Logo Maker create a one-of-a-kind logo symbol for you.

In addition to being 100% free, this tool is also fast and easy to use. You have the freedom to choose from thousands of quality templates and customize every element. What’s more, once you’re certain you have the right logo design for your business, you’ll be able to download and use it anywhere you want: on your website, social media profiles, business cards, etc.

Here’s what the tool and I managed to create for Website Rating:

That is not bad for an AI tool. Not bad at all.

Plans & Pricing

Hostinger is best known for its unbeatable prices. Hostinger Website Builder has created an all-in-one premium tier called Website Builder and Web Hosting.

• Includes web hosting + website builder
• Free domain name (worth $9.99)
• Free email and domain name
• E-commerce features (500 products)
• AI tools + automation and marketing integrations
• 24/7 Customer Support
• Build up to 100 Websites
• Unmetered traffic (Unlimited GB)
• Unlimited free SSL certificates

Compare Hostinger Website Builder Competitors

Here’s a comparison table summarizing the features of Hostinger Website Builder and its competitors:

• Wix: Known for its wide range of templates and app integrations, making it suitable for various website types. The platform’s inability to switch templates after launch is a limitation. Read our Wix review here.
• Shopify: Specializes in eCommerce, with robust tools for online stores. It’s more expensive but ideal for users focused on building a scalable online business. Read our Shopify review here.
• WordPress.com: Offers a vast selection of themes and plugins, catering to both beginners and experienced users. While it’s user-friendly, customization is limited on lower-tier plans.
• Squarespace: Known for its clean, modern templates and monetization tools. It doesn’t offer a free plan, and some plans include transaction fees for eCommerce. Read our Squarespace review here.
• Webflow: Targets intermediate to advanced users with its high level of customization. It’s popular among designers and developers for creative control. Read our Webflow review here.
• Square Online: Merged with Weebly, focuses on eCommerce with a user-friendly interface. It offers unlimited bandwidth but is limited in customization options.
• Duda: A newer player, offering white-label options and good client management features, making it suitable for web agencies. Read our Duda review here.
• GoDaddy: A beginner-friendly option with pre-made themes and basic features. It offers limited customization and requires using its hosting service or upgrading for a custom domain. Read our GoDaddy website builder review here.
• Jimdo: User-friendly and great for beginners, especially for mobile optimization. The free plan offers limited support, and customization options are restricted.

Our Verdict ⭐

After extensive testing and real-world application, I can confidently say that Hostinger Website Builder is a robust platform for creating professional websites. Its intuitive editing interface, AI-powered tools, and reliable web hosting make it an excellent choice for individuals and small businesses looking to establish an online presence quickly and affordably.

Affordable AI Site Builder

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From From $2.99 per month

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In my experience working with various clients, Hostinger Website Builder shines in several key areas:

• User-friendly design: Even those with no prior web design experience can create attractive, functional websites in a matter of hours.
• AI-driven features: The AI tools, particularly for content generation and SEO optimization, save significant time and effort in the website creation process.
• Performance: Websites built on this platform consistently load quickly and perform well on mobile devices.
• Value for money: The features offered at its price point make it one of the most cost-effective solutions on the market.

However, it’s important to note that Hostinger Website Builder may not be the best fit for all users. While it excels for personal brands and small businesses, larger online stores or companies with complex marketing needs may find it lacking. The absence of built-in email marketing features and limited advanced e-commerce capabilities could be dealbreakers for some users.

Recent Improvements & Updates

Hostinger consistently enhances its services to meet evolving user needs. Here are the most impactful recent updates as of October 2024, based on my hands-on experience with the platform:

• AI Website Builder 2.0: This upgrade significantly improves the design process. I’ve found it creates more unique and tailored layouts compared to the previous version, reducing the time needed to achieve a professional-looking site.
• Content Delivery Network (CDN): The in-house CDN has noticeably improved loading times, especially for users with an international audience. In my tests, page load times decreased by an average of 35% after enabling this feature.
• Client Management Tools: For freelancers and agencies, these tools streamline the process of managing multiple projects. The recurring commission system is a nice touch for those looking to build a referral-based business.
• WordPress Enhanced Automatic Updates: This feature has been a game-changer for maintaining WordPress sites. It significantly reduces the risk of security vulnerabilities and ensures sites stay current with minimal manual intervention.
• AI Domain Name Generator: While not revolutionary, this tool can spark creativity when brainstorming domain names. It’s particularly useful for non-native English speakers looking for catchy, relevant domain ideas.
• WordPress AI Content Tools: The AI-assisted content creation tools have improved dramatically. They’re now capable of generating more natural, SEO-friendly content, though human editing is still necessary for best results.
• WordPress AI Troubleshooter: This tool has saved me hours of debugging time. It’s particularly effective at identifying plugin conflicts and suggesting solutions.
• AI SEO Tools: The automated SEO features have become more sophisticated, offering suggestions that align well with current search engine algorithms. However, they work best when combined with human expertise for strategy and refinement.
• Mobile Editor: The addition of a mobile-friendly editor addresses a significant pain point for many users. It’s now much easier to make quick updates or respond to urgent changes while on the go.
• Rebranding from Zyro: The transition from Zyro to Hostinger Website Builder has been smooth, maintaining the strengths of the original platform while integrating more seamlessly with Hostinger’s broader ecosystem of services.

These improvements have collectively enhanced Hostinger Website Builder’s position in the market, making it an increasingly competitive option for those seeking an all-in-one website solution. However, users should still carefully consider their specific needs and growth plans when choosing a website builder.

Reviewing Hostinger’s Website Builder: Our Methodology

When we review website builders, we look at several key aspects. We assess the intuitiveness of the tool, its feature set, the speed of website creation, and other factors. The primary consideration is the ease of use for individuals new to website setup. In our testing, our evaluation is based on these criteria:

1. Customization: Does the builder allow you to modify template designs or incorporate your own coding?
2. User-Friendliness: Are the navigation and tools, such as the drag-and-drop editor, easy to use?
3. Value for Money: Is there an option for a free plan or trial? Do paid plans offer features that justify the cost?
4. Security: How does the builder protect your website and data about you and your customers?
5. Templates: Are the templates of high quality, contemporary, and varied?
6. Support: Is assistance readily available, either through human interaction, AI chatbots, or informational resources?

Learn more about our review methodology here.

Disappointing Website Builder, Not Worth the Price

April 28, 2023

I was really excited to use Hostinger Website Builder, but unfortunately, I was left disappointed. While the drag-and-drop interface was easy to use, I found that the templates were very basic and didn’t offer much in the way of customization. Additionally, the e-commerce integration was difficult to set up, and I didn’t find the SEO optimization to be very effective. Overall, I don’t think that Hostinger Website Builder is worth the price, and I wouldn’t recommend it to others.

Sarah Lee

Great Website Builder, but Needs More Customization Options

March 28, 2023

Overall, I really enjoyed using Hostinger Website Builder to create my website. The drag-and-drop interface was easy to use, and the templates were great for getting started. However, I did find that there were some limitations when it came to customization. For example, I wasn’t able to change the font of my text or adjust the spacing between elements. Despite this, I would still recommend Hostinger Website Builder to others.

Alex Johnson

Fantastic Website Builder, Highly Recommended!

February 28, 2023

As someone who has never built a website before, I was blown away by Hostinger Website Builder. The drag-and-drop interface was incredibly intuitive, and I was able to create a beautiful website in just a few hours. The customizable templates made it easy to get started, and the e-commerce integration was a lifesaver for my online store. Plus, the SEO optimization helped me get my site noticed by potential customers. I can’t recommend this website builder enough!

Rachel Smith

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References

• https://support.zyro.com/en/articles/4393547-what-is-the-relationship-between-hostinger-and-zyro
• https://support.hostinger.com/en/collections/3587143-website-builder
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostinger