Hosting

Maab S.

13 Jun 2025

9min Read

AI Website Builder vs. Hiring a Developer: Which Is Right for You?

AI Website-Builder vs. Hiring a Developer Blog Image

If you’re about to build your first website, you’ll inevitably find yourself asking: should I use a website builder or hire a web developer? In the age of AI, automation, and no-code tools, website builders seem like a no-brainer; especially if you have a good eye for design. But you might also be tempted to hire a developer and create a more customized, feature-rich website that helps you stand out from your competitors.

Without knowing the pros and cons, costs, and long-term implications of each approach, it’s hard to make the right choice. In today’s website builder vs web developer comparison, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and goals.

Website builders and web developers – what’s the difference?

Let’s start with a quick overview of each option so you understand what they are and who they’re for.

What is a website builder?

A website builder is a tool that lets you create a website without having to write any code or know any technical details. Some examples of a website builder are: the HOSTAFRICA website builder, Wix, Squarespace, and the Shopify website builder.

Some features you’d find in a typical website builder are:

Drag-and-drop editor that makes it easy to move text, images, and buttons.
Mobile-responsive templates that offer a starting point for the website’s design and layout.
Pre-designed sections that let you quickly add headers, galleries, or contact forms.
Basic customization options for colors, fonts, and layouts that don’t require any coding.
Optional app or plugin store to extend functionality (e.g., SEO tools, booking systems).
AI-powered tools to generate layouts or write content via prompts.
Code editors that advanced users can use to add custom HTML/JavaScript code.

Website builders are best for:

Beginners with limited-to-no technical skills.
Small businesses or individuals looking for a fast and affordable solution.
Projects that don’t require advanced functionality.

Advantages of website builders

Here are the benefits of using a website builder:

Most website builders are made for non-technical users. You just drag and drop elements, choose a template, and edit content like you would in a Word document.
You can go from idea to live website in just a few hours. Everything from the layout to the hosting is already taken care of.

Many builders offer free plans or low monthly fees, which is great if you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend thousands upfront. For example, HOSTAFRICA’s website and blog builder plan costs only $4.05/month.
There are hundreds of modern templates to choose from. You can find one that fits your industry or personal style and tweak it to your liking.
Typically, the platform handles all software updates and security patches, and you also get access to customer support via chat or email.

Disadvantages of website builders

There are also some drawbacks to be aware of, such as:

You can only do what the platform allows. If you want a custom feature or layout that isn’t supported, you may be out of luck unless you are technical and there’s a code editor to leverage.
If your site needs custom features like user logins and session management, databases, or advanced third-party integrations, a website builder might not be enough.
Some builders don’t give you full control over site speed or SEO settings, which can affect how your site ranks or loads.
Scalability can be a concern with some website builders that are built on platforms not optimized for high traffic volumes.
Lastly, it’s often hard to move your website to another platform later. If you decide to switch, you may have to start from scratch.

What is a web developer (What does hiring a web developer entail)?

A web developer is a skilled professional who builds and maintains websites. They write the code behind your site and can create both simple and complex websites based on your needs. Web developers can work as freelancers, part of an agency, or even in-house if you want regular updates and maintenance.

Typical tasks and skills of a web developer include:

Building a customized site using code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and back-end languages like PHP, Python, or Node.js).
Working with a designer to turn mockups or UI designs into a real website.
Setting up hosting, domains, and server environments (or guiding you through it).
Building features from scratch, such as membership areas, session management, payment systems, booking tools, etc.
Creating APIs or connecting your site to third-party services, like CRMs or external databases.
Optimizing performance, mobile responsiveness, and SEO with full control over every detail.
Ongoing maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting.

Web developers are best for:

Businesses or individuals with specific feature needs.
Projects that demand full control over design, performance, and scalability.
Long-term sites that are expected to grow or evolve over time.
Anyone with a budget to invest in a unique, tailor-made website.

Advantages of hiring a web developer

Here are the benefits of hiring a web developer:

You get full flexibility and control. A developer can build exactly what you want—custom layouts, advanced features, and one-of-a-kind designs that are not limited by templates or platform rules.
Your site can be built to scale. Developers can choose hosting setups and tech stacks that support higher traffic, better speed, and advanced caching or security options.
You own your code and can host anywhere. You’re not locked into a specific platform. You can choose where to host the site, move it later, or hire someone else to take over.
Experienced developers can fine-tune your site’s speed, structure, and SEO settings better than most drag-and-drop tools allow.

Disadvantages of hiring a web developer

There are also some downsides to consider:

It’s generally more expensive upfront. A simple website can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on features and who you hire. Bear in mind that the costs for hosting, domain, and ongoing support will be separate.
It takes more time. A custom-built site can take weeks, sometimes even months to complete; especially if design and testing are involved.
You may need to manage communication and feedback. Unless you’re working with a full-service agency, you’ll need to explain your needs clearly, review drafts, and give feedback during the process.
Ongoing changes will require more money. Unlike a builder where you can make quick changes yourself, even small tweaks by a developer will incur additional fees.
Hiring the wrong person can be risky. If you hire someone inexperienced or unresponsive, you may end up with poor-quality work, delays, or both.

Website builder vs web developer – how to choose based on your needs

Next, let’s explore the different factors that will help you choose between a website builder vs web developer.

Budget and pricing

Website builders are usually more affordable. Most offer free trials, and paid plans start as low as a few dollars per month. You’ll also get hosting, templates, and support bundled in.
Hiring a developer is more expensive upfront. Depending on the scope, you could be looking at a few hundred to several thousand dollars. You’ll also need to pay separately for hosting, a domain, and any future updates.

So,

Choose a website builder if: you’re on a tight budget or want to keep costs predictable.
Choose a developer if: you have the budget to invest in a more tailored, long-term solution.

Ease of use and technical skills

Website builders are built for beginners. No coding knowledge is required, and most platforms offer drag-and-drop tools.
Developers handle all the technical work for you, but you’ll still need to explain your requirements clearly and possibly manage feedback and revisions.

So,

Choose a website builder if: you want to do it yourself with minimal hassle.
Choose a developer if: you prefer a hands-off approach and don’t mind collaborating with someone technical.

Functionality and room to grow

Website builders are great for standard features like blogs, contact forms, and galleries. But they can become restrictive when you need more advanced/custom features.
A web developer can build anything you need, from user accounts to custom booking systems or integrations with other software.

So,

Choose a website builder if: your website needs are simple and unlikely to evolve over time.
Choose a developer if: you plan to scale your website or need advanced features.

Design flexibility

Website builders offer templates that you can customize to an extent. Ultimately, you’re limited by what the platform allows.
Developers can turn any design into a live website, with full control over layout, animations, interactions, and responsiveness.

So,

Choose a website builder if: you’re okay with making light tweaks to a template.
Choose a developer if: you want a completely unique look or have a design file ready to be coded.

Upkeep and site management

Website builders usually manage hosting, updates, security, and backups for you. You just focus on content.
With a custom-built site, you or your developer will need to handle updates, maintenance, and potential issues.

So,

Choose a website builder if: you don’t want to deal with maintenance tasks.
Choose a developer if: you want more control and are okay with handling or outsourcing updates.

Ownership and portability

Website builders often lock you into their platform. If you leave, you will likely not be able to take your site with you.
A custom-built site is fully yours. You can move it to any host, make changes, or hire someone new to manage it.

So,

Choose a website builder if: you don’t mind being locked in to a platform.
Choose a developer if: you want long-term flexibility and full ownership.

Here’s a quick comparison table that summarizes all the points we discussed:

Feature	Website builder	Web developer
Cost	Low monthly fee	High upfront cost
Ease of use	Beginner-friendly	No setup work, but communication needed
Custom features	Limited to platform options	Fully customizable
Design flexibility	Template-based, with limited customization options	Any design possible
Scalability	Depends on the underlying hosting platform	Depends on the developer’s skillset; can be built to scale based on your needs
Maintenance	Managed by the platform	Requires manual or hired maintenance
Platform lock-in	Usually locked-in	Inherently portable
Launch speed	Same day or within hours	Days, weeks, even months depending on scope
Ideal for	Beginners, small sites, tight budgets	Businesses with specific and/or growing needs

Some final decision-making advice

We’ll finish off this guide with even more tips on how to choose between a website builder and a web developer.

Write down your must-have features (e.g., appointment booking, user accounts, advanced SEO settings). This will help you quickly see whether a builder can meet your needs or if a developer is necessary.
Try out a few website builders to see if their features, templates, and ease of use are enough for your project.
Calculate cost estimates by comparing builder plan pricing and getting quotes from freelance developers or web design agencies. Don’t forget to factor in long-term costs like maintenance and updates.
Check if the website builder offers support in your region. Some platforms offer better local support or better performance based on your location.
Look at examples of websites built with different website builders. This can help you set expectations for what’s possible and what quality to expect.
If in doubt, start small with a builder. It incurs a small upfront cost and lets you build an MVP in no time.

Conclusion

The website builder vs. web developer discussion is an important one, especially if you’re a beginner. We hope the insights in this guide have clearly shown the differences, strengths, and limitations of each option, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.