Each platform promises to create websites in minutes, but they vary significantly in features, quality, and pricing. The wrong choice means paying too much, getting a generic result, or being locked into a platform that doesn't fit your needs. This guide will help you make the right call.
The Key Decision Factors
Before comparing platforms, identify your requirements:
- Your technical skill level and comfort with technology
- Budget constraints and ongoing cost tolerance
- Specific features your business requires (e-commerce, bookings, forms)
- Time available for website creation and management
- Long-term scalability plans
Essential Evaluation Criteria
AI Generation Quality
How well does the AI understand your requirements? Does it create professional, tailored websites or generic templates with placeholder content?
Mobile Responsiveness
Does the platform automatically create mobile-optimised websites? Test on actual devices — not just desktop previews.
SEO Capabilities
Built-in SEO features, meta tag management, structured data, and proper heading hierarchy — essential for search visibility.
Pricing Transparency
Clear pricing without hidden fees. What's included in each plan? Domain, hosting, analytics, forms — or are those all extra?
Performance and Speed
Website loading speed and hosting quality. Fast sites rank better in Google and convert more visitors.
Customisation Options
How much can you edit after AI generation? Look for editing flexibility and design control without needing to code.
Top AI Website Builders Compared
| Platform | Starting Price | AI Quality | All-Inclusive | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChilledSites | £29/year | Excellent | Yes | Small businesses, startups |
| Wix ADI | £13/month | Good | No | Established businesses, e-commerce |
| Squarespace AI | £16/month | Good | No | Creative professionals, portfolios |
| 10Web | £10/month | Average | No | WordPress users, developers |
Decision Framework
Choose ChilledSites if:
- You want the best all-in value — hosting, domain, analytics, and forms all included
- You need a website in under 10 minutes
- You're a small business owner or entrepreneur
- You want the highest AI generation quality
- You need mobile-first, SEO-optimised websites without the complexity
Choose Wix ADI if:
- You have a larger budget (£13+/month) and need e-commerce features
- You want a well-established platform with a large app ecosystem
- You're comfortable with monthly subscriptions and expect ongoing platform growth
Choose Squarespace AI if:
- You prioritise design aesthetics over AI capabilities
- You're a creative professional or artist needing portfolio features
- You're willing to pay premium prices for polished, design-forward templates
How to Test AI Website Builders
Free Trial Testing
Most platforms offer free trials. Create the same website concept on 2–3 platforms to compare results side by side.
Mobile Testing
View generated websites on actual mobile devices. Don't trust how it looks in a desktop browser simulator.
Speed Testing
Use Google PageSpeed Insights (pagespeed.web.dev) to compare website performance scores across platforms.
Customisation Testing
Try to edit and customise the generated site. How flexible is the platform? Can you make changes without coding?
Red Flags to Avoid
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
Pricing Issues
- Hidden fees or surprise charges
- Unclear what's included in each plan
- Domain and hosting sold separately
- Long-term contracts with early exit penalties
Quality Problems
- Poor mobile responsiveness
- Slow loading websites
- Generic content that doesn't fit your business
- Limited post-generation editing options
Your Action Plan
Define Your Requirements
List your must-have features, budget ceiling, and technical comfort level. Be specific — "I need contact forms and Google Maps" is more useful than "I need a business website."
Shortlist 2–3 Platforms
Based on your requirements, identify the platforms that fit your budget and feature needs. Prioritise those with transparent pricing and all-in plans.
Test and Compare
Create the same website concept on your shortlisted platforms. Compare the AI output quality, customisation ease, and mobile result.
Make Your Decision and Launch
Choose the platform that best balances quality, cost, and your specific requirements. Then launch — don't wait for perfection.
Ready to Test the Best AI Website Builder?
Start with ChilledSites — professional websites in under 60 seconds. From £29/year, everything included.