Web Hosting Vs Website Builder: Key Differences

When you’re ready to build a website, one big choice you’ll need to make is whether to use a website builder or web hosting. This can be confusing, especially if you are starting. Both tools help you build a website, but they work in different ways.

You don’t always have to pick between the two. Many people use both together, depending on what their website needs. But before you decide, it’s important to understand the difference between them.

This guide explains web hosting vs website builder, how each works, how they differ, and how to choose the best option for your goals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Web hosting gives you control over your site’s files, design, and features.
• A website builder is easier to use and doesn’t need any coding or setup.
• Hosting is great for custom websites that have advanced tools and plugins.
• Builders are excellent for quick setups that use drag-and-drop editors and ready-made themes.
• With hosting, you manage updates, security, and backups yourself.
• Builders handle security, updates, and hosting for you in one plan.
• Initially, hosting may cost less, but it can add up when extra tools and services are included.
• Website builders include everything in one simple plan, whether it’s monthly or annually.
• Choose hosting if you want full freedom and plan to grow a large or complex site.
• Select a website builder if you wish to launch fast and keep things simple.
• Some platforms allow you to enjoy both by offering a website builder and hosting together.
• Knowing the real differences between web hosting and website builders helps you make the right choice.

Web Hosting vs Website Builder: Overview

What is Web Hosting?

Web hosting is a service that gives your website a home on the internet. When somebody types your domain name into a browser, web hosting ensures you are directed to your site.

• HOW IT WORKS

Think of web hosting as renting an empty apartment on the internet. The apartment gives you space, but it’s up to you to fill it with your website’s files, images, and content. Once everything is in place, that space becomes your website.

Your web hosting provider ensures your site stays online by storing those files on a server, a special type of computer that runs constantly. When someone types in your domain or clicks a link to your site, the server quickly sends your content to their browser for the user to view it.

• WEB HOSTING TYPES

There are various web hosting types depending on how much space and control you need:

• Shared Hosting: Your website shares a web server with multiple other sites. It’s the most cost-effective option and suitable for small sites.
• VPS Hosting: More powerful. You get a section of a server reserved for your site. It costs more but provides better performance.
• Cloud Hosting: Uses many servers simultaneously. If one goes down, your site stays online. Great for growing websites.
• Dedicated Hosting: You have your specific server. It’s fast, secure, and flexible, but expensive.
• Managed Hosting: If you opt for this hosting type, the hosting provider handles all technical tasks on your behalf, including updates, security, and server management.

Each type has different benefits. Shared hosting is simple and low-cost. VPS and cloud give you more power. Dedicated hosting is best for large sites. However, managed hosting is good if you don’t want to handle technical things.

What is a Website Builder?

A website builder is a tool that helps you create a website without coding. It includes everything: design tools, templates, hosting.

So, you don’t need to set up anything on your own.

• HOW IT WORKS

A website builder gives you an editor where you can select a theme, add new pages, and place text or images by dragging and dropping. It’s very beginner-friendly and doesn’t need technical skills. You do everything through a simple dashboard.

Don’t confuse a website builder with a content management system (CMS). It’s different from a CMS like WordPress. A CMS needs hosting, theme installation, and plugins. A builder already has all that included, so setup is quicker.

Website Builder vs Web Hosting: Similarities

Although web hosting and website builders operate in different ways, they have commonalities. Both help you put your website online and keep it running safely.

File Storage & Management

Both systems store your website files on a server. With web hosting, you manage these files directly using tools like File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or a File Manager. In a website builder, the platform handles file storage for you; you don’t see the back end, but your files are still accessible.

Security & Maintenance

Both web hosting and website builders offer tools to keep your site safe. For example:

• SSL certificates (to make your site secure with HTTPS).
• Automatic backups via Acronis (to protect your work).
• Malware protection.

Domain Connections

Both allow you to connect a custom domain. With web hosting, you often need to update DNS records yourself to point your domain to the right server. Website builders make this easier by guiding you through it or handling it for you.

The main difference is who sets it up. With hosting, you usually do it yourself or install security plugins. Website builders often include these tools by default.

Web Hosting vs Website Builder: Key Differences

Now that you understand what each one does, let’s compare them side by side. In this section, we cover the biggest differences in how they work and who they’re best for.

Level of Control

Web Hosting gives you full control. You can edit your site’s code, use custom themes, and install any plugin you want. This is good if you require custom features or want to build something unique.

However, website builders limit your control. You can choose designs and layouts, but you can’t edit the system’s code or server settings.

Ease of Use

Web Hosting takes more work. You need to set up the hosting account, install WordPress or another CMS, find a theme, and manage everything yourself. If you don’t like tech tasks, this can be difficult.

On the other hand, website builders are simple. You sign up, pick a design, and start adding your content. You don’t need to know anything about servers or software.

Speed to Launch

Web Hosting takes longer to set up. Between choosing a host, connecting your domain, and installing tools, it may take a few hours or even days to get everything ready.

Website Builders are faster. You can pick a template, change the text and images, and go live within a few minutes or hours.

Cost Structure

Web Hosting often starts cheap but may cost more over time. You’ll pay separately for your domain, and plugins & themes (if using paid versions). These small fees can add up.

Website Builders use a bundle price. You pay one monthly or annual fee for everything:

• Hosting.
• Design tools.
• Domain (sometimes).
• Support.

It may seem higher upfront, but it’s easier to track and manage.

Web Hosting vs Website Builder: What to Choose?

So, how do you decide between a website builder and host or using web hosting alone? Consider what matters most to you: control, simplicity, or speed.

Choose Web Hosting if You:

• Want full control over your site’s design and features.
• Know how to manage a CMS or have someone to assist.
• Plan to use custom code or advanced plugins.
• Expect high traffic or need a lot of storage.
• Want to scale and grow your site long-term.

Choose a Website Builder if You:

• Want to launch a website quickly.
• Don’t want to deal with setup or server tasks.
• Prefer easy tools and pre-built designs.
• Want everything included in one plan.
• Don’t know how to code or work with web tools.

Your choice depends on your comfort level, goals, and how much time you want to spend building and managing your site.

What if I Combine Both Options?

Here’s something many people don’t realize: you don’t always have to pick one side in the web hosting vs website builder debate. Some platforms offer both in one place.

The Hosted.com® Website Builder is a great example. It provides an all-in-one solution, including hosting and a user-friendly website builder. It simplifies the process of website creation and management, so it’s accessible for beginners.

This type of setup combines the power of hosting with the simplicity of a builder.

Benefits of Using a Combined Platform

• Easy-to-use Editor: You can build pages and posts without code using tools like the Block Editor.
• Mobile-Ready Themes: Many free and paid themes are responsive and show up well on both phones and computers.
• Plugins for Everything: Add SEO tools, contact forms, or e-commerce features with one click.
• Built-in Security & Updates: No need to install extra tools for SSL or updates.
• Helpful Support: Many platforms offer help via chat or email.
• Scalable Options: Start simple, then grow. Add more features as your business or audience grows.

This is where the website builder vs hosting conversation becomes less about picking one and more about finding the right mix. A combined option gives you the best of both worlds.

FAQS

Other Blogs of Interest

– Web Hosting Versus Domain Name – All the Facts Explained

– Web Hosting Comparison: A Complete Guide

– What Is WordPress Hosting? Definition, Features & Benefits

– Best Cheap Website Builder For Small Businesses

– Using The Best Website Builder For Online Store