website-builder4 min read
Renting a Website: What the Big Builders Charge, and What a Studio Charges
Compare website builder prices and models to web design studios
The Difference is the Model, Not Just the Money
When choosing a website provider, it's essential to consider the model, not just the price. Website builders like Wix, GoDaddy, IONOS, and Hostinger offer self-service editors, where you design and build your site yourself. On the other hand, web design studios like Borg Sites design, build, host, and run sites for you.
This difference in model can significantly impact your website's success. With a self-service editor, you're responsible for designing, building, and maintaining your site. With a web design studio, a team of experts handles everything for you.
Website Builders: What You Get
Here's a brief overview of what you can expect from popular website builders:
- Wix: Light plan costs $17/month, Core plan costs $29/month (as checked on 2026-10-12)
- GoDaddy: Starter plan costs $9.99/month on a 12-month term, $19.99/month month-to-month (as checked on 2026-10-12)
- IONOS: Starter plan costs $6/month for the first year, then renews at $14 (as checked on 2026-10-12)
- Hostinger: Premium plan costs $2.99/month with 48 months paid up front, then renews at $10.99 (as checked on 2026-10-12)
Please note that prices were read by hand from each company's public pricing page on 2026-10-12 and may change, varying by country, term length, and promotion.
Web Design Studios: What You Get
Borg Sites is a web design studio that offers a range of plans, including one-time website builds and monthly Hosting & Care plans. Our entry paid plan is Spark Hosting & Care at $9.99/month, which includes a built-for-you site, hosting, security, and maintenance.
We also offer one-time website builds, such as Spark Design ($750), Orbit Design ($1,800), and Galaxy Design ($3,900), as well as custom-quoted Nebula Design plans.
What to Consider When Choosing a Website Provider
When choosing a website provider, consider the model, price, and features that meet your business needs. Ask yourself:
- Do you want a self-service editor or a team of experts to handle your site?
- What features do you need, such as e-commerce, blogging, or scheduling?
- What is your budget for your website?
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that meets your business goals.
What Borg Sites Includes Beyond the Price
Borg Sites offers several advantages beyond our pricing, including:
- First month $1 on monthly plans from Orbit up
- Yearly plans get 2 months free
- Done for you by a studio, with managed edit time and an auto-blog that keeps publishing (rolling out)
- Unmetered traffic from Supernova up, and a stated allowance below it
- Fast under load, with static pages served from a network that scales with your traffic
- Deployed to hundreds of cities, with every visitor served from the closest location
- Honest money terms, with cancellation available at any time and a refund within 5 days of the first Hosting & Care charge
- No lock-in, with the exit priced in public at $250 for a full code export or $500 for deployment on your own hosting with training
What to Do Next
Now that you've compared the prices and models of website builders and web design studios, it's time to choose a provider that meets your needs. Consider what features are important to your business and what budget you have available.
For a free, instant estimate, visit https://borgsites.com/estimate and get started on your website today.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a website builder and a web design studio?
A website builder offers a self-service editor, where you design and build your site yourself. A web design studio, like Borg Sites, designs, builds, hosts, and runs sites for you.
How do I choose a website provider that meets my needs?
Consider the model, price, and features that meet your business needs. Ask yourself if you want a self-service editor or a team of experts to handle your site, what features you need, and what your budget is.
What features are included in each plan?
Each plan includes different features, such as e-commerce, blogging, or scheduling. Check the provider's pricing page or contact their support to learn more about what's included in each plan.
Can I cancel my website plan at any time?
Yes, with Borg Sites, you can cancel your Hosting & Care plan at any time, and it will run to the end of the paid period. You can also get a refund within 5 days of the first Hosting & Care charge.
What happens if I exceed my website plan's allowance?
If you exceed your plan's allowance, you'll be charged according to the published per-unit rates. For example, extra bandwidth costs $1.50 per 100 GB. Check the provider's pricing page or contact their support to learn more about their usage policies.
