Looking for Universe alternatives? Compare top design and frontend tools with unique features, pricing, and benefits to find your ideal match.
Irvin Zhan
•
2025-01-13
While Universe is a well-known tool for website creation, it might not be the right fit for everyone. You might be looking for a more customizable solution or a platform that offers different features to meet your specific needs.
In this article, we’ll explore ten of the best alternatives to Universe for building websites. We’ll cover their pricing, key features, and who they are best suited for.
What is Universe?
Universe is a visual, no-code website builder that allows users to create websites using a drag-and-drop interface on any device. The platform is designed to make website building straightforward and accessible, focusing on visual design and user-friendly tools.
Features include hundreds of professionally designed templates, AI tools for generating website elements, and e-commerce capabilities for selling physical goods and digital downloads. Users can also benefit from built-in analytics, custom domains, SEO tools, and various integrations.
What to Consider When Selecting a Universe Alternative?
Ease of Use: Look for platforms with intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces that require no coding knowledge, making it easy for anyone to build a website.
Customization Options: Ensure the platform offers a variety of customizable templates and the ability to create custom components to match your brand's unique style.
Pricing Plans: Consider the different pricing tiers available, from free plans with basic features to premium plans offering advanced functionalities, to find one that fits your budget.
Integration Capabilities: Check for compatibility with popular tools and services like payment gateways, social media platforms, and analytics tools to enhance your website's functionality.
Support and Resources: Access to 24/7 customer support, comprehensive documentation, and community forums can be crucial for troubleshooting and learning how to maximize the platform's features.
Best Alternatives to Universe in 2025
1) Subframe
Subframe is a UI design tool that bridges the gap between design and code. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, a custom component library, and real-time collaboration. With Subframe, you can generate production-ready code in React and Tailwind, making it easier to bring your designs to life.
Pros of Using Subframe
Subframe offers a range of features that make it a compelling choice for UI design and development.
Design with real components: Utilize a visual UI editor with drag-and-drop functionality on a responsive canvas, ensuring pixel-perfect designs every time.
Stunning UI templates: Access a variety of templates inspired by world-class products, hand-crafted by designers, and built with reusable components, so you never have to start from scratch.
Skip handoff: Generate high-quality front-end code that you can copy and paste directly into your codebase, allowing you to focus more on adding business logic rather than tweaking CSS.
Build UI visually for free: Start designing without any upfront costs or the need for a credit card, making it accessible for everyone.
Real-time collaboration: Work seamlessly with your team in real-time, enhancing productivity and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
These are just a few of Subframe's many features. Check them out here to learn more.
Who Should Use Subframe?
Subframe primarily targets startups, freelancers, and power users who need to quickly create high-quality UI designs. It is also ideal for large teams and agencies that require a seamless design-to-code workflow, leveraging AI to enhance design efficiency and quality.
Subframe Pricing
Subframe offers three pricing options:
Free: $0 per user/month
Pro: $29 per user/month
Custom: Pricing not specified, contact support for details
Subframe Reviews
Subframe has received a perfect score of 5/5 based on 4 reviews. Users generally appreciate its ability to save time and resources in building UI, the ease of use of its drag-and-drop editor, and the quality of the templates provided. The product is praised for its efficiency and the support provided by the Subframe team.
"Without Subframe, the frontend build of this tool would've taken a lot longer and a lot more financial resources. Thank you to the Subframe team for partnering with us from ideation to execution, starting day 1." - Erin Kim
"Subframe helped us make a super clean UI for our console without designers." - Carl Peterson
"Huge shoutout to Subframe guys! Super easy to create UI, and the support is great. Highly recommend!" - Amartya Jha
"Just joined, will spend more time on it but so far it is incredible, really love it." - Laura Sinisterra
"Great product, amazed by the accuracy of the pages generated by the AI." - Filmon Arefayne
"Loved this product! The visual editor saves loads of time and is really a cool feature." - Raunak Shaw
"Very good design app. loved it." - Nikit Phadke
2) Versoly
Versoly is a no-code platform designed to create pixel-perfect landing pages and websites. It offers a drag-and-drop editor, customizable components, and a built-in code editor, making it suitable for users of all skill levels.
Pros of Versoly
Customizable Design: Versoly allows users to customize colors, fonts, and components to match their brand, ensuring a unique and professional look.
Speed and Performance: Versoly helps reduce bounce rates by 75% with pages that load in under 1 second, significantly improving user experience.
Built-in Code Editor: Versoly includes a built-in code editor that allows for importing, editing, and exporting code, making it easier for developers to work on advanced use cases without fighting the platform.
Cons of Versoly
Limited Customization: While Versoly offers a range of customizable components, some users have noted that the platform can be restrictive when it comes to advanced customization. This can be a drawback for those who need more flexibility to implement unique design elements or complex functionalities.
Learning Curve: Despite being a no-code platform, some users have reported that Versoly has a steeper learning curve compared to other website builders. This can be challenging for beginners who may find it difficult to navigate and utilize all the features effectively.
Versoly Pricing
Starter: $0 per month
Mini: $9 per month
Pro: $19 per month
Advanced: $49 per month
Editors: $19 per month
Versoly Reviews
Versoly has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 57 reviews. Users generally mention that the platform is efficient for building websites quickly.
3) Mmm
Mmm is a creative platform that allows users to design their own unique corner of the internet with a simple drag-and-drop interface. It offers a playful and intuitive way to build personal web pages, making it perfect for those looking to express themselves online without any coding knowledge.
Pros of Mmm
Playful Interface: Mmm offers a fun and intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for users to create unique web pages without any coding knowledge.
Personal Expression: The platform allows for extensive customization, enabling users to design their own corner of the internet that truly reflects their personality and style.
Creative Freedom: Mmm encourages creativity by providing a variety of tools and elements that users can mix and match to build their ideal web space.
Cons of Mmm
Limited Customization: While Mmm offers a playful and intuitive interface, some users have found it restrictive when it comes to advanced customization. This can be a drawback for those who need more flexibility to implement unique design elements or complex functionalities.
Performance Issues: Users have reported occasional performance issues, such as slow loading times and laggy interactions, which can detract from the overall user experience and make the platform less reliable for building and maintaining web pages.
Mmm Pricing
Mmm's pricing is not public. Contact their support for more info.
Mmm Reviews
Mmm has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 43 reviews. Users generally mention that the platform is simple to use and offers creative freedom, but some have concerns about the hosting plans being limiting.
4) Shopify
Shopify is a comprehensive commerce platform that enables businesses of all sizes to create, manage, and grow their online stores. It offers a range of tools including online store creation, point of sale systems, multichannel selling, marketing tools, and financial services, making it a versatile solution for both direct-to-consumer and wholesale sales.
Pros of Shopify
Shopify POS: Seamlessly integrate online and in-person sales with Shopify's Point of Sale system, allowing for a unified inventory and customer management experience.
Shopify Markets: Expand your business globally with localized international selling features, including multi-currency support, local payment methods, and tailored marketing strategies.
Shopify Audiences: Reduce customer acquisition costs with advanced targeting tools that help you reach the right audience more effectively, boosting your marketing ROI.
Cons of Shopify
Limited Customization: Shopify's platform can be restrictive when it comes to advanced customization options. Users often find that they need to rely on paid themes or third-party apps to achieve the desired functionality, which can add to the overall cost and complexity of managing their online store.
Poor Customer Support: Many users have reported that Shopify's customer support can be unhelpful and robotic. Issues often require multiple contacts to resolve, and some users feel that the support team lacks the necessary knowledge to address specific market needs and sales cycles effectively.
Shopify Pricing
Basic: $29 USD/month (billed yearly)
Shopify: $79 USD/month (billed yearly)
Advanced: $299 USD/month (billed yearly)
Plus: $2,300 USD/month (on a 3-year term)
Enterprise commerce: Custom pricing available upon request
Shopify Reviews
Shopify has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 4,633 reviews. Users generally mention that the platform is expensive and has limited customization options, with additional paid themes or apps often required. There are also frequent complaints about poor customer support and issues with fee structures.
5) BuilderX
BuilderX is an all-in-one platform that streamlines the workflow for developers and designers by integrating design, coding, and deployment functionalities into a single tool.
Pros of BuilderX
Real-time Collaboration: BuilderX allows multiple team members to work on the same project simultaneously, enhancing productivity and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Design to Code: The platform automatically converts your designs into clean, production-ready code, saving time and reducing the potential for errors during the handoff process.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: BuilderX supports both web and mobile app development, allowing you to create responsive designs that work seamlessly across different devices and platforms.
Cons of BuilderX
Steep Learning Curve: Users have reported that BuilderX can be challenging to master, especially for those who are not already familiar with design-to-code workflows. This can make the initial setup and ongoing use more time-consuming and frustrating.
Performance Issues: Some users have experienced lag and slow performance when working on larger projects, which can hinder productivity and make the platform less reliable for extensive design and development tasks.
BuilderX Pricing
Starter: $0 per month
Pro: $19 per month
Team: $49 per month
Business: $99 per month
Enterprise: Custom pricing available upon request
BuilderX Reviews
BuilderX has a rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 12 reviews. Users generally mention that the platform has a steep learning curve and performance issues, particularly with larger projects.
6) Straw
Straw is an extremely simple website builder that allows users to create unique websites directly from their phones using a drag-and-drop interface. It offers a variety of customizable themes, analytics, and blogging capabilities, making it a versatile tool for both casual and professional web projects.
Pros of Straw
Mobile-first design: Create and manage websites directly from your phone, making it highly accessible and convenient for on-the-go users.
AI organization of content: Automatically organizes your content using artificial intelligence, simplifying the website management process.
Public or private blogging: Offers the flexibility to create blogs that can be either public or private, catering to different sharing preferences.
Cons of Straw
Experimental Nature: The app is described as "experimental and built for the unconventional web," which might not appeal to users looking for a more traditional website builder.
Feature Limitations: The "Coming soon!" message for the Explore feature suggests that not all features are currently available, potentially limiting the app's functionality.
Straw Pricing
Premium: $49 per year
Straw Reviews
Straw has an overall rating of 4.43 out of 5 based on 8 reviews. Users generally mention that it is a simple website builder suitable for creating websites directly from a phone or computer.
7) Elasticpath
Elasticpath is a no-code platform that empowers merchants to build high-performance, data-driven eCommerce storefronts and shoppable landing pages quickly and efficiently. It offers a range of tools and integrations to help businesses maximize their online sales and personalize the shopping experience.
Pros of Elasticpath
No-code headless commerce platform: Elasticpath allows businesses to create and manage eCommerce storefronts and landing pages without any coding knowledge, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
Dynamic bundles and promotions engine: The platform offers advanced tools for creating dynamic product bundles and promotions, enabling businesses to tailor their offerings and boost sales effectively.
Integration with over 30 tools: Elasticpath seamlessly integrates with a wide range of marketing and analytics tools, allowing businesses to enhance their eCommerce capabilities without the need for custom development.
Cons of Elasticpath
Complexity: Users have reported that Elasticpath is more complex compared to other e-commerce tools, making it less user-friendly for business platforms. This complexity can lead to a steeper learning curve and may require additional time and resources to master.
Lengthy Upgrade and Installation Processes: The upgrade system for Elasticpath is described as lengthy and time-consuming. Additionally, the installation procedures can be cumbersome, which may delay the deployment and updates of the platform.
Elasticpath Pricing
Business: $99 per month
Enterprise: Custom pricing available upon request
Elasticpath Reviews
Elasticpath has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 20 reviews. Users generally mention that the platform is complex and has lengthy upgrade and installation processes.
8) Retool
Retool is a platform designed to help developers build custom internal software more efficiently by seamlessly connecting databases, building with elegant components, and customizing with code.
Pros of Retool
Seamless connection to databases and APIs: Retool allows you to connect to anything with a REST or GraphQL API, and offers over 70 integrations including popular databases and SaaS apps.
Customizable apps with 100+ React components: The platform provides a full IDE, enabling you to tailor your apps with standardized themes and extensive customization options.
Comprehensive debugging and review tools: Retool includes tools to view stack traces, visualize query runs, inspect app state, and drill into dependencies, along with Git integration for managing version control.
Cons of Retool
Steep Learning Curve: Users have reported that Retool can be challenging to master, especially for those who are not already familiar with design-to-code workflows. This can make the initial setup and ongoing use more time-consuming and frustrating.
Performance Issues: Some users have experienced lag and slow performance when working on larger projects, which can hinder productivity and make the platform less reliable for extensive design and development tasks.
Retool Pricing
Business Plan: $50 per standard user per month
Business Plan: $15 per end user per month
Business Plan: External user pricing: $8/month for 0-250 users, $6/month for 251-500 users, and free for over 500 users
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing, requires contacting Retool for specific details
Retool Reviews
Retool has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 329 reviews. Users generally mention that the platform can be pricey for public app deployment and note occasional performance issues or a steep learning curve for advanced features.
9) Thunkable
Thunkable is a no-code app development platform that allows users to build custom mobile apps without any coding knowledge. It provides a visual designer, native functionality, and advanced logic capabilities to create feature-rich apps.
Pros of Thunkable
Drag and Drop Components: Allows users to create an intuitive app experience by simply dragging and dropping elements like animations, maps, and more.
Advanced Logic: Enables the creation of complex and feature-rich apps without writing any code, using in-depth logic capabilities.
Device Native: Provides access to mobile-specific features such as notifications, Bluetooth connectivity, and location services, even when offline.
Cons of Thunkable
Complexity in achieving integrations and API calls: Users have reported that the number of steps required to achieve integrations and API calls is high, making the process more cumbersome and time-consuming.
Limitations with the drag-and-drop coding interface: The drag-and-drop interface can be restrictive for more advanced features, limiting the ability to implement complex functionalities and high-quality UI elements.
Thunkable Pricing
Business Plan: $50 per standard user per month
Business Plan: $15 per end user per month
Business Plan: External user pricing: $8/month for 0-250 users, $6/month for 251-500 users, and free for over 500 users
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing, requires contacting Retool for specific details
Thunkable Reviews
Thunkable has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 39 reviews. Users generally mention that the platform is complex and has a steep learning curve, with limitations in API integration and advanced features.
10) v0
v0 by Vercel is a project management and development tool that streamlines the workflow for web developers and designers by offering chat-based project queries, suggested actions, and integration with community projects.
Pros of v0
Integration with Figma: Allows users to import designs directly from Figma, streamlining the design-to-development workflow.
Clone a Screenshot: Enables users to quickly clone a screenshot, making it easier to replicate and modify existing designs.
Suggested Chat Messages: Provides users with quick action buttons to perform common tasks, enhancing productivity and ease of use.
Cons of v0
Onboarding process is misleading and cumbersome: Users have reported that the onboarding process for v0 can be confusing and time-consuming, making it difficult for new users to get started efficiently.
Generated React code is considered subpar: The app often produces React code with a lot of repetition and poor component utilization, requiring significant rewriting to make it production-viable.
v0 Pricing
Team Plan: $30/user/month
Enterprise Plan: Custom Pricing
v0 Reviews
v0 has a rating of 4.64 out of 5 based on 135 reviews. Users generally mention that the onboarding process is misleading and the generated React code often requires significant rewriting to be production-viable.
Which One Should You Go With?
Choosing the right tool for your web app development needs can be challenging, given the variety of options available. Each platform has its unique strengths, making them suitable for different types of projects and user requirements.
While any of these platforms could be a great choice, we recommend Subframe if you're looking for an alternative that combines ease of use with powerful design-to-code capabilities. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, real-time collaboration, and AI-enhanced design tools make it a standout option for startups, freelancers, and large teams alike.
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