When it comes to building your dream website with uSkinned Site Builder, you’ve got two amazing options to choose from: Self-Hosted Licence or uSkinned Hosted.
Each option offers unique benefits tailored to different needs, whether you’re a web developer who loves full control or someone needing a streamlined, all-in-one solution.
Self-Hosted Licence
Ideal for users seeking full control, advanced customisation, and a one-time payment model.
uSkinned Hosted
A fully managed, hassle-free subscription service for £30/month, perfect for quick setup and simplicity.
Both options include all the powerful design and content tools of the uSkinned Site Builder, loved by users worldwide and backed by an amazing 4.9 out of 5 G2 rating, outscoring all major competitors.
So, which one’s the perfect match for you? Let’s break it down...
Why uSkinned Site Builder Stands Out
No matter which option you choose, you’ll enjoy the incredible features that make uSkinned Site Builder a favourite among users worldwide. From our intuitive design tools to advanced integrations and eCommerce capabilities, we’re dedicated to helping you create stunning websites with ease.
Here’s why our users love us
User-Friendly Design:
Build beautiful, responsive websites without needing to code.
Flexible Templates:
Start with professional designs that are fully customisable to your brand.
Integrated Tools:
Seamlessly manage eCommerce, third-party integrations, and more.
Top-Rated on G2:
With a stellar score of 4.9 out of 5 G2 rating, we outshine our competitors thanks to glowing user reviews.
Whether you prefer full control or an all-in-one solution, uSkinned Site Builder ensures you’ll have everything you need to create a site that truly stands out.
uSkinned Site Builder is rated higher than other major platforms.
Option 1: Self-Hosted Licence
If you love the idea of being in full control of your website and where it’s hosted, then the Self-Hosted Licence is a great pick. It’s perfect for those who like to get hands-on and enjoy the freedom of customisation and extendability.
Key Benefits:
Complete Control
You’re the boss! Choose where your website lives and customise the server to suit your needs.
One-Time Cost
Pay once for your domain licence, and that’s it — no monthly hosting fees.
Advanced Customisation & ExtendabilityÂ
Whether it’s tweaking server performance or integrating unique features, you’ve got all the tools.
Is It Right for You?
If you’re comfortable with the technical side of things or have a team that can handle hosting and maintenance, the Self-Hosted Licence gives you total freedom and flexibility.
Get up and running with uSkinned Hosted in under two minutes.
Option 2: uSkinned Hosted
Want to skip the hassle and get your site online in no time? uSkinned Hosted is here to make your life easier. This all-in-one option is ideal if you just want to focus on creating your website without worrying about the technical stuff.
Key Benefits:
Instant Setup
Get up and running in under two minutes — yes, you read that right! Umbraco and uSkinned come pre-installed.
Hassle-Free
No need to stress about server maintenance, upgrades, or security. We’ve got it all covered.
Affordable Subscription
Starting at just £30/month, Microsoft Azure hosting, upgrades, support and more are included.
Is It Right for You?
If you’d rather spend your time designing and creating instead of managing installation and hosting, this is the way to go. It’s perfect for anyone looking for simplicity and reliability.
| Self-Hosted Licence | uSkinned Hosted | |
|---|---|---|
| Features | All uSkinned Site Builder tools | All uSkinned Site Builder tools |
| Setup Time | Manual installation and deployment | Ready in under two minutes |
| Hosting | User-managed | Automated and Powered by Microsoft Azure |
| CDN | User-managed | Automated |
| Upgrades | User-managed | Automated |
| Backups | User-managed | Automated |
| Security (TLS) | User-managed | Automated |
| Technical Expertise | Moderate to advanced | Minimal |
| Extendable | Fully extendable | CSS, JavaScript and Embeddable code |
| Support | One year | 24/7 |
| Cost | ||
| Buy license | Create site |
Compare the key features of both Self-Hosted and Hosted.
Which One Should You Choose?
It all comes down to what you need and how comfortable you are with the technical side:
Go for a Self-Hosted Licence if you want maximum control and don’t mind rolling up your sleeves.
Choose uSkinned Hosted if you’re after a quick, fuss-free solution that lets you focus on your site’s content and design.
About the author
Paul Daly
I am a co-founder and the Creative Lead at uSkinned. It's my responsibility to lead the design and frontend coding efforts for all of our products as well as across each team, including Marketing, Branding, Content and Support.