The differences between Framer and Webflow - My honest opinion

If you're a web design enthusiast, you've likely heard the buzz surrounding Framer, and perhaps you're contemplating a shift from Webflow. Here's why I made the switch.

I used to build websites for my clients on Webflow for years, but about six months ago, I stumbled upon Framer, and it felt like a total game-changer. Here are some of the pros and cons of both platforms.

A non-coded approach

Firstly, Webflow heavily relies on a deep understanding of HTML and CSS. Framer adopts a more designer-friendly, no-code approach - reminiscent of the popular design tool, Figma. This shift feels refreshing and exciting, especially for designers accustomed to the Figma environment.

Structured breakpoints vs. freeform fluidity

Visually, a notable difference is noticeable in the form of Framer's freeform canvas. Unlike Webflow's structured breakpoints, Framer's canvas allows for a more dynamic and fluid design experience. Surprisingly, this departure from the traditional approach is something I've come to appreciate, finding it easier to navigate and build sites.

New kid on the block

However, it's important to acknowledge that Framer is still in its infancy as a website builder. In contrast, Webflow is a well-established four-billion-dollar company with years of experience. Framer's roadmap is evolving, with ongoing efforts to catch up with Webflow in terms of integrations, APIs, and custom forms. Despite the current gaps, the Framer team's rapid development pace and weekly updates make me confident in its future potential.

The needs of your project

Choosing between Webflow and Framer depends on what you need for your project. Framer excels in crafting simple marketing sites, leveraging its intuitive design akin to Figma. On the other hand, for more complex endeavors such as membership sites or e-commerce platforms, Webflow's current advanced functionality might still make it the preferable choice.

Considering the handover process, especially when working with clients, Framer's familiarity and cleaner interface offer a smoother experience. Collaborative features, absence of page limits, and the game-changing Framer components contribute to its appeal. In personal testing, I found myself building at a significantly faster pace in Framer, emphasizing its potential for enhanced profitability.

Ultimately, this isn't a sales pitch for Webflow or Framer. Both platforms have their positives and negatives, depending on your specific needs. If you're intrigued, I encourage you to explore Framer for yourself at framer.com.

Until next time, happy designing!

Ryan Hayward 🚀