Google Sites vs Portfoliobox: Comprehensive comparison guide for 2024

Final verdict

Google Sites and Portfoliobox offer distinct advantages depending on the user’s needs, with Portfoliobox slightly leading in overall score.

• 
  Google Sites (Overall Grade: 5.6/10)
  
  is ideal for users who need a simple, collaborative platform integrated with Google’s ecosystem. It excels in user management and security, making it suitable for educational projects and team collaborations. However, it lacks robust ecommerce and advanced design capabilities, which might be a limitation for more complex website needs.
• 
  Portfoliobox (Overall Grade: 6.1/10)
  
  is tailored for creative professionals who require advanced design features and ecommerce functionality. It provides a range of customizable templates and marketing tools, making it a better choice for artists, photographers, and other creatives looking to showcase and sell their work online.

	Overall grade: 5.6	Overall grade: 6.1
Design functionalities & templates	4.9	7.5
Ease of use	8.3	8.1
Ecommerce	1.8	5.8
Website Editors	7.0	7.5
Product testing options	6.9	9.1
Price	8.1	7.9
Hosting quality	8.2	6.5
Website speed optimization	3.3	6.4
Plugins and integrations	6.4	7.2
Marketing features	2.6	7.0
Customer support	7.2	7.0
Security	9.3	8.1
User Management	7.8	2.8

Best for ecommerce

1.8

5.8

Verdict

: For users looking to build an ecommerce platform, Portfoliobox offers more specialized tools and features compared to Google Sites, making it the better choice for selling online, especially for creative professionals.

• 
  Google Sites
  
  : With a score of 1.8, it is clear that Google Sites is not designed for ecommerce. It lacks built-in ecommerce features and relies on third-party integrations, making it less suitable for those looking to create a robust online store.
• 
  Portfoliobox
  
  : Scoring 5.8, Portfoliobox provides better ecommerce functionality, including product listings, payment gateway integrations, and order management, making it a more viable option for creatives looking to monetize their work online.

Best for informational & business websites

7.2

7.5

• 
  Google Sites
  
  : Google Sites offers a straightforward, no-frills approach to website building, making it ideal for creating simple, collaborative projects. It integrates seamlessly with other Google services, enhancing its functionality for informational sites. However, it may lack the customization depth needed for more visually or functionally complex sites.
• 
  Portfoliobox
  
  : Tailored for creative professionals, Portfoliobox provides a range of customizable templates and advanced features suited for showcasing portfolios. Its focus on aesthetics and functionality makes it a superior choice for users needing to create visually impactful and professional business websites.

Detailed comparison

4.9

7.5

🏆

Winner: Portfoliobox.

If you’re a creative professional looking for a platform with more advanced design features and customization options, Portfoliobox is the better choice.

Google Sites offers a limited number of templates (around 17) suitable for various purposes, from personal blogs to business websites. These templates are designed for user engagement, simplicity, and functionality, allowing for customization to meet specific needs. However, compared to other website builders, Google Sites might offer less variety in templates and design customization options.

Google Sites Themes

Portfoliobox, on the other hand, is a user-friendly platform that allows for the creation of professional portfolio websites, accessible to individuals at any skill level. It offers over 30 customizable templates tailored to a variety of professional needs and preferences, including galleries, blogs, and online stores. The platform also provides features for enhanced functionality such as Adobe Lightroom integration, SSL security, marketing tools, and SEO-friendly options.

Portfoliobox website example

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8.3

8.1

🏆 Winner: Google Sites

. With a score of 8.3, Google Sites edges out Portfoliobox, which scores 8.1. Google Sites offers a highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface and seamless integration with other Google services, making it exceptionally easy for users to create and manage websites. Portfoliobox, while also user-friendly and tailored for creative professionals, falls just short in comparison.

Learning Resources

🏆 Winner: Google Sites

. Google Sites provides a wide array of learning resources, including practical guides and comprehensive digital skill development programs. The platform’s integration with other Google services enhances its utility and ease of use. Portfoliobox also offers detailed articles and video guides, but Google Sites’ extensive resources and active user community give it the edge.

1.8

5.8

Google Sites is not inherently designed for ecommerce. It lacks built-in ecommerce features and relies heavily on third-party integrations to add any ecommerce functionality. This makes it less suitable for users looking to create a robust online store. On the other hand, Portfoliobox offers a more comprehensive set of ecommerce tools, making it a better option for creative professionals who want to sell their work online.

Ecommerce themes and templates	0.0	3.0
Product page customization	0.0	6.0
Payment processing and commissions	1.0	7.0
POS capabilities	0.0	2.0
Payment gateways	2.0	5.0
Product numbers	0.0	5.5
Additional ecommerce features	0.5	4.5

Google Sites ecommerce features:

• Google Sites itself does not have built-in eCommerce features.

Portfoliobox ecommerce features:

• Product listings
• Payment Gateways integrations
• Shipping rates and tax calculations
• Order management

Ecommerce themes & templates

Google Sites does not offer any ecommerce-specific templates. Portfoliobox also does not have ecommerce-specific templates but provides a variety of customizable templates suitable for creative professionals.

Product page customization

Google Sites lacks any product page customization features, as the products can be listed with embedding third-party platforms, all the customization can be done within the mentioned platforms. Portfoliobox offers a streamlined process for customizing product pages on its website builder. Users can create a product by adding details like title, description, and media, set a release date, and manage inventory and tax options. They can also edit product settings, such as the URL and shipping options, and apply discounts.

Payment processing

Google Sites allows for payment processing through external tools or links, not through native features. This can be done by embedding HTML code for payment buttons from services like PayPal, Square, or Stripe, or by linking to an external checkout page. Portfoliobox supports selling prints, art, craft, or services online through its e-commerce solution, and notably, they do not charge any commission for transactions made through their platform. While specific payment gateways are not detailed, Portfoliobox mentions accepting credit card payments (Visa, Master, & Maestro) for its subscriptions, implying these may also be supported for transactions within its e-commerce functionality.

Considering the features, availability, cost, and flexibility, Portfoliobox appears to be a more robust and flexible ecommerce solution compared to Google Sites. However, if you are looking for a simple, collaborative website with basic ecommerce capabilities through third-party integrations, Google Sites might still be worth considering.

7.0

7.5

🏆

Winner: Portfoliobox

. Portfoliobox, with a score of 7.5, offers a user-friendly website builder tailored for creative professionals. It provides an array of tools for building and customizing portfolio websites, including blog management, customizable image galleries, and e-commerce functionality. The platform supports SEO optimization, social media, and analytics integration, making it a comprehensive solution for creatives looking to showcase their work online.

Google Sites, scoring 7.0, is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible for beginners. It features a drag-and-drop interface, customizable templates, and seamless integration with other Google services. While it excels in creating straightforward, functional websites, it may be limiting for users seeking advanced design capabilities or extensive e-commerce features.

Mobile editor/app

0

0

Winner: None

. Both Google Sites and Portfoliobox do not offer dedicated mobile editor apps, which can be a significant drawback for users who need to make on-the-go adjustments to their websites.

Google Sites is designed for simplicity and ease of use, integrating seamlessly with other Google services. However, the lack of a mobile editor means users must rely on desktop access to make any changes, which can be limiting for those who need flexibility.

Portfoliobox, tailored for creative professionals, also lacks a mobile editor app. While it offers a range of customizable templates and features for building professional portfolios, the absence of mobile editing capabilities can be a hindrance for users who need to update their sites frequently and on the move.

In summary, the absence of mobile editor apps for both platforms means neither Google Sites nor Portfoliobox can cater to users looking for mobile editing capabilities. This limitation affects their overall usability for users who require flexibility and convenience in managing their websites.

6.9

9.1

Overall Result

:

Portfoliobox wins

. Portfoliobox scores 9.1, significantly higher than Google Sites’ 6.9, offering a more comprehensive and flexible product testing experience. Portfoliobox provides a 30-day free trial with access to all features and a 14-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to thoroughly test the platform. Google Sites, while offering a free version and a 14-day trial, has limited premium feature testing and no money-back guarantee.

Free Plan	Yes	No
Trial Duration	14 days	30 days
Testing Premium Features	Limited	All features within the trial period
Money-back Guarantee	No	14-day money-back guarantee

8.1

7.9

Google Sites offers a range of plans suitable for various business sizes, including an enterprise option, while Portfoliobox provides more affordable plans tailored for creative professionals.

	Offerings	Offerings
$0-$10	Business Starter ($7.20/month): This plan includes basic features suitable for individuals or small businesses, offering professional email through Gmail, 30GB of storage per user, and video meetings for up to 100 participants. It allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. Value for Price: 6.0	Light ($5.50/month): 50 Images, 10 Pages, 5 Products, 1 Password Protected Page, 1 Booking Service, 1 Scheduling Service, 1 Invoice, 1 QR Code, 25 mb File Sharing Value for Price: 6.0
$10-$15	Business Standard ($14.40/month): Suitable for growing businesses, this plan provides 2 TB of storage per user, video meeting capacity for up to 150 participants with recording features, and access to smart booking pages and shared drives. It allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. Value for Price: 7.5	Pro ($14.50/month): 500 Images, 50 Pages, 10 Products, 2 Password Protected Pages, 2 Booking Services, 2 Scheduling Services, 2 Invoices, 2 QR Codes, 50 mb File Sharing, Customizable Templates, Free Custom Domain (yourname.com), 24/7 Support Value for Price: 7.5
$15+	Business Plus ($21.60/month): Designed for larger businesses needing more robust capabilities, offering 5 TB of storage per user, advanced security options, and video meetings for up to 500 participants. It allows to manage 1 website and there is no limitation on number of pages. Value for Price: 8.5	Pro Plus ($18.50/month): 1,000 Images, 1,000 Pages, 1,000 Products, 1,000 Password Protected Pages, 1,000 Booking Services, 1,000 Scheduling Services, 1,000 Invoices, 1,000 QR Codes, 5,000 mb File Sharing, Customizable Templates, Free Custom Domain (yourname.com), 24/7 Support, No “Powered by Portfoliobox” Link, Adobe Lightroom Integration Value for Price: 9.0

8.2

6.5

🏆

Winner: Google Sites

. Google Sites provides reliable cloud-based managed hosting with a 99.9% uptime guarantee and extensive global data centers, making it a dependable choice for users. Portfoliobox, while offering managed cloud hosting with unlimited bandwidth and secure communications, lacks disclosed uptime statistics and data center locations, which may affect its reliability. Google Sites’ comprehensive hosting features earn it a higher rating.

Do they offer hosting?	Yes, basic storage with 100MB free per site, upgradeable via Google Workspace	Yes, with unlimited bandwidth and secure communications through HTTPS on CDN servers
Data Centers:	Google operates a total of 21 data centers across the globe: 2 in Asia, 5 in Europe, 13 in US and 1 in South America	Portfoliobox does not disclose the locations of its data centers
Type of hosting:	Cloud based managed hosting	Managed Cloud Hosting
Uptime:	99.9%	Not disclosed
Uptime Guarantee:	Yes, 99.9%	No

3.3

6.4

🏆 Winner: Portfoliobox

While both Google Sites and Portfoliobox offer various strategies for speed optimization, Portfoliobox outperforms Google Sites in terms of overall speed optimization score.

Focus	Automated Optimization, CDN, Mobile Optimization, Browser Caching, Code Minification, Use of AMP	CDN, Caching, Responsive Design
Performance Tools	Integrated with Google services	Customizable templates, drag-and-drop
Key Strategies	Automated Optimization, CDN, Mobile Optimization, Browser Caching, Code Minification, Use of AMP	CDN, Caching, Responsive Design
Load Times	Google does not disclose statistics about website Page Speed scores, or load times.	Load times and PageSpeed scores vary depending on optimization
Page Speed Scores Range	Not disclosed	Varies depending on optimization
Core Web Vitals Improvement	Emphasis on LCP, FID, CLS improvements	Not provided

Google Sites is a structured web page-creation tool included in the Google Workspace package, designed for ease of use and collaboration. It integrates various Google services and employs strategies like automated optimization, CDN, mobile optimization, browser caching, code minification, and the use of AMP to enhance website speed. However, Google does not disclose specific statistics about website Page Speed scores or load times, making it difficult to gauge its real-world performance.

Portfoliobox, on the other hand, is tailored for creative professionals and offers a user-friendly interface with customizable templates and drag-and-drop functionality. It employs strategies such as CDN, caching, and responsive design to optimize website speed. Although Portfoliobox does not provide specific information on Core Web Vitals improvements, its overall speed optimization score of 6.4 indicates better performance compared to Google Sites’ score of 3.3. This makes Portfoliobox a more reliable choice for users prioritizing website speed.

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6.4

7.2

🏆 Winner: Portfoliobox.

Portfoliobox scores 7.2, offering a more extensive and versatile range of plugins and integrations, particularly suited for creative professionals. Google Sites, with a score of 6.4, provides a solid set of integrations, especially for users within the Google ecosystem, but falls short in comparison to Portfoliobox’s broader capabilities.

Portfoliobox’s integrations, such as Google Maps, PayPal, and Typeform, along with support for Common Ninja and Elfsight plugins, provide a rich set of tools for enhancing website functionality and user engagement. Google Sites also benefits from Elfsight and Common Ninja plugins, but its primary strength lies in seamless integration with other Google services.

Google Sites Applications

Portfoliobox Applications

2.6

7.0

🏆

Overall Winner: Portfoliobox

. Portfoliobox excels with its comprehensive marketing tools, including email marketing, blogging, and advanced social media integration. Google Sites, while easy to use and integrated with Google services, falls short in several key marketing areas.

SEO Tools	Basic SEO settings	Detailed SEO configurations
Email Marketing	No	✓
Blogging	No	✓
Social Media Integration	Basic integration through manual methods	Comprehensive integration with social media platforms
Analytics and Reporting	Google Analytics integration	Comprehensive analytics with additional tool support
Ads and Promotions	No	No

7.2

7.0

🏆 Winner: Google Sites

. Google Sites edges out Portfoliobox in this category due to its comprehensive support options for Google Workspace customers, including 24/7 support for critical issues and a variety of direct support channels such as phone, email, and live chat. Additionally, Google Sites offers extensive self-service resources like a Help Center and community forums, making it easier for users to find solutions independently.

Portfoliobox, while providing 24/7 customer support, primarily focuses on professional guidance and assistance through its dedicated team. However, it lacks the extensive self-service resources and enterprise-level support options that Google Sites offers, which may be a limitation for users seeking more robust support infrastructure.

9.3

8.1

🏆

Winner: Google Sites

. Google Sites excels in security with a comprehensive suite of measures, including SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and automatic malware scanning. The platform benefits from Google’s robust infrastructure, which includes regular security updates, DDoS protection, and compliance with international data protection standards. These features ensure a secure environment for both website creators and visitors.

Portfoliobox also offers solid security features, such as free SSL certificates for all domains and two-factor authentication for key actions within the Dashboard. While it provides a secure platform for creative professionals, it does not match the extensive security infrastructure and compliance standards offered by Google Sites.

0

0

AI Builder	Google Sites does not have an AI website builder	Portfoliobox does not have an AI builder
AI Ecommerce Features	Google Sites does not have AI ecommerce features	Portfoliobox does not have AI ecommerce features
AI Content Generation	Google Sites does not have AI content generation features	Portfoliobox does not have AI content generation features
Additional AI Features	Google Sites does not have any AI features	Portfoliobox does not have any AI features

🏆 Winner: None

. Both Google Sites and Portfoliobox do not offer any AI capabilities. They are designed to be user-friendly and cater to specific needs without the integration of AI tools. Google Sites focuses on easy website creation with Google Workspace integration, while Portfoliobox is tailored for creative professionals to showcase their work.

7.8

2.8

🏆 Winner: Google Sites

. When it comes to managing users, Google Sites offers a more flexible and collaborative environment compared to Portfoliobox.

• Google Sites allows multiple users to collaborate with different roles, including Owners, who have full control, and Editors, who can modify content but not site settings. There’s no strict limit on the number of users who can edit a site, allowing flexibility in management and development. Viewers can only see the site, with no editing permissions.
• Portfoliobox, on the other hand, allows only one user to manage and edit a website, which can be quite limiting for teams or collaborative projects.

Google Sites User Management:

Google Sites supports collaborative website building with varied levels of access and control for different users. Multiple users can work on a site simultaneously, making it a popular choice for team projects, personal portfolios, and small business websites.

Portfoliobox User Management:

Portfoliobox is designed for individual use, allowing only one user to manage and edit a website. This makes it less suitable for collaborative projects but ideal for creative professionals who prefer to work independently.

Additional Features

SSL Certificate	✓	✓
Custom Domain	✓	✓
Free Custom Domain Included	✓	✓
International Domains	✓	✓
Mobile Responsive	✓	✓
Page Speed	✓	✓
Website Builder Mobile App	X	X
Convert a Website To An App	X	X
Website Analytics	✓	✓
Multilingual Sites	✓	✓
Multiple Users	✓	X

User Feedback

Google Sites

42,340 reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

Portfoliobox

31 reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars

Users consistently praise Google Workspace, particularly Google Sites, for its seamless integration, ease of use, and collaborative features, making it a go-to solution for various professional and educational needs. The platform’s simplicity and user-friendly interface are lauded, enabling effortless website creation and sharing of information within organizations. While some users desire more customization options and additional features, overall, Google Workspace remains highly valued for its versatility and streamlined workflow facilitation.

Users overwhelmingly appreciate Portfoliobox for its user-friendly interface, making it straightforward for both beginners and professionals to create and manage online portfolios. The platform’s customizable design options, responsive layouts, and diverse template selection stand out as significant advantages, allowing users to express their personal style and showcase their work effectively across devices. However, some critiques include limited template options compared to competitors, a learning curve for less tech-savvy users, and minor glitches with features like autosave on different devices. Despite these challenges, the positive impact of Portfoliobox on users’ ability to present their work to potential clients and employers, along with its value in making portfolio creation accessible without coding knowledge, is consistently highlighted.

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