Final verdict
Zenfolio and Durable.co both offer unique strengths, catering to different user needs.
-
Zenfolio (Overall Grade: 6.4/10)
is tailored for professional photographers and visual artists, providing specialized tools for showcasing, sharing, and selling their work. It excels in offering customizable templates, integrated ecommerce capabilities, and comprehensive security features. When comparing Zenfolio vs Durable.co, Zenfolio is ideal for users seeking a platform specifically designed for managing and growing a photography business online. -
Durable.co (Overall Grade: 6.8/10),
on the other hand, leverages AI to simplify the website creation process, making it perfect for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Considering Zenfolio vs Durable.co, Durable.co offers a user-friendly experience, affordable pricing, and robust AI capabilities, making it a great choice for users who prioritize ease of use and quick website setup.
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Design functionalities & templates |
6.8 |
7.0 |
|
Ease of use |
6.3 |
8.2 |
|
Ecommerce |
6.3 |
5.0 |
|
Website Editors |
7.6 |
8.1 |
|
Product testing options |
8.4 |
7.2 |
|
Price |
8.2 |
8.3 |
|
Hosting quality |
5.7 |
5.0 |
|
Website speed optimization |
5.2 |
6.5 |
|
Plugins/extensions and integrations |
6.5 |
6.4 |
|
Marketing features |
6.1 |
7.7 |
|
Customer support |
6.7 |
6.6 |
|
Website security |
8.0 |
7.7 |
|
AI capabilities |
2.4 |
7.5 |
|
User Management |
2.8 |
4.3 |
Best for ecommerce
6.3
5.0
Verdict
: Zenfolio is tailored for photographers with integrated ecommerce features, while Durable.co offers a more general approach with AI-powered simplicity.
-
Zenfolio
: Zenfolio is designed specifically for photographers and visual artists, offering integrated ecommerce capabilities for selling prints, digital downloads, and other products directly through their website. It provides customizable templates, multiple currency support, discount coupons, and order management, making it a robust choice for creatives looking to monetize their work. However, when comparing Zenfolio vs Durable.co, Zenfolio’s focus on photography may limit its appeal to broader ecommerce needs. -
Durable.co
: Durable.co leverages AI to simplify the website creation process, making it ideal for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It offers basic ecommerce capabilities, including product pages, secure payments with Stripe, and lead capture forms. While it lacks advanced ecommerce features like a built-in shopping cart and inventory management, its user-friendly interface and AI capabilities make it a good option for those looking to establish an online presence quickly and efficiently.
Best for informational & business websites
6.9
7.4
Verdict
: When comparing Zenfolio vs Durable.co, Durable.co emerges as the better option for creating informational business websites, thanks to its AI-powered customization and user-friendly interface.
-
Zenfolio
: Zenfolio is tailored for photographers and visual artists, offering elegant, mobile-friendly templates and integrated e-commerce capabilities. While it excels in showcasing and selling visual work, it may not provide the versatility needed for broader business informational websites. Zenfolio scores 6.9 in this category. -
Durable.co
: Durable.co leverages AI to simplify the website creation process, making it ideal for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Its focus on user-friendly design and quick setup makes it a strong contender for informational business websites. Durable.co scores 7.4 in this category.
Detailed comparison
Design functionalities & templates
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
6.8
7.0
🏆
Winner: Durable.co.
If you’re looking for a platform that offers AI-powered customization and is more suited for businesses and entrepreneurs, Durable.co is the preferred choice.
Zenfolio offers a variety of customizable templates and features specifically tailored for photographers, with a focus on showcasing and selling their work. While it provides several customization options, including blocks for different layouts and styles, it may not offer as much versatility outside of photography-specific needs.
Compared to Zenfolio, Durable.co’s website builder offers a unique approach by prioritizing AI-powered customization over a large library of pre-built templates. Despite offering around 30 AI-generated templates, the emphasis is on unique designs tailored to user preferences. The customization flexibility compensates for the seemingly smaller template count, enabling users to create distinct websites.
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Ease of use
Ease of useReflects the platform’s overall user-friendliness.Score
Components:
- Learning curve (40%): Quickness and ease of getting started.
- Interface design (30%): Simplicity and intuitiveness of layout.
- User guidance (20%): Quality of tutorials and support.
- Flexibility (10%): Adaptability to various user skills.
6.3
8.2
🏆 Winner: Durable.co
. With a score of 8.2, Durable.co is recognized for its user-friendly platform, especially catering to individuals with no prior experience in website building. Zenfolio, scoring 6.3, offers a specialized platform for photographers, but it has limitations in design flexibility and might not fully cater to those seeking extensive customization.
Learning Resources
🏆 Winner: Durable.co
. While both platforms offer learning resources, Durable.co leverages AI assistance, ensuring an effortless user experience. Zenfolio, on the other hand, offers a set of tutorials and articles in their help center, but users have expressed a desire for more comprehensive learning resources.
For ecommerce
EcommerceMeasures the platform’s effectiveness in supporting online business activities.Score Components:
- Ecommerce themes and templates (20%): Variety and design of templates.
- Product management (25%): Ease of managing and organizing products.
- Payment options (25%): Variety and convenience of payment methods.
- Ecommerce features (20%): Features for managing an ecommerce store.
- Integration (10%): Compatibility with external e-commerce tools and services.
6.3
5.0
Zenfolio and Durable.co both offer ecommerce capabilities, but they cater to different needs and audiences. Zenfolio is designed specifically for photographers and visual artists, offering integrated ecommerce capabilities for selling prints, digital downloads, and other products directly through their website. Durable.co, on the other hand, is an AI-powered website builder designed for businesses, offering basic ecommerce capabilities without features like a built-in shopping cart, inventory management, or shipping configurations.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Ecommerce themes and templates |
7.0 |
4.5 |
|
Product page customization |
7.2 |
5.5 |
|
Payment processing and commissions |
6.5 |
6.0 |
|
POS capabilities |
3.0 |
3.0 |
|
Payment gateways |
6.8 |
7.0 |
|
Product numbers |
5.0 |
4.0 |
|
Additional ecommerce features |
6.5 |
5.0 |
Zenfolio ecommerce features:
- Multiple Currency Support
- Discount Coupons
- Order management
- Gift Certificates
- Tax management
Durable.co ecommerce features:
- Product pages
- Secure payments with Stripe
- Lead capture forms
- Marketing tools
Ecommerce themes & templates
Zenfolio provides customizable website templates with integrated e-commerce features for photographers, designed to showcase and sell their work across various genres. These templates include essential online selling tools such as secure payment options, product management, and marketing integrations. On the other hand, Durable.co offers pre-built website templates that can be adapted for online product sales, but it lacks traditional ecommerce features found in platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce. The platform has limitations such as the absence of a shopping cart, requiring manual payment links for each product, no inventory management tools, and limited shipping options that need to be configured externally.
Product page customization
Zenfolio allows users to detail their product pages with descriptions, images, and options such as size or color. This allows for each product page to be adjusted to clearly display its unique attributes. Placing products in specific galleries or categories helps organize the site and improve navigation. The platform also supports customization in pricing and shipping settings, allowing sellers to cater to various needs effectively. Durable.co offers customization options for product pages on their platform. Their AI-powered website builder allows for easy customization of product pages, where users can add sections, change images, and edit titles and SEO settings to suit their needs. Additionally, Durable provides the option to add custom code and embedding components to further personalize the website, including product pages.
Payment processing
Zenfolio supports Stripe and PayPal for payment processing, integrating them seamlessly into its platform designed for photographers to sell their work online. The platform charges a commerce fee of 7% per order (excluding tax and shipping) and a payment processing fee for transactions through Stripe or PayPal. Durable.co partners with Stripe to offer secure and versatile payment processing solutions, charging a 3.1% plus $0.30 fee per credit card transaction for invoices. This collaboration enables businesses to handle various payment methods, including POS transactions, through Stripe’s comprehensive payment gateway infrastructure. The focus on Stripe ensures a high level of security and flexibility for businesses in managing online and potentially in-person sales.
Website Editors
Website EditorsEvaluates the platforms’ website building and editing capabilities.Score Components:
- Customization tools (40%): Range and power of editing features.
- Editor usability (30%): User experience within the editor.
- Design flexibility (20%): Freedom in layout and design changes.
- Update and maintenance ease (10%): Simplicity of updating and maintaining the site.
7.6
8.1
🏆
Winner: Durable.co
. Durable.co, with a score of 8.1, offers a user-friendly, AI-powered platform designed to help users swiftly create business websites without the need for coding knowledge. It boasts a wide range of features, integrated SEO, and marketing tools, complemented by business management features like CRM, invoicing, and an AI assistant to enhance operational efficiency. However, despite its ease of use, it falls short in offering the advanced functionalities required for developing more complex websites, limiting its suitability for more sophisticated web projects.
Zenfolio’s editor, scoring 7.6, offers an intuitive, no-coding-required website builder tailored for photographers, featuring drag-and-drop customization, a wide array of templates, and a powerful Custom Layout block for personalized designs. Its integrated eCommerce capabilities enable selling both digital and physical photography products, supported by comprehensive security features for protecting photographers’ work. Additionally, Zenfolio provides tools for SEO, marketing, photo and video hosting, client booking, and management, backed by award-winning customer support.
Mobile editor/app
8.5
5.5
🏆
Winner: Zenfolio
. Zenfolio and Durable.co both offer mobile editing capabilities, but Zenfolio provides a more comprehensive solution with its dedicated mobile editor app. This app allows Zenfolio users to manage their websites and galleries directly from their mobile devices, with features for receiving notifications, managing galleries, handling sales-related tasks, and showcasing photos through a client presentation mode.
On the other hand, Durable.co does not have a dedicated mobile editor app. Instead, users can edit their website using a mobile browser. While this provides some level of convenience, it may not offer the same level of functionality and ease of use as a dedicated app.
In summary, Zenfolio’s mobile editor app provides a more robust and user-friendly solution, earning it a higher score in this category.
Product testing options
Product Testing OptionsAssesses the options for trying out platform features before commitment.Score Components:
- Trial quality (40%): Extent and usefulness of the trial or free version.
- Feature accessibility (30%): How many features are available to test.
- Trial duration (20%): Length of the trial period.
- Ease of transition (10%): Smoothness of moving from trial to paid plans.
8.4
7.2
Overall Result
:
Zenfolio wins
. Zenfolio scores 8.4 in product testing options, while Durable.co scores 7.2. Zenfolio offers a 14-day free trial during which users can test premium features. Durable.co, on the other hand, does not offer a free trial for their paid plans but does have a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free plan with limited features.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free Plan |
No |
Yes |
|
Trial Duration |
14 days | No free trial for paid plans |
|
Testing Premium Features |
During the free trial |
During the 30-day refundable period |
|
Money Back Guarantee |
30-day money back guarantee | 30-day money back guarantee |
Price
PriceLooks at the cost-effectiveness and value for money of each platform.Score Components:
- Plan value (40%): What each pricing tier offers.
- Transparency and clarity (30%): Clearness of pricing structures.
- Flexibility of plans (20%): Range of options to suit different budgets.
- Hidden costs (10%): Additional expenses not included in the plan.
8.2
8.3
Zenfolio and Durable.co have similar price scores, but Durable.co offers a free plan and more affordable options for small businesses, while Zenfolio provides more specialized features for photographers and visual artists.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free |
No offering at this amount. |
Free Plan ($0/month): Offers basic features for individuals or aspiring entrepreneurs, including a subdomain, email support, and AI assistant. And up to 3 website pages. |
|
$0-$19 |
Portfolio ($9.00/month): Basic entry-level with 15 GB photo storage, HD video, single-page website. Value for Price: 6.0 |
Starter ($15/month): For solopreneurs/small businesses, includes a custom domain, priority support, and more advanced features as well as up to 10 website pages. Value for Price: 6.0 |
|
$20-$30 |
PortfolioPlus ($23.00/month): Balanced features with 150 GB photo storage, HD video, single-page website. Value for Price: 7.5 |
Business ($25/month): Tailored for established businesses, offering extensive CRM features, unlimited promotions, and up to 100 website pages. Value for Price: 8.0 |
|
$30-$40 |
ProSuite ($40.00/month): Extensive features for photo and video, multi-page websites, blog, templates, and more. Value for Price: 9.0 |
No offering at this amount. |
|
$90+ |
No offering at this amount. |
Mogul ($95/month): Designed for managing multiple businesses with a single account, offering the most comprehensive features. Offers up to 5 websites with unlimited pages. Value for Price: 9.5 |
location. As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their
websites.
Hosting quality
Hosting
qualityExamines the reliability and performance of the hosting solutions.Score Components:
- Uptime (40%): Consistency and reliability of website availability.
- Speed (30%): Loading times and performance.
- Bandwidth and storage (20%): Sufficiency of resources provided.
- Data centers (10%): Quality and distribution of hosting infrastructure.
5.7
5.0
🏆
Winner: Zenfolio
Zenfolio and Durable.co both offer hosting services, but Zenfolio provides more transparency about its hosting type and offers a wider range of storage options. However, both platforms could improve their hosting quality by providing more information about their uptime statistics and data center locations.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Do they offer hosting? |
Yes, with 15GB to unlimited storage |
Yes, included in all plans |
|
Data Centers: |
Not disclosed |
Not disclosed |
|
Type of hosting: |
Cloud Hosting |
Not categorized |
|
Uptime: |
Not disclosed |
Not disclosed |
|
Uptime Guarantee: |
No |
No |
Website Speed Optimization
Website Speed OptimizationEvaluates optimization of website loading timesScore Components:
- PageSpeed Score (30%): Google’s score indicating performance optimization.
- Loading Time (30%): The average time until a website is fully interactive.
- Mobile Optimization (15%): Optimization effectiveness for mobile devices.
- Resource Optimization (15%): Optimizing images, scripts, and other heavy resources.
- CDN Usage (10%): Use of CDN to enhance speed across geolocations.
5.2
6.5
🏆 Winner: Durable.co
Both Zenfolio and Durable.co prioritize website performance and page speed, but Durable.co has a more comprehensive approach to speed optimization, giving it the edge in this category.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Focus |
Mobile responsive design |
Server Optimization, Image Optimization, Caching, Code minification, Lazy Loading, CDN |
|
Performance Tools |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
Key Strategies |
Mobile responsive design |
Server Optimization, Image Optimization, Caching, Code minification, Lazy Loading, CDN |
|
Load Times |
Varies depending on optimization and website complexity |
Not published by Durable.co |
|
Page Speed Scores Range |
Varies depending on optimization and website complexity |
Not published by Durable.co |
|
Core Web Vitals Improvement |
Not provided by Zenfolio |
Emphasis on LCP, FID, CLS improvements |
Durable.co’s approach to enhancing site speed includes server optimization, image optimization, caching, code minification, lazy loading, and the use of a content delivery network (CDN). These strategies help to improve the load times and PageSpeed scores of websites built with Durable.co. The platform also places an emphasis on improving Core Web Vitals (CWV), specifically the Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).
Zenfolio, on the other hand, focuses on mobile responsive design as a strategy for speed optimization. The load times and PageSpeed scores of websites built with Zenfolio vary depending on the level of optimization and the complexity of the website. Zenfolio does not provide any information on their improvements to Core Web Vitals.
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Plugins and integrations
Plugins and integrationsMeasures the range and effectiveness of additional plugins and integrations.Score Components:
- Variety of options (40%): Range of available add-ons.
- Integration smoothness (30%): Ease of integrating plugins into the site.
- Quality of plugins (20%): Functionality and reliability of the options.
- Custom integration capabilities (10%): Support for custom or third-party integrations.
6.5
6.4
🏆 Winner: Zenfolio.
Zenfolio scores 6.5, slightly higher than Durable.co’s 6.4. Zenfolio offers a focused set of plugins and integrations specifically designed for photographers, enhancing the functionality of Zenfolio websites by facilitating content integration from external sources, streamlining photo management workflows, and allowing for customized user interactions through forms. On the other hand, Durable.co integrates with a variety of third-party tools and services to add functionality to your website. These integrations are not directly managed by Durable.co, so the number of available options and their pricing structures can vary depending on the specific tools you choose.
Marketing Features
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
6.1
7.7
🏆
Overall Winner: Durable.co
. Durable.co stands out for its AI-powered SEO features, robust email marketing capabilities, and comprehensive analytics and reporting tools. Zenfolio, while offering a range of marketing features, falls short in terms of SEO and analytics capabilities.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
SEO Tools |
Yes, but limited |
Yes, with AI-powered SEO features |
|
Email Marketing |
Yes, with pre-built email campaigns |
Yes, with customizable email templates |
|
Blogging |
Yes, on higher plans |
Yes, with writer-specific features |
|
Social Media Integration |
Yes, with sharing via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest |
Yes, with post scheduling and performance monitoring |
|
Analytics and Reporting |
Yes, with basic built-in analytics tools |
Yes, with advanced analytics and customizable reports |
|
Ads and Promotions |
Yes, with custom discount coupons and automated marketing |
Yes, with targeted advertising and promotional offers |
Customer Support
Customer supportEvaluates the quality and availability of support options.Score Components:
- Response time (40%): Speed of support responses.
- Support quality (30%): Effectiveness and helpfulness of the support.
- Availability (20%): Range of support channels (phone, chat, email).
- Resource richness (10%): Quality of self-help and educational materials.
6.7
6.6
🏆 Winner: Zenfolio
. Comparing Zenfolio vs Durable.co, Zenfolio edges out with a slightly higher customer support score. Zenfolio offers comprehensive support through email 365 days a year, LiveChat from Monday to Thursday, and phone support for Advanced plan subscribers. Their rich Support Center, filled with articles and video tutorials, ensures users have access to a wealth of self-help resources.
Durable.co provides customer support through phone, email, and live chat, available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. While their support team is praised for prompt and efficient assistance, the limited availability compared to Zenfolio’s more extensive support options makes it slightly less favorable in this comparison.
Security
SecurityLooks at the platforms’ security measures and data protection.Score Components:
- Data protection (40%): Safeguards for user and customer data.
- SSL and encryption (30%): Implementation of secure connections.
- Compliance (20%): Adherence to industry security standards.
- Regular updates (10%): Frequency of security updates and patches.
8.0
7.7
🏆
Winner: Zenfolio
. Zenfolio’s security measures are comprehensive, offering SSL encryption for all its websites, watermarking to protect users’ work, password-protected galleries for controlled access, and cloud backup for additional data protection. These features are particularly beneficial for photographers and visual artists who need a secure platform to display their work.
Although it may not offer the same level of specialized security features as Zenfolio, Durable.co is committed to maintaining a secure platform for all types of websites. This includes SSL encryption, regular software updates, and a robust firewall to protect user data. However, Zenfolio’s specialized security features for its target audience give it a slight edge in this comparison.
AI Capabilities
AI capabilitiesMeasures the effectiveness of AI-driven features and tools.Score Components:
- Automation efficiency (40%): Impact of AI on streamlining processes.
- Personalization (30%): AI-driven customization for users or customers.
- AI-Assisted design (20%): Role of AI in website design and functionality.
- Data analysis (10%): Use of AI in interpreting user data and analytics.
2.4
7.5
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
AI Builder |
|
Durable.co is an AI website builder |
|
AI Ecommerce features |
AI-driven eCommerce features for photographers |
Personalized shopping experience and AI-driven chatbots |
|
AI Content Generation |
|
Advanced natural language processing for diverse content types |
|
Additional AI features |
|
Predictive maintenance, AI-powered inventory management, and predictive analytics for supply chain management |
🏆 Winner: Durable.co
. Durable.co, with a score of 7.5, offers a range of AI capabilities including an AI website builder, AI-driven eCommerce features, AI content generation, and additional AI features. This makes it a more comprehensive solution for businesses looking to leverage AI in their website creation and management processes.
User Management
User ManagementAssesses the platforms’ capabilities in managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility.Score Components:
- Role Customization (40%): Flexibility in creating and defining user roles and
permissions. - Ease of Management (30%): User interface and tools for managing users.
- Access Control (20%): Effectiveness of access control measures for different user
levels. - Scalability (10%): Ability to manage a growing number of users efficiently.
2.8
4.3
🏆 Winner: Durable.co
. Both Zenfolio and Durable.co have limited user management capabilities, but Durable.co offers slightly more flexibility.
- Zenfolio allows only one user to edit and manage a website.
- Durable.co’s free plan also permits only the account owner to edit the website. However, the Starter and Business Plans allow one additional user to edit the website, bringing the total to two users. The Mogul Plan allows for the creation of multiple businesses under one account, each with its own website. Additional users can edit each website, but the exact number is not publicly disclosed.
Neither platform provides information about user roles and access levels.
Additional Features
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
SSL Certificate |
|
|
|
Custom Domain |
|
|
|
Free Custom Domain Included |
|
|
|
International Domains |
|
|
|
Mobile Responsive |
|
|
|
Page Speed |
|
|
|
Website Builder Mobile App |
|
|
|
Convert a Website To An App |
|
|
|
Website Analytics |
|
|
|
Multilingual Sites |
|
|
|
Multiple Users |
|
|
User Feedback
Users appreciate Zenfolio for its elegant and affordable site/portfolio designs, highlighting the platform’s suitability for photographers looking to showcase and sell their work online. The Starter plan is praised for its value, though some users express a desire to upgrade to the Pro plan for its enhanced client interaction features and customizable marketing tools. Criticisms include dissatisfaction with the platform’s handling of photo albums and a desire for more privacy and faster loading times. Overall, Zenfolio is valued for its ability to organize and share professional photographs and files, despite some navigational and performance issues.
Durable.co, on the other hand, does not have any reviews on the G2 platform. This lack of user feedback makes it challenging to gauge user satisfaction and identify common issues or praises. However, its AI-driven approach to website building is designed to simplify the process for small businesses and entrepreneurs, potentially offering a user-friendly experience for those looking to establish an online presence quickly and efficiently.
The making of this blog
We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.
FAQ
Which platform is better for photographers, Zenfolio or Durable.co?
Can I use Durable.co for my photography business?
How do Zenfolio and Durable.co compare in terms of ease of use?
Which platform offers better value for money?
Are there any significant differences in customer support between Zenfolio and Durable.co?
Which platform is better for building a business website outside of photography?
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