Refract
Refract Group2026
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Framer vs Custom code
Framer for a fast, polished launch site that designers can run. Custom code when the site has to behave like part of the product.
Trusted by teams from pre-seed to the S&P 100
So, which one?
Each is the better pick for a different team. Here’s which.
Framer is usually better if
- You need it live in weeks
- Designers will run it
- Mostly pages and a blog
Custom code is usually better if
- It needs product logic or logins
- Engineering will own it
- You expect it to grow into an app
Which way each one leans
The middle means it’s even.
FramerCustom codeLaunch sites and landing pages
Best forEvenProduct-linked or unusual sites
Days to weeks
Speed to launchLeans FramerWeeks to months
Very high, visual
Design freedomLeans Custom codeTotal
Designers
Who edits itLeans FramerEditors through a CMS, or developers
Embeds and webhooks
IntegrationsLeans Custom codeAnything with an API
The design stays in Framer
Leaving laterLeans Custom codeIt is your code
More comparisons
- Framer vs WebflowFramer if a design-led team wants to launch fast and keep shipping pages. Webflow if a marketing team will run a large, structured site.
- Webflow vs WordPressWebflow if a marketing team wants a fast, tidy site without plugins. WordPress if an editorial team already lives in it, or needs its ecosystem.
- Webflow vs Custom codeWebflow if marketing needs to change the site without a developer. Custom code if the site has to share parts or logins with your product, or do what no builder can.
Want a second opinion on your stack?
Tell us who will run the site and what it has to do. We’ll say which we’d pick, and why.
Most teams start with a call. Some start with a fixed-price sprint.
The people you’d work with, from the first call to launch