In 2025, a staggering 90% of all websites, totaling over 1.71 billion, have implemented responsive design.
And for good reason. With users constantly switching between smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops, the demand for seamless, multi-device experiences has never been higher.
Responsive web design ensures your site automatically adjusts to any screen size, delivering clean layouts, fast load times, and intuitive navigation across devices.
And in today's digital landscape, having a responsive web design has become the new norm.
If your site still struggles with mobile usability or inconsistent layouts across screens, you're not just losing users, you're losing credibility, conversions, and rankings.
In this blog, we'll explore some of the best responsive web design examples and break down what makes them so effective.
Whether you're looking for design inspiration or planning a site overhaul, these sample responsive websites will show you what great UX looks like in action.
In This Blog: 8 Best Examples of Responsive Web Design
- Etsy: Prioritizes mobile-first design with easy navigation and fast-loading product pages.
- Slack: Maintains brand consistency and usability with smooth transitions across all screen sizes.
- Dropbox: Uses clean layouts and quick load times to deliver a frictionless user experience.
- Grammarly: Combines speed, clarity, and touch-friendly elements for seamless cross-device interaction.
- Dribbble: Showcases visual content responsively without compromising on aesthetics or performance.
- Smashing Magazine: Offers distraction-free reading with mobile-optimized content and fluid navigation.
- Spotify: Keeps branding intact and navigation effortless for users on the go.
- Swiss Air: Simplifies complex booking flows into a clean, intuitive, mobile-friendly experience.
What Is Responsive Web Design?
People no longer browse on just one device. They might read about your product on their phone, research it on a tablet, and finally make a purchase on a laptop.
Your website needs to support that journey without breaking the experience.
That's where responsive web design samples come into play; they help you see what great multi-device UX looks like.
Responsive web design means your website works well on every screen, big or small. Whether someone is using a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, your content automatically adjusts to fit their screen size.
But don't get it all mixed up with mobile-first designs. They start with the smallest screen and scale up.
It's about designing for smartphones first, then adding features for bigger screens.
Responsive design, on the other hand, uses flexible grids, images, and CSS media queries to adjust the layout based on the screen size.
It's fluid and automatic.
Responsive design is usually the best choice for businesses because it works across all devices without needing separate versions of your site.
But why is responsive web design so necessary? Let's get the answer.
Why Responsive Design Matters in 2025
With over 90% of websites now using responsive design, it's become the standard, not just a trend. But beyond just looking good, there are deeper reasons why responsive websites matter:
Mobile-first indexing: Google ranks your site based on its mobile version. If your mobile site isn't up to par, your SEO will suffer.
Core Web Vitals: Google measures load speed, interactivity, and visual stability. A responsive layout can improve all three.
Accessibility and inclusive design: A responsive website helps people of all abilities navigate and interact with your content, including those using screen readers or mobile assistive tools.
Higher ROI: A better user experience across devices leads to more time on site, higher conversions, and more return visits.
Key Features of a Great Responsive Website
A good website needs to work well on any device.
Whether someone visits your site on a phone, tablet, or desktop, the experience should feel smooth, fast, and easy. Let's have a look at some key features that every great responsive website should have:
Fluid Grids
Fluid grids use percentages instead of fixed units like pixels to size page elements. That means everything on the page can scale up or down based on the screen size.
Instead of cramming a full-sized layout onto a mobile device, fluid grids adjust each element's width to fit the screen naturally.
This keeps your design balanced and easy to follow on any device.
Fluid grids also help maintain alignment and spacing as the screen changes, which improves both readability and flow.
It's one of the core foundations of responsive design and helps create a consistent experience across all devices.
Flexible Images
Large, fixed images can break your layout on smaller screens. Flexible images solve this by scaling based on the device size or resolution.
They resize automatically so that they don't overflow or get cut off on narrow screens. That's especially important when it comes to mobile devices, where every pixel counts.
With techniques like CSS max-width: 100%, images stay within their containers and adjust smoothly. This helps you avoid slow load times and awkward zooming, keeping your site looking sharp and professional, no matter the screen.
Media Queries
Media queries are CSS rules that tell your site how to behave on different screens. They detect things like screen width, resolution, or device orientation and adjust the layout accordingly.
For example, a two-column layout on a desktop might switch to a single column on mobile.
This flexibility gives you control over how content is displayed. You can fine-tune spacing, text size, or even hide non-essential elements on smaller devices.
Media queries make your website smarter by tailoring it to the user's screen without creating multiple versions.
Fast Loading Time
Responsive websites need to be quick, especially on mobile networks. If your site takes too long to load, users will bounce.
Google also considers site speed when ranking pages.
To speed things up, great responsive sites use compressed images, clean code, and minimal scripts. They load only what's needed for the device in use.
Prioritizing performance leads to better UX, improved SEO, and higher conversion rates.
Remember, fast-loading pages aren't just a bonus, they're expected.
Accessible UX Across Devices
A truly responsive website works for everyone, regardless of their device, browser, or ability. That means clear text, tappable buttons, easy navigation, and layouts that don't require zooming or pinching.
Designing for accessibility also includes using readable fonts, contrast-friendly colors, and keyboard-friendly controls.
Whether a visitor is using a phone with one hand or a screen reader, your site should be usable and intuitive.
Now that we have covered the basics, let's see the best responsive web design examples that you should know.
Best Responsive Web Design Examples in 2025
Etsy
Etsy is a leading global marketplace for handmade and vintage goods.
With millions of users browsing on everything from iPhones to desktops, Etsy's responsive design plays a huge role in its success. Whether you're a buyer or seller, the experience is smooth, consistent, and easy to use.
What makes Etsy stand out is how well it adapts to smaller screens. On mobile, product listings are stacked vertically with clear photos, prices, and reviews.
The search bar stays fixed at the top, making it easy to find anything. Filters are tucked into a clean drawer-style menu, so users don't feel overwhelmed.
The site uses large images, readable fonts, and spacious layouts that adjust automatically to screen size. Even on slower mobile networks, the pages load quickly, thanks to compressed assets and smart caching.
This attention to performance helps shoppers browse without lag or friction.
Slack
Slack is one of the most widely used messaging platforms for teams.
It connects people across organizations in real time, so responsiveness is it's first prioirty. Slack's website reflects the same quality and adaptability as its product.
The homepage is a perfect example of fluid design. On desktop, it showcases clean visuals, animations, and feature highlights in a grid layout.
On mobile, the layout shifts into a single-column format with touch-friendly buttons and simplified navigation.
Slack's web design is well known for its ability to balance its performance with branding. The color palette and illustrations stay consistent, and the typography is easy to read on any screen.
CTAs like "Try for free" or "Sign in" are always accessible, no matter the device.
Across devices, Slack's UX stays sharp. The menu collapses into a hamburger icon on smaller screens without losing clarity.
Users can easily find information, sign up, or explore features without frustration. It's a strong example of how a B2B site can feel modern, fast, and responsive without overloading users.
Dropbox
Dropbox offers cloud storage solutions for individuals and teams.
Their website design reflects the simplicity and usability of their product. Whether you're learning about features or signing up, the experience remains smooth from mobile to desktop.
On desktop, Dropbox uses plenty of white space, large headings, and clear visuals to guide users through the page.
On mobile, the layout shifts effortlessly. Images scale down, text stays legible, and buttons are easy to tap. There's no need to zoom or scroll side to side.
One of the strongest points in Dropbox's responsive design is how fast everything loads. Images are optimized, animations are subtle, and pages render quickly, even on slower connections.
That performance matters, especially for users accessing the site on the go.
The UX stays consistent across all devices. Navigation is easy, whether through the top bar on desktop or the dropdown menu on mobile.
Forms are short, clear, and optimized for touch input. Dropbox's responsive approach shows how a clean, thoughtful design can support user needs while keeping the brand's look and feel intact.
Grammarly
We have all used Grammarly at some point in our journey.
But its website is a prime responsive web design sample that everyone should know, too.
Its website does a great job of combining strong branding with responsive design. Whether you're exploring features or logging in, the experience is smooth and consistent across devices.
On desktop, the homepage presents Grammarly's value right away. It uses clean sections with short copy, friendly visuals, and clear CTAs like "Get Grammarly." On mobile, the layout stacks everything vertically, keeping the design simple and scrollable.
No elements feel cramped or misplaced.
The best part of Grammarly's responsive design is how fast and intuitive it feels. Buttons are large enough for easy tapping, menus are hidden behind a tidy hamburger icon, and images scale without losing quality.
Even videos and animations run well on smaller screens.
Whether you're on your phone during a commute or browsing on a tablet, the design keeps you focused. Grammarly shows that a responsive site doesn't need to sacrifice speed or clarity to look polished.
Dribbble
Dribbble is a popular community where designers share their creative work.
It's a highly visual site, so its responsive design needs to showcase content beautifully on every screen. And it does.
On desktops, Dribbble displays design shots in a grid layout that adjusts to screen width. Hover effects and large previews help users engage with each piece.
On mobile, the layout collapses into a single column with larger spacing, ensuring each image stands out without crowding the screen.
What makes Dribbble's design special is how well it respects the needs of its users. Touch-friendly filters, smooth infinite scroll, and crisp image rendering create an easy, pleasant experience.
Users can browse, like, or save shots with just a tap.
The navigation bar becomes sticky and minimal on smaller screens, offering only the essentials. Pages load fast despite the heavy use of visuals, which is no small feat.
Dribbble's responsive UX is a great example of how a design-first platform can look stunning while still being practical and fast for every user.
Smashing Magazine
Smashing Magazine is a trusted resource for web designers and developers.
It publishes in-depth articles, tutorials, and insights. Its responsive website is a strong example of performance-focused, content-first design.
On desktop, the layout feels traditional yet modern. The content is front and center, surrounded by clean sidebars and navigation.
On mobile and tablets, the design shifts into a linear format. Text remains highly readable with good spacing, while images and code snippets adjust neatly to fit smaller screens.
One thing to notice is how the navigation is smart and responsive. Menus collapse and expand naturally, and the search bar stays within easy reach.
Articles load quickly, and performance is solid even on mobile data.
The experience across devices stays distraction-free. Smashing Magazine uses legible fonts, a calm color scheme, and clear headings to guide readers.
No pop-ups or flashy elements get in the way. Instead, the site feels built for reading, whether you're on a 5-inch screen or a 27-inch monitor.
Spotify
Spotify is one of the most recognized music streaming platforms in the world.
Its website is more than just a place to sign up; it's an extension of the app's brand and experience. From mobile to desktop, Spotify's responsive design feels clean, fast, and familiar.
On desktops, the homepage features large visuals, smooth scroll animations, and bold calls to action like "Get Spotify Free." The layout uses wide horizontal sections that showcase the service's benefits at a glance.
On mobile and tablets, everything is neatly stacked. Buttons are large, navigation is simplified, and graphics still look sharp without slowing things down.
Spotify's responsive design nails consistency. Whether you're browsing on a laptop or a smartphone, the branding, colors, and tone remain intact.
Page elements shift intelligently based on screen size, with no awkward zooming, horizontal scrolling, or missing features.
Spotify understands its users are always on the go, and its responsive design supports that lifestyle by keeping the experience smooth, engaging, and fast no matter where it's accessed.
Swiss Air
Swiss Air's website is a strong example of responsive web design in the travel industry, where clarity and speed are crucial.
Whether users are checking flight details, booking tickets, or browsing destinations, the website adapts gracefully across all screen sizes.
On desktop, Swiss Air uses a wide layout with lots of white space, crisp fonts, and high-quality imagery. The homepage balances visuals with functionality, and flight booking tools are easy to find and use.
On smaller devices, that same booking flow is just as smooth. The layout becomes vertical, menus turn into dropdowns, and each step is optimized for touch.
What makes this responsive design so effective is how it handles complex information without overwhelming the user.
Date selectors, search fields, and seat maps all reformat based on device. Navigation is intuitive, and you never feel lost in layers of menus.
Swiss Air shows how responsive web design can simplify a high-stakes user journey, turning travel planning into a smooth, mobile-friendly experience.
Some More Examples of Responsive Web Designs by Industry
Responsive design looks different across industries, but the goal is always the same: a seamless user experience on every screen.
In e-commerce, for example, Nike uses interactive product carousels that stay responsive across all devices, while Shopify powers thousands of stores with templates that adapt to any screen size for consistent shopping experiences.
In education, responsive design supports learning anytime, anywhere. Coursera simplifies its lessons and navigation for touchscreens, and Treehouse's video-first layout adjusts smoothly to avoid distractions and keep learners focused, making both of these brands great examples.
Travel sites like Airbnb combine rich visuals with lightweight design, making booking easy on mobile and desktop.
Similarly, New media platforms like The Verge and Medium lead with mobile-first strategies where their content adapts instantly, loads fast, and feels intuitive.
Tech-driven sites too, like Apple, showcase responsive grids and animations that load smoothly everywhere. Magic Leap delivers immersive previews that adjust intuitively across tablets and phones, reflecting the future of responsive interaction.
These examples show how responsive design adapts to each industry's needs, without sacrificing performance, clarity, or usability.
Tools to Test and Create Responsive Website Designs
Creating a responsive website isn't just about looks. You also need to test how it works on different screens.
The good news is, you don't need to guess. These tools make it easier to design, preview, and test your site across devices.
Google Mobile-Friendly Test
This free tool from Google helps you check if your site works well on mobile devices. Just enter your URL, and it will scan your page for mobile usability issues.
It's a fast, easy way to see if your site meets basic responsive standards.
Chrome DevTools (Responsive View)
Built into the Chrome browser, DevTools lets you test how your website looks on different screen sizes. You can simulate smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
It's a must-have for developers who want to fine-tune layout and touch behavior.
Responsively App & BrowserStack
Responsively App is a free desktop tool that shows your site across multiple devices at the same time. BrowserStack, a paid service, takes it further by letting you test on real devices.
Both are great for spotting layout or loading issues before your users do.
Figma & Adobe XD
These design tools help you create interactive prototypes that respond to different screen sizes. You can test navigation, layout, and content flow without writing a single line of code.
Ideal for designers working with developers.
No-Code Responsive Builders
If you're not a developer, tools like Webflow and WordPress offer drag-and-drop interfaces with built-in responsive design features.
You can design once and trust it'll look good on any screen, saving time and effort during launch.
Conclusion
The best responsive websites do more than just shrink or stretch to fit the screen. They think ahead, offering smooth navigation, fast loading times, and a web design for the brand that feels right on any device.
From clean layouts to smart media queries, it's the little details that add up to a great user experience.
The real-world responsive website design examples we've explored, from Etsy to Apple, show that responsive design works across every industry.
Whether it's ecommerce, education, media, or tech, the top brands make responsiveness a core part of their UX strategy.
Now it's your move. Whether you're redesigning an old site or starting fresh, putting responsive design first can make all the difference.
Focus on real user needs, test on every screen size, and keep improving as you grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between responsive and adaptive web design?
Responsive design adjusts fluidly to any screen size using flexible grids. Adaptive design uses fixed layouts for specific screen widths.
Responsive is more dynamic, while adaptive serves different static layouts for different devices.
Do responsive websites rank better on Google?
Yes. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly, responsive sites in its search rankings. A responsive site improves user experience and loading speed, two key factors in SEO performance.
Can I convert an existing website into a responsive one?
Absolutely. With proper planning, you can refactor your CSS and layout structure to use flexible grids, media queries, and scalable images without rebuilding everything from scratch.
How much does it cost to build a responsive website?
Responsive web design costs vary by complexity and features.
A basic responsive site can cost a few thousand dollars, while a large-scale custom solution might range higher. Tools like WordPress and Webflow can reduce costs.
What screen sizes should I design for in 2025?
Design for a range, including 320px (small phones), 768px (tablets), 1024px (laptops), and 1440px+ (desktops). A fluid grid system ensures you cover everything in between.
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