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You want to build a simple website.
Maybe you're showcasing your work to a potential client, starting a personal blog, or creating a basic landing page. You decide to use a website builder because web development isn't your thing, and you're a beginner.
But you’re not ready to invest in a paid option just yet!
That’s where free website builders come in.
These tools make it easy for beginners to create a website quickly without spending anything. They're great for testing ideas, running temporary pages, or handling school projects on a budget. Small businesses and personal websites that don't need fancy features can benefit, too.
So, what are your options? In this article, we'll explore the best free website builders and help you find the right fit for your needs.
Our Top Picks for Free Website Builders
We scoured the internet, tried several builders, and came up with our top 9 favorites. They’re selected based on user reviews, ease of use, upgrade options, and how well they work for simple websites.
Here they are:
1) Google Sites: Best for Basic Websites
Rating: 3.8/5
Google Sites is a no-frills website builder that's perfect for creating basic online spaces. Its biggest advantage is that it works well with other Google tools. If you're already using Google Workspace, you'll feel right at home. Drag and drop your way to a simple website without much effort.
However, its design options are pretty limited. You won't have much say over SEO. It's great for personal or school projects, but you won't be able to create complex websites like Amazon.
Key Features
- Fully integrated with Google Workspace
- Free SSL certificate and hosting
- Custom domain mapping (via Google Domains)
- Built-in templates for personal, business, or educational use
Pros
- No ads or hidden fees
- Simple setup and interface
- Fast loading and reliable
- Great for personal sites or educational purposes
Cons
- Limited customization options
- No e-commerce support
- Poor SEO control
2) HubSpot CMS: Best for Marketing and CRM Integration
Rating: 4.2/5
Want a website that works as hard as you do? Try HubSpot CMS. This powerful, all-in-one platform offers cool features like robust SEO tools, built-in marketing automation tools, email marketing features, and in-depth analytics. You can even create personalized content.
And if you're already in the HubSpot ecosystem? You're in for a treat. Everything works together seamlessly, from your CRM to your marketing tools.
The drag-and-drop editor makes life easy, but some users find the text editor a bit stiff. If you go for the higher-tier plans, you can easily set up smart rules for some seriously custom content.
Key Features
- Pre-made themes
- Built-in CRM integration
- SEO recommendations and tools
- Marketing and sales automation
Pros
- Great for users with zero coding experience
- Access to a variety of templates
- Offers a guided setup
Cons
- Limited e-commerce functionality natively
- HubSpot branding displayed on your website
- High pricing for advanced features
3) Wix: Best for Easy Customization
Rating: 4.5/5
Wix is a versatile website builder that covers all your needs. With over 500 templates to choose from, you're bound to find something that fits your style.
Want to start selling products or showcase your services? Planning to start a blog? Wix has everything you need. The best part is you can tweak almost everything to your heart's content.
Wix's SEO tools are pretty solid, too. And if you need more bells and whistles, you can choose your upgrades on the Wix App Market. Just remember, the free plan comes with Wix-branded ads. If you want more control and advanced features, go for the premium plans.
Key Features
- Over 500 customizable templates
- Built-in SEO tools
- Wix App Market with 250+ apps
- e-commerce tools for setting up an online store
- Blogging platform and social media integration
Pros
- Super beginner-friendly interface
- Access to template library for various industries
- Great app marketplace to extend website capabilities
Cons
- Limited scalability
- Free plan includes Wix ads
- No full access to source code
4) Weebly: Best for Building User-Friendly Websites with E-Commerce
Rating: 4.3/5
Weebly is built with beginners in mind. It's fun and easy to use - just drag and drop your way to a great-looking website. You can even manage your site from your phone!
For us, it's a solid choice for small businesses, bloggers, or anyone dipping their toes into blogging or online marketing. And Weebly doesn't just stop at building your website. You also get tools for marketing, e-commerce, and even SEO.
Overall, it’s a complete package to build and manage your online presence.
Key Features
- Weebly App Center with 270+ apps
- Mobile app for site management
- Built-in SEO tools
- Free SSL security
- Analytics dashboard for tracking site performance
Pros
- Super easy to use, with no coding required
- Free and premium apps available
- Lots of customizable templates
- Free hosting and SSL security
Cons
- Limited flexibility in template designs
- SEO features are somewhat basic
- Analytics tools are restricted on the free plan
5) Square Online: Best for Easy E-Commerce and POS Integration
Rating: 4.4/5
Already using Square for your brick-and-mortar store? Then you'll love Square Online. It's built to work perfectly with Square's payment processing and point-of-sale systems. You can set up shop online in no time with their easy-to-use builder and ready-made templates.
Sell products, keep track of what's in stock, and handle payments all in one place. It's a dream for small businesses. Keep in mind, though, that you might find the free version a bit limiting. Go for the paid plans if you want more customization options.
Key Features
- Integration with Square POS
- Various payment processing options
- SEO tools
- Syncing with social media platforms
- Built-in email marketing tools (via Mailchimp)
- Real-time analytics and reporting
Pros
- Works perfectly with Square POS
- Doesn’t charge additional transaction fees
- Automatically updates inventory and sales data across multiple platforms
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Fewer integration options
6) Jimdo: Best AI-Powered Website Builder
Rating: 4.1/5
Jimdo offers an intuitive website builder for creating a simple page. Its AI-powered "Dolphin" builder is especially user-friendly. Just answer a few questions, and presto - you've got a website!
But just like most free website builders, it lacks the customization and advanced features.
The free plan is only ideal for basic website creation. For additional features like a custom domain, expanded storage, and enhanced SEO tools, you’ll need to upgrade.
Key Features
- AI-powered Dolphin builder
- Free custom domain (with paid plans)
- HTTPS security
- Blogging functionality
- Basic SEO tools
- Mobile app for site management
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Builder is AI-powered
- Built-in blogging and basic e-commerce features
Cons
- Limited templates
- Lacks advanced SEO features
- No import/export functionality, making site migration difficult
7) Site123: Best for Quick, Hassle-Free Setup
Rating: 4.4/5
Site123 helps you build a website with minimal fuss - it’s quick, easy, and satisfying for basic needs.
Here's how it works. Just answer a few questions about your site. Site123 will then deliver a semi-custom template that's ready for your content. You can even set up a simple online store or create a site in multiple languages.
For users who prioritize simplicity and don't need extensive customization, Site123 is a great choice.
Key Features
- Simple 3-step site creation process
- Responsive, mobile-friendly templates
- Built-in e-commerce functionality (with paid plans)
- Free SSL certificate for all websites
- Event management tools
Pros
- Very fast and easy setup
- Customizable templates
- Designs are mobile-friendly
Cons
- Users cannot drag and drop elements freely
- No ability to export your website to another platform
- Free version has ads
8) Strikingly: Best for Simple, One-Page Websites
Rating: 4.3/5
Want to make a statement with a sleek, one-page website? Then you should give Strikingly a try.
Link your LinkedIn profile to create a personal website. Edit your site right from your phone. Strikingly is perfect for creating a simple yet impactful online presence.
However, we noticed its customization and SEO features are more basic than advanced builders like Wix. Still, it’s a great option if you want a fast and easy solution.
Key Features
- Pre-built sections and templates
- E-commerce functionality
- Blogging tools with AMP support
- Mobile app for website management
- Built-in email newsletter tool
- Simple SEO checklist and Google Analytics integration
Pros
- Easy for beginners
- Super fast setup
- Supports basic e-commerce, even on free plans
Cons
- SEO and marketing features are basic
- Free plan includes a Strikingly subdomain
- Higher transaction fees on lower-tier plans
9) Webflow: Best for Advanced Customization Options
Rating: 4.6/5
Webflow is a no-code yet powerful website builder designed for both beginners and advanced users. With its comprehensive design tools, you can build anything from eye-catching blogs to complex websites.
But here’s the catch. Webflow's learning curve is steeper than that of simpler builders. Its pricing can be confusing, too.
But if you want more creative control, it's hard to beat. Just be prepared to invest some time and effort in getting to know the ropes.
Key Features
- Supports dynamic content - ideal for blogs, portfolios, and e-commerce.
- Customizable URLs, meta descriptions, and schema markup
- Fast loading speeds with minimized CSS/scripts
- Seamless integration with Figma
- Access to educational resources via Webflow University
Pros
- You can customize every element
- Easy to use, no coding required
- SEO features built directly into the platform
- Great for building responsive, fast-loading websites
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Confusing pricing structure
- No option to switch templates after selection
How to Choose a Free Website Builder
Free website builders are great, but they’re not created equal. Often, they come with limitations that can affect your website’s appearance, functionality, and growth potential.
While free plans are attractive, there are a couple of things you need to consider before choosing one, especially if you have plans to upgrade later.
We’ve summarized them below:
Easy to Set Up and Use
Website builders are meant for beginners, but some are easier than others. If you're spending an hour just figuring out how to start, it's probably not the right fit for you.
Newbies should look for drag-and-drop builders with guided setups. Wix and Weebly are good examples. With these platforms, you can build pages in minutes, not hours. But if you're tech-savvy and crave more control, try an advanced option like Webflow.
Customization Options
Want more creative freedom? Then, look at how much you can tweak. Some website builders offer lots of flexibility, even adding custom code. Others keep it simpler but with fewer options. Remember, more options mean more to learn.
Access to SEO Tools
Most free plans offer basic tools, but some go further. Check if you can edit meta titles and descriptions. Think about how much SEO help you need before choosing.
Value of Free Plans
Free plans vary wildly. For example, Wix gives you lots to play with but adds ads. Webflow, on the other hand, lets you design freely but caps you at two pages. Figure out what features you really need, then choose a plan that delivers without hurting your budget.
Limitations of Free Plans
There's always a catch with free versions. Maybe it's ads, storage limits, or bandwidth caps. For example, Weebly might cramp your style with ads and storage limits, while Wix brands your website. Think about how these limits might hold you back.
User Reviews
Features and specs are important. But real-world feedback matters a lot, too. They provide valuable insights into how a platform performs in practice. It reveals potential challenges, ease of use, and overall satisfaction from different users.
So, don't just take our word for it. See what real users say. Our favorite review sites are G2, Capterra, and TrustPilot. Sometimes, we also visit Reddit to check for more candid, user-generated opinions and discussions. These sources help you get a clearer idea of what to expect and make a smarter choice.
Upgrade Cost
Think ahead. One day, you might outgrow the free plan. So, take a look at the paid options and make sure they fit your budget and needs. Don't pay for extras you won't use. Find that sweet spot between cost and features that'll help you reach your goals.
Final Thoughts: Are Free Website Builders Worth It?
Free website builders offer basic options for a simple website.
Google Sites is great if you want free, simple setups with no hidden charge. Wix gives you lots of design flexibility, while Square Online is perfect for e-commerce. Each has its strengths, depending on what you need.
However, free website builders do have limits, like ads or fewer features. They’re great for beginners or small projects, but if your site grows, you might want more flexibility. Paid builders often come with better SEO tools, more customization, and advanced features.
In the end, the best builder depends on your goals. For something simple, a free plan works well. But for a professional, scalable website, a paid plan might be worth it. Just pick what fits your needs!