The most effective free web site builders supply a risk-free strategy to familiarize yourself with a platform’s instruments, options, and ease of use. They may also be used as a sensible methodology for testing new concepts earlier than making a monetary funding.
Fortunately, lots of the greatest web site builders supply free plans. But in actuality, free plans are created to give you only a style of an internet site builder’s full energy – with the purpose to entice you into paying for a premium stage plan.
This implies free plans at all times include limitations equivalent to non-customizable domains, restricted space for storing and bandwidth, and lowered entry to instruments and performance.
Finally, in order for you a strong, skilled trying web site – you’ll have to pay.
Nonetheless, for those who’ve made up your thoughts about utilizing a free one – we’re right here to assist. Our specialists have extensively examined 140+ web site builders and website hosting companies – now we’ve got handpicked the most effective of the most effective free web site builders, compiling them into this checklist.
Oh, and in order for you premium options with out the premium price ticket, we’ve got a web page devoted to the greatest web site builder offers in the marketplace.
Owain Williams
With a background in enterprise and advertising and marketing, Owain has spent over 7 years testing web site builders, constructing his personal web sites, and writing about enterprise and advertising and marketing subjects.
High 3 greatest free web site builders of 2024
Beneath we checklist our high 3 picks for the title of greatest free web site builder. Though not all of those are free (for all times), they do every supply an impressive free possibility that’s nicely price contemplating.
The most effective free web site builders of 2024 – chosen by our specialists:
Now we have examined the most effective free web site builders in the marketplace. Beneath you’ll discover our checklist, ranked based mostly on who they’re greatest for. So, whether or not you’re on the lookout for an ideal all rounder, one thing that provides you nice design choices, or a easy possibility that’s splendid for small companies – we’ve got what you’re on the lookout for.
Greatest general
Wix is a big-name web site builder with one of the crucial spectacular web site editors within the enterprise, and, surprisingly, a very free plan.
Wix’s Synthetic Design Intelligence mode is the only strategy to create a brand new website. The editor requested us questions on our enterprise, the pages we wanted and our design preferences, then robotically creates an internet site in seconds. We discovered the location was fundamental, with few customizations, however the course of was easy and really quick.
Those that need to get extra palms on can step as much as the complete Wix editor, the place a powerful set of highly effective enhancing instruments help you hone your web site and get it trying simply as you need.
A spread of engaging templates are supplied, too, although watch out: we seen that, as soon as you’ve got chosen your favourite, you’ll be able to’t swap later. If you happen to resolve your website wants a brand new look, all you are able to do is begin once more from scratch: hardly handy.
Free Wix websites have some points and limits. There’s solely 500MB storage, you will discover Wix adverts on each web page, and never solely is there no assist for customized domains, however your free Wix URL shall be longer than most (youraccountname.wixsite.com/yoursitename.)
On steadiness, although, Wix continues to be an ideal web site builder. The templates are wonderful, we liked the intuitive editor, and genuinely useful assist is offered, even on the free plan.
Highly effective running a blog performance rounds issues off properly, and also you’re getting a really prime quality providing with this web site builder.
Learn our full Wix evaluation.
Greatest for small enterprise
Weebly’s web site creation instruments begin, a bit like Wix, with a quite simple automated builder. This guides you thru a sequence of questions, then robotically creates your website in a number of seconds. There is not a lot scope for personalisation, but it surely’s very straightforward to make use of – making it splendid for small companies.
The usual editor offers you extra fine-tuned management of your website design (although not fairly as a lot as the most effective of the competitors), however continues to be pretty easy to function. We have been amazed by the tons of of fashionable templates – and, sure, they’re genuinely spectacular – which we have been capable of tailor to our wants utilizing a WYSIWYG editor.
As regular with a free web site builder, Weebly did not enable us to make use of our personal area. As an alternative, you are supplied a free Weebly subdomain (yourname.weebly.com.) That is quick, however not precisely skilled, and never an excellent search for a enterprise or critical website.
The free plan additionally limits your assist to stay chat and a group discussion board (cellphone assist is reserved for a number of the premium plans.) That could possibly be a problem in case your web site is down and also you’re on the lookout for instant help, but it surely’s nonetheless higher than some free companies, which do not embrace assist in any respect.
Weebly scores elsewhere for its superior instruments, although. We have been capable of prolong our website with every kind of content material varieties through its succesful editor. Weebly is nice for on-line shops, providing fundamental ecommerce performance, limitless objects, and stock administration on the free plan – not one thing you’ll discover on most free web site builder plans.
Weebly is a superb possibility for small companies. Not solely does it supply an ideal free plan, however as your small business grows and also you want extra out of your web site, Weebly’s paid plans are additionally extremely inexpensive. General, its energy and suppleness make Weebly an excellent, free web site builder to contemplate.
Learn our full Weebly evaluation.
Greatest for enterprise software integration
Whereas HubSpot may be extra well-known for its CRM and advertising and marketing instruments, the model has additionally been branching out into web site builders. If you happen to’re on the lookout for the most effective web site builder for small to medium-sized companies, HubSpot definitely makes a powerful case.
The HubSpot web site builder goals to simplify the expertise for enterprise homeowners, with no coding information required. HubSpot additionally handles the internet hosting, so that you don’t want to fret about coping with the backend. All the pieces is drag-and-drop, so you’ll be able to decide precisely the place issues go. We have been in a position to select from tons of of themes and templates and customise them with our personal brand, typography, and content material.
We linked our web site to HubSpot CRM proper out of the gate, so monitoring our buyer interactions was extremely straightforward. Additionally, we used HubSpot’s free chatbots, kinds, and stay chat to assist automate our customer support. We created e-mail newsletters, an organization brand, and a touchdown web page, all from our HubSpot account. You additionally get safety features like SSL and two-factor authentication. HubSpot lets you strive nearly every thing on its “endlessly free” plan. Nonetheless, you should buy its CMS Suite Starter plan for $20 monthly to take away branding. The Skilled plan is priced at $360 monthly — fairly the leap.
Simply be aware that whereas some built-in options are gated behind particular plans, it doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t entry related functionalities in decrease plan tiers. As an illustration, HubSpot’s search engine marketing analytics are solely included within the Skilled plan. However you’ll be able to nonetheless entry search engine marketing analytics with the Free and Starter plans for those who combine a Google Search Console or Schema account with HubSpot.
HubSpot’s buyer assist consists of e-mail, chat, and cellphone assist — though some assist is simply obtainable for premium plans. However in order for you fast solutions, you’ll be able to search via HubSpot’s in depth weblog and useful resource middle with 1000’s of articles and how-tos.
The CRM giants even have a formidable app retailer, with over 1,000 totally different integrations obtainable. You possibly can prolong your website with search engine marketing instruments, e-mail, adverts, messaging integrations and extra.
Learn our full HubSpot web site builder evaluation.
Greatest for design
Webflow is a well-liked web site builder that excels in its design customization, particularly for individuals who have a good quantity of internet design information. We are saying this as a result of Webflow’s interface relies on the ‘field mannequin’, and desires fundamental HTML and CSS information for max utilization. For starters, you’ll be able to select from over 49 free templates obtainable on the platform. Though, you’ll be able to’t change the template of your website when you’ve chosen it. The one manner to take action is to construct a brand new web site from scratch.
Whereas establishing a website, we discovered Webflow’s interface fairly advanced and difficult in comparison with different choices like Wix or Site123. Unsurprisingly, Webflow doesn’t supply any customized domains or CMS assist in its free plan. Which means that for those who construct a free web site, you’ll have to stay with a .webflow subdomain.
On the brilliant aspect, Webflow presents automated backups and a free SSL certification to ensure your web site is protected and safe. Whereas establishing, Webflow helps you to create an entry-level website with 2 pages, 50 CMS instruments, localization, and as much as 50 type submissions. It even presents 1 GB bandwidth and as much as one thousand guests with its free plan. Principally, it presents every thing that you must construct an internet site totally free with out operating into any bottlenecks.
General, if you wish to construct a fundamental web site with out having any information about web site constructing or design, Webflow won’t be the most suitable choice for you. Nonetheless, in order for you an excellent personalized website that comes with distinctive designs and detailed options, this platform can stand out as a powerful contender on this checklist.
To study extra, you’ll be able to learn our full Webflow web site builder evaluation.
Greatest for fast set-up
Site123 is an easy and tremendous straightforward web site builder that lets even a whole newbie create a model new web site all by themselves.
As you join on the platform, the builder asks for fundamental info relating to your website, and inside moments, the primary format of your web site is prepared. Surprisingly, we discovered that it did a fairly good job with the preliminary format. Even the photographs have been fairly good and correct to the web site’s area of interest.
Site123 presents a really neat and easy-to-use editor. Customers can simply click on on any factor and easily edit it. However, on the similar time, you don’t get many customization choices with its free plan. This implies that you may solely get your palms on all of the enhancing instruments in your web site by subscribing to their paid plans. Actually, small edits, like utilizing customized coloration schemes or accessing the complete font library additionally want a paid plan to work. This limits your capabilities of constructing an in depth or distinctive web site totally free.
Site123 additionally doesn’t supply any customized domains with its free plan, and also you’ll should settle with a subdomain that’s fairly lengthy. This will make your website look a bit unprofessional. General, Site123’s free plan is a superb possibility for somebody who simply needs to create a easy web site and doesn’t have any previous expertise or information about web site constructing. Because of its user-friendly interface, creating an internet site is as straightforward because it may get with this platform.
Learn our full Site123 evaluation now.
Greatest for bloggers
WordPress is greatest identified for the free CMS which could be robotically put in on nearly any website hosting plan, and lets you construct blogs, enterprise websites, internet shops and nearly anything you’ll be able to think about.
It is a nice answer for demanding or enterprise websites, however you will most likely have to half with some money for the internet hosting, and the full-strength WordPress interface could be sophisticated, even for knowledgeable customers.
Thankfully, there is a easier hosted model of WordPress on WordPress.com. This consists of website hosting, so signing up offers you every thing that you must construct your internet presence. There are a selection of handsome templates to select from, and we have been capable of create a weblog, a photograph website and extra.
The free plan lets you take funds for merchandise, and for those who can create actually compelling content material, there’s even the choice to enroll paid subscribers. Beware, although: WordPress takes 10% of each transaction. If you happen to’re hoping to make actual cash, it could be price signing up for a paid plan (the $25 a month Marketing strategy does not cost any fee in any respect.)
Whether or not you are making a static website, or a blog-style website with commonly up to date content material, the net editor is a pleasure to make use of, in our opinion, and permits nearly anybody to create a formidable, professional-looking website. The one draw back is the restricted vary of plugins and templates in contrast with the self-hosted model of WordPress, and different free web site builders.
Learn our full WordPress.com evaluation.
Greatest for portfolios
Since 2007, greater than 25 million web sites have been created utilizing Jimdo, with its simplicity receiving loads of reward. One other space of energy is the best way that it appears to be like, with a variety of fresh, versatile templates on supply.
Jimdo’s trendy and trendy templates make it a preferred web site builder for creatives equivalent to designers and photographers – or certainly anybody else who needs to show their portfolio with a shocking web site.
The platform even comes with its personal Brand Designer to assist make your model recognizable. When testing Jimdo’s free service, we have been capable of enter our enterprise and choose a place to begin for our brand design. Then, we customise our icon and format, select a coloration and font, and that’s it!
One other helpful design characteristic that Jimdo customers will recognize is the best way that web site colours robotically harmonize with an uploaded brand or picture. Which means that garish coloration clashes grow to be a factor of the previous – that is nice for companies the place trying good is a part of the model.
Moreover, Jimdo comes with a number of suggestions and assist paperwork that will help you create the fitting web site for you. This consists of examples of the greatest images web sites created utilizing the platform, together with tricks to construct a profitable website.
Jimdo has a free plan, however this solely helps a Jimdo subdomain (youname.jimdosite.com) and inserts adverts in your pages. Some Jimdo customers have complained a few lack of fancy options (we seen it too when evaluating it to Wix), however in order for you a fast, easy manner of launching a great-looking website, you’ll battle to discover a higher web site builder than this.
Learn our full Jimdo web site builder evaluation.
Greatest for single web page web sites and touchdown pages
Strikingly is uncommon when ranked in opposition to the most effective web site builder platforms, because it has a deal with designing mobile-friendly single-page web sites. Earlier than you resolve a “single-page” website isn’t for you – it is not as limiting as you may assume.
Surprisingly, it permits us so as to add picture galleries, a weblog, customized kinds, even a easy internet retailer (with no transaction charges). There are additionally a number of different helpful options together with responsive templates, social media feed integration, password safety, and rather more.
Plans begin with a fundamental free account, though you gained’t discover it except you click on on the “month-to-month” choices. This comes with some spectacular options equivalent to limitless free websites, 24/7 assist and the flexibility to ask collaborators. However, like with most free plans, it has its limitations. These embrace using a Strikingly.com area, 5GB/mo bandwidth, 500MG whole storage, solely as much as 5 pages per website and solely on product per website.
We discovered that the Strikingly web site builder is not as highly effective or customizable as opponents like Wix, but it surely’s very user-friendly. With Strikingly, you’ll be able to simply construct a sexy and practical web site that’s full with a weblog. Plus, you’ll be able to set every thing up inside only a few minutes.
If simplicity is vital, add Strikingly to your shortlist. You’ll find out extra about what Strikingly has to supply in our full Strikingly evaluation.
Greatest free web site builder plans in contrast
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Wix | Weebly | HubSpot | Webflow | Site123 | WordPress | Jimdo | Strikingly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our score | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Add a customized area | No | No | Sure | No | No | No | No | No |
| On website adverts | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Storage | 500MB | 500MB | Limitless | Limitless | 250MB | 1GB | 500MB | 500MB |
| Bandwidth | As much as 500MB | As much as 500MB | Limitless | 1GB | 250MB | Limitless | 2GB | 5GB |
| Buyer assist | Sure | Sure | Discussion board solely | Sure | Sure | Discussion board solely | No | Sure |
| On-line funds | No | Sure | No | No | No | Sure | No | Sure |
Word: ‘Our score’ presents an general evaluation of the platform. This does not take your particular person wants and targets under consideration. We suggest studying the data above, together with our particular person platform critiques to get a real concept of whether or not an internet site builder is the fitting match for you.
If you wish to study extra about what storage and bandwidth limits imply in your web site, you’ll be able to learn our information to website hosting.
How to decide on the most effective free web site builder for you
With so many web site builders in the marketplace, how are you aware which one is the fitting free answer for you? Or, certainly, is a free web site builder the most suitable choice for assembly your wants? In spite of everything, you could discover that investing in one of many greatest small enterprise web site builders or the greatest portfolio web site builders offers you the extras that you must actually develop your web site.
When selecting a free web site builder, that you must take into account their limitations.
Begin by trying on the internet hosting fundamentals. What are the storage and site visitors limits? Will that be sufficient? If the service does not assist customized domains (and most do not), what kind of URL will you get? The shorter it’s, the extra memorable it’s going to be in your guests. Plus, a platform-given area can look unprofessional.
Additionally take into consideration website design. All free internet designers have a variety of templates appropriate for common websites, however for those who’re hoping for one thing very particular – a website for a jewellery retailer, a florist – then test for appropriate templates earlier than you join.
Take into account options, too. What is going to actually assist or impress your guests? A top-notch picture gallery, integration with social media, one thing else? Make an inventory of your priorities and make sure the builder delivers.
If you happen to’re all for ecommerce and a free plan appears to ship, test the small print for catches. Some free builders show merchandise however cannot take funds on-line, for example, and if a website does embrace fee assist, it would ask an enormous transaction payment. Learn the plan specs rigorously, be sure you’re getting what you anticipate.
And for those who’ve achieved your analysis and may’t resolve between the highest two, hey, they’re free, simply signal as much as each and take a look at them side-by-side. There’s nothing like real-world expertise that will help you discover the most suitable choice, and half-hour of drag-and-dropping may inform you all that you must know.
How we take a look at the most effective free web site builder companies
When testing web site builders we begin by signing as much as the platform and buying a plan. We then undergo the identical course of a newbie would when creating an internet site for the primary time.
Free of charge web site builder companies, we examine the identical options you’ll anticipate from a paid web site builder with the exception being the value comparability. We have a look at the options supplied, ease-of-use, performance, assist, and different add-ons like running a blog and ecommerce capabilities.
As soon as signed up, our reviewers create web sites utilizing the web site builder, giving them an opportunity to get palms on expertise with the instruments and options on supply. Now we have examined and reviewed all the free web site builders listed above.
As a result of nothing is ideal, we made certain to dig out the positives and negatives of every free web site builder so that you’ve a transparent understanding of what to anticipate from every service.
You’ll find out extra about how we take a look at web site builders in our full information.
Our web site builder testing ethics
Our purpose is that will help you discover the most effective free web site builder.
We all know that in case your expertise with an internet site builder doesn’t align with the recommendation we give – you merely gained’t belief once more sooner or later. Which means that, though we do sometimes make a fee while you buy one of many web site builders we checklist above, we don’t settle for monetary incentives to position platforms inside our guides.
All our suggestions are based mostly purely on analysis, hands-on expertise, and our skilled opinion on which web site builders are really the most effective in the marketplace.
Greatest free web site builder: Abstract
In the long run, whereas contemplating the most effective free web site builder in your wants, there are some no-brainers that you should have in mind. Components equivalent to site visitors limits, storage, customized area assist, template choices, and particular options aligned to your wants are all a should whereas searching in your splendid platform. Keep in mind, free web site builders usually have restrictions when in comparison with their paid plans, so it is vital to grasp these earlier than making a selection.
After testing all the above web site builders on our checklist, we’ve got picked Wix and Weebly as our high selections. Wix comes out on high for its user-friendly Synthetic Design Intelligence mode and a few highly effective enhancing instruments, making it the fitting selection for each specialists and newbies. Regardless of some shortcomings like restricted storage and adverts on pages, its high quality templates and neat interface make it a stable web site builder.
Equally, Weebly stands out with its simplicity and pace in establishing an internet site, together with its trendy templates and ecommerce capabilities. In brief, it’s greatest for customers who need a quick, easy website-building course of.
So, go forward and take a look at constructing an internet site totally free to see which one aligns greatest together with your web site wants and private preferences.
Free web site builder FAQs
Is there actually a free web site builder?
Wix, Weebly and WordPress are web site builder suppliers that provide their companies totally free as an possibility (along with a subdomain). Wix has utterly free plans in addition to paid ones.
We recommend you in contrast the advantages of every, weigh out your choices with a purpose to resolve whether or not a free web site builder is the fitting match in your wants.
Is it price upgrading to a paid plan?
Usually, sure as a result of there are some options that you could be be on the lookout for that you just simply will not get with free web site builders.
Let’s take ad-free web sites for instance, you will principally discover that paid web site builders provide you with extra possession of your website.
Storage is one other characteristic to contemplate – for those who plan on constructing a website that wants nots of storage, it will definitely be price upgrading to a paid plan.
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