Introduction
You must have a website if you want customers to be able to locate you online. However, the majority of smaller companies lack the funding to engage a professional developer. This is when free website builders get into play. With their helpful features, creating a website at no cost is made simple.
These tools do the tough work; you are not required to understand CSS or how to play around with HTML. Additionally, the development of AI has made website creation much faster.
These are the top six free website builders that I tested over the course of a few weeks.
Top free website builders
- For simple websites (without SEO): Google Sites
- Yola for easy, uncomplicated web pages
- The comprehensive best free website builder is Wix.
- For growing companies, HubSpot CMS
- Advanced designers can use Webflow.
- Webnode has the best AI capabilities
What qualities define the best free website builder?
How do we assess and test applications?
The authors of our top app compilations are people who have made a living by using, evaluating, and creating content about software for the majority of their lives. We spend lots of hours investigating, testing, and assessing apps, utilizing each one as intended and comparing it to the standards we establish for the category unless otherwise specified. We cherish users’ confidence and never accept payment for app inclusion in our articles or link exchanges; that’s why we only ever provide honest reviews of the various groups and applications we test.
What distinguishes this list from the many others that contain the top free website builders? I looked through more than just the website builders’ promotional materials and user manuals. I tried the top free site builders personally after spending countless hours researching and discovering which ones consumers truly appreciate.
Building websites for myself typically involves using Squarespace and WordPress, so I was interested in learning how these resources are compared. After registering, I made a website using either the AI builder or one of the provided templates for each one, experimenting with different design elements, adding pages, editing copy, and investigating SEO tools.
Since they aren’t truly free, I have disregarded any freeware website builders that demand that you buy their hosting (such as Bluehost, Hostinger, and GoDaddy). Any website builders that were too difficult to use or didn’t provide worthwhile free plans were also excluded. I then went back and tried each of them again till I decided which the best was. While some are suitable for establishing simple websites without any design knowledge at all, others have a higher learning curve and are best suited for creating commercial websites. Additionally, some have AI capabilities, while others do not; this year, that was good to have.
I concentrated on the following standards when I was testing:
- Utilization ease. How simple is it to use the website builder, or does adding a form require you to be a junior developer? For the majority of users, all of the website builders on the list will be rather simple. I’ve indicated which ones are appropriate for beginners and which ones are better suited for designers with more expertise. While some do allow you to view the code, none require any experience of coding.
- Possibilities for customization. A single-page website isn’t what everyone wants. In evaluating each builder, I took into account a variety of factors, such as the number of templates available, the presence of drag-and-drop functionality, and the ease with which colors, styles, and elements may be changed. I have made an effort to clarify if there is a trade-off between customization and convenience of use.
- SEO tools. Creating a website is only half the fight; you must also work to improve your search engine ranking. I examined the SEO features that each website builder provided, including the capacity to modify alt tags, submit a site map, and change page names and meta descriptions.
- The worth of complimentary plans. Does the builder prompt you to upgrade each time you make a modification, or is the basic plan actually free? I ensured that the possibilities I was considering were genuinely free. All of these programs allow you to start a website for free, though there will nearly always be extras that you’ll have to pay for.
- Mainly a website builder. Certain website builders are basically just another kind of tool that can be used to create websites. These tools can all function separately, even though some of them are a component of a suite of additional marketing tools.
Let’s talk about domains for a while. The majority of free website builders offer an awful free domain, such as kimflowers.hubspotpagebuilder.com, but you may buy or add a custom one. Purchasing a domain separately from a website like Namecheap has always seemed preferable in my opinion. If you choose to switch platforms, this allows you greater flexibility. For example, switching from Wix to Webflow could present more challenges if you bought a domain there.
Best free website builder for simple websites (without SEO): Google Sites
Pros of Google Sites
- Simple to use, akin to Google Docs
- Excellent for teamwork
Cons of Google Sites
Limited customization choices and zero SEO tools characterize Google Sites as a basic website builder. You should not expect to dominate search engine results, but it is okay if you’re just getting started or want to try something different. It is also a good substitute for the now outdated Google Business Profile webpages, should you need to move from them.
To get started, select one of twelve templates or begin from scratch. Subsequently, enhance the overall appearance (design, color, and typefaces) by selecting from six distinct themes, or develop your own once more. There are restrictions on what you can alter if you select an existing theme. For instance, you must alter the theme color to get an orange button, which could affect other color choices. Additionally, nothing is predefined; you cannot alter the button’s size. You will need to make a custom theme in order to get beyond the limitations.
However, Google Sites is simple to use. It’s similar to using Google Docs in many ways: collaborate with others and save anything to Google Drive before publishing your website. Although you may define a custom path for every page, I did find it odd that there were no SEO settings. (You might need to have faith that Google will take care of the SEO, but still)
- Pricing for Google Sites: No premium plans; all features are free.
- Usability: Simple to apply. Much like how Google Docs is used.
- Options for customization: Few. For the style and appearance of your website, select from twelve templates and six themes. Perfect for someone with less website expertise.
- SEO tools: Surprisingly, there are no SEO tools.
- Free plan value: restricted. Though not quite as effective as Yola and Wix, it is suitable for novices, enthusiasts, or dabblers.
Yola for an easy, uncomplicated website
Pros of Yola
- Simple to use
- A comprehensive and pertinent block library
Cons of Yola
Yola’s reputation as the most hassle-free best free website builder is well-deserved. The setup process offers an in-built AI builder and an array of DIY templates after guiding you through the steps of selecting the kind of site you want—personal, company, commerce, or community. One advantage of this is that you may change the template at any time without losing the information you have created. (Though that may seem trivial, it’s not always clear which of the many types of templates will be ideal for your website.)
All of the company themes I evaluated had the components you would anticipate seeing on a business website, so they all make sense. A call to action appears before the footer part of the advertising firm’s template, for instance, along with client testimonials, services provided, client logos, and an overview of the company. It wasn’t too awful either, the automated AI site builder; my fictional dog walking & grooming website had all the necessary elements up and operating in no time.
Yola has an easy-to-use block editor. Blocks on your website can be readily added, removed, or rearranged. Additionally, Yola offers a rich block library that includes services, a call to action, a FAQ, and a logo wall, in contrast to other website builders. You are limited to working inside restrictions if you wish to alter certain elements, such as a button’s color. For instance, if all you wanted was red icons rather than blue on your website, you would have to alter the entire color scheme. However, this prevents the appearance of a poorly designed website and instead gives it a polished appeal.
For a cohesive effect, great effort has been taken in selecting the color schemes, font pairings, and button designs. As a result, if you choose to alter the color scheme, you can view the changes right away on the site and browse through the available choices to get the look you like. You’re sure to find a palette that suits you, as there are actually seventy variations available.
Yola advertisements and a domain are included with free site builders, so if you select the free plan, these will be on your site. Notwithstanding, the higher-end plans are reasonably priced: connecting a custom domain only costs $6 per month, and getting rid of Yola branding costs $14 per month. However, I’d suggest using one of the additional apps on this list if you require more functionality than this one provides.
- Yola pricing: Yola pricing starts at $6.95 per month (charged annually) for paid plans, with a free plan available.
- Easy to use: An excellent editor that is quite intuitive.
- Customization options: Choose an existing template or use the AI builder, then adjust the elements with clear on-screen descriptions so you can see the changes you make right away.
- A small but adequate set of SEO tools. You will need to upgrade in order to add custom code, but you may enter the conventional meta description and title.
- The free plan is worth it. Upgrading will allow you to fully customize it and get rid of the Yola branding.
Simple websites like blogs and portfolios work well with Weebly as a substitute for Yola, but not online stores. Its lack of flexibility compared to Yola and some other problems I encountered while testing meant that it failed to make the cut. Additionally, Webador is a strong AI-powered substitute for Yola. The website builder produced a respectable first attempt once a few questions were answered and a template was chosen; it’s definitely something to think about.
Wix: The comprehensive best free website builder
Pros of Wix
- Reputable website builder with an abundance of integrations
- Simple-to-use AI developer
Cons of Wix
- Working with it can occasionally be slow.
Among the most widely used drag-and-drop website builders available, Wix is a popular product, but is the buzz justified? Wix is an excellent option if all you want is to create a simple, feature-rich website without having to worry about making a lot of choices.
In the event that you decide against using AI for setup, start by informing Wix of the kind of website you desire and any other features you require, including a chat, forms, blog, and an online store. After that, you have the option to select a template among more than 900 designs, categorized by type. All of them have a polished appearance and are simply customizable to meet your demands.
The initial load of the template is sluggish as it gathers data; the template I selected took slightly more than ten seconds to load. However, you’ll quickly realize why after you alter the template—this free website builder has a very powerful editor. You may adjust the font, add lists, add headings, and even drag & drop pieces to create the website you want. There’s no need to code or switch between tabs. Despite having used WordPress website builders for years, I found it to be extremely easy to use.
On the contrary, you can allow Wix to use AI to build your website. You answer specific inquiries to receive customized tools, photos, and content for your website using a user interface akin to ChatGPT. Although it requires more time than some other AI-powered site builders (mostly due to the increased number of queries), the finished design has a more contemporary and edgy appearance. However, you have the option to regenerate it if you’re not happy with the outcome.
You may quickly start a digital marketing plan from the Wix dashboard thanks to the many connectors that Wix offers, including email. Sincerely, I was astounded by how much you could accomplish without charge. It is possible to submit your own photographs or select complimentary pictures from Wix & Unsplash. Nevertheless, you must pay for Shutterstock, which provides some of the images that are offered.)
I am aware that creating content for your website can be really difficult at times. It’s quite great that Wix recommends text. Simply input your desired text into the AI Text Creator, and it will provide recommendations for how you can make it sound appealing.
Wix also provides comprehensive SEO tools to improve your Google ranking; these won’t take the place of hiring a professional SEO, but they will give you an excellent start. Wix even lets you handle ads and design a marketing calendar. For entrepreneurs who lack the time and energy to become proficient in a variety of platforms, that is ideal.
It’s time to put your site live after you’ve changed your copy, created pages, and made any other changes you’ve wanted. What you receive for free is a Wix logo (very usual for basic site builders) and a domain ending in “.wixsite.com,” such as kimflowers.wixsite.com. It is obviously possible to connect your own domain.
- Price of Wix: There is a free plan available; premium plans begin at $17 a month.
- Easy to use: Simple drag-and-drop editor for ease of usage. I thought it was easy to use, but newcomers could find it confusing. If that’s the case, they have a complimentary AI website builder available.
- Options for customization: Excellent; you may add customized clips, a blog, eCommerce functionality, and forms.
- Features for SEO: Many! Even with off-site resources like Google Analytics, Wix does a fantastic job of simplifying each feature’s function and guiding you through the entire process.
- Excellent value for the free plan. Wix offers the majority of functionality with its free plan, whereas some builders attempt to compel you to subscribe for each additional feature.
Best free website builder for growing companies, HubSpot CMS
Pros of HubSpot
- A detailed blueprint for getting started
- Fast and simple AI builder
Cons of HubSpot
- Need to use your own domain to replace the awful default URL
Similar to its well-known business software tool for teams in marketing, sales, and customer support, HubSpot also offers a free website builder. The detailed strategy that walks you through creating your website, complete with percentages showing where you are in the process, is fantastic.
Choose a design for your website first IF you want modules, style options, and page layouts that complement your brand. I selected the Growth Theme out of the hundreds of free & premium themes available in the marketplace.
Instead, utilize the AI builder to generate a website according to your specifications and preferred style (e.g., modern, bright, or minimalistic). It quickly produced an extremely pertinent website with a fantastic layout and text and image selection.
Next, modify the theme’s options (fonts, colors, and patterns) to suit your brand. For instance, you can design your own color scheme or alter an existing one. Then, begin developing your website by configuring the frequently visited pages (home, contact, about, and so on) and selecting a conventional footer and header arrangement. In fact, HubSpot offers a comprehensive guide on how to use drag-and-drop editing. There are 47 modules (components) to select from, including a text, header, accordion, image, and call to action.
The focus HubSpot CMS places on building a blog and its extensive SEO capabilities make it clear that it is designed with business websites in mind. Your blog’s title, URL, and description may all be created in a separate setup stage so that, even before you write individual entries, it appears correctly in search results. After that, there are other common on-page SEO options to specify, such as featured picture, language, URL (including canonical URL), title, description, and extra footer and header code snippets. In addition, HubSpot outlines the SEO issues you should be taking care of as you add material to your page. Since inbound marketing is HubSpot’s specialty, you’ll feel very secure in their capable hands. As long as you use a custom domain, make sure to point away from the hideous default URL (yourcompany.hubspotpagebuilder.com).
- HubSpot CMS pricing: $15/month (charged annually) for paid plans; a free plan is available.
- Usability: The application is user-friendly. It features guided prompts and ensures smooth operation.
- Personalization choices: To create a website that matches your brand style, choose from 47 modules (components) and a multitude of free or premium designs.
- SEO tools: As you write content for pages, receive advice for SEO. Add code snippets to the header and footer and specify a canonical URL to further customize.
- Value of the free plan: An excellent starting free plan. To utilize a custom domain featuring a more accessible and memorable URL and to get rid of the HubSpot logo, you should definitely subscribe to a premium subscription.
Advanced designers can use Webflow.
Pros of Webflow
- Many customization possibilities
- Use widgets and integrations to expand functionality.
Cons of Webflow
- No presence of an AI builder
Utilizing a drag-and-drop editor and numerous templates, a few of the free website builders in this list are incredibly user-friendly. Webflow is not that. Webflow asks you a series of questions once you register an account, including if you are an experienced CSS/HTML user and what kind of website builder you are. While it’s a nice idea, it didn’t seem to be successful in making the site easier to operate for everyone. With no prior coding skills, I attempted to register for another account and claimed to be building a website for myself and there was the identical onboarding.
You can buy a template that simplifies the process of building your website, or they provide a few free ones that are much like WordPress. In addition, they provide a walkthrough that is optional as well as email training to help you become acquainted with the system. You ought to be fine if you understand the idea of styles along with classes and are at ease with WordPress. However, it could be challenging to get started if you’re unfamiliar with website builders.
However, there’s a good explanation for that: you’ve got a ton of features and customizing choices. Add containers, alter fonts, modify the height, add buttons, center, and layer containers horizontally, plus a ton of other options are available.
Everything you require, including title tags & meta descriptions, is at your disposal if you understand what you’re doing with SEO. The primary control panel must be accessed, the page must be clicked, settings must be selected, and only then will the SEO settings be seen. For example, adding a meta description requires more navigation.
Webflow is a fantastic substitute for WordPress because it offers additional features that enhance its functionality. These include integrations & widgets that allow you to target users, reduce spam, interact with them, manage your customer database, and much more. Despite not being the most user-friendly platform, this free site builder is really robust.
- Pricing for Webflow: There is a free plan available, and paid options with yearly billing start at $14/year.
- Usability: Difficult for novices. Webflow isn’t the easiest drag-and-drop builder out there, but it does provide a walkthrough and template options. However, you should be good if you know how to use a page creator for WordPress such as Elementor.
- Customization: Many opportunities for modification exist, while the site is essentially being built from the ground up.
- SEO tools: All of the information you require is available, but it’s not immediately apparent. People who are unfamiliar with SEO could find it difficult.
- Benefits of the free plan: You can use a Webflow.io domain, fifty CMS items, one GB of bandwidth, and every functionality with the free plan.
Webnode has the best AI capabilities
Pros of Webnode
- AI creates a unique website that is suited to your demands.
- Clear, pleasant, and simple-to-use interface
Cons of Webnode
- Lacks detailed headings in the formatted text
With AI integrated right in, Webnode is an easy-to-use website builder.
The process of designing is simple. You select one of three alternatives (website, online shop, or blog), and then you choose whether to build your website using a template or with AI assistance. Both choices are excellent in equal measure.
You respond to a series of questions regarding your website, the pages you desire, and your enterprise to AI. Next, the AI builder creates three versions based on your specifications; you select one. As an alternative, you can pick from more than 150 templates, many of which have amazing designs.
You are free to edit your website using whichever method you select. Use the section’s settings to alter the backdrop (image, color, photo, etc.), the drag-and-drop editor for moving items (lines, forms, videos, etc.) for the page, or the website’s settings to modify the color scheme or button styles (rounded corners, shadows, sizes, borders, etc.). The absence of fine-grained headers (H1/H2/H3, etc.) while modifying text components is the only drawback.
As opposed to other site builders, this one has a simple, easy-to-use interface with no distracting sidebars. Simply click to make changes to anything you want to update. In addition, every page has all of the default SEO options.
- Pricing for Webnode: There is a free plan available, while paid options begin at $4.50 per month.
- Usability: A neat, user-friendly interface that is easy to use.
- Personalized choices: Modify the site’s settings or those of specific sections. Use the drag-and-drop editor to rearrange items.
- Tools for SEO: Great. Each page has its own settings, such as the URL, custom footer and header code, and meta title & description.
- Value of the free plan: An excellent free plan with more than 150 templates and AI capabilities to get you going. To utilize your own domain and get rid of the Webnode branding, you should definitely upgrade.
An excellent substitute for Webnode is Typedream. The free version restricts you to a single-page website, which is terrible as it’s the fastest and finest AI website builder I’ve tested. Try it if that functions for you. Typedream creates a quick wireframe and section outline when your website is described online. Once it meets your satisfaction, transfer it to your Typedream editor so you may make changes and publish your website. The $15/month (yearly) premium plans are the starting price if you need additional pages and SEO tools.
Best free website builder for independent business owners: Solo
Pros of Solo
- AI creates a personalized website based on your requirements.Linking up and hosting your own domain is free.
Cons of Solo
- Editing options are limited
The primary target audience for Solo is comprised of freelancers, hobbyists, and solopreneurs who wish to construct a site for free without being bogged down by many design options. Your one-page website with content and carefully chosen photos is created by Solo’s AI once you answer a few simple questions. Your findings will be better if you give additional details. As an illustration, you can:
- If you’d like Solo to use existing data, provide the URL of your website or Facebook page.
- Decide on the color scheme and font style.
- Decide the sections of the page, such as the introduction, services, reviews, banners, etc., you desire.
Solo cautions that since “AI may commit mistakes,” you should verify the content’s legitimacy.
To prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by choices and settings, Solo has purposefully limited the layout and editing options. Still, you could find it to be overly constraining. For instance, although I could alter the button label, I was unable to eliminate the calling number box from the contact form.
You can change the fonts and colors or change the theme if you’re not happy with it. Additionally, there’s a feature to adjust minor details like image edges. Only the meta title can be edited in these basic SEO settings. It is possible for you to connect your Search Console and Google Analytics accounts, nevertheless.
In contrast to other applications, connecting your own domain and obtaining a polished appearance (free of annoying advertisements) is completely free. I’m sure they will be adding additional features and design choices in future releases to make this tool for building websites more enticing, but Solo is still in its early stages and is now only available in Beta.
- Pricing for solo: Absolutely free.
- Usability: Well-designed UI that is easy to use and uncomplicated.
- Options for customization: Strictly limited to enable customers to rapidly build a website and concentrate on managing their businesses.
- Only one SEO tool—editing the meta title—is available.
- Worth of the free plan: You can link to a domain for free and take advantage of its basic features & artificial intelligence (AI) capability to get started.
Does using a free website builder make sense?
You should definitely employ a developer—or at the very least, pay for a feature-rich website builder—if you’re building a 1,000+ page online shop or creating a fully interactive application. Nonetheless, these solutions will do the trick if you’re just getting started or need to launch your company online. Furthermore, a lot of them include AI capabilities, which might make the work move more quickly and easily. It’s made me consider whether I should switch from WordPress to HubSpot CMS. Which website builder are you going to select?
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Amit2025-04-17 13:03:082025-04-17 13:03:10Best Task Management Software for Teams and Individuals
