As a business owner, you have plans to create a functional and professional website for your company. But, you have no idea where to start the website creation process. On top of that, the idea of creating a website gives you chills.
With website builders, you can create an eye-catching website within hours. These website builders will ensure you create something without any custom CSS or HTML coding involvement. But there’s a catch.
Not all of the site builders in the market are free. Some are paid and ask for huge upfront investment. Some can let you create a website for free but with limited features.
So, what should you do? Isn’t there any reliable free website builder? Yes – a couple of free website builders can help you create your website without any investment.
I've researched and created a list to help you choose the perfect free website builder. In this article, I will discuss 11 free website builders to help you easily create an appealing website.
Top-notch Free Website Builder
As mentioned earlier, finding the right free website builder is undoubtedly a hassle. With my research, you don’t need to worry about the time-consuming research process.
The website builders I will reveal in my list come with a free plan. Upgrading to a premium plan is completely optional. Let’s get started.
1. Yola
Yola is hands-down the best free website builder on the market. During the setup process, you can choose what type of website you want. Templates are available for business or personal websites.
The best thing about Yola is that you can swap the templates after publishing your website. You don’t need to worry about losing your content after changing the website templates.
Yola
I’ve tested the business templates, and they are undoubtedly amazing. These templates contain all the elements you need to create a business website. For example, when you choose an eCommerce template, you will see a header section, a store, an about us page, a contact us page, testimonials, and many more.
Pros
Cons
Then comes Yola’s block editor. It lets you seamlessly add, remove, and replace blocks on your page. The rich block library will let you find any block you want to add to your website.
Yola pricing structure
1. Free: $0
2. Bronze: $5.91/month
3. Silver: $14/month
4. Gold: $26/month
You can also change individual elements, such as button color. However, remember that you need to work on the parameters. For example, some blocks may get misaligned and will require a certain level of customization.
Why choose Yola free website builder?
If you're a beginner and looking for simple yet basic eCommerce functionalities, you will find Yola quite beneficial. It's user-friendliness and customer support will also capture your attention.
The color patterns and button styles should be chosen very carefully. When you change any of them, they will be reflected instantly on your website, which is undoubtedly a helpful feature.
2. GetResponse
The website builders I will mention on my list are standalone platforms. But GetResponse is more of an email marketing tactics focused tool with an exceptional website builder. Whether you need a personal or business website, GetResponse has your back.
One of the best things about GetResponse is its AI site-building feature. You can tell the website what you need, and it will build your website without any issues.
GetResponse
However, remember that GetResponse cannot scale as your business grows. This is a significant disadvantage, given that it cannot grow. But what more can you ask from a free website builder?
Pros
Cons
First, choose from hundreds of pre-designed templates. These will help you manage size, font, and images. With plenty of customization options, you can easily create a unique website.
You can also choose from various advanced options. For example, you can change the border styles, shadow styles, and overall pages.
Why choose GetResponse free website builder?
GetResponse's website builder is a strong choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive marketing platform that seamlessly integrates website creation, email marketing, and e-commerce.
While the AI functionalities are good, they are certainly not better than the Wix website builder. For example, the AI cannot implement your suggestions accurately. Moreover, you will notice occasional glitches.
3. Wix
Wix is undoubtedly one of the best free website builders on the market. It’s so effective that even the free version can help you create a fully functional and professional website.
Wix comes with more than 190 templates. They are highly customizable and super functional. As they are categorized properly, you can also find the perfect template for your business.
Wix
Now, the website creation process is also super easy with Wix. You can choose from a pre-designed template or use a blank canvas. However, creating a website from a black template will be harder.
Pros
Cons
The Wix ADI will benefit if you don’t want to handle any complicated process. This AI feature can take your input and create a personalized website within a few minutes. And trust me, the AI features are exceptional.
Wix pricing structure
1. Free: $0
2. Light: $17/month
3. Core: $29/month
4. Business: $36/month
5. Business Elite: $159/month
I’m personally a fan of Wix’s website editor. The dashboard looks simple and intuitive. You can change anything you want without any lag, from the blocks to the designs.
Why choose Wix free website builder?
One of the best things about the Wix website builder is that it provides a completely free plan. On top of that, you will get various eCommerce and SEO features, ensuring your website stays top-notch.
However, the free plan comes with various limitations. For example, your website will have Wix branding. You cannot sell anything, and Wix will show ads on your website.
4. Square Online
Square Online is one of the best free website builders in the market. Not only does it create a professional website, but it is undoubtedly the best free website builder for eCommerce businesses.
Despite some significant drawbacks, I personally recommend Square Online for creating eCommerce websites. Yes, you won’t get the best templates, but the features are excellent.
Square Online
Even the free Square Online plan comes with various features like SEO tools, eCommerce, forms, blogging, etc. Thanks to these features, you can start your eCommerce website right away.
Pros
Cons
However, you won’t get any advanced design controls with the free plan. This means that you won’t be able to sell your products and services. In such cases, you need to upgrade to a premium plan.
Square Online pricing structure
1. Free: $0
2. Plus: $29/month
3. Premium: $79/month
The free plan will also prove irritating, especially if you want to create a professional website. You will get bombarded with ads. On top of that, the custom domain name will sound bad and unprofessional.
Why choose Square Online free website builder?
Small businesses looking for a simple, affordable e-commerce solution will find Square Online helpful. And if you're already using Square for in-store payments, the website builder will prove an added advantage.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a free website builder for your eCommerce business, Square Online will help you. Choose the free plan to test its features.
5. Google Sites
Google Sites is a basic website builder with few to no SEO features and customization options. While that’s okay for beginners, it is definitely not ideal for professionals.
For starters, you will get only 18 templates, which is extremely less when you compare Google Sites with Wix. These templates are poorly designed and doesn’t follow any specific category. This means that if you want eCommerce or any specific templates, you will be disappointed.
Google Sites
Just like other website builders, Google Sites also offer customization options. But they are so limited you won’t be able to make your website too attractive. Also, you cannot place the elements anywhere you like.
Pros
Cons
However, not everything on Google Sites is mediocre. For example, you will have every feature for free despite the limitations. The colors and fonts are also eye-catching. They can change the entire atmosphere of your website.
Google Sites pricing structure
1. Free: $0
Google Sites is also easy to use. If you’ve used Google Docs before, you will face no problems using Google Sites. But, you cannot find any stock images directly from Google Sites.
Why choose Google Sites free website builder?
Google Sites is an excellent choice for those who prioritize simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and integration with Google Workspace. However, if you require advanced customization, consider other website builders.
However, remember that you won’t have any extra SEO advantage when you use Google Sites. Despite being a Google product, they are completely different.
6. Dorik
Dorik can help you create a highly functional website for a single landing page. Besides a free option, Dorik also provides premium pricing plans. Those plans will help you start a blog or a paid membership.
I have used WordPress page builder, so I can confidently say that Dorik has features that are as excellent as WordPress. While beginners can find it difficult, there’s various technical documentation.
Dorik
You can start creating a website from scratch. I suggest you try the AI builder. At the same time, it may be less effective than the other AI website builders. You can also import JSON and choose from its extensive template collection.
Pros
Cons
You can go with any description you like when you choose the AI features. If you’re unsatisfied with the design, you can customize the website further. You can also generate AI images and include them on your website.
Dorik pricing structure
1. Free: $0
2. Starter: $3/month
3. Premium: $5/month
4. Limited: $68/month
And the AI functionalities are superb. The process is quick and simple so that you can get started without any hassle. The site brief is also better than Wix in terms of layout selections.
Why choose the Dorik free website builder?
Dorik is a suitable choice for those who prioritize speed and design customization. Dorik also provides good customer support, which will prove highly beneficial in the long run.
You will get SEO settings for each web page. Those settings are customizable, ensuring you don’t face any SEO roadblocks. You can change both the basic and advanced SEO functionalities.
7. Webflow
Some of the free website builders on my list are simple and come with hundreds of templates. Some of them are also extremely easy to edit. But that’s not what Webflow does.
Once you sign up with Webflow, it will ask your designation and if you have experience handling custom HTML and CSS. This way, it will help you build a website that’s for everyone to use.
Webflow
But to be honest, the website creation process with Webflow is a pure hassle. It states that it can create different websites for different professionals, but it falls short. I created a second account and failed to find such a thing.
Pros
Cons
Webflow has a few free templates. You can also purchase a premium one, just like you do with WordPress. These premium templates will help you build your website more effectively.
Webflow pricing structure
1. Free: $0
2. Basic: $14/month
3. CMS: $23/month
4. Business: $39/month
5. Enterprise: Contact sales
They also offer optional tutorials and walkthroughs, which I find quite helpful. If you’ve used WordPress before, Webflow will pose no technical challenges. But if you’re a beginner, you may face problems understanding it.
Why choose the Webflow free website builder?
Webflow allows designers, developers, and businesses to create exceptional websites without the limitations of traditional website builders or the complexities of coding.
One thing I admire about Webflow is that it can be considered an excellent WordPress alternative. You can use widgets and integrations to boost the site's functionality. While it’s not the easiest one on my list, it definitely is a powerful and free website builder.
8. HubSpot CMS Hub
HubSpot is a popular name in the marketing and sales industry. Its free website builder is also gaining rapid traction amongst developers. I personally like its step-by-step website creation guide.
When you first want to create a website using HubSpot CMS Hub, you need to choose a template. Next, you need modules, templates, and style settings as per your needs. Their marketplace has more than 100 relevant and eye-catching templates.
HubSpot CMS Hub
If you’re not a fan of manual website creation, the AI builder will come in handy. It can create a professional website based on your design choice and description. It also implements excellent images and layouts for further ease of use.
Pros
Cons
However, don’t forget to customize the theme’s settings. You need to choose the appropriate fonts, colors, and layouts that reflect your brand. Whether you modify or add something new, this is an important step to consider.
When you start using HubSpot CMS Hub, you can tell it’s perfect for creating professional websites. Thus, it’s geared for businesses and companies alike. If you need to create a personal website, the results won’t be that lucrative.
Why choose the HubSpot CMS Hub free website builder?
HubSpot CMS Hub is an excellent choice if you're looking for all the features in one place. Besides providing a unique website builder, HubSpot CMS Hub also provides hosting and robust security measures.
Last but not least, you will get SEO tools. There are both on-page SEO and off-page SEO settings that can make your website rank higher. But, the SEO settings are slightly more complicated.
9. Webnode
Webnode simplifies the designing process. After selecting one of the three options (website, online store, or blog), you must choose how you want your website to be made.
When you choose the AI website builders, things get interesting. You respond to a few inquiries about your website, the pages you desire, and your company. After that, the AI will create three versions based on your specifications.
Webnode
But that’s not all. If you don’t want to use AI, you can design your website manually from scratch. Alternatively, you can select from over 150 templates, many of which have excellent designs.
Pros
Cons
Despite the option you choose, your website will become customizable. You can change various aspects. For example, you can add and remove new elements easily.
Webnode pricing structure
1. Free: $0
2. Limited: $4.50/month
3. Mini: $8.50/month
4. Standard: $90/month
5. ProFI: $22.90/month
I recommend you leverage the best benefits of the drag-and-drop website builder editor. If you’ve used Wix before, you will understand how effective Webnode's editing interface is. It’s simple, sleek, and full of navigational features.
Why choose the Webnode free website builder?
Webnode is designed with beginners in mind, making it easy to navigate and create a website without technical expertise. Thus, you can build a website within minutes.
However, you won’t get granular header tags. This applies to H1, H2, H3, and so on. When you edit the text, this will become a significant problem.
10. Weebly
For novices, Weebly is an excellent substitute, mainly if you are a small business attempting to build a basic website. Although having a drag-and-drop editor similar to Wix, it is not as user-friendly as other platforms.
As a result, your creative freedom could seem limited. Weebly's 3.5 out of 5 grade is a 16% drop from my previous research because of its mobile layout and sluggish server response time.
Weebly
Additionally, Weebly offers fantastic SEO tools, a free semi-professional domain, and opportunities for website growth. If you want to make an online presence, you can sell for free from your Weebly website.
Pros
Cons
Remember that Square Online now offers Weebly as part of their online shopfront goods. This is a great initiative, given the demands of a free website builder.
Weebly Pricing Plans
1. Free: $0
2. Personal: $10/month
3. Professional: $12/month
4. Performance: $26/month
Therefore, if you feel that selling products online is essential and Weebly is a good fit, I recommend you go straight to Square, create an account, and check out their free eCommerce plan.
Why choose the Weebly free website builder?
Weebly's drag-and-drop interface is very intuitive, making it a great choice for beginners and those without technical skills. You can easily add elements, move them around, and customize your website without needing to know any code.
Setting up a Square Online store is necessary to create a free online store using Weebly. However, switch to a membership plan if you want a custom domain and remove all Weebly ads.
11. Jimdo
Jimdo offers over 100 stunning templates, an excellent free package, and a site-building tool. It will come with various add-ons as well as eCommerce options.
If you’re looking for email hosting requirements, Jimdo will also help you with that. The templates are professionally designed with significant SEO emphasis. Overall, Jimdo will prove highly beneficial for your business.
Jimdo
Creating casual and professional websites on Jimdo is super easy. The platform's design system is easy to use. If you’re looking for a specific template, you can definitely find one.
Pros
Cons
Jimdo will create all the content blocks on your behalf. So, you won’t get any detailed editing options, which is a slight drawback. Nevertheless, the designs are impressive and eye-catching.
Jimdo Pricing Plans
1. Play: $0
2. Start: $9/month
3. Grow: $15/month
4. Unlimited: $39/month
Jimdo also has an eCommerce system for selling products and services. You can accept payments through PayPal or Stripe and offer free shipping for large orders.
Why choose the Jimdo free website builder?
Jimdo is a good option for individuals and small businesses looking for a straightforward, cost-effective way to build a website. The websites are known for loading quickly, improving user experience.
Jimdo will also promote your website using various tools and features. It can optimize everything, from the custom URLs to add-ons. You can also create XML sitemaps and meta tags.
Ready to use a Free Website Builder?
Choosing the right website builder is of utmost importance. It’s no longer a mere optional but a necessary thing for businesses of all sizes.
So, if you’re starting out, these free website builders will benefit you. You can experiment with the features before considering a financial commitment.
However, remember that you won’t get all the top-notch features you need with the free plans. There will be drawbacks and certain limitations. So, make sure you consider your options carefully.