The best free website builder depends on whether you need a blog, simple information page or visual prototype. A provider subdomain is not automatically a custom-domain business site. Compare confirmed free publishing plans without assuming selling is included.
| Tool | Free plan or open source | Main free-plan limit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | Ongoing free site creation and publication on a Wix URL. | Wix branding, storage and bandwidth limits; custom domain and ad removal require payment. | Simple information sites and prototypes. |
| WordPress.com | An ongoing free website on a WordPress.com subdomain. | A custom domain and expanded storage need a paid plan. | Simple blogs and information sites. |
| Webflow Starter | Free publication of a small site on a Webflow.io domain. | Static-page, bandwidth and form caps; custom-domain publishing is separate. | Small design-led sites within Starter limits. |
| Weebly | A zero-monthly-cost basic-use tier is listed. | Custom-domain connection is a paid-plan feature; unspecified storage and ad entitlements are not assumed. | People testing a straightforward hosted site. |
Truly free options
1. Wix
A hosted visual website builder.
Strengths: Visual page editing without server setup.
Limitations: Wix branding, storage and bandwidth limits; custom domain and ad removal require payment.
Pricing model: Ongoing free site creation and publication on a Wix URL. Wix branding, storage and bandwidth limits; custom domain and ad removal require payment.
Best for: Simple information sites and prototypes.
What the free plan includes / main limit: Ongoing free site creation and publication on a Wix URL. Wix branding, storage and bandwidth limits; custom domain and ad removal require payment.
2. WordPress.com
A hosted website and blogging service.
Strengths: Hosted blogging without server administration.
Limitations: A custom domain and expanded storage need a paid plan.
Pricing model: An ongoing free website on a WordPress.com subdomain. A custom domain and expanded storage need a paid plan.
Best for: Simple blogs and information sites.
What the free plan includes / main limit: An ongoing free website on a WordPress.com subdomain. A custom domain and expanded storage need a paid plan.
3. Webflow Starter
A hosted visual web-design entry tier.
Strengths: Design control for a small prototype.
Limitations: Static-page, bandwidth and form caps; custom-domain publishing is separate.
Pricing model: Free publication of a small site on a Webflow.io domain. Static-page, bandwidth and form caps; custom-domain publishing is separate.
Best for: Small design-led sites within Starter limits.
What the free plan includes / main limit: Free publication of a small site on a Webflow.io domain. Static-page, bandwidth and form caps; custom-domain publishing is separate.
4. Weebly
A hosted website builder.
Strengths: An entry builder for simple pages.
Limitations: Custom-domain connection is a paid-plan feature; unspecified storage and ad entitlements are not assumed.
Pricing model: A zero-monthly-cost basic-use tier is listed. Custom-domain connection is a paid-plan feature; unspecified storage and ad entitlements are not assumed.
Paid tools with a free trial
Squarespace offers trial access rather than a permanent free website tier. Compare its ongoing subscription before treating a free editing session as free publishing.
Google Sites eligibility
Official help documents creation, publication and third-party domain connection. An explicit ongoing zero-price eligibility statement was not retrieved, so Google Sites is omitted from this verified-free ranking. Domain registration is a separate cost.
Limits of free website builders
Free sites often use provider branding and subdomains. Custom-domain policy differs by product; Google Sites documentation is an exception to a blanket paid-upgrade assumption. Pages, forms, storage and commerce can trigger upgrades. Check export and ownership before building a site you cannot move.
Choosing best free website builder
Check the plan that remains after any trial. Match required access, exports and support to how you work before importing live data.
Related reading
website builders for small business
Methodology and disclosure
This comparison uses official product documentation and pricing pages. Recommendations describe editorial fit, not hands-on testing, benchmarks or aggregated user ratings. StackReporter may receive compensation through approved affiliate links; editorial references are separate from offer CTAs. We disclose applicable relationships in line with FTC guidance. Confirm current plans, limits and terms before buying.
Official plan and product checks
wordpress.com — official source
www.weebly.com — official source
Best for: People testing a straightforward hosted site.
What the free plan includes / main limit: A zero-monthly-cost basic-use tier is listed. Custom-domain connection is a paid-plan feature; unspecified storage and ad entitlements are not assumed.
Paid tools with a free trial
Squarespace offers trial access rather than a permanent free website tier. Compare its ongoing subscription before treating a free editing session as free publishing.
Google Sites eligibility
Official help documents creation, publication and third-party domain connection. An explicit ongoing zero-price eligibility statement was not retrieved, so Google Sites is omitted from this verified-free ranking. Domain registration is a separate cost.
Limits of free website builders
Free sites often use provider branding and subdomains. Custom-domain policy differs by product; Google Sites documentation is an exception to a blanket paid-upgrade assumption. Pages, forms, storage and commerce can trigger upgrades. Check export and ownership before building a site you cannot move.
Choosing best free website builder
Check the plan that remains after any trial. Match required access, exports and support to how you work before importing live data.
Related reading
website builders for small business
Methodology and disclosure
This comparison uses official product documentation and pricing pages. Recommendations describe editorial fit, not hands-on testing, benchmarks or aggregated user ratings. StackReporter may receive compensation through approved affiliate links; editorial references are separate from offer CTAs. We disclose applicable relationships in line with FTC guidance. Confirm current plans, limits and terms before buying.
Official plan and product checks
wordpress.com — official source