The Best Free Website Builders: A Comprehensive Guide
The results are in from the webaidr.online team. After building on various website builders, trial and error, and countless hours of testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best free website builders to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into our findings and explore the pros and cons of each option.
Wix
We like Wix because it’s one of the most feature-rich website builders, especially when using their paid plans. However, the downsides of the free plan make it less appealing:
- URL Length: The free subdomain is quite long, which can look unprofessional.
- Custom Domain: You can’t connect a custom domain to a free Wix website.
- Ads: There’s a scrolling ad at the top of your free Wix website, which can be distracting.
- Storage and Bandwidth: Limited to 500 MB of storage and 1 GB of bandwidth per month.
Webflow
Webflow is another powerful website builder that we appreciate for its design flexibility and robust CMS system. However, it’s not the easiest to use, especially for beginners. The free plan has several restrictions:
- Page Limit: Only two static pages are allowed.
- Bandwidth: Limited to 1 GB per month.
- Form Submissions: Only 50 form submissions are allowed over the lifetime of your website.
Google Sites
Google Sites is a solid option for building a free website. It offers some unique features that we find useful:
- Custom Domain: You can connect a custom domain, which is a big plus.
- Ease of Use: It’s easy to edit and move around elements, making it user-friendly.
- No Ads: Since Google Sites only offers free websites, there are no ads.
However, there are some downsides:
- URL Length: The free subdomain is long if you don’t connect a custom domain.
- No Blog or E-commerce: Lacks blogging and e-commerce functionality.
- Limited Templates: Only a handful of template options are available.
Canva
Canva is great for creating one-page websites. It’s user-friendly and offers:
- Storage: Up to 5 GB with no bandwidth limits.
- Ease of Use: Similar to creating a PowerPoint presentation, making it very intuitive.
However, it’s not suitable for businesses that want to sell online, as it lacks e-commerce functionality.
Carrd
Carrd is designed for creating one-page websites. It’s easy to use and offers:
- Affordable Paid Plan: The paid plan is only $19 per year, which is very budget-friendly.
- Payment Widgets: Embed payment widgets and forms with the paid plan.
Systeme.io
Systeme.io is a versatile tool that combines landing pages, sales pages, online courses, communities, and email marketing. It’s one of the most advanced free options:
- Custom Domain: You can connect a custom domain.
- Multiple Pages: Create a multi-page website using blog templates.
- Growth Potential: Ideal for building a large, profitable online business.
However, as you grow, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan for additional features.
Best Paid Alternatives
While free website builders offer a range of features, paid alternatives often provide more advanced options and better support. Our two favorite builders are Clicksites and Dashnex, depending on the objective of the build. Here’s why:
Clicksites
Why We Like It: Clicksites provides a more professional look with custom domains, no ads, and advanced e-commerce features, making it ideal for businesses looking to scale.
- E-commerce Functionality: Advanced e-commerce tools for selling products online.
- SEO Tools: Built-in SEO tools to help your website rank higher in search engines.
- Customer Support: Excellent customer support to assist with any issues.
Downsides:
- Cost: More expensive than some other options.
- Learning Curve: May have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
Dashnex
Why We Like It: Dashnex is perfect for businesses that need a combination of design flexibility, marketing tools, and detailed analytics to grow their online presence.
- Design Flexibility: Offers a high degree of design flexibility and customization.
- Marketing Tools: Includes marketing tools like email campaigns and social media integration.
- Analytics: Provides detailed analytics to track your website’s performance.
Downsides:
- Price: Can be pricey for those on a tight budget.
- Complexity: Might be too complex for those looking for a simple solution.
Additional Recommendations
Web Hosting
If you are looking for web hosting, we recommend Hostinger because it offers reliable and affordable hosting plans with excellent customer support and a user-friendly interface.
Domain Name
If you need a domain name, we recommend Namecheap because it provides competitive pricing, free WHOIS privacy protection, and excellent customer service.
Conclusion
Choosing the right website builder depends on your specific needs and budget. Free options like Wix, Webflow, Google Sites, Canva, Carrd, and Systeme.io offer a range of features suitable for different purposes. However, if you’re looking for more advanced features and better support, paid alternatives like Clicksites and Dashnex are worth considering.