Home » Articles

Top 10 Free Website Builders: A Comprehensive Review

By Usman Last updated : April 24, 2024

In today's digital age, having an online presence is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. Whether you're showcasing a portfolio, launching a business, or running a blog, a website acts as your virtual storefront. For many, starting with a free website builder is an attractive option due to budget constraints. These platforms offer a variety of tools to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing website without initial financial commitment.

However, while the best free website builders provide a good starting point, they come with limitations. This comprehensive review will guide you through the top 10 free website builders, starting with the highly recommended Elementor, and help you understand when it might be worth opting for a paid plan instead.

Top 10 Free Website Builders in 2024

1. Elementor

Elementor tops our list as one of the most versatile and user-friendly free website builders available today. Originally launched as a WordPress plugin, it has revolutionized the way users design and build websites. The core of Elementor's appeal lies in its live drag-and-drop editor, which allows you to see your changes in real-time. With a wide array of widgets and style options, you can create complex layouts that are responsive and mobile-friendly.

Elementor's template library is extensive, offering designs for every type of website, from e-commerce stores to personal blogs. While the free version offers plenty of features, it's the ease of upgrading to pro versions for additional functionalities—like more professional widgets and e-commerce capabilities—that makes Elementor particularly appealing for those who may later decide to expand their website's capabilities.

2. Wix

Wix is renowned for its simplicity and breadth of features. It provides a highly intuitive platform with a feature known as Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence), which can automatically create a website for you based on a few simple questions about your needs. For those who prefer more control, there's also a standard editor that lets you choose from over 500 templates and customize them as you see fit.

Wix's robust design capabilities include video backgrounds, animation, and a rich app market that extends the functionality of your website. While free users can enjoy a wide range of features, they must also contend with Wix ads on their sites and limitations in terms of functionality and storage.

3. Weebly

Weebly stands out for its clear, intuitive website building tools. This platform is particularly friendly for those who are new to website creation, offering a drag-and-drop editor that simplifies the design process. Weebly also includes features tailored for online stores, such as integrated shopping carts and secure checkout, making it a good option for small e-commerce businesses.

Additionally, Weebly's free plan provides basic SEO tools to help your site rank better in search engine results. While the platform is easy to use, those using the free version face limitations on site customization and must display Weebly ads.

4. WordPress.com

Distinguished from its more robust counterpart WordPress.org, WordPress.com offers a hosted solution that is simpler to manage but less customizable. It is particularly popular among bloggers and small content creators due to its strong focus on content management and available features like social bookmarking, analytics, and extensive SEO options.

WordPress.com offers a range of themes that can be customized to a certain extent. However, to remove ads and get access to custom plugins and themes, users need to upgrade to a paid plan. This makes WordPress.com a great starting point for those looking to potentially expand their web capabilities in the future.

5. Squarespace

Squarespace is known for its stunning design templates which appeal especially to artists, photographers, and designers. Each template is responsive and features rich image layouts, ensuring that your website looks professional on any device. Squarespace also offers comprehensive styling options, allowing you to fine-tune every aspect of your site's design with a few clicks.

While Squarespace does not offer a free tier, its trial period allows users to build a full website before committing to a plan. This setup is ideal for users who are serious about maintaining a professional online presence and are likely to upgrade.

6. SITE123

SITE123 is designed for simplicity and speed, allowing users to set up a website in just a few steps. Unlike more complex builders, SITE123's editor is straightforward, making it ideal for beginners who want a no-frills approach to website design. It supports multiple languages, which is a significant advantage for reaching a global audience.

The free version of SITE123 offers 500MB of storage and 1GB of bandwidth, which is sufficient for small personal projects. However, users must keep the SITE123 branding on their sites unless they opt for a premium plan.

7. Strikingly

Strikingly focuses on creating one-page websites, which are perfect for portfolios, event promotions, and single-product stores. The editor is extremely user-friendly, with sections that can be easily added and reordered as needed. Strikingly's templates are modern and fully responsive, ensuring a great user experience on all devices.

Free users can enjoy building unlimited free sites with Strikingly, but these come with 5GB monthly bandwidth and must display Strikingly's branding. For additional features like a custom domain or e-commerce functionalities, upgrading to a premium plan is necessary.

8. Jimdo

Jimdo uses AI to streamline the website creation process, making it faster and easier for users to get online. After answering a few questions about your website's purpose, Jimdo's Dolphin AI system can generate a complete website in minutes. This feature is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs who need to establish an online presence quickly.

The free plan offers all the essential features needed to start a small online store, including HTTPS security. However, it includes Jimdo advertising and provides only 500MB of storage, which may require users to upgrade as their site grows.

9. Webnode

Webnode is an excellent option for those needing to create multilingual websites. Its editor supports website creation in multiple languages without the need for third-party plugins, making it a standout choice for international businesses. The interface is straightforward, and the setup process is quick and easy.

The free plan offers 1GB of bandwidth and small storage space, which is ideal for smaller websites. As with other free builders, Webnode places branding on free sites, and users must upgrade to remove ads and increase their resource limits.

10. Zyro

Zyro is a newer entrant in the website builder market but has quickly established itself due to its integration of AI tools. These tools help with everything from content creation to image editing, making it easier for users to build a professional-looking site. Zyro's templates are modern and responsive, with a focus on conversion optimization.

While Zyro offers competitive pricing for its paid plans, its free version includes basic features that are suitable for individuals just starting out. However, like many other free builders, it requires users to display Zyro branding.

Conclusion

Choosing the right website builder depends largely on your individual needs and the level of complexity required for your site. While the free website builders reviewed here provide valuable services without upfront costs, they commonly include limitations such as mandatory ads, less customization options, and lower bandwidth and storage capacities. For those looking to create a more robust and professional online presence, considering affordable premium plans is advisable. These plans often offer a broader range of design options, increased storage and bandwidth, and better customer support, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their online engagement.

FAQ's

What is a website builder?

A website builder is a web-based tool that allows you to create and publish a website online, without needing to know how to code or design.

What are the benefits of using a free website builder?

Free website builders offer a cost-effective way to create a website, with many features and tools included, such as templates, drag-and-drop editors, and mobile-responsive designs.

Can I customize my website with a free website builder?

Yes, most free website builders offer some level of customization, such as choosing templates, colors, and fonts, and adding your own content and images.

Are free website builders easy to use?

Yes, free website builders are designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, even for those with no prior website-building experience.

Can I use a free website builder for e-commerce?

Yes, many free website builders offer e-commerce features, such as online stores, payment processing, and shipping integration.

Will my website be secure with a free website builder?

Yes, most free website builders offer built-in security features, such as SSL certificates and backups, to keep your website and data safe.

Can I connect a custom domain to a free website builder?

Yes, many free website builders allow you to connect a custom domain to your website, giving you a more professional and branded online presence.