If you want to establish your online presence, having a website is essential. However, not all small businesses have the budget to hire a professional developer. That’s where free website builders come in. These tools make it easy to create a website without any coding knowledge or technical skills. With the advancement of AI technology, website building has become even quicker and more accessible. After extensive testing, I have compiled a list of the eight best free website builders available in 2024.
The Best Free Website Builders
- Google Sites for basic sites (without SEO)
- Yola for simple, hassle-free websites
- GetResponse for email-focused businesses
- Wix for all-around site building
- Dorik for experienced creators
- HubSpot CMS for growing businesses
- Webflow for advanced designers
- Webnode for the best AI features
What Makes a Great Free Website Builder?
There are numerous lists highlighting the best free website builders, but this one stands out. I didn’t rely solely on customer reviews or marketing materials; instead, I conducted extensive research and personally tested each website builder. I signed up, created sites using templates and AI builders, and explored various features such as SEO options, customization capabilities, and design elements.
I focused on the following criteria during my testing:
Ease of Use
Is the website builder user-friendly, or does it require extensive technical knowledge? All the website builders mentioned in this list are relatively easy to use. I have indicated which ones are beginner-friendly and which ones are better suited for experienced designers. None of these builders require coding skills, although some do provide access to the code for advanced customization.
Customization Options
Not everyone wants a cookie-cutter website. I assessed how easily each builder can be customized, including the number of templates available, drag-and-drop features, and the ability to modify styles, colors, and elements. If there was a compromise between ease of use and customization, I made sure to mention it.
SEO Tools
Building a website is only half the battle; ranking on search engines is equally important. I examined the SEO tools provided by each website builder, including the ability to adjust page titles, meta descriptions, alt tags, and upload site maps.
Value of Free Plans
Is the free plan truly free, or does the builder constantly prompt you to upgrade? I made sure to consider only genuinely free options. While some features may require an upgrade, all of these builders allow you to launch a website without any cost.
Primarily a Website Builder
While some website builders offer various additional tools, I focused solely on their website-building capabilities. These builders can function independently, even if they are part of a broader suite of marketing tools.
A quick note on domains: Most free website builders provide a free domain, usually with an unattractive URL. However, I recommend purchasing or adding a custom domain from a site like Namecheap for greater flexibility in the future.
The Best Free Website Builders at a Glance
Best Free Website Builder for Basic Sites (without SEO)
Google Sites
- Easy to use, similar to Google Docs
- Great for collaboration
Best Free Website Builder for Simple, No-Fuss Websites
Yola
- Easy to use
- Extensive and relevant block library
Best Free Website Builder for Email-Focused Businesses
GetResponse
- Integrates seamlessly with email marketing
- Plenty of templates and customization options
Best Free All-Around Website Builder
Wix
- Established site builder with numerous integrations
- Easy-to-use AI builder
Best Free Website Builder for More Experienced Creators
Dorik
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor with extensive customization options
- Impressive AI builder
Best Free Website Builder for Growing Businesses
HubSpot CMS
- Step-by-step plan to guide you through website building
- Quick and easy-to-use AI builder
Best Free WordPress Alternative for Advanced Designers
Webflow
- Tons of customization options
- Ability to extend functionality with integrations and widgets
Best Free AI Website Builder
Webnode
- AI generates custom websites tailored to your needs
- Clean and user-friendly interface
Should You Use a Free Website Builder?
If you’re just starting out or need to establish your business online, these free website builders are excellent options. While they may not be suitable for large-scale eCommerce stores or complex applications, they provide the necessary tools to get your website up and running. Many of them even incorporate AI functionality, making the process quicker and more efficient. Personally, I found both Dorik and HubSpot CMS to be compelling alternatives to WordPress. Which website builder will you choose?
Related reading:
- The Best Landing Page Builders
- The Best eCommerce Website Builders
- The Best Blog Sites
- The Best AI App Builders
This article was originally published in August 2018 by Jeff Smith and has been updated in March 2024.