Launching a personal blog, portfolio, or side‑hustle site shouldn’t cost a fortune—or take a crash course in HTML. These seven free website builders give you drag‑and‑drop simplicity, solid design templates, and enough features to grow before you ever reach for your wallet.
1. Wix
Why it tops the list
- 900+ modern templates, all mobile‑ready
- AI‑powered site generator (Wix ADI) gets you online in minutes
- Built‑in SEO prompts and analytics
Free‑plan limits
Wix ads on every page, storage capped at 500 MB, no custom domain.
Upgrade when you need e‑commerce or more bandwidth.
2. WordPress.com
Standout perks
- The world’s most popular CMS, simplified
- Block editor for no‑code design tweaks
- Massive plugin/theme ecosystem once you upgrade
Free‑plan limits
WordPress.com branding, 1 GB storage, no custom plugins or themes.
Best for bloggers and content‑heavy sites that may scale later.
3. Webflow
What makes it unique
- Visual designer + clean code output—perfect for creatives
- Fine‑grain control over interactions and responsive breakpoints
- CMS collections even on free tier
Free‑plan limits
1 GB bandwidth, Webflow subdomain, 2 static pages + 50 CMS items.
Use it if you want pixel‑perfect design without hand‑coding.
4. Google Sites
Why it’s underrated
- Zero learning curve—works like Google Slides
- Seamless Drive, Maps, and YouTube embeds
- Completely ad‑free, even on free plan
Drawbacks
Basic design options, no built‑in blog or ecommerce.
Perfect for internal project hubs, wikis, quick event sites.
5. Carrd
Key strengths
- Ultra‑lightweight one‑page sites (landing pages, link‑in‑bio)
- Dozens of slick, responsive templates
- Animations and forms supported on Pro (only $19/yr)
Free‑plan limits
Carrd branding, three sites max, 100 elements per site.
Choose it for minimalistic portfolios and promo pages.
6. Dorik
Why people love it
- 80+ niche templates (SaaS, agency, podcast, non‑profit)
- Built‑in blogging and form builder—even on free tier
- Connect custom domain for free
Free‑plan limits
Dorik badge in footer, 500 MB storage.
Great fit for small businesses wanting a branded domain without cost.
7. Site123
Highlights
- Wizard‑style setup—answer a few questions, get a site
- 250+ industry templates auto‑filled with starter content
- 24/7 live chat support, rare in free tools
Free‑plan limits
Site123 branding, subdomain, 250 MB storage.
Best for beginners who want fast, guided onboarding.
How to Pick the Right Builder
| Need | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Drag‑and‑drop design freedom | Wix |
| Content‑first blogging | WordPress.com |
| Custom animations & CMS | Webflow |
| Internal team site | Google Sites |
| Lean landing page | Carrd |
| Free custom domain | Dorik |
| Hand‑holding setup | Site123 |
Final Tips for a Free‑Plan Site
- Secure your domain early. Even if you stay on a subdomain for now, buy your .com so no one else snags it.
- Compress images to stay within storage and bandwidth caps.
- Add basic SEO: write descriptive page titles, meta descriptions, and alt text from day one.
- Plan your upgrade path. Track traffic, storage, and feature needs so you know when the free plan no longer fits.
Choose the builder that aligns with your immediate goals, spin up that first page today, and iterate. The sooner you launch, the faster you learn—and the closer you are to a polished, professional web presence without spending a rupee. Happy building! 🎉