You can create a website for free using platforms that handle hosting and design tools in one place
A free website builder lets you skip the separate costs of domain registration, hosting, and design software. Instead, you pick a platform — Wix, Squarespace, Google Sites, or WordPress.com — and build directly in your browser. The trade-off is that free plans come with limitations: your site address will include the platform's name (like yourname.wix.com instead of yourname.com), you'll see ads, and you won't have access to all the features paid plans offer.
The fastest route is Google Sites if you want something live in under an hour with almost no learning curve. Wix and Squarespace are better if you want more design control and don't mind spending a few hours learning their editors. WordPress.com is the choice if you think you might outgrow a simple site later and want room to expand.
Key Takeaways
- Free website builders include hosting, a domain (with the platform's name in it), and design templates all in one package, so you don't pay separate bills.
- Google Sites is the simplest option and takes the least time to learn, but offers fewer design choices than Wix or Squarespace.
- Wix and Squarespace let you create more polished-looking sites but require more time to master their editors.
- All free plans display ads or branding, and upgrading to remove them or use your own domain name costs money each month.
- WordPress.com's free plan is best if you plan to write a lot of content or think you'll need advanced features later.
Google Sites: The fastest way to get online
Google Sites is the right choice if you need a site working today and don't care about winning design awards. It's built into your Google account, so if you have Gmail, you're already set up. The editor is simple enough that you can drag text boxes and images around without any training.
Start by going to sites.google.com and clicking the plus sign to create a new site. Pick a template (or start blank), name your site, and begin adding pages. You can add text, images, videos, Google Maps, and forms without leaving the editor. The site publishes instantly — there's no waiting for changes to go live. Your free site will have a URL like sites.google.com/view/yourname, and Google will display a small "Powered by Google Sites" badge at the bottom.
The main limitation is design flexibility. You're working within Google's templates, so your site will look similar to other Google Sites. If you need a unique look or want to sell products, Google Sites won't do it. But for a resume, portfolio, small business info page, or community group site, it works well.
Wix: More design control, steeper learning curve
Wix gives you thousands of templates and a drag-and-drop editor that lets you move almost anything anywhere on the page. Your site can look much more custom than Google Sites, and Wix includes built-in tools for online stores, booking systems, and contact forms.
Go to wix.com, click "Create a Website," and choose a template that matches what you're building. The editor opens in your browser, and you can click any element to edit it. Text, images, buttons, and sections can all be repositioned. Wix also includes a free domain for the first year (something like yourname.wix.com), though after that you'll pay to keep it.
The trade-off is time. Wix's editor has more options, which means more buttons and menus to learn. Most people spend 4 to 8 hours building their first Wix site. The free plan includes ads at the bottom of your pages and limits you to 500 MB of storage — enough for text and a few dozen images, but not for a photo-heavy portfolio. Removing ads or upgrading storage requires a paid plan.
Squarespace: Polished templates with a gentler learning curve than Wix
Squarespace sits between Google Sites and Wix. Its templates look more professional than Google Sites, but the editor is less overwhelming than Wix's. It's a good choice if you want your site to look designed without spending hours learning software.
Visit squarespace.com and choose a template based on what you're building — portfolio, blog, small business, or resume. The editor uses a sidebar menu instead of floating toolbars, which many people find easier to navigate. You can edit text, swap images, and adjust colors without hunting through menus.
Squarespace's free plan includes a domain (yourname.squarespace.com), 10 GB of storage, and no ads. That's more generous than Wix. However, Squarespace's free plan doesn't include e-commerce features — you can't sell products without upgrading to a paid plan. If you're building a portfolio or blog, that's fine. If you want to sell anything, you'll need to pay.
WordPress.com: The choice if you plan to grow
WordPress.com is different from the other options because it's built on WordPress, the software that powers about 40 percent of the web. If you think you might outgrow a simple site builder later, WordPress.com gives you a path forward without starting over.
Go to wordpress.com and sign up. Choose a template and start writing. WordPress.com is especially good for blogs because it's built around publishing content. The editor is straightforward, and you can add images, videos, and links easily. Your free site will be at yourname.wordpress.com.
The free plan includes basic blogging tools, 3 GB of storage, and no ads. However, you can't install plugins (add-ons that extend what WordPress can do) or use your own domain without paying. If you stay on the free plan, you're limited to what WordPress.com offers. But if you upgrade later, you can move to self-hosted WordPress and add almost any feature you can imagine. That flexibility is why WordPress.com is popular with people who aren't sure how big their site will become.
What each platform costs if you want to remove limitations
All free plans have restrictions. Here's what you pay to remove them:
| Platform | Cost to remove ads | Cost for your own domain | Storage upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Sites | No ads on free plan | Not available on free plan | Unlimited |
| Wix | $14–$27/month | Included first year, then $5–$15/year | Included in paid plans |
| Squarespace | No ads on free plan | Included (yourname.squarespace.com) | 10 GB included; upgrade to $15/month for more |
| WordPress.com | $4/month | $5/year | $4/month for 200 GB |
If you want your own domain (like yourname.com instead of yourname.wix.com), you'll need to pay. Domain names cost $10 to $15 per year, and most platforms let you buy one directly through their dashboard. Google Sites doesn't offer its own domain on the free plan, so if you need yourname.com, you'd have to use a different platform or pay for a Google Workspace account.
How to pick the right platform for what you're building
Choose Google Sites if you need something online fast and don't care about a custom look. It's the fastest to learn and requires no design decisions.
Choose Wix if you want your site to look polished and unique, and you're willing to spend time learning the editor. Wix works well for portfolios, small business sites, and online stores.
Choose Squarespace if you want a professional look without the learning curve of Wix. It's best for portfolios, resumes, and small business sites where you don't plan to sell products.
Choose WordPress.com if you plan to write a lot of content (blog posts, articles) or think you might need advanced features later. It gives you the most room to grow without rebuilding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch platforms later if I change my mind?
Yes, but it takes work. You'll need to copy your content (text, images, pages) and rebuild it on the new platform. Some platforms offer export tools that make this easier, but you'll still need to set up your new site's structure. Starting on the right platform saves you this hassle, so think about your needs before you begin.
Will my free site look unprofessional?
Not necessarily. Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com templates look professional if you use them well. Google Sites templates are simpler and more obviously basic. The main giveaway that a site is free is the platform's name in the URL (yourname.wix.com) or a "Powered by" badge. If that matters to you, you'll need to pay for your own domain.
What if I need to sell products on my site?
Wix and WordPress.com both support online stores on their free plans, though with limitations. Squarespace requires a paid plan for e-commerce. Google Sites doesn't support selling at all. If you plan to sell anything, Wix is the best free option to start with.
How much storage do I actually need?
Most small sites use 1 to 3 GB. That's enough for a few hundred images, text pages, and videos. If you're uploading high-resolution photos or lots of video, you'll fill 500 MB (Wix's free limit) quickly. Squarespace's 10 GB and WordPress.com's 3 GB are more comfortable for most people.
Can I use my own domain name on a free plan?
Not on most platforms' free plans. Google Sites, Wix, and WordPress.com require paid plans to use your own domain. Squarespace includes a free domain (yourname.squarespace.com) on its free plan. If having yourname.com is important, Squarespace is the only free option, or you'll need to upgrade on another platform.