Permanently free Website Builder Providers: Create a Free Website

Do you want to create your own website without spending money on hosting or web design? Then free website builders are perfect for you! They promise easy operation and stylish designs – all without any prior knowledge. But which providers are really good? We show you the best builder systems for creating a free website.

What is a Website Builder?

A website builder is an online tool that allows you to create websites without programming knowledge. Instead of working with HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, you build your website using drag-and-drop or by selecting pre-designed templates. This makes builder systems especially suitable for beginners, small businesses, associations, or personal projects that need their own online presence quickly and easily.

A website builder is based on a modular structure:

• Templates & Designs: Users can choose from a variety of templates, often customizable to suit their needs.
• Drag-and-Drop Editor: Content such as text, images, or videos can be easily placed on the page using a mouse.
• Integrated Features: Depending on the provider, additional features like contact forms, blogs, or online stores may be available.
• Hosting Included: The created website is usually hosted directly by the provider, eliminating the need for separate server infrastructure.
• Automatic Updates: Providers take care of technical maintenance and security updates.

This user-friendly interface makes website builders particularly appealing to users with no experience in web design or development.

Similar to free web hosting, there are both free and paid versions of website builders available:

Free website builders generally offer the same core functionality but differ in key aspects. While free versions usually only allow use of a subdomain of the provider (e.g., yourname.websitebuilder.com), paid plans enable the use of a custom domain (yourname.com). Additionally, free plans often include provider's advertisements, whereas paid versions are ad-free.

There are also variations in storage space and bandwidth: Free plans often provide limited resources, whereas paid options offer more performance and storage space. Design and customization options are typically restricted in the free version, while users in the paid version have more control over layout and branding. Moreover, paying users often have access to direct customer support via chat or phone, whereas free users usually rely on community forums and FAQs.

Therefore, those in need of a professional website with more design flexibility, better features, and a custom domain may quickly reach limitations with a permanently free website builder.

The Best Free Website Builder Providers

Here is a list of the best providers of free website builders for you:

* Links marked with an asterisk are affiliate links. If you click on the link and register/purchase, we receive a commission. The price remains the same for you.

Wix

Wix offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that allows even beginners to create professional websites. With hundreds of templates and versatile customization options, users can personalize their sites. The platform also allows the integration of numerous apps and extensions to enhance website functionality. Thanks to flexible e-commerce and marketing tools, Wix is suitable for a variety of projects. Overall, Wix is a powerful solution for those looking to create visually appealing and functional websites.

• Specialties: Best all-around builder with extensive design options and numerous extensions
• Target audience: Creative entrepreneurs, small businesses, and freelancers

Jimdo

Jimdo stands out for its ease of use and quick website setup thanks to an intelligent assistant. Users can create a custom, responsive website in a few steps that is optimally displayed on all devices. The platform also offers integrated e-commerce features to facilitate entry into online retail. Appealing websites can be created without any technical knowledge. Jimdo is an ideal choice for those looking to go online easily and efficiently.

• Specialties: Best beginner builder with intuitive operation featuring an AI-powered website assistant
• Target audience: Beginners, small business owners, and self-employed individuals

Weebly

Weebly impresses with its intuitive drag-and-drop function, allowing users to create websites without programming knowledge. The platform offers a wide selection of modern templates and integrates useful tools for customizing the website. Particularly noteworthy is the easy integration of e-commerce features, making it easier for beginners to start online selling. The responsive designs ensure that the created pages look good on all devices. Weebly is an ideal solution for those looking to easily establish a professional online presence.

• Special Features: Easy shop builder thanks to user-friendly interface and integrated shop function
• Target Audience: Small businesses, startups, and hobby shop owners

Squarespace

Squarespace is known for its modern and aesthetic design, making it particularly suitable for visually demanding projects. The platform offers high-quality templates and extensive customization options, allowing users to showcase their brand identity optimally. Integrated marketing tools and e-commerce features make it easier to build a strong online presence. The intuitive user interface also enables less technically savvy users to handle it easily. Overall, Squarespace is the ideal choice for those who value design and quality. Important: Squarespace now only offers the free tier for a duration of 14 days.

• Special Features: High-quality, modern designs and integrated marketing tools
• Target Audience: Creative professionals, designers, and small to medium-sized businesses

Strikingly

Strikingly specializes in creating one-page websites that stand out for their clear structure and simplicity. The platform allows users to quickly build an attractive and mobile-optimized online presence. Modern templates and easy customization options make website creation a breeze. Additionally, e-commerce and blogging features can be easily integrated. Strikingly is ideal for those seeking a minimalist yet professional website.

• Special Features: Focus on one-page websites and mobile-optimized templates
• Target Audience: Freelancers, sole traders, and creative professionals

SITE123

SITE123 stands out for its uncomplicated setup process and user-friendly interface. With just a few clicks, you can create a functional website that looks great on all devices. The platform offers a selection of modern templates that can be easily customized to individual needs. It also includes e-commerce options and multilingual support, making it easier for international use. SITE123 is particularly suitable for users who want to get online quickly and without much effort.

• Special features: Quick setup and intuitive operation
• Target audience: Beginners, small businesses, and international users

Webnode

Webnode enables the rapid creation of websites with a simple and user-friendly interface. The platform offers numerous customizable templates that ensure optimal display on all devices. With built-in features for blogs and online stores, even less tech-savvy users can create professional websites. The platform's multilingual support also facilitates an international orientation. Webnode is a solid choice for those looking to easily establish an effective online presence.

• Special features: Multilingual support and fast website creation
• Target audience: Small businesses, startups, and internationally operating users

Webador

Webador is an uncomplicated website builder that impresses with its easy operation. The platform offers basic yet attractive design templates that allow for the quick creation of a functional website. Focusing on a swift entry into website building, Webador avoids unnecessary complexity while still providing essential features like e-commerce and blogging. The intuitive structure also makes it easier for less technically savvy users to design their own websites. Therefore, Webador is ideal for those seeking a simple and affordable online presence.

• Special Features: Easy to use and affordable entry
• Target Audience: Beginners, small projects, and cost-conscious users

Criteria for Choosing a Website Builder

When choosing a website builder, various factors come into play depending on whether you want to create a personal website, a blog, or a business presence. While free providers offer a solid foundation, there are significant differences in features and flexibility. The following criteria will help you find the right solution.

Usability (Drag-and-Drop, Templates, Customization Options)

A good website builder is characterized by intuitive usability. Most providers rely on a drag-and-drop system, where elements like text, images, or videos can be easily moved to the desired location with a mouse. This makes design easier even for beginners without technical knowledge. Templates also play an important role: High-quality templates allow for quick creation of a professional website. Customization options are crucial if you want to personalize your design. Some builders only allow limited changes to pre-designed templates, while others enable detailed customization of colors, fonts, and layouts.

Design Templates and Customizations

The design of a website determines the first impression visitors get. Free builders often offer only a limited selection of templates, while paid versions offer a greater variety with more customization options. Responsive design is a must nowadays: The website should look good on PCs, tablets, and smartphones alike. Individual customizations such as changing color schemes or adding custom fonts may not be possible in all builders – it's worth checking the available options.

Storage Space and Bandwidth

The technical performance of a website builder largely depends on the available storage space and bandwidth. Free providers often limit storage space (e.g. to 500 MB to 1 GB), which is usually sufficient for simple websites but may quickly become inadequate for large image or video files. Bandwidth determines how many visitors can access the website simultaneously without experiencing loading issues. Free versions often have restrictions that can lead to slow loading times with high visitor numbers.

Advertising and Branding (e.g. provider's own advertising)

Many permanently free website builder providers finance themselves through advertising displayed on the created websites. This can manifest as banner ads, provider logos, or even pop-ups that affect the website's appearance. Those who want to operate a professional website without disruptive third-party ads often need to switch to a paid version.

Domain and Subdomain Options

The choice of the right domain has a significant impact on how a website is perceived. Free website builders usually only offer a provider's subdomain, e.g. yourname.wixsite.com. This is often sufficient for private projects or small hobby sites but appears less professional. For businesses or larger projects, having your own domain (e.g. yourname.co.uk) is essential. This is often only included in paid plans or needs to be purchased separately.

Additional Features (SEO, Blog, E-Commerce)

Various additional features are important depending on the purpose:

• SEO Optimization: Good website builders offer basic SEO functions such as adjusting meta tags, URLs, and loading times. Advanced search engine optimization tools are usually only available in paid plans.
• Blog Functionality: Those who want to publish content regularly need a blogging function with categorization, comments, and social media integration.
• E-Commerce Integration: Some website builders allow for setting up an online shop, but sales functions are typically only unlocked in paid versions.

Support and Community

Technical issues or questions can arise in any website project. In this case, the quality of support is crucial: Free providers usually rely on community support or a knowledge base with FAQ articles. Paid versions often offer direct support via email, live chat, or phone – an important criterion for business sites where downtime or issues need to be quickly resolved.

Those looking to create a simple website for themselves, a portfolio, a small photo gallery, or a blog can easily use free website builders. Likewise, clubs and similar groups needing an easy-to-manage website with event announcements, member information, and contact options can benefit from free website builders. However, business websites should appear as professional as possible, have their own domain, and not contain provider advertising. Most free website builders are unsuitable here as they often have ads and offer limited features. If you still want to start with a free website builder, make sure there is a way to expand it later on.

For simple, personal, or hobby websites, free homepage builders are a good solution. However, those needing a professional website for business purposes or e-commerce should opt for paid offerings or a self-hosted solution.

Find suitable offers for professional web hosting with a website builder here: