Free website builders compared in 2026
Site Gratos, Wix, WordPress.com and Google Sites: publication, domains, branding and the work involved. A documentary comparison without an artificial ranking.
To choose a free website builder, first check whether publication and hosting are included, which address you receive and which limitations remain visible. Then compare the work involved and the features you need. There is no universally best builder.
Key takeaways
- A free trial is not the same as lasting free publication.
- Connecting a domain and buying it are two different costs.
- Comparing a business website with an online store without defining the need is misleading.
What the free plans allow
The table describes the starting scope. It does not score visual quality or tool speed. Conditions may vary by account, country and plan: consult official sources before committing. A domain bought from a third party does not become free when connected to a tool.
On small screens, scroll the table horizontally.
| Solution | Starting point | Personal domain | Branding or advertising |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site Gratos | Brief, first version and publication on a subdomain | Connection with Premium; domain purchase is separate | Site Gratos banner on the free plan |
| Wix | Free editor and hosting | Connection with a paid plan | Wix branding on the free plan |
| WordPress.com | Editor and hosting on the free plan | Connection with a paid plan | Advertising on free websites |
| Google Sites | Editor for pages hosted by Google | Connection is documented; you must own the domain | Presentation specific to Google Sites |
Sources : Site Gratos — Free plan and how the service works · Wix — Plans · Wix — Website hosting · WordPress.com — Plan features · WordPress.com — Ads on free websites · WordPress.com — Connecting an existing domain · Google Sites — Use a custom domain
The work left to do matters
Site Gratos prepares a proposal from your description. Wix offers creation tools and an editor. WordPress.com provides a content-editing environment, while Google Sites lets you assemble pages. This comparison describes approaches, not a measurement of how long a particular person will need.
In every case, gather your information first. The solution does not know your prices, availability or service limitations. You will need to check those details, choose relevant photos and test contact methods. An easy first screen does not replace that preparation.
Sources : Wix — Plans · WordPress.com — Plan features · Google Sites — Use a custom domain
Watch out for “free” domain offers
An address included for the first year is not necessarily free in subsequent years. Wix states that certain plans include a benefit for a new domain for one year; WordPress.com also includes a first-year domain with some annual subscriptions. Always check renewal prices and the exact conditions.
A platform-provided subdomain is another option. It avoids the initial purchase of a personal domain but carries the service’s address. If you later want to change solutions, a personal address whose account you control can make communication continuity easier. It is not, however, a guarantee of search rankings.
Sources : Wix — Plans · WordPress.com — Plan features
Choose based on a real task
To compare tools, use the same scenario: present a business, add two services, replace a photo and change a phone number. See whether you understand the editor and whether the mobile result stays tidy. Note the obstacles you encounter rather than scoring only the homepage.
On small screens, scroll the table horizontally.
| Need | Test |
|---|---|
| Receive enquiries | Send a test message and check receipt |
| Present a portfolio | Open a series of photos on mobile |
| Work independently | Edit text without breaking the layout |
| Connect a domain | Check the required plan and DNS instructions |
| Sell or take bookings | Check the feature, price and limits before creating |
What this comparison does not claim to prove
We do not infer from these characteristics that one tool will always look better, rank better or be more reliable than another. Those outcomes depend on the project, setup and content. This article contains no speed benchmark or accessibility measurements comparing the four solutions.
Do not confuse WordPress.com and WordPress.org either. The former is a hosted service; the latter is software you can install on your own hosting. Start with the independence you want, the overall budget and the truly essential features. This helps avoid choosing a solution that is too complex or too limited.
What is this article based on?
Documentary comparison checked on 13 September 2026 against the official pages linked below the tables. No comparative performance tests were carried out for this article. Site Gratos both publishes this resource and is one of the solutions compared.
Sources consulted on 13 September 2026. The plans and features of the services mentioned may change.