What platform offers the best free website builder custom domain? Do you want to skip the read and get right to my top pick? The best free website builder with custom domain name for most people is Webflow.
Introduction to our guide for free website builder with custom domain name.
Welcome to our guide on free website builder custom domain name!
Free website builders give those who are just starting out in their site creation journey or those who want a functional site but can’t afford to pay for premium packages a great way to build simple sites to draw in readers or site visitors. But the problem is that free builders don’t give users their own domain to set them apart from the competition.
Today’s review will help potential site creators sort this out. Today, we’ll discuss the best free website builder with custom domain name options. This means you can use the website builder free of charge and let you connect to a domain of your choice.
We’ll see what features they offer users who want to make their mark on the Internet in their own way.
Our List of the Top 5 Best Free Website Builders with Custom Domain Names:
Here is our selection for free website builder with own domain name platforms:
- Webflow – Small ads (My Top Pick!)
- Square Online – Small Ads
- Carrd – Ad Free!
- Jimdo – Small ads but with a 5-page limit
- WordPress.com – Small ads
- GoogleSites – the only 100% free website builder BUT very basic
Quick Comparison Table for the Best Free Website Builders with Custom Domain Names
| Rank | Platform | Free Plan Limitations | Domain Connection | Ad-free | My View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Webflow (My Choice!) | Limited storage/features, 2 static pages, 50 total items | Only on paid plans | No | Best for designers/developers needing higher control over design. Allows for visual coding. Might be complicated for beginners. |
| 2 | Square Online | Limited features, includes Square ads | Only on paid plans | No, small Square ads | Best for small online store owners, especially those using Square POS system. |
| 3 | Carrd | Limited features, includes Carrd branding | Only on Pro plan | Yes | Ideal for simple, responsive, one-page sites. Perfect for portfolios, landing pages, or personal profiles. |
| 4 | Jimdo | Limited storage/features, includes Jimdo subdomain | Only on paid plans | No, small Jimdo ads | User-friendly with AI-based web design. Best for personal websites or small businesses needing simplicity. |
| 5 | WordPress.com | Limited storage/features, includes WordPress.com subdomain | Only on paid plans | No, small WordPress.com ads | Excellent for content management and scalability. Ideal for bloggers and small businesses. Steeper learning curve. |
| 6 | Google Sites | Limited design options, less dynamic site functionalities | Yes | Yes | Straightforward and easy to use. Best for simple websites or intranet portals. Ideal for Google-centric users. |
How We Chose the Best Free Website Builder and Domain Name:
Our review of the best free website builder custom domain name is based on how each of these creation platforms performed in terms of the following aspects:
- Features and functionality;
- Aesthetic flexibility;
- Performance and resilience; and
- How much value does a free edition offer users?
Our Best Free Website Builder with Custom Domain Names in Detail:
1. Webflow – My Choice for the Best Free Website Builder with Custom Domain Name!!
Overview:
In terms of ease of use, there is truly nothing like Webflow. This platform is the kind of site builder that those who are used to working with MS Word or Google Docs can easily get a hang of.
The block-driven site creation process is great for those who just need to create a simple website. Plus, the fact that it has a free edition means that it is perfect for those on a tight budget but doesn’t scrimp at all when it comes to both features and functionality.
Features:
- Over 100 design templates;
- Block-driven site builder;
- Extensive range of third-party applications;
- Social media integration; and
- Linking with messaging apps like Zoom;
Pros:
- A great choice for those who want to build a custom site but have no coding knowledge;
- Extensive range of design templates;
- Built-in capabilities for ecommerce and content management
Cons:
- Steep learning curve;
- Limited functionality in the free edition;
- Does not offer live technical support
Pricing:
Paid subscription with more features costs:
If you're considering Webflow, do read their service terms page.
2. Square Online
Overview:
Given how this platform was developed by a company best known for online payment systems, Square Online is the one we recommend for those who want to create an online store but have more chutzpah than cash. This particular free-to-use builder is great for creating well-functioning and engaging websites for a broad spectrum of purposes. As such it's one of the best free website builder and domain for small business.
Features:
- Business-specific site builder;
- Integration with payment systems and order management tools under the Square Online umbrella, including:
- SquareUp for gift cards;
- Order management;
- Payment gateways; and
- Delivery management solutions
Pros:
- Easy to use builder dashboard;
- Marketing features are already built in;
- Extensive range of features even for the free edition
Cons:
- Steep learning curve;
- Online entrepreneurs need to be aware of transaction fees when connecting to non-Square payment gateways;
- Limited options for site customisation
Pricing:
You can use Square Online for free but if you decide to upgrade to a premium plan – you can choose three.
Interested to create your own website for free UK via Square Online? Read their terms of use page to understand more about it.
>> Try Square Online for free <<
3. Carrd
Overview:
This incredibly basic site creation platform enables users to create simple, free, fully-responsive one-page sites for pretty much everything. Indeed, Carrd’s free website builder and domain name excellent for creating single-page websites to serve as one's online portfolio.
With Carrd, site building is point-and-click, the layouts are all pre-formatted, and users may choose pages specific to their requirements.
Features:
- Users can create three pages under the free plan;
- Online page builder;
- Online stock image gallery;
- 100 element allowance per page;
- Social media widgets; and
- 56 free themes and templates
Pros:
- One of the easiest free website builders to use;
- Users can create up to three single-page websites;
- All sites created with the platform are optimised for mobile devices
Cons:
- This free website builder and domain name does not have provisions for blogging or ecommerce;
- Limited range of page elements available;
- Limited site creation capabilities
Pricing:
For those who would like to create a website for free UK and get more functionalities, here are pricing packages:
If you're interested in learning more about Carrd create your own website for free UK, read their service terms page.
4. Jimdo
Overview:
If you’re looking for a free website builder with its own domain that’s specifically for writers and bloggers, we suggest that you put Jimdo at the top of your list of platforms for consideration. One of the easiest to use in terms of learning curve and functionality, it specifically excels where blogging is concerned – and it’s definitely free to use.
Jimdo does come with a caveat, however. While you can create a stylish and engaging site with it, this platform has specific limits in terms of bandwidth and storage.
Features:
- Jimdo Dolphin, an AI-driven site builder similar in principle to WIX ADI;
- Jimdo creative gallery for static images and multimedia files;
- Extensive SEO toolkit; and
- Well-curated knowledge base for technical support
Pros:
- One of the easiest free website builder custom domain options to learn and use;
- AI-driven builder allows users to spend less time building their site and more time creating content;
- Generous amount of storage and bandwidth even for the free plan;
- Optimised for viewing on mobile
Cons:
- Limited number of customisation options compared to most of its competitors;
- Limited SEO capability;
- Better suited for EU and Asian users rather than those in North America;
- Sketchy technical support
Pricing:
While Jimdo does have a free plan you can use in perpetuity, paid subscriptions will set you back at the following prices:
If you're interested in getting Jimdo as your simple free website builder custom domain, make sure to read their service terms page.
5. WordPress.com
Overview:
WordPress is where many of us got our start when it came to either blogging or creating websites.
One of the easiest platforms to use, it offers users the ability to create a fully functional site with a strong aesthetic and ample functionality using a user interface that is as easy to use as one’s standard word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
The fact that you can get a free website builder custom domain personalised has always been a plus for WordPress. Moreover, the addition of the WooCommerce ecommerce plugin has changed the game for blogging, enabling users to properly monetise their sites.
Features:
- CMS site creator/editor;
- Integrated news and blogging function;
- Post scheduling feature;
- Responsive web design to be expected from this free website builder domain and hosting;
- Shared hosting;
- Extensive selection of functional plugins; and
- Numerous aesthetic / design options
Pros:
- Secure hosting already integrated into your account;
- Sites created with the platform are already SEO- and mobile-ready;
- The easiest CMS-driven free website builder with own domain name to use.
Cons:
- Customisation can prove to be an expensive endeavour as you need to pay for the best templates and plugins;
- High vulnerability when it comes to hacking and DDoS attacks;
- Can be a bit too basic for more advanced users
Pricing:
You can use WordPress to create your own website for free UK. However, if you want to unlock it to its full capacity, you will need some budget. This highly depends on which tools, plugins, and other resources you intend to use.
If you have the resources, monthly rates range:
Interested in using WordPress to create a free website builder custom domain? Be sure to check out their service terms page before you subscribe.
6. GoogleSites
Overview:
Need a fully functional free website builder custom domain but don't have the chops or the time to build one from the ground up? Google's own proprietary site creation platform lets you do so and have your own custom domain. It also helps that you won't find your site cluttered with advertisements or inconvenient pop-ups, allowing your visitors to browse your site easily.
Aesthetically, however, GoogleSites has a drawback as a free website builder with own domain. It comes off as incredibly basic and meh compared to the design selections offered by other free platforms. But if you're in the market for a good, strong, and functional blog or your own wiki-page, this platform works like a charm.
Features:
- Nine templates to choose from from this free website builder with own domain;
- Built-in integration with Google Workspace / Office Suite;
- Direct image or media search from Google Images and YouTube;
- Unlimited bandwidth and storage;
- Up to five custom URLs;
- Real-time collaboration; and
- Customised announcement banners for events and/or promotions
Pros:
- Very easy to use free website builder custom domain;
- Seamless integration with Google Tool Suite;
- Handy image and media search
- Free website builder free domain.
Cons:
- Limited functionality to be expected from this free website builder with own domain;
- It can only be used by those with an active Google/Gmail account;
- Does not offer live technical support
Pricing:
It's an easy free website builder with own domain to use for any Google user. Unfortunately, no premium plans are offered, so you're offered a very limited selection of templates and features.
If you're interested in this platform that offers free website builder custom domain, read their service terms before giving it a go.
>> Try Google Sites for free <<
Conclusion and Recommendation for the best free website builder with custom domain.
Finding a free website builder custom domain is not a “needle in a haystack” situation as there are site building platforms like the ones we have presented in today’s review.
To conclude, we find that Webflow is the best free website builder and custom domain platform. It offers all the functionality of a good storefront builder with a lot less stress.
Nevertheless, this free website builder custom domain review was meant to help readers make informed decisions when it comes to choosing a best free website builder with custom domain name. In which case, we recommend looking over the specs of different builders to see which one would work best for their specific needs. Also, we highly recommend that you give these featured free website builder custom domain options a try!
FAQ:
How do you get a custom domain for free?
A domain name will usually cost you, but there are websites that will give you a domain for free. If you're buying a domain name, prices will depend on your location and the extension you want to buy.
I just started a business and want to take it online; which free website builder and domain name would be the best help for me?
For startups, getting Webflow would be the best bet. Not only is it free to use and easy to manage, but it is also scalable, allowing you to build up your business over time.
That's all for now:
If you've read all the way through this best free website builder custom domain, we are thankful. We hope you can now answer the question of what is the best free website builder and domain name you can use! We have a large collection of articles, guides, and comparison reviews of eCommerce solutions, web hosting providers, website builders, and more! Feel free to check them out;
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