Wix continues to lead the pack with its ultra-flexible, drag-and-drop builder and stunning template library. Whether you're showcasing photography, promoting a brand, or running a personal blog, Wix's free plan makes it easy to get started. AI-powered tools can generate a custom site layout in minutes, and users can tweak every detail without touching a line of code. The platform also includes free hosting, built-in SEO, and a mobile editor. You'll have a Wix-branded domain, but for most users, it's a small tradeoff for such design freedom.

IONOS is gaining traction in the U.S. thanks to its intuitive site builder and sleek templates geared toward small businesses. The free version comes with all the essentials: responsive design, basic analytics, and a clear step-by-step setup that's beginner-friendly. Unlike flashier builders, IONOS focuses on functionality and reliability. If you're looking for a professional, business-first site with solid performance and customer support — without the fluff — IONOS delivers.

GoDaddy's free website builder is designed for speed and simplicity. Its ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) can create a ready-to-publish website in under an hour, perfect for users who want a quick, no-fuss solution. The platform offers built-in email marketing, social media tools, and a mobile-optimized design, all under the GoDaddy brand. While customization options are more limited than competitors, the ease of use makes it a favorite for side hustlers and solopreneurs just getting started.

While Squarespace is best known for its premium designs, it also offers a generous free trial and limited-access plans through student and promo programs. If aesthetics are a top priority, no platform delivers visual polish quite like Squarespace. The builder includes gorgeous templates, e-commerce features, blogging tools, and award-winning support. Even during the trial period, you get full access to its professional toolkit. For creatives who want to test before investing, this is the ideal launchpad.

True to its name, SITE123 offers a streamlined, step-by-step site-building process that's ideal for first-timers. The free plan includes hosting, templates, and basic SEO tools, and it's particularly well-suited for personal projects, small portfolios, and simple landing pages. While customization is limited compared to drag-and-drop giants like Wix, SITE123 excels in ease of use. You can have a functioning website in under 20 minutes — seriously.

A lesser-known but solid option, Network Solutions offers a straightforward, no-frills builder that appeals to small businesses and professional services. Their free tier includes templates, mobile optimization, and standard editing tools, with a focus on creating clean, functional websites. It's not the flashiest platform, but it's reliable and backed by one of the oldest names in the domain space. If you value stability and simplicity over trendy features, it's worth checking out.

Jimdo blends simplicity with smart design by using AI to help you build a personalized website in just minutes. The free plan includes HTTPS security, mobile-ready templates, and a .jimdosite.com domain. It's great for freelancers, artists, and small businesses who want to get online quickly and maintain full control without tech headaches. Jimdo also includes built-in legal pages (great for European compliance), making it a unique option for international users.