Is Wix Free? Everything You Need to Know 

Key highlights

• Know what Wix’s free plan includes with features like a drag-and-drop builder, professional templates, secure hosting and mobile optimisation at no cost.
• Understand the limitations, as the free plan has storage and bandwidth caps, displays Wix ads and does not support custom domains or eCommerce tools.
• Explore the right time to upgrade when you need advanced SEO, branding, analytics, or plan to scale your website for business growth.
• Learn how to maximise the free plan by using built-in SEO tools, adding helpful apps and customising templates to improve functionality and appearance.

You’ve likely heard of Wix as a popular platform for building websites. This website builder has gained attention for an appealing promise: you can build a website for free. The idea sounds perfect – drag and drop your way to a professional website without spending money. But the real question isn’t just “Is Wix free to use?” but rather “What can you actually do with Wix’s free plan?” 

Millions of users start their online journey with Wix’s free plan. Some create portfolio websites to showcase their work. Others launch blogs to share their stories. Small businesses test their online presence before investing in premium features. Each user faces a crucial decision: Does the free plan provide enough tools to achieve their goals? 

This guide explores every aspect of Wix’s free plan you need to know. You’ll learn about its features, understand its limitations and discover if it matches your website goals.  

Let’s dive into what Wix really offers at zero cost and help you make an informed decision about your website-building journey. 

What does Wix’s free plan offer?  

Wix’s free plan offers essential tools without an upfront cost. The free plan allows users to access the Wix editor, a drag-and-drop platform that streamlines the creation process.

It includes Wix hosting through Wix’s secure servers, ensuring your site remains accessible. Web pages created under this plan operate on a Wix subdomain and display Wix ads. 

Features of the free plan 

• Drag-and-drop builder for easy customisation 
• Access to a variety of professional templates 
• Secure hosting through Wix servers 
• Basic SEO tools to improve visibility on search engines 
• Wix subdomain (e.g., yoursite.[wixsite].com) 
• 500MB storage and 1GB bandwidth for small projects 

 Limitations of the free plan 

• Wix ads appear on every page 
• Only supports Wix subdomains; no custom domain option 
• Limited storage (500MB) and bandwidth (1GB) 
• No access to advanced analytics like Google Analytics 
• Lacks robust eCommerce features like accepting payments or advanced online store tools 

Advantages and drawbacks of Wix’s free plan

Before you start building your website with free Wix, you need to understand what you’ll get and what you’ll miss. This balanced look at Wix’s free features helps you determine if it aligns with your website goals.

Why choose the free plan?  

Free Wix offers several compelling benefits for new website creators. Wix studio offers essential features to build a functional website without any upfront costs. These advantages make the free plan an attractive starting point. 

1. Cost-free start  

Many users asking ‘Is Wix free?’ will be pleased to learn that the platform offers a genuine free option for website creation. The Wix free plan allows you to build a website for free. It’s ideal for beginners or individuals new to website creation. There are no hidden fees for hosting or basic design tools, making it accessible to everyone.  

2.Beginner-friendly platform  

Wix offers a drag-and-drop builder, which simplifies the creation process even for those without technical expertise. The platform features a library of professionally designed templates, enabling users to create visually stunning websites tailored to their specific needs.  

3. Mobile optimisation  

Wix sites are automatically optimised for mobile devices, ensuring your content looks great on any screen size. This feature is essential for engaging visitors, as mobile browsing continues to increase in popularity.  

4. Access to free apps  

The Wix app market offers a range of free tools that enhance functionality. Whether you want to add a contact form, integrate social media or optimise your site for search engines, these apps provide easy solutions at no additional cost.  

What challenges should you expect with Wix’s free plan?

Wix’s free plan offers a convenient starting point, but it does come with important limitations you need to know upfront. The main drawbacks you will face when using the free version are:

1. Branding and ad display
2. Restricted scalability
3. Lack of advanced features.

Let us look at them one by one:

1. Branding and ad display  

One significant drawback is the presence of Wix branding on every web page of your website. The ads not only detract from your website’s appearance but can also make it seem less professional to visitors.  

2. Restricted scalability  

The free plan limits storage to 500MB and bandwidth to 1GB, which is sufficient for personal projects but inadequate for larger sites or growing businesses. These limitations can hinder your ability to expand as your needs evolve.  

3. Lack of advanced features 

Features like connecting a custom domain, advanced search engine optimisation tools, Google Analytics and eCommerce capabilities are unavailable on the free plan. Businesses aiming for growth or monetisation will find these limitations restrictive, often necessitating an upgrade to a premium plan.  

Comparing Wix free plan with premium options  

When asking, ‘Is Wix free?’, you should understand that while there is a free tier, premium plans offer significant advantages. The following table outlines the key differences between Wix’s free plan and its premium options, helping you decide which best suits your needs:  

Feature	Free plan	Paid plans
Custom domain	Not available (Wix subdomain only)	Available with all premium plans
Ads	Wix ads displayed on every page	Ad-free experience
SEO tools	Basic tools only	Advanced SEO features for optimisation
Analytics	Limited	Access to Google Analytics and other tools
eCommerce capabilities	Not supported	Full eCommerce features (accept payments, manage online stores)
Storage	500MB	Unlimited storage depending on the plan
Support	Standard	Priority customer care in higher-tier plans

When is the right time to upgrade to a premium plan?  

You should upgrade to a Wix premium plan when your website goals outgrow the limitations of the free version. Here are the key signs it’s time to make the switch:

• You need a professional brand presence: A custom domain and ad-free layout help establish trust and credibility. This is essential for businesses, freelancers and personal brands looking to appear polished and reliable.
• You want to grow your business online: Premium plans support advanced SEO tools, more storage and enhanced performance, all of which are critical as your traffic and content needs expand.
• You plan to sell products or accept payments: The free plan does not support ecommerce features. To run an online store, accept payments and manage inventory, a premium plan is required.
• You need better support and features: Upgraded plans include premium customer support, analytics and app integrations that help you optimise and scale your site.

Upgrading ensures your website looks professional, performs well and grows with your needs. It’s a smart move once you’re serious about establishing a meaningful online presence.  

Real-life benefits of premium plans  

1. Custom domains: Enhance your brand identity with a personalised domain name.  
2. Ad-free experience: Remove Wix branding for a more polished, professional site.  
3. Advanced analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics to track visitor behaviour and optimise your site.  
4. Priority support: Gain access to faster, dedicated customer support to resolve issues.  
5. eCommerce capabilities: Sell products or services online with secure payment options and inventory management.  

Who should use Wix’s free plan?  

Wix’s free plan is ideal for users who need a simple, no-cost way to build and publish a basic website. It works best in the following cases:

1. Hobbyists and personal bloggers
2. Students and freelancers creating portfolios

Let us explore these cases in detail:

1. Hobbyists and personal bloggers  

Wix’s free plan is ideal for hobbyists and personal bloggers who want to share their stories or interests online without incurring upfront costs. Whether you’re creating a blog about your travel adventures, sharing recipes or showcasing DIY projects, the free plan provides everything you need to get started.  

Key benefits: 

1. Easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor that requires no technical skills.  
2. Access to a library of free templates designed for blogging and creative pursuits.  
3. Built-in mobile optimisation ensures your content looks great on any device.  

Pro tip: Utilise the Wix app market to add social sharing buttons or photo galleries, enhancing user engagement.  

2. Students and freelancers creating portfolios  

If you’re a student or freelancer looking to showcase your skills, Wix’s free plan offers a cost-effective way to create a professional portfolio. With visually appealing templates and customisation options, you can highlight your work and make an impression on potential clients or employers.  

Key benefits:  

1. Templates for diverse industries, including design, writing and photography.  
2. Mobile-friendly designs to ensure your portfolio is accessible anytime, anywhere.  
3. Ability to add sections for testimonials, downloadable resumes or contact forms.  

Pro tip: Utilise the SEO tools included in the free plan to enhance your portfolio’s visibility in search results, thereby increasing your chances of securing new clients.  

How to get started with Wix’s free plan? A step-by-step guide  

You can easily create a website with Wix. You don’t need a credit card to get started, and you can begin building right away. Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Sign up and explore templates  

Getting started with Wix’s free plan is quick.  

1. Visit the Wix website and sign up for a free Wix account using your email address.  

2. After signing up, Wix will guide you through the setup process, including selecting your website type (e.g., blog, portfolio, business).  

3. Explore Wix’s library of professionally designed templates tailored to various industries and niches. Templates are categorised to help you find the perfect design for your needs.  

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about your template choice, start with a flexible design. You can always customise it later to suit your preferences.  

Step 2: Customising content and publishing  

Once you’ve selected a template, you can begin customising your site using the Wix drag-and-drop editor.  

1. Add or remove sections, such as an “About Me” page, photo galleries or contact forms.  

2. Edit text, images and videos directly on the page, ensuring your content aligns with your goals.  

3. Preview your site to check how it looks on desktop and mobile devices.  

4. Publish your website when you’re satisfied, making it live for visitors.  

Pro tip: Save your work regularly while editing to avoid losing changes. Wix also lets you revert to previous versions if needed.  

How to maximise the free plan? 

You can get significant value from Wix’s free plan despite its limitations. The platform includes useful tools and features that enable an effective website without requiring paid upgrades. These strategies will help you optimise your free website. 

Using Wix’s built-in SEO tools  

SEO is essential for driving traffic to your site. Wix’s free plan includes basic SEO tools to help improve your website’s visibility on search engines.  

1. Use the Wix SEO Wizard to optimise your site’s metadata, such as titles and descriptions.  
2. Add relevant keywords to your content to target your audience.  
3. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, as search engines prioritise mobile responsiveness.  

Pro tip: Regularly update your website’s content with new blog posts or images to keep it relevant for search engines.  

Enhancing functionality with free apps  

The Wix app market provides free tools to enhance your website’s performance and user experience.  

1. Add a contact form to capture visitor inquiries.  
2. Integrate social media feeds to showcase your latest updates.  
3. Install analytics tools to track your website’s traffic and user behaviour.  

Pro tip: Experiment with different apps to find features that resonate with your audience, but avoid overloading your site with unnecessary tools.  

Alternatives to Wix website builder  

You have several options when choosing a website builder for your project. Each platform offers unique features and benefits that might better suit your needs. Let’s examine some popular alternatives to help you make the right choice. 

1. Bluehost WonderSuite  

At Bluehost, our WonderSuite offers an intuitive and seamless way to create professional websites. Designed for beginners and experienced users, it combines the simplicity of drag-and-drop functionality with the power of WordPress. Unlike Wix’s free plan, Bluehost also offers secure web hosting plans and allows you to connect a free custom domain name.  

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop builder: Easily customise your website without any technical skills.  
• WordPress integration: Access thousands of plugins and themes for advanced functionality.  
• Free custom domain: Build a personalised online presence with your unique domain name.  
• SEO and analytics: Built-in tools to optimise your website for search engines and track performance.  
• 24/7 customer support: Dedicated customer support team assists you with any technical issues.  

Best for: Small business owners, bloggers and professionals seeking a scalable and reliable website-building solution.  

2. Weebly  

Weebly focuses on simplicity and eCommerce capabilities. The platform offers a straightforward website builder with basic online store features in its free plan. 

Weebly is most suitable for small businesses and hobbyists starting an online store. The platform includes SSL security and mobile-responsive templates, though advanced features require a paid upgrade. 

Key features:  

• Free eCommerce tools: Sell products online with a simple setup.  
• Mobile-optimised templates: Create responsive websites that work seamlessly on all devices.  
• SSL security: Protect your site and visitors with included SSL encryption.  
• Custom domains in paid plans: Upgrade to connect to a professional domain.  
• App integration: Enhance functionality with apps for forms, galleries and marketing.  

Best for: Small businesses, hobbyists and individuals launching simple online stores.  

3. Squarespace (trial plan)  

Squarespace is renowned for its stunning templates and advanced customisation features. While it doesn’t offer a permanent free plan, its 14-day trial provides access to premium features, enabling users to test the platform before committing. It’s an excellent choice for creatives looking to build visually impressive websites.  

Key features:  

• Award-winning templates: Beautifully designed, modern templates for creative industries like photography and fashion.  
• eCommerce capabilities: Manage online stores, inventory and payment processing.  
• SEO and analytics: Tools to optimise your website and track its performance.  
• 24/7 customer support: Reliable help for technical or design challenges.  

Best for: Designers, photographers and small business owners who value aesthetics and professional-grade design.  

4. Webnode  

Webnode specialises in multilingual website creation. The platform enables you to reach international audiences with its language tools and intuitive interface. 

The free plan includes basic features and a Webnode subdomain. You’ll need to upgrade for professional features like custom domains and advanced analytics, similar to other website builders. 

Key features:  

• Multilingual support: Build websites in multiple languages for international reach.  
• Free plan: Includes a Webnode subdomain and basic customisation options.  
• Custom domains and analytics: Paid plans provide more advanced features for tracking and branding.  
• Mobile-optimised templates: Ensure your website looks great on all devices.  

Best for: Freelancers, small businesses and bloggers targeting diverse audiences.  

Final thoughts  

So, is Wix website free? Yes, but with important considerations. Wix offers a legitimate free plan that provides a solid starting point for individuals and small projects looking to create a website without financial commitment. 

With its drag-and-drop builder, customisable templates and secure hosting, it’s an accessible option for beginners, hobbyists and students. However, the limitations of the free plan, such as Wix ads, subdomains and restricted features, can hinder scalability and professionalism. 

For those aiming for business growth, advanced customisation or eCommerce functionality, upgrading to Wix’s premium plans or exploring alternatives may be beneficial. 

Want to build a professional website that grows with your business? Build a faster, more professional site with Bluehost. Get started with a free domain and trusted UK-based support.

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