best free static website hosting 2025 with custom subdomain
Quick, factual comparison of Git-based static hosts that give you a free subdomain — and the trade-offs to know before you launch.
This guide covers GitHub Pages, Netlify, Vercel, and Cloudflare Pages — core features, limits, and real-world pros & cons for a small business or portfolio site.
Short takeaway
All four providers give you a free provider subdomain (example.github.io, netlify.app, vercel.app, pages.dev) and free HTTPS. Pick GitHub Pages for ultra-simple static sites, Netlify or Vercel for modern build previews and edge features, and Cloudflare Pages for raw performance and Workers integration. Free tiers are great for prototypes and hobby projects — but they impose limits (build minutes, bandwidth, team features, and server-side capabilities). If you want a fully-managed, SEO-optimised, and support-backed website (with domain + updates handled for you), a managed service can be a better long-term choice.
At-a-glance comparison
| Provider | Free subdomain | Custom domain (free HTTPS) | Git deploy & previews | Bandwidth / Limits | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GitHub Pages | username.github.io | Yes — add custom domain, automatic HTTPS | Basic (branch → publish), no preview deploys | No formal bandwidth cap but not intended for heavy traffic | Simple, free; supports Jekyll builds |
| Netlify | sitename.netlify.app | Yes — free SSL + domain mapping | Full Git integration + deploy previews | Build minutes / bandwidth limits on free tier | Forms, functions (limited), easy redirects |
| Vercel | project.vercel.app | Yes — free SSL + domain mapping | Excellent previews, optimized for Next.js | Free tier has bandwidth/build limits | Edge functions, analytics (paid), strong performance |
| Cloudflare Pages | project.pages.dev | Yes — free SSL + domain mapping | Git integration + preview deployments | Generous edge CDN; limits on builds & Workers usage | Fast global CDN, Workers integration |
Provider pros & cons
GitHub Pages
Best for ultra-simple static sites, documentation, and personal projects.
- Pros: Zero cost, reliable, supports custom domains, automatic HTTPS.
- Cons: Limited build pipeline (Jekyll-focused), no deploy previews, no built-in serverless features.
- Best if: You want a basic brochure or docs site with Git workflow and minimal overhead.
Netlify
Balanced feature-set for static sites with continuous deploys and simple functions.
- Pros: Deploy previews, forms, simple serverless functions, easy redirects and headers.
- Cons: Free tier has build minutes & bandwidth limits; some features gated to paid plans.
- Best if: You need preview workflows and occasional serverless logic without complex infra.
Vercel
Optimised for modern frameworks (Next.js) and fast preview/deploy workflows.
- Pros: Excellent preview deployments, edge-first performance, integrated analytics (paid).
- Cons: Free tier limits; edge/serverless features may require paid plan for production scale.
- Best if: You build with Next.js or want tight Git/GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket workflows and preview environments.
Cloudflare Pages
Focuses on raw edge performance and integration with Cloudflare Workers.
- Pros: Global edge CDN, fast cold-starts, Workers integration for advanced edge logic.
- Cons: Build minutes and Workers limits on free tier; more developer-oriented setup.
- Best if: Performance is paramount and you want to run logic at the edge with low latency.
Common free-tier trade-offs
- Bandwidth & build limits: Free tiers usually include caps — heavy traffic or frequent builds can push you to paid plans.
- Feature gatekeeping: Forms, advanced analytics, large serverless usage and SLA-backed support are often paid.
- No managed SEO: Providers host static assets but won’t write meta tags, schema, or local SEO for your business.
- Maintenance & updates: You’re responsible for content, updates, and backups unless you pair hosting with a managed service.
- Onboarding time: Git workflows and DNS changes require some technical comfort — not ideal if you prefer a turnkey experience.
When free static hosting makes sense
Free static hosts are perfect for:
- Personal portfolios, documentation, small landing pages, and prototypes.
- Developers who want full control via Git and enjoy configuring build pipelines.
- Projects with predictable, low traffic and minimal need for ongoing content updates or SEO.
When a managed website + SEO service is the better choice
Free static hosting saves money — but it offloads many responsibilities to you. If your priority is: consistent enquiries, visible search rankings, predictable costs, and fast updates without technical work, a managed service can be the smarter investment.
- All-in-one included: domain registration, hosting, SSL, content updates and performance monitoring — bundled for a fixed monthly fee.
- Done-for-you SEO: on-page optimisation, meta tags, schema and local signals that help you rank — something raw hosting doesn’t provide.
- Unlimited updates: edit copy, update pricing or upload images without learning Git or build tools.
- Fast turnaround: professional builds and edits delivered quickly by a team — no waiting on build queues or troubleshooting pipelines.
If you value time, predictable results, and growth-focused SEO, managed services move the burden from you to experts — often at a modest monthly rate compared to the time and hidden costs of DIY hosting.
Which should you pick in 2025?
For quick prototypes and developer-controlled projects, GitHub Pages, Netlify, Vercel and Cloudflare Pages are excellent — each with clear strengths. For businesses that need predictable lead generation, search visibility and a hands-off experience, a managed website + SEO offering provides measurable advantages: professional design, ongoing optimisation, domain + hosting included, and unlimited content updates handled for you.
Free hosting — choose if
- You’re comfortable with Git, DNS and build tooling.
- Your site is low-traffic and changes infrequently.
- Cost is the primary constraint and you accept self-maintenance.
Managed service — choose if
- You prefer predictable monthly pricing with support and updates included.
- You want expert SEO, analytics and a fast path to enquiries without technical setup.
- You value a team that handles domain, hosting, SSL, and conversions for you.
No single answer fits all projects — evaluate based on traffic expectations, technical skill, update frequency, and how important search visibility is to your goals.
See How It WorksQuick FAQs
Can I use my own domain with these free hosts?
Are these truly free for production?
Do free hosts include SEO help?
Need a no-hassle site with SEO built in?
Free static hosts are powerful, but if you want a turn-key website that includes professional design, reliable hosting, ongoing SEO and unlimited updates without technical work, a managed service can save time and drive better results.
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