is wix free website builder free
Short answer: yes — but with important limits. This page explains exactly what Wix's free plan gives you, what it doesn’t, and how that affects small businesses in 2025.
We cover cost, features, business limitations, upgrade paths, and a quick comparison with modern subscription services that bundle design, hosting and ongoing updates.
What Wix Free Actually Includes
Wix’s free plan is a great way to experiment or build a hobby site. Key points:
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Drag-and-drop editor and access to templates — create pages and layouts without code.
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Free hosting on Wix's servers and a wixsite.com subdomain (example.wixsite.com/yourname).
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Basic SEO tools, contact forms and access to the Wix App Market (some apps may cost extra).
Important Limitations to Know
Branding & Domain
The free plan displays Wix ads and does not allow connecting a custom domain. That affects credibility for businesses and local search trust signals.
Storage, Bandwidth & Features
Free sites have limited storage/bandwidth and restricted access to premium apps (e‑commerce, booking systems, advanced analytics).
SEO & Ownership
You can use basic SEO tools, but a wixsite.com URL and Wix ads reduce click-through rates. With free plans you don’t get the same level of SEO controls or ownership as a managed solution.
Monetisation & Growth
To accept payments, remove ads, or access faster support you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. That introduces recurring costs and migration work.
Typical Upgrade Costs (2025)
Wix offers several paid tiers. Approximate prices (USD) in 2025:
Upgrading can remove many free-plan limits, but the effective cost for a business-ready site is typically the paid monthly plan plus any paid apps or premium templates you choose.
Quick Comparison: Wix Free vs. Paid vs. Professional Subscription
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Custom Domain | Remove Ads | Business Features | Support & Updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wix — Free | $0 | No | No | Limited | Community help |
| Wix — Paid (typical) | $5–35+ | Yes (on paid tiers) | Yes | E‑commerce, bookings (on business plans) | Standard support |
| Professional Subscription (example) | $30–49 | Yes | Yes | Full small‑business stack + local SEO | Managed updates, unlimited small changes |
Note: The third row represents modern subscription services that bundle design, hosting, analytics and unlimited updates under a single monthly price. For many busy local businesses, that predictable bundle reduces hidden costs and time overhead.
When Wix Free Makes Sense
- Zero cost to experiment or build a personal portfolio.
- Easy drag-and-drop editor for non-technical users.
- Quick learning curve — good for prototypes or learning web design basics.
When It Falls Short
- Not ideal for customer-facing business sites because of Wix branding and subdomain.
- Scaling to e-commerce or bookings requires paid upgrades and potentially paid apps.
- Ongoing management and professional SEO can be more time-consuming than expected.
How Small Businesses Usually Decide
- Start free: Many test with Wix free to validate an idea.
- Upgrade when ready: When credibility, bookings or payments matter, they move to a paid tier.
- Consider managed services: Businesses with limited time often choose subscription services that include design, hosting, local SEO and unlimited updates — trading a modest monthly fee for time and consistent results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wix free forever?
Can I use a custom domain on the free plan?
Will a free Wix site rank on Google?
What’s the alternative for busy businesses?
Deciding Between Free or Managed
If you want to test the web without cost, Wix Free is a sensible starting point. If you need a customer-facing site that ranks locally, uses a custom domain, and stays updated without taking your time, consider a managed subscription that bundles everything into one predictable monthly price.
Note: Managed subscription services differ in pricing and features. Compare inclusions — domain, hosting, SSL, updates, SEO and support — before committing.
