If you’re building a business on a budget, the idea of a free website is tempting. Wix is one of the most popular website builders out there, and its advertising makes it sound like you can create a professional site without spending a dime.
But is Wix really free? And more importantly—what does that free plan actually include?
This article breaks down exactly what you get (and what you don’t) on Wix’s free tier. If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur thinking about using Wix, here’s what you need to know before diving in.
Is Wix Free? Yes, Wix Is Free—But With Limitations
Wix does offer a free plan that allows anyone to build and publish a website. You can use their drag-and-drop editor, choose from hundreds of templates, and access a decent amount of features without entering a credit card.
But this “free” experience comes with trade-offs. The free version is designed more for testing the platform or creating a personal site—not necessarily for running a business.
What’s Included in the Free Plan?
Here’s a quick list of what you get with the Wix free version:
- Access to Wix’s drag-and-drop website editor
- A selection of free templates
- Basic SEO tools
- Free hosting on Wix servers
- Mobile optimization
- Access to Wix’s App Market (though many apps require payment)
On the surface, that’s a solid package for zero cost. But once you look closer—especially through the lens of a business owner—the limitations start to show.
What Are the Major Drawbacks of Wix’s Free Plan?
Let’s break down the biggest limitations that could impact your business if you stick with the free version.
1. You Can’t Use a Custom Domain
Instead of yoursite.com, your free Wix site will look like:
yourusername.wixsite.com/yoursite
That’s a problem for branding, credibility, and memorability. Most customers won’t take a business seriously with a URL like that.
2. Wix Ads Appear on Every Page
Every page of your free site will display Wix branding—usually a banner at the top and a footer message. This can make your site look less professional and distract from your content or services.
3. Limited Storage and Bandwidth
The free plan comes with:
- 500MB storage
- 500MB bandwidth/month
This might be fine for a simple site with a few pages, but once you add images, videos, or start getting more traffic, it’s easy to outgrow.
4. No E-commerce Functionality
You cannot sell products or accept payments through a Wix free site. To build an online store, you’ll need to upgrade to a Business or eCommerce plan.
5. Limited SEO and Analytics
Basic SEO settings are available, like editing meta titles and descriptions. But advanced tools like Google Analytics, 301 redirects, and SEO apps require a paid plan.
Is Wix’s Free Plan a Good Fit for Small Business Owners?
That depends on your goals.
If you’re just starting out and want to:
- Experiment with design layouts
- Showcase a proof of concept
- Learn how to build a website
…then the free plan is a great starting point.
But if your goal is to:
- Build trust with customers
- Look professional
- Be found on Google
- Sell services or products
- Scale your business
Then you’ll likely need to upgrade sooner rather than later.
When Does It Make Sense to Start for Free?
There are a few specific cases when the free plan can actually be useful:
Website Mockups or Prototypes
You can design a mock version of your site, show it to a business partner or investor, and only pay when you’re ready to go live with a real domain.
Personal Projects or Portfolios
If you’re showcasing artwork, writing, or a résumé—not necessarily selling anything—the free plan may be enough.
Testing the Platform Before Committing
If you’re choosing between Wix and other platforms like GoDaddy, Squarespace, or WordPress.com, using the free version to test the user experience is a smart move.
What Does Upgrading to a Paid Plan Offer?
Wix offers several premium plans that eliminate the limitations of the free version. If you’re a small business owner, here’s what you get by upgrading:
Custom Domain Connection
A paid plan allows you to use your own domain, which you can purchase directly through Wix or connect from another provider.
No Wix Ads
Once you upgrade, the ads disappear—giving your site a more professional, clean appearance.
Increased Storage and Bandwidth
Higher plans come with more room for media, content, and traffic.
Access to E-Commerce Tools
If you want to sell products, take bookings, or accept payments, you’ll need a Business or eCommerce plan.
Better SEO and Marketing Tools
Higher-tier plans unlock more robust SEO, email marketing, and analytics features.
Pricing Overview: How Much Does Wix Actually Cost?
Here’s a simplified breakdown of Wix’s premium pricing (note: pricing may vary by region):
| Plan Type | Price Range (monthly) | Best For |
| Combo | $16–$18 | Personal use, freelancers |
| Unlimited | $22–$24 | Entrepreneurs, growing websites |
| Business Basic | $27–$30 | Small business with online sales |
| Business Unlimited | $32–$36 | Growing e-commerce businesses |
These are averages based on U.S. pricing; Wix often runs discounts and bundles.
How Does Wix Compare to GoDaddy and Squarespace?
If you’re trying to decide whether to stick with Wix or explore other website builders, it helps to look at how it stacks up against popular alternatives. Here’s a quick comparison of Wix vs GoDaddy vs Squarespace for small business use:
| Feature | Wix (Free Plan) | GoDaddy (Free Plan) | Squarespace (No Free Plan) |
| Custom Domain | No | No | No (14-day free trial only) |
| Ads Displayed | Yes | Yes | No ads, but only with paid plans |
| E-commerce Support | No | Basic store setup included | E-commerce starts at paid level |
| Design Flexibility | High (drag-and-drop) | Medium (structured editor) | High, but with learning curve |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | Very easy for quick sites | More polished, less intuitive |
| Best for | Creative control, flexibility | Speed, simplicity | Design-conscious brands |
Final Thoughts: Is Wix’s Free Plan Worth It?
Wix’s free plan is a good entry point if you’re just getting started and want to try building a site without spending money. It’s user-friendly, flexible, and gives you a chance to explore what’s possible.
But for serious business use, the free version has too many restrictions—from branding and storage to domain and e-commerce tools.
Bottom line:
- Use the free plan to test the waters.
- Upgrade when you’re ready to grow or go live professionally.
In the end, “free” can be useful—but it’s not free of compromises.
FAQs
Can I use Wix for free forever?
Yes, but your site will display Wix branding and have a subdomain. You’ll also face limits on features like storage and SEO tools.
Do I need to enter a credit card to start?
No. You can create and publish a free Wix website without entering any payment info.
Can I sell products on Wix’s free plan?
No. E-commerce features are only available on Business and eCommerce plans.
Can I upgrade later?
Absolutely. You can build your site on the free plan and upgrade at any time to remove ads, connect your domain, and access more features.
