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Best FREE Portfolio Website Builders For Designers: Ranked and Reviewed

September 30, 2025

Best FREE Portfolio Website Builders For Designers: Ranked and Reviewed

Content

The top portfolio platforms ranked from best to worst, best for beginners, customization, community, and more.

Table of contents

Are you looking for a new portfolio website platform but don't want to break the bank? Well, I've got some good news for you. I’ve reviewed the top portfolio website platforms and ranked them for you.

I spent hours scouring the web for every portfolio website platform out there and checking out their free plans. And I was pretty surprised by what I found.

In this article, I'll walk you through 15 portfolio website platforms you can choose from. I've ranked them from best to worst and even picked out the top five. I've also given out some awards for categories like "Best for Beginners," "Best for Customization," and "Best Community."

Now, I usually say that picking the best free option depends on what you're looking for. But honestly? I think I've made it pretty easy for you to find the best free portfolio website builder with this article.

Top 5 Free Portfolio Website Builders

1. Framer

Best for designers needing dynamic, scalable websites with CMS functionality.

2. Webflow

Ideal for advanced customization with full creative control.

3. Carrd

Perfect for simple, one-page portfolio websites for quick setups.

4. Behance

Great for content-based portfolios and easy web publishing.

5. Notion

Best for creatives who need flexibility and CSS/JavaScript freedom.

Below is a detailed table comparing the top 5 free portfolio website builders, highlighting their key features, pros, and cons for easy reference.

This is a test as well

Want to compare every platform?

For a full, detailed comparison of all 15 free portfolio website builders, check out my complete table on Notion.

1. Framer

Score: 9.2/10

Create your free Framer account

If you’re looking for a website builder that’s super easy to use and flexible, Framer is a great option to explore. It’s perfect for designers who want to create visually striking sites fast without needing to code. You get unlimited projects, built-in CMS features, and collaboration tools even on the free plan, which is awesome if you’re just getting started. Plus, it has a familiar vibe if you’re used to Figma, making the transition smooth. Honestly, if you need something quick, powerful, and versatile for dynamic web projects, Framer’s free plan offers a ton of value!

  • Pros: Unlimited projects, CMS support, collaboration tools, ease of use for Figma users, SSL certificate, responsive design tools.

  • Cons: Branding on free sites, limited form submissions.

  • Why #1: Offers the most comprehensive free plan for designers needing dynamic, scalable websites with CMS functionality.

Create your free Framer account

2. Webflow

Score: 8.9/10

Create your free Webflow account

If you’re looking to build something truly custom, Webflow is a beast when it comes to control. It lets you design without limits—if you can imagine it, you can build it. The free plan gives you access to a couple of projects to tinker with, so it’s perfect if you’re just testing the waters or learning the ropes of web design. The learning curve is a bit steep, but once you get it, you can make some seriously cool, professional sites. For those who want full creative freedom, Webflow’s definitely worth a shot.

  • Pros: Advanced customization, SSL certificate, powerful design tools, large template library.

  • Cons: Limited to 2 projects, no CMS on the free plan, steep learning curve.

  • Why #2: A versatile platform with a steep learning curve, but perfect for designers seeking full control over site building.

Create your free Webflow account

(and so on… continues through Carrd, Notion, Cargo Collective, UXfolio, Behance, Dribbble, Readymag, Portfoliobox, Format, Onepage.io, Dunked, Pixpa, Adobe Portfolio — all formatted the same way with headings, links, images, bullet lists, and notes.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Overall Website Builder for Designers?

Framer stands out as the best overall because it combines ease of use with powerful features like CMS, templates, and collaboration tools. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, it offers flexibility without overwhelming complexity.

Which Website Builder is Best for Beginners?

Carrd is perfect for beginners, offering a super-simple, fast way to create beautiful one-page sites without coding. It’s affordable and user-friendly, making it ideal for those just starting out.

Which Website Builder Offers the Best Customization?

Webflow wins for customization, giving users total control over design elements and layout. While there’s a learning curve, it allows for pixel-perfect websites that feel completely unique.

Which Platform Has the Best Creative Community for Designers?

Behance is unmatched in community, providing designers with a platform to share their work, get feedback, and connect with other creatives. Its integration with Adobe tools makes it a go-to for showcasing projects.

Which Underdog Platform is Surprisingly Great for Portfolio Websites?

Notion wasn’t built as a website tool, but its simplicity and versatility make it a hidden gem for basic portfolio sites. It’s especially useful if you want to manage content and publish your work seamlessly.

Conclusion

In the end, finding the right free portfolio website builder really depends on what you need. Whether you want full customization with Webflow or a quick, simple setup with Carrd, there’s something for everyone. I’ve covered the top options here, so you don’t have to spend hours researching. Just pick the one that fits your workflow, and you’ll be up and running in no time.

Happy building!