Download a free workbook to help you design your site with confidence.
The email you entered is invalid.
Thank you for subscribing.
By entering your email, you indicate that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy and agree to receive marketing from Squarespace.
Google Sites is a free website builder that makes it simple to create and share web pages for anyone with a Google account. It connects directly with Google Workspace and can be used for internal sites, student portfolios, or one-off web projects.
If you’re trying to build a brand, launch a business, or sell online, you may need to use additional platforms to get the tools you need. Google Sites doesn’t come with the built-in design tools, ecommerce features, and integrations that you can find in other website building platforms.
If you want to consider other options, below are nine of the most commonly cited Google Sites alternatives to help you weigh your choices.
| Platform | Paid plan starts at (monthly) | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Squarespace | $16 | Design-forward, all-in-one platform with robust AI, ecommerce, and service selling functionality |
| WordPress.com | $4 | Flexible CMS, plugin-based flexibility |
| Weebly | $10 | Simple website builder with Square POS integration |
| Wix | $17 | Website builder with ecommerce options on higher-tier plans |
| GoDaddy | $9.99 | No-code websites, option to bundle with domain and scheduling tools |
| Webflow | $14 | High-customization, developer-style design control |
| Pixpa | $8 | Portfolio-focused website builder with client tools |
| Jimdo | $11 | AI-assisted setup for lightweight personal sites |
| Hostinger | $3.99 | AI-focused website builder with ecommerce tools |
The website platform you choose ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. Below, you’ll find information on key criteria that might influence your decision, like ecommerce access, design flexibility, AI features, and subscription starting prices for annual plans.
Note: Plans and pricing for each platform can vary by location. For Squarespace, see our pricing page for the most up-to-date details in your location.
1. Squarespace
Pricing starts at: $16 per month
Squarespace is an all-in-one platform that combines elegant design with powerful tools for building and growing a brand online. With customizable templates, built-in ecommerce, and AI-powered features, it's designed to help you launch a professional website without any technical expertise.
Squarespace vs. Google Sites
Google Sites doesn’t currently offer native ecommerce or AI website design tools. Squarespace has built-in functionality to help you fully customize your design, add animations, accept payments, send invoices, schedule appointments, and market your site with email and SEO tools.
Email automations, customizable forms, and AI-powered design and copy features also help you save time, so you can focus on the work you love most. It’s ideal for creators, service providers, and business owners who want a polished, branded site.
Key features
Curated template library and AI website builder
Ecommerce, scheduling, and invoicing tools
Built-in SEO/AIO and email marketing
Mobile-friendly, responsive layouts
Integrated payments with lower fees
2. WordPress
Pricing starts at: $4 per month, or limited free plan
WordPress.com offers site hosting with a wide selection of themes and a plugin ecosystem for advanced customization. You can use WordPress more generally to manage websites, blogs, and other web content. Because of its open-source nature, WordPress offers design flexibility for those with more technical web design knowledge.
WordPress vs. Google Sites
Because of its many plugin options, WordPress.com can offer more customization than Google Sites, but it may require more learning or management of those plugins. It offers a free plan, with some limitations, for people looking for a low- to no-cost option. WordPress could be a good fit for users who want blogging features or plan to scale with integrations in the future.
Key features
Blog-first platform with CMS tools
Customizable themes and plugins
Ecommerce and marketing via plugins
3. Weebly
Pricing starts at: $10 per month, or limited free plan
Weebly is a drag-and-drop website builder owned by Square. Weebly integrates directly with Square POS and offers ecommerce features on all plan tiers.
Weebly vs. Google Sites
Weebly can be a convenient choice if you already need to use Square POS for your daily business operations. Google Sites can be used for straightforward websites, but if you want to explore ecommerce now or in the future, Weebly has built-in functionality that Google Sites doesn’t currently offer.
Key features
Drag-and-drop website editor
Ecommerce features on all plans
Built-in marketing and Square POS sync
4. Wix
Pricing starts at: $17 per month, or limited free plan
Wix is a website building platform that aims to make creating a website more accessible. Its basic website plans come with design and customization tools to help users build an online presence, like an AI website builder and predesigned website templates.
Wix vs. Google Sites
Wix offers additional control over design and functionality that Google Sites may not have. It also has an AI website builder to get set up faster. Wix offers a free plan, which includes Wix branding and other functionality limitations. You can add ecommerce and scheduling tools to a Wix website, but you’ll need a higher-tier plan to access it.
Key features
AI website builder
App marketplace to expand functionality
Tools for ecommerce on higher-tiered plans
5. GoDaddy
Pricing starts at: $9.99 per month, or limited free plan
GoDaddy is a hosting and domain provider that also offers a drag-and-drop website builder. To add functionality like ecommerce, you can add plugins or choose a higher-tier plan.
GoDaddy vs. Google Sites
GoDaddy offers functionality not currently available on Google Sites, like native domain management with ecommerce and AI features. GoDaddy also offers an AI website builder and some AI-powered tools through GoDaddy Airo. If you want more design or sales functionality, GoDaddy could be worth considering.
Key features
AI-assisted design and copy tools
Appointment booking and ecommerce options
Built-in email marketing
6. Webflow
Pricing starts at: $14 per month, or limited free plan
Webflow is a no-code website builder that places an emphasis on its visual editor and professional design control. Like other website builders, it offers predesigned templates and AI tools.
Webflow vs. Google Sites
Webflow is a popular option for those who have some design experience and want a platform with design flexibility that isn’t currently available on Google Sites. Like many other website builders, Webflow offers a free plan and has some built-in ecommerce tools, but you’ll need to choose a higher-priced subscription to access full functionality.
Key features
No-code visual editor and CMS
Responsive layouts and animations
SEO and publishing tools
7. Pixpa
Pricing starts at: $8 per month (without promotional pricing)
Pixpa is a website builder designed with creatives and portfolios in mind. It offers website editing, promotion, and basic ecommerce features.
Pixpa vs. Google Sites
Pixpa focuses its platform on photographers, designers, and artists who need a portfolio-first layout and client tools. It offers some more built-in features than Google Sites, but doesn’t offer a free plan. Some of Pixpa’s features are only available on higher-tier plans, like blogging, image watermarks, or the ability to sell more than three ecommerce products.
Key features
Image galleries and proofing
Mobile-optimized templates
Online store
8. Jimdo
Pricing starts at: $11 per month, or limited free plan
Jimdo is primarily an AI website builder offering straightforward website hosting and design. Its paid plans include standard website features like a free domain, contact forms, and mobile-friendly design.
Jimdo vs. Google Sites
Jimdo mostly functions as an AI website generator, though it offers some simple predesigned templates. The website builder takes your responses to a few questions and information from your social media—if you choose to connect it—to generate a design. Google Sites doesn’t currently offer an AI website builder. Jimdo also offers ecommerce tools on higher-tier plans, which are not currently available on Google Sites.
Key features
AI website builder
Ecommerce tools on higher-priced plans
Mobile-friendly layouts
9. Hostinger
Pricing starts at: $3.99 per month
Hostinger is a web hosting provider that pairs its built-in hosting with tools for website editing and ecommerce. Its website builder includes marketing integrations and several AI tools, including an AI website design tool.
Hostinger vs. Google Sites
Hostinger offers built-in AI design tools and ecommerce tools on higher-tier plans, which aren’t currently offered on Google Sites. In addition to its AI website builder, it offers some predesigned website templates. Hostinger offers a compact set of tools, which may offer less flexibility than other website platforms, but more options than Google Sites.
Key features
AI copy, SEO, and design tools
Ecommerce features
Web hosting included
Compare more brands and website builders
How to choose the right Google Sites alternative
If you’re considering a switch from Google Sites, consider what limitations you’re feeling from the platform. If you need more design control, business tools, or ecommerce options, a more full-featured website builder, like Squarespace, might be a good fit.
Squarespace is an alternative that balances elegant design with user-friendly tools for growing a brand or business online. So even if you need a basic website, you have the option to add and grow without having to transfer everything to a new platform.
As you weigh your options, think about what matters most to you:
Which platforms are in your price range?
Does your chosen platform have everything you need, including features you might want in the future?
Which websites appeal to your aesthetic preferences and brand?
Will you need to add paid plugins or third-party tools to your website?