Build an AI website in 60 seconds

More and more people are turning to AI to build websites – and for good reason. They make it super easy to build a website without needing to code or hire a designer. Nearly one-third of people have built a website at some point, and among those folks, over 70% used a professional website builder. That highlights how popular these tools are.

But you may be wondering: what do you actually get with the free version, and when is it worth paying for more? This guide breaks it all down: what you get with the free vs. paid AI website builders. 

What’s included in free AI website builders

Other AI builders with a free plan offer a few starter templates, limited AI help, and a simple drag-and-drop editor. 

Tools like Wix’s AI or WordPress can get your site online, but there are some limitations. For starters, a WordPress website will likely have ads or the builder’s logo, which can make your dream website look less professional. You might also be limited to just a few pages. 

A custom domain is usually off the table, too, in free plans, so you’re stuck with something like yourname.buildername.com. And if you need features like online scheduling, payment tools, or calendar syncing, those are usually locked behind a paywall.

Some AI-powered website builders really cut down what you get for free. B12 takes a different approach – offering a lot more right from the start, so you can create websites without paying up front.

What paid AI builders offer

When you switch to a paid AI website builder, you get way more than just a basic WordPress site. You unlock tools that help your business run smoother – like online scheduling so clients can book appointments themselves without the back-and-forth, and email capture forms that help grow your mailing list. 

Plus, paid plans usually let you ditch the builder branding, so your site looks fully yours. You’ll also get way more freedom to make your generated website look exactly how you want it. 

Paid plans usually come with SEO tools, too, which help your site or online stores get found on Google. And if anything goes wrong, you’ll have better customer support ready to help you out fast. Considering the extra AI-powered features you get for just a few dollars each month, it can be an easy decision to switch to a paid plan if you’re serious about growing your site.

B12 is a good example of a paid AI site builder that offers solid options. Its AI website builder pricing plans start at $49 a month for basics like scheduling and invoicing, perfect if you’re just getting started. 

For more advanced needs, like working with a team or growing your online presence, there are higher-tier plans with extra AI features. B12 even offers a service where experts can build websites for you if you want to skip the DIY route.

Who should use free AI builders

Solo users testing an idea

If you’re just getting started, a free builder with an AI assistant is a stress-free way to experiment. With the best AI website builder, you can see your ideas come to life, try different layouts, and figure out what works before investing in paid AI website generators. 

Customer example: Andrea Taylor

Andrea used B12 to launch her life coaching site with a focus on empowerment and financial wellness for women. In no time, she had a polished multi-page site that made it easy for clients to schedule sessions through Calendly. 

Early-stage businesses

When you’re starting out, every bit of savings helps. The best AI website builders make it easy to look professional and bring in customers without the upfront cost. 

Customer example: Find Yourself in Fashion

After months of trying to get an agency to nail her vision, Stephanie Roberts switched to B12 for website building. In just a month, she had a gorgeous, on-brand site that fully connected her with fashion clients. 

Professionals who need to launch quickly

Need to get your name out there fast? A free AI builder can get you live within minutes or hours, and you can keep making updates as your business changes.

Customer example: Matten Law

Ron Matten used B12’s AI tools to get a clean, modern site up in just two weeks. The payoff? A 43% jump in organic traffic in search engines.

Who should upgrade to paid

Small businesses needing reliability and polish

If you want your site to look professional and run without hiccups, a paid plan gives you the tools to achieve that. 

Anyone needing integrations and automation

From syncing with CRMs to setting up automation workflows, paid plans let your tools work together so you save time and headaches.

Teams managing client-facing sites

If your own website is the first thing clients see, you’ll want solid security, control over elements, and fast support – these are standard with most paid options.

Free vs. paid AI website builder comparison table

Below, we’ll compare features like design flexibility, web hosting, and more to help you choose between free and paid plans. 

When to start free and when to upgrade 

If you just need a basic site or online store to get your name out there, a free builder can do the trick. But once you’re ready for more customization, stronger branding, and extra tools like SEO and an AI image generator, upgrading to a premium AI tool makes more sense. 

B12 makes the switch easy. Your design stays intact, and you get boosted support, integrations, and automation. Like Barbara Bartelsmeyer from Action Logistix says, “I can make [website edits] myself, and it’s as simple as working in a Word document. If I need more help, I’ll email the B12 team and within 24 hours, boom, it’s done.”

Finding your best fit

Starting with a free website builder is a smart way to test the waters and see what works for you. But if you’re aiming to grow, stand out, and add more powerful features, a paid plan gives you the flexibility and scalability you need. 

With B12, moving from free to paid is smooth and hassle-free, so you can focus on building fully tailored custom sites. Choosing between a free vs paid AI website builder really comes down to your goals. If you’re just getting started or ready to level up, make sure to pick the best website builder that best supports your business objectives.

See what you’re missing – try B12’s premium tools free for 14 days.