Free Hosting for Developers: Where to Put Your Projects
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You don't need to pay to get a project online. For static sites (HTML/CSS/JS, React builds, blogs like this one) several platforms give you free hosting, free HTTPS and a free subdomain.
Best free options for static sites
Cloudflare Pages
Fast global network, free SSL, and you can upload a folder directly from the dashboard or connect a GitHub repo. You get a yourname.pages.dev address.
GitHub Pages
Free for public repos. Push your files and get username.github.io. Great for portfolios and documentation.
Netlify
Drag-and-drop deploys, form handling and preview links. Free address: yoursite.netlify.app.
Vercel
The smoothest option for Next.js and React apps, with a yoursite.vercel.app address.
When is it worth paying?
- You want your own domain (looks professional and is required by some ad networks).
- You need a backend: PHP, WordPress, a database or email accounts.
- You're running client websites and want support.
A budget shared-hosting plan usually includes a free domain for the first year, which is often the cheapest way to start a WordPress site.
See hosting plansIf you only need a domain to point at Cloudflare Pages or GitHub Pages, a registrar is enough. No hosting needed.
Search domainsMy recommendation
Start free on Cloudflare Pages or GitHub Pages. Buy a domain once the project gets real traffic or you want to apply for ads.
Need something like this built? I take freelance projects in streaming, web apps and automation. Get in touch.