If you’re planning to build a website without spending much, using a free content management system — or CMS — is a smart place to start. CMS platforms make it easier to create, manage, and update websites without writing code.

Here are some of the best free CMS platforms available today:

1. WordPress
WordPress is the most popular CMS in the world — and for good reason. It’s user-friendly, highly customizable, and supports thousands of plugins and themes. Whether you’re building a blog, business site, or online store, WordPress is flexible enough to handle it all.

2. Joomla
Joomla is another powerful and free CMS. It offers more built-in features than WordPress, but it has a steeper learning curve. It’s ideal for developers or users who want more control and scalability from the start.

3. Drupal
Drupal is known for its high performance and security. It’s often used by large organizations and government websites. While it’s more complex to use, it’s a great choice for advanced users and developers.

4. Ghost
If your main focus is publishing content — like a blog or an online magazine — Ghost is a sleek, fast CMS designed specifically for writers. It has a clean interface and is optimized for performance and SEO.

5. Grav
Grav is a flat-file CMS that doesn’t require a database. It’s lightweight and fast, perfect for simple websites or portfolios. It’s also great for developers who prefer a minimalist setup.

All of these platforms are open-source, meaning they’re free to use and supported by strong developer communities. Some may offer premium themes or services, but the core software is always free.

Choosing the right CMS depends on your needs, experience level, and the type of website you want to build. Start simple, explore the features, and grow from there.