Free Website Builder - System for Creating Websites - uCoz

If you are not familiar with CMS and content management but want to learn how to create a website on your own, this system is a great starting point. The instructions are written in an accessible language, and importantly, some features are available for free. However, many capabilities that could make the system appealing for MVP projects or satellites are limited, which ultimately makes it less financially advantageous. Nevertheless, credit should be given to the creators for having such a product.

Date of experience: December 2, 2024

Ucoz is an old website builder that once was used by everyone who could be bothered. Blogs and poetry sites (which were very popular) attracted novice webmasters who learned to create websites for themselves and for clients. I only managed to see the remnants of this. All the webmasters and SEO specialists I know, upon noticing a site on Ucoz, immediately advised switching to another platform. Considering the modern, truly "alive" platforms, Ucoz looks like a clumsy dinosaur. I do not recommend it.

Date of experience: August 11, 2024

It has become somewhat of a trend to have one's own website, and I found myself swept up in it too. The UCOZ platform attracts with its availability of free templates and the opportunity to start web development, allowing for initial steps in this field. It's worth noting that I haven't used any paid services, so I can't elaborate on their advantages. Since 2005 (I’m attaching an archival screenshot), this service has become very popular, and today it's used by both regular users and large companies. From personal experience, I can say that for someone who needs a website as a "business card," 600 MB of space is quite sufficient. The tool for "inserting image URLs, HTML video code" helps save space, and if that's not enough, you can choose one of the plans starting at $5.99 (443 rubles at the time of writing) and going up to $9.99 (734 rubles) per month. Thus, the higher the plan, the more features and tools are available. Registration on the service is similar to others; you can use social media accounts or a special form. Users can create multiple websites and easily switch between them. Among the free features are templates for websites in various categories, domains, some of which indicate where the website was built. However, don’t think that the platform is without drawbacks — they can manifest when editing pages, as you need to specify the builder in the form of code that shows where the site was created. There are restrictions on file format uploads; for example, you won't be able to upload .php ready-made pages in the free version — it's like cheese in a mousetrap. Thus, creating a comment form won't be possible, although you can use the social media option to "embed code," which is up to you. Another advantage is the multitude of modules available, such as "Guestbook," "Forum," "Bulletin Board," "Mini-chat," "FAQ," "Polls," and "Mailing Forms," which can be customized within the framework of free use. The design of the service has changed over the years and has become more user-friendly; if desired, you can switch back to the old version in the settings. There are plenty of templates available for this builder online, both free and paid. The builder's menu also offers assistance from web development specialists who are ready to help for a fee. You can pay for services using all known methods: via bank card, WebMoney, PayPal, and Yoomoney (Yandex.Money). Paid services include website promotion, connecting higher-level domains, additional disk space, and the ability to create an online store. You can edit pages at your discretion, change fonts, restrict access for certain users, and configure user groups in the settings. Overall, if you approach the solution of some inconveniences related to restrictions correctly, you can find many solutions online. For example, you can download a backup of a ready-made design for your website and use it without problems. It should be remembered that the success of any project depends on you, as does its profitability. The service does not impose strict restrictions but often reminds you of them. The absence of account replenishment does not carry serious consequences, except for the appearance of ads from third-party services on your site or the threat of losing all files if the service closes, which is unlikely. If desired, the site can be deleted or temporarily made inactive.

Date of experience: November 14, 2024

A lot has been said about Ucoz, that it exists solely thanks to honest word. Personally, I would add that the "outdatedness," for which many criticize Ucoz, is actually its last significant advantage, as it has everything necessary to implement almost any idea without unnecessary problems. However, this review cannot be considered positive, as I am leaving Ucoz, and, strange as it may sound, the reason was my communication with the project leader (*** ***). After that conversation, I realized that the service wouldn't last long with such an attitude. This is not an exaggeration! As is known, in recent days, there have been "certain local events" on Ucoz that opened people's eyes to what is happening behind the scenes of the project and what to expect in the future. It all started with a forced update that completely paralyzed the work of some websites (due to the inability to add new content). It didn't affect me much (I rarely use the News section), but I followed the events in their official Telegram channel for three days. Honestly, I still can't believe that this is written by the project management. The response to all the requests and complaints from people was almost the same - if you are not satisfied, look for another platform. Then came outright insults and accusations towards webmasters that they were to blame and were creating websites incorrectly, that they needed to change their behavior and attitude, as well as the phrase "I read halfway and lost interest" (let me remind you, this is written by the head of Ucoz, who is communicating with webmasters who found themselves unable to update their sites due to the new update). It all ended with one guy in the chat being rudely insulted by the management, and I felt sorry for him (the guy, not the management), as he seemed young and naïve. I offered to help him move his site to another platform and immediately got banned. Here I want to note that I am to blame, and indeed such a phrase in the Ucoz thread is not the best solution. I admit my mistake! But the worst part is that after this, I had to communicate with *** *** in private messages. The results of that communication can be seen in the screenshots (I specifically registered with the same nickname so that no one could say I was a fake or wanted to slander). In the end, Ucoz gives the impression of a project that is no longer interesting to its creators, just as it is to the people who have worked with them for over ten years. Everything functions on inertia, creating an illusion of activity (just to do "something" regardless of the purpose), and the attitude towards people is comparable to how one treats germs on their hands. I deliberately did not touch on other aspects of Ucoz (from gray schemes of working with VIPs to hidden subscriptions and casino ads on free accounts, etc.). A lot has already been said about this! Therefore, I wanted to dedicate this post to a rarer phenomenon called "the inner workings." My personal conclusion is that this is no longer the project it used to be, and there is absolutely nothing to do on it now. Especially while enduring constant rudeness and disrespect!

Date of experience: August 24, 2025

Earlier, I calmly ignored the shortcomings of Ucoz. I continued to work, updated websites, and even made a small income. However, over time, the situation worsened. The administration often responds rudely and is unwilling to listen to users unless you are a VIP client. Technical innovations are implemented with "talent," leading to the breakdown of familiar functionalities. Really important and useful updates are not being introduced, even though some have been requested for several years. Unfavorable opinions and questions are stubbornly deleted, and overall, if you want to continue working with Ucoz, you must accept an important fact - they are always right, and you are not! If you disagree with this, leave! In general, the atmosphere at Ucoz has now become extremely toxic and unreasonable.

Date of experience: September 16, 2024