Building a tech portfolio is an essential step for anyone looking to break into or advance in tech. From developers to designers and data scientists, having an online space to showcase your work can help you stand out to employers and clients. Fortunately, there are numerous free platforms that allow you to create a professional portfolio without needing a personal domain. Here’s a rundown of 10 fantastic sites where you can set up your tech portfolio, complete with a free domain.
1. GitHub Pages
Free Domain Format: username.github.io
GitHub Pages is a popular choice among developers. If you’re already hosting your code on GitHub, why not take it a step further and use GitHub Pages to host your portfolio? GitHub Pages allows you to create a website directly from your GitHub repository. You can use tools like Jekyll, a static site generator, to build a portfolio in no time.
This platform is especially useful for developers looking to showcase projects, open-source contributions, and collaborative work. Plus, it’s 100% free and comes with its own domain—perfect for sharing your work with the world.
2. GitLab Pages
Free Domain Format: username.gitlab.io
Similar to GitHub, GitLab Pages is a fantastic option for hosting code-based portfolios. It also supports static site generators like Hugo and Jekyll, giving you flexibility to design your site just the way you like it. If you prefer GitLab’s interface or are already working with GitLab repositories, this could be the ideal platform for you.
For added visibility, GitLab Pages can host your projects in a similar fashion, allowing others to see exactly what you’re working on.
3. Netlify
Free Domain Format: example.netlify.app
Netlify is a powerful hosting platform for static websites and is popular with tech enthusiasts who use frameworks like Gatsby, Hugo, and Jekyll. Netlify offers a lot of versatility for more complex, customized portfolios, allowing you to deploy your site with one click and integrate continuous deployment if you like.
The free .netlify.app domain is professional enough to share with potential employers or clients, and the platform’s extensive features—like custom domains, form handling, and serverless functions—make it a powerful tool for building a portfolio you can grow with over time.
4. Wix
Free Domain Format: username.wixsite.com/portfolio
For a visually appealing portfolio without needing to write a line of code, Wix is a great option. With its drag-and-drop editor and numerous templates, Wix allows you to quickly set up a portfolio with a free domain name, making it suitable for both tech and non-tech creators.
The main limitation is the free domain format, which includes the Wix branding, but the user-friendly interface and customizable designs make up for it. Plus, Wix provides options to upgrade later, allowing you to purchase a custom domain if you want to take your site to the next level.
5. WordPress.com
Free Domain Format: username.wordpress.com
WordPress.com is one of the world’s most widely used platforms, and for good reason. It’s ideal for techies who want to write about their projects, share insights, and add blog content alongside portfolio pieces. WordPress offers various free themes and plugins to enhance your site and offers a solid username.wordpress.com domain for free users.
If your portfolio leans towards content or you want a blend of projects and articles, WordPress is the ideal platform. When you’re ready, upgrading to a custom domain is always an option.
6. Webflow
Free Domain Format: username.webflow.io
If you want a portfolio with some serious design muscle but don’t want to dive into code, Webflow is an excellent choice. Known for its advanced design capabilities, Webflow combines the visual flexibility of Wix with the technical control of more code-oriented platforms.
Webflow’s .webflow.io domain is clean and can work well as a free option, though you might be tempted to upgrade after exploring all the design possibilities. It’s a great choice for designers, UI/UX specialists, and developers who want more than a basic layout.
7. Google Sites
Free Domain Format: sites.google.com/view/portfolio-name
Google Sites is simple, straightforward, and totally free. If you’re looking for something basic, Google Sites allows you to build a website without much hassle. It may not be as flexible as other options on this list, but it’s great for a quick setup and is surprisingly customizable.
This platform is particularly useful for those who are new to web development or simply want a space to host information about themselves and their work without investing a lot of time in site-building.
8. Carrd
Free Domain Format: username.carrd.co
For a minimalist, one-page portfolio, Carrd is a popular choice. Carrd allows you to create visually appealing, responsive websites that are perfect for a concise, to-the-point portfolio. It’s easy to use and requires no coding experience.
Carrd’s free version gives you a username.carrd.co domain, and the site builder is great for personal branding. Carrd is perfect if you prefer a clean, modern look for a simple, straightforward portfolio.
9. Notion
Free Domain Format: Publicly shareable Notion link
Although Notion isn’t a traditional website builder, it’s a great tool for a unique, structured portfolio. With Notion, you can create a workspace to showcase projects, document your workflow, and share public links to your portfolio. Many people love Notion for its organizational features and flexibility.
The shared link format might not look as professional as others, but Notion is perfect if you’re looking to create a detailed, content-rich portfolio with a mix of visuals, code snippets, and project notes.
10. CodePen
Free Domain Format: codepen.io/username
If you’re a front-end developer, CodePen is practically a must. CodePen is a social development platform that allows you to showcase HTML, CSS, and JavaScript projects. It’s perfect for showing off animations, interactive features, and responsive designs.
CodePen doesn’t give you a traditional portfolio site, but you can showcase live demos of your code. With the codepen.io/username domain, CodePen is a fantastic way to showcase your coding chops, particularly if you’re aiming for a front-end development role.
Final Thoughts
These platforms give you plenty of ways to create an impressive tech portfolio without spending a dime on hosting or a domain. As you explore each option, consider what suits your unique style and goals—whether it’s a straightforward design with Google Sites, code-oriented showcases with GitHub Pages, or visual storytelling with Webflow.
In the ever-competitive tech landscape, your portfolio can be your most powerful asset, so take advantage of these free tools to put your best work out there. When you’re ready, many of these platforms also offer affordable upgrades to custom domains and additional features to take your portfolio to the next level.
Ready to get started? Choose a platform that resonates with you, start creating, and show the world what you can do!