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Build static websites visually with this free, open-source, and community-owned no-code platform.

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Tracked since2026
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The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free plan available, paid tiers above

Biggest pro

Completely free and open-source, with no hidden costs or 'enshittification' risk.

Biggest con

May have a learning curve for users expecting a zero-learning-curve, 10-minute site builder.

TL;DR - Silex

  • Free, open-source, and community-owned visual website builder for static sites.
  • Integrates with CMS/APIs for dynamic data and offers hosting.
  • Emphasizes web standards, flexibility, and no vendor lock-in.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams

What is Silex?

Editorial review
Silex is a free, libre, and open-source visual website builder specifically designed for static sites. It offers a no-code approach to web design, allowing users to create fast, accessible, SEO-optimized, and eco-friendly websites. The platform emphasizes adherence to web standards, providing users with a foundational understanding of HTML and CSS concepts without vendor lock-in. It's ideal for web professionals building multiple sites, students learning design, teams needing static site performance, and agencies scaling client work. Silex integrates with various Content Management Systems (CMS) and APIs, enabling users to design with dynamic data that clients can easily edit. This makes it suitable for crafting blogs, small business websites, and e-commerce sites. Maintained by Silex Labs, a French non-profit organization, the project is community-owned and driven by user contributions and feature funding, ensuring its development aligns with user needs and remains free forever.

Available on: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Completely free and open-source, with no hidden costs or 'enshittification' risk.
  • Strong emphasis on web standards, promoting future-proof web development skills.
  • Flexible architecture with options for self-hosting and various CMS integrations.
  • Community-owned and driven, ensuring development aligns with user needs.
  • Creates fast, accessible, SEO-optimized, and eco-friendly static websites.

Cons

  • May have a learning curve for users expecting a zero-learning-curve, 10-minute site builder.
  • Advanced features like desktop app and premium templates are dependent on community funding.
  • Primarily focused on static sites, which might not suit all dynamic web application needs.

Key Features

Visual editor for static sitesCMS integration (WordPress, Strapi, Squidex, Supabase, custom API)Hosting includedSelf-hosting capabilityTemplates for agencies and freelancers (via funding)Desktop application (Windows, macOS, Linux) for offline work (under development)Local-first and offline-first capabilities (desktop app)Open-source AI integration (desktop app)

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Jun 19, 2026

Open Silex Cloud

$0 forever

  • Standard website builder features
  • No advertising, no tracking
  • Accommodation GitLab Pages
  • Custom domain name
  • CMS Integrations, 11ty plugins
  • Collaboration and versioning
  • Suitable for small teams

Open Silex Desktop app

0 € forever free

  • AI integration
  • Works offline, no account needed
  • You manage hosting, deployment, backups
  • Flexibility and full control
  • More technical
  • All features of Silex
  • Host your site anywhere
  • Integrations CMS

Silex Desktop app Self-Hosted

$0 + your server

  • Full control on your infrastructure, you host Silex+GitLab+11ty+CMS on your servers
  • No limits in GitLab
  • Sovereign
  • All features included
  • Custom storage backends
  • Your own domain
  • GrapesJS plugins
  • 11ty plugins

Managed Hosting

Quote

  • Self-hosting without constraints
  • Self accommodation of Silex+GitLab+11ty+CMS
  • Updates and maintenance
  • Dedicated support provided by Internet 2000
  • Multi-client configuration, multi-tenant
  • Support the development of Silex
  • Suitable for web agencies

No-Code Development

From 1,500€/project

  • Design implementation
  • CMS setup
  • Deployment & hosting
  • Maintenance

Support & Consulting

From 100€/hour

  • Technical support
  • Architecture review
  • Migration assistance
  • Best practices audit

Custom Development

On quote

  • Custom Silex plugins
  • GrapesJS components
  • 11ty integrations
  • API connectors

How Silex's pricing compares

At $100/mo, Silex is the most premium of its 4 direct competitors.

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Jun 19, 2026.

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Silex FAQ

How does Silex help create SEO-optimized websites?

Silex is specifically designed to generate fast, accessible, and SEO-optimized static websites. Its adherence to web standards contributes to better search engine visibility and performance. This focus ensures that websites built with Silex are well-structured for search engine crawlers.

Which teams would benefit most from using Silex?

Silex is ideal for web professionals building multiple sites, students learning design, and agencies scaling client work. It also suits teams that require high-performance static sites. Its no-code visual builder simplifies web design for various skill levels.

How is Silex priced?

Silex is available on a free tier, providing access to its core functionalities as a free, libre, and open-source platform. Paid plans are offered for users requiring more usage or additional features. This model supports its community-driven development.

What kind of websites can be built using Silex?

Silex is suitable for crafting blogs, small business websites, and e-commerce sites. It integrates with various Content Management Systems (CMS) and APIs, allowing for dynamic data within a static site framework. This flexibility supports a range of web projects.

Can Silex integrate with existing content management systems?

Yes, Silex integrates with various Content Management Systems (CMS) and APIs. This feature allows users to design websites with dynamic data that clients can easily edit. Such integrations make it versatile for different content needs.

How does Silex compare to a competitor like Webflow?

Silex is a free, open-source, and community-owned no-code platform specifically for static sites, emphasizing web standards and avoiding vendor lock-in. In contrast, Webflow is a proprietary platform that offers more dynamic web application features but may come with vendor lock-in. Silex focuses on providing a foundational understanding of HTML and CSS concepts.

What are the main trade-offs when choosing Silex?

Silex may present a learning curve for users expecting an extremely simple, instant site builder. Additionally, advanced features like a desktop app and premium templates depend on community funding. Its primary focus on static sites means it might not be suitable for all dynamic web application needs.

Source: silex.me

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