Free Popup Makers Compared: Which One Works Best for Your Website?

Popups are an essential tool for boosting website engagement, driving email signups, and increasing conversions. But with so many free popup makers on the market, finding the best one can be overwhelming. In this post, we'll compare the top free popup tools, evaluating their features and use cases to help you choose the right fit for your website.

TL;DR: Best Free Popup Makers Compared (2025)
 

• Onvocado: Fast, no-code popup builder with advanced targeting, analytics, and seamless integrations. Great for performance-focused websites.
• Popupsmart: User-friendly editor with sleek templates and behavior-based triggers. Ideal for solopreneurs and small businesses.
• OptinMonster: Feature-rich tool with A/B testing and scroll or exit targeting. Perfect for serious lead generation efforts.
• BDOW (formerly Sumo): Basic but effective popup builder with social sharing and list growth tools. Includes branding on the free plan.

Takeaway: Each tool excels in different areas. Choose based on your goals, site type, and desired level of customization.

Popups have proven to be game-changers for lead generation, customer retention, and sales. Studies show that well-crafted popups can boost conversion rates by up to 300%. Here’s why popups are indispensable:

• Lead Generation: Whether you’re creating a mailing list or promoting a sale, popups are perfect for capturing user attention.
• Reducing Bounce Rates: Exit-intent popups encourage visitors not to leave your site without taking action.
• Promoting Special Offers: Highlight discounts, free trials, or time-sensitive deals effectively.

But to achieve these results, the quality of your popup maker matters. Free tools can offer surprising functionality if chosen wisely!

Not all free popup builders are created equal. Before diving into individual tools, it’s essential to understand the features that set top-tier tools apart:

• Customization Options: Ensure the tool allows you to tailor the design and behavior of popups to match your website's aesthetic.
• Mobile Responsiveness: With over 50% of web traffic from mobile devices, mobile-friendly popups are non-negotiable.
• Targeting Rules: Advanced segmentation, such as location-based or behavior-driven popups (e.g., exit-intent), can boost effectiveness.
• Ease of Use: Drag-and-drop builders or pre-designed templates save time and effort.

With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the best free popup makers available today.

f you're looking for a modern popup tool that balances power with simplicity, Onvocado deserves a top spot on your list. Designed with performance and usability in mind, Onvocado helps you launch personalized popups without touching a line of code.

Key Features:

• Lightning-fast widget optimized for performance and SEO
• Visual editor with pre-made templates and responsive design
• Advanced display rules (exit-intent, scroll depth, time delay, and more)
• Deep targeting with audience segmentation and UTM filters
• Built-in analytics to track views, clicks, and conversion rates
• Seamless integrations with platforms like Webflow, Shopify, and WordPress

What sets Onvocado apart is its focus on speed and flexibility—whether you’re running a blog, a storefront, or a lead gen site. With a generous free plan and no unnecessary bloat, it's ideal for creators and marketers who want fast results without sacrificing quality.

Popupsmart is a no-code popup builder that offers a range of features even in its free tier. With an intuitive interface and smart targeting capabilities, it’s a go-to solution for beginners and pros alike.

Key Features:

• Sleek drag-and-drop builder with customizable templates
• Exit-intent popups and geolocation targeting
• Integration with popular tools like Mailchimp and HubSpot

While Popupsmart’s free plan includes branding, you gain access to many advanced features typically found in paid tools. Its minimalist design and simplicity make it ideal for solopreneurs and small businesses.

OptinMonster is another popular popup tool offering a robust free plan. Known for its advanced features, this platform empowers you to grow your email list and reduce cart abandonment effectively.

Key Features:

• Behavior-based triggers, including scroll depth and exit-intent
• A/B testing to optimize popup performance
• Dozens of responsive, pre-designed templates

The downside? The free plan has limited features compared to the premium offerings. Still, OptinMonster is ideal for marketers looking to experiment with high-converting popups before committing to a paid plan.

If you’re looking for a straightforward tool, BDOW might be your best bet. Popular for its suite of marketing tools, BDOW’s free plan includes a basic popup builder for lead generation.

Key Features:

• Simple interface with pre-built popup forms
• Email list growth tools integrated with platforms like Mailchimp
• Social sharing and heatmap analytics included

However, one major drawback is the mandatory BDOW branding on the free plan. If that’s not an issue, BDOW offers excellent functionality for bloggers and small sites starting out.

With so many options, selecting the best popup maker for your needs can be challenging. Here are some factors to consider when deciding:

• Budget: While free tools are powerful, some require upgrades for advanced capabilities. Determine how much you’re willing to invest.
• Technical Knowledge: If you’re not tech-savvy, opt for tools like Popupsmart with simple interfaces.
• Website Goals: Focus on tools that align with your objectives — whether it's lead generation, sales promotion, or user engagement.

Ultimately, the best popup maker is the one that fits both your site’s needs and your technical proficiency.

Popups remain one of the most effective ways to drive engagement and conversions. Free popup makers like Popupsmart, OptinMonster, and BDOW offer excellent solutions tailored to different website needs.

Take advantage of free plans to test each tool, analyze your results, and choose the one that aligns best with your goals. With the right popup maker, you can create a seamless user experience while boosting your website's performance.