What each tool is built for
Google Sites is a site builder inside Google's apps: you start from a blank site or the template gallery, pick a Google-made or custom theme, add pages and subpages up to five levels deep, and insert Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms, Calendar, Maps and YouTube content. [6] [1] Google's site-creation steps start on a computer. [7]
Carrd builds one-page sites from templates or a blank page, with sections to simulate multiple pages. [8] [9] Its free plan covers up to three sites; Pro plans add branding removal, custom domains, forms and more. [8] [4]
On cost, Carrd's Pro prices are published: $9, $19 and $49 a year for its three main tiers. [4] The Google Sites help pages and product page we read do not list a price; the product page promotes "Sites for work" through Google Workspace. [10]
Feature comparison
| Need | Google Sites | Carrd |
|---|---|---|
| Real separate pages | Yes, with subpages up to 5 levels [2] | Sections on one page, linked as #name [11] |
| Custom domain | Settings, Custom domains; verify a Domain property in Search Console; address must include a subdomain such as www [12] | Pro Standard, $19 a year [4] |
| Forms | Insert a Google Form from the Insert menu [1] | Contact and signup forms on Pro Standard; custom and payment forms on Pro Plus [5] |
| Email list signup to a newsletter tool | Not a built-in option in the help pages we read | Signup forms to Kit, Mailchimp, MailerLite and others [13] |
| Custom code | Embed code with script and style tags [1] | Embeds on Pro Standard [4] |
| Analytics | Enter a Google Analytics property ID [14] | Analytics on Pro Standard [4] |
| Restrict who can view | Published site can be Restricted to named people [3] | Password protection on Pro Plus [4] |
| Vendor branding removed | Not addressed in the pages we read | Any Pro plan [4] |
Search and sharing controls
Google Sites gives you one search switch: on a site that is public on the web, Publish settings include "Request public search engines to not display my site", which Google says is a request and not a guarantee. [3] You can set a custom path for each page, but renaming a page or publishing a new custom path creates a new URL and can affect Analytics tracking. [2] [14]
Carrd exposes a site title and description at publish, custom meta tags such as robots=noindex or a Search Console verification tag on Pro Standard, a custom share image on Pro Lite, an automatic sitemap, and a canonical URL setting on Pro Plus. [15] [16] [17] [18] [4] If you care how the link looks when shared, or need to verify ownership by meta tag, Carrd gives you the switches; Google Sites relies on Search Console DNS verification for custom domains. [12]
Custom domain fine print on Google Sites
- Only the site owner can connect a domain, and DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to appear. [12]
- A site can have up to five custom domains, with a limit of 20 mappings per week for a URL. [12]
- Extra fonts from Docs and Slides do not work on a custom domain, features that need Google sign-in may not work, and Google Groups embeds will not render properly. [12]
- The published site must be shared publicly, or visitors are redirected to the sites.google.com address. [12]
- The custom domain can stop working if you delete the site, transfer ownership or move it into a Team Drive (shared drive). [12]
Who should stay on Google Sites, and who should pay for Carrd
| Project | Better fit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Class, club or team hub with schedules and shared files | Google Sites | Inserts Docs, Sheets, Calendar and Forms; real subpages; restricted viewing [1] [2] [3] |
| Internal handbook for a company on Google Workspace | Google Sites | Work accounts may see extra sharing options [3] |
| Personal portfolio or link-in-bio on your own domain | Carrd Pro Standard | Custom domain, no branding, share image, signup form for $19 a year [4] |
| Product launch page collecting emails | Carrd Pro Standard | Signup forms connect directly to email services [13] |
| Multi-page public site with many topics | Neither by default | Carrd is one page; consider a builder with per-page SEO settings [11] |
Before you choose
- List who must see the site: specific people (Google Sites restricted sharing) or the public (either). [3]
- Decide whether you need your own domain, and whether you can add DNS records at your registrar. [12] [4]
- If you need an email list, confirm your newsletter service is on Carrd's signup list. [13]
- Confirm what Google Sites costs for your account type before assuming it is free.
- Try Carrd Pro features on the 7-day trial, no card required. [19]
- This comparison is drawn from Google and Carrd documentation; we have not built the same site on both.
Questions before you decide
Can Google Sites use a custom domain?
Yes. Google's help page describes connecting one through Settings, Custom domains after verifying a Domain property in Search Console; the address must include a subdomain such as www.
Does Google Sites support multiple pages?
Yes. You add pages in the Pages panel and can nest subpages up to five levels deep.
What Carrd plan do I need for a custom domain?
Pro Standard, listed at $19 a year for up to 10 sites on Carrd's Pro page.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Google Sites Help: add Google files, videos, website content and more Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Google Sites Help: add, delete and organize pages Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Google Sites Help: publish and share your site Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd Pro plan comparison Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd docs: Pro plans Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Google Workspace Learning Center: create your first site Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Google Sites Help: how to use Google Sites Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd home page Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd docs: using sections Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Google Workspace: Google Sites product page Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd docs: setting up a section Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Google Sites Help: use a custom domain for your site Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd docs: setting up a signup form Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Google Sites Help: use Analytics with your site Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd docs: changing a title or description Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd docs: adding meta tags Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd docs: adding a share image Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd docs: setting up a sitemap Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd docs: Pro trial Accessed 30 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.