A web host and doesn't includes assets which includes its own personal CMS(Content Management System), for example Blogspot, Wix and many others.
So, if you're only discussing the prominent differences regarding on free web host and paid version, you should relate your traffics, bandwidths, storage and email servers to make a choice among them.
Chances are, your web will most likely get hooked on ads if you're to use free web host.
Paid web host, do come with a variety of plans and hiccups so do make sure to check on each specifications and to choose whichever suites your needs. On the contrary, if you are very new to this field, it is advisable to choose free web host first and the only free web host that comes up to my mind is
http://xhosting.com Certainly very reliable and stands out the most than any free web hosts that I have used before. Keep in mind, xhosting provides you free domain. Well it isn't always necessary to purchase a domain, but I do recommend getting one. Usually 12.99$ per year.
Nonetheless, good luck.
reliable and stands out ?? sorry xHosting now gone.