Building a website can feel a lot like building a house — it’s your foundation, your brand’s home online, and you want it to be just right. Squarespace is often the first name that pops into people’s heads when they think of website builders. But guess what? It’s not the only name you should know.
There’s a whole bunch of Squarespace competitors that might fit your business needs even better — cheaper, easier, more flexible, or packed with cooler features.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive deep into the best alternatives to Squarespace for businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Why Look Beyond Squarespace?
Squarespace is sleek, no doubt. But it’s not perfect for everyone. Here’s why you might want to peek over the fence:
- Pricing: It can get pricey, especially when you start adding features.
- Customization Limits: Not as flexible if you want super-unique designs.
- eCommerce: Good for small shops, but not the best for growing businesses.
- Speed: Sometimes, websites on Squarespace can be slower to load.
- App Integrations: Limited compared to some competitors.
Think of Squarespace like a beautifully decorated apartment — looks stunning but maybe not spacious enough if you plan to grow.
Top Squarespace Competitors for Businesses
Let’s dig into the best website builders that are giving Squarespace a serious run for its money.
1. Wix
Best for: Creative freedom and beginners who want flexibility.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop editor
- 900+ templates
- Built-in SEO tools
- Extensive app market
- eCommerce and booking tools
Pros:
- Super customizable
- Affordable pricing
- Easy learning curve
Cons:
- Can get messy if you’re not organized
- Template switching isn’t smooth
Fun Fact: Wix hosts over 8 million live websites worldwide.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Light | $16/mo | Personal use |
| Core | $27/mo | Entrepreneurs |
| Business | $32/mo | Growing brands |
2. WordPress (With Elementor)
Best for: Businesses that want control and customization.
Key Features:
- Thousands of themes and plugins
- Elementor makes drag-and-drop simple
- Full ownership of your website
- Best-in-class blogging platform
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- SEO powerhouse
- Endless scalability
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- You manage updates and security
Did you know?
WordPress powers 43% of the entire internet! 🚀
3. Shopify
Best for: Serious eCommerce businesses.
Key Features:
- Complete eCommerce platform
- Inventory management
- Payment gateways integration
- Marketing tools built-in
Pros:
- Designed for online sales
- Massive app ecosystem
- Great for scaling
Cons:
- Not ideal for content-heavy sites
- Monthly fees can add up
| Shopify Plan | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $39 | New businesses |
| Shopify | $105 | Growing businesses |
| Advanced | $399 | Scaling companies |
4. Webflow
Best for: Designers who want total creative control.
Key Features:
- Advanced visual editor
- CMS capabilities
- Responsive design tools
- eCommerce capabilities
Pros:
- Design freedom like no other
- No coding required (unless you want to)
- High performance
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- Pricing can be confusing
Stat Attack:
Websites built on Webflow load 40% faster than traditional builders.
5. Weebly
Best for: Small businesses on a tight budget.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop simplicity
- Integrated eCommerce tools
- Blogging features
- Mobile-responsive themes
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Easy to use
- Great for small online stores
Cons:
- Limited design flexibility
- Basic SEO compared to others
| Plan | Price | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Testing ideas |
| Personal | $10/mo | Basic websites |
| Performance | $26/mo | Small businesses |
6. Duda
Best for: Agencies and web designers managing multiple sites.
Key Features:
- Client management tools
- Team collaboration
- White-label options
- Multilingual support
Pros:
- Fast site-building
- Great for team workflows
- Secure hosting
Cons:
- Expensive for solo entrepreneurs
- Limited app integrations
Cool Fact:
Duda powers over 18 million websites globally.
Comparison Table: Squarespace Competitors at a Glance
| Platform | Best For | Starting Price | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | Beginners, creatives | $16/mo | Customization |
| WordPress + Elementor | Control seekers | Free + Hosting | Flexibility |
| Shopify | eCommerce businesses | $39/mo | Online Sales |
| Webflow | Designers | $14/mo | Advanced Design |
| Weebly | Budget businesses | $0 | Affordability |
| Duda | Agencies | $19/mo | Team Collaboration |
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Website Builder
Before you pick your new website BFF, here’s what you need to ask yourself:
- What’s my budget? (Be real about it.)
- Do I need eCommerce? (Selling stuff? Choose wisely.)
- How tech-savvy am I? (Drag-and-drop or code-friendly?)
- Will I scale quickly? (Plan for growth!)
- Do I want total control or convenience? (Big choice.)
Picking the right website builder is like choosing a travel buddy. Get it wrong, and the journey is stressful. Get it right, and the adventure is amazing.
Final Verdict: Squarespace vs. Competitors
Squarespace is like that stylish boutique hotel — beautiful but not for every traveler.
- Want creative freedom? Go for Wix.
- Need an unstoppable blog or content site? WordPress all the way.
- Planning a big online store? Shopify is your buddy.
- Are you a design perfectionist? Say hello to Webflow.
- Need something super budget-friendly? Weebly has your back.
- Running multiple client sites? Duda is made for you.
The best website builder for you depends on your goals, tech skills, and future plans.
FAQs About Squarespace Competitors
1. Is Wix better than Squarespace?
Wix offers more flexibility and creative freedom, but Squarespace has a slight edge in design consistency. It depends on what you prioritize — creativity or polish.
2. Can I switch from Squarespace to another platform easily?
Not super easily. You’ll often have to manually migrate your content, especially if you move to platforms like WordPress or Webflow. It’s a bit of a pain but doable.
3. Which builder is best for SEO?
WordPress (with plugins like Yoast SEO) is the king of SEO. Webflow is also strong if you know your way around on-page optimization.
4. What is the cheapest alternative to Squarespace?
Weebly is the most affordable option. You can even start for free and upgrade when you’re ready to go pro.
5. Do these platforms offer free trials?
Most of them do! Wix, Shopify, Webflow, and Duda all offer free trials or free versions so you can test the waters before jumping in.
