Squarespace Alternatives: Comparing 11 Website Builders

Ad disclaimer: For links on this page, EXPERTE.com may earn a commission from the provider. This supports our work and has no influence on our editorial rating.

If you want to create a website without having to code it line by line, we recommend trying out website builders, like Squarespace. These allow anyone to create a professional-looking website and/or online store without any programming know-how. They also handle hosting and domains. Only one question remains: Is Squarespace really the best choice for your needs?

Top Website Builder 2024
Sponsored
from  $0.00
per month
Wix
from  $16.00
per month
Squarespace
from  $0.00
per month
Webflow
from  $19.00
per month
Duda.co
show all

In EXPERTE.com's comprehensive website builder assessment, Squarespace finished in second place owing to its high-quality templates, ease of use, and excellent support. However, despite all of the positives, the platform did have a few shortcomings.

Disadvantages of Squarespace

Squarespace dropped points in the following areas:

  • No app marketplace
    While other site builders give users access to app centers or marketplaces filled with integrations and tools, Squarespace only offers a small selection of extensions. These are mostly ecommerce features for things like order management, drop shipping, or coupons. In this area, Squarespace can't compete with Wix or WordPress.

  • Similar templates
    Squarespace is perhaps best known for its elegant templates, and we're definitely fans. However, their number (122 compared to Wix's 800, for example) isn't too impressive. Since Squarespace templates are so readily recognizable, this also means that many of their designs look fairly similar to one another.

  • Relatively expensive
    For an ad-free website with a unique domain, you'll need to pay anywhere from twice to four times as much as the six most competitively priced solutions from our sample. Squarespace also doesn't offer a free version of its platform that would limit users to a provider domain, but allow them to create and operate a website.

The Best Alternatives to Squarespace

1.

Better Overall Package: Wix

Best Overall 2024
Wix Website Builder
Wix Website Builder
(106,803 )
Wix offers the best balance of user-friendliness, flexibility, and features in the website builder market: If you want to create a dynamic, personalized website without any coding skills, Wix is a great choice.
800+ versatile templates
intuitive drag-and-drop editor
huge range of features
more flexible than other website builders
includes free plan
9.9
excellent
Space
0.5 - ∞
Domains
0 - 1
Pages
unlimited
Contract Period
0 - 36 months
Wix Free
 $0.00
monthly price
Try for Free

When the dust settled after our website builder comparison, only one platform finished ahead of Squarespace: Wix. With its user-friendly interface, high-quality templates, and excellent support, you'll get everything that we liked about Squarespace. But that's not all, since the Israeli provider also includes a more versatile drag-and-drop editor, an AI-assisted editor for beginners, and a full-fledged app marketplace.

With Wix, you can choose from a wider selection of design templates than with Squarespace.

In terms of downsides, Wix isn't the best for blogging, and its AI-assisted ADI editor could allow somewhat more creative freedom, without sacrificing any of its user-friendliness. However, apart from those minor issues, Wix offers what in our minds is the best overall package. The cherry on top? Wix's subscriptions are more affordable than Squarespace's.

  • More than 800 design templates

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop editor

  • Well-stocked app marketplace

  • Blogging features could be improved

  • ADI editor lacks features

Review
9.9
excellent
Check Review
Templates & Design (30%)
10 / 10
Advanced features (25%)
10 / 10
Support (10%)
10 / 10
Ease of use (25%)
9.3 / 10
Pricing (10%)
7.6 / 10
2.

More Affordable: MyWebsite by IONOS

IONOS Website Builder
IONOS Website Builder
(45,952 )
IONOS makes website design foolproof – but that's mostly because there aren't many design options. The templates offer little room for personalization, which makes their small number even more problematic.
AI website builder
lots of ecommerce features
limited design freedom
few templates
missing SEO options
7.1
good
Space
10 - ∞
Domains
1 domain
Pages
10 - ∞
Contract Period
1 - 12 months
IONOS Starter
 $10.50
monthly price
30 days risk-free

MyWebsite by IONOS might have come in just behind Squarespace in our ranking, however, it's much less expensive than the New York-based website builder. So far as features, support, and ecommerce capabilities are concerned, MyWebsite by IONOS doesn't have anything to be ashamed of.

The MyWebsite editor didn't seem to be as geared towards beginners as Squarespace's, however, with some practice, it's easy to use. And you'll be rewarded for your patience too since MyWebsite offers considerably more customization options.

The MyWebsite editor from IONOS is based on Duda's website-building software.

IONOS offers almost four times as many templates as Squarespace, however, we still prefer the latter for their quality. Another downside is that IONOS doesn't have an app marketplace or center.

  • Powerful editor that allows plenty of customization

  • Lots of features

  • More than 400 templates

  • Somewhat complicated and overloaded editor

  • Templates more about quantity than quality

Review
7.1
good
Check Review
Support (10%)
9.5 / 10
Ease of use (25%)
8.8 / 10
Pricing (10%)
7.6 / 10
Advanced features (25%)
6.1 / 10
Templates & Design (30%)
5.4 / 10
3.

More Versatility: Webflow

Webflow Website Builder
Webflow Website Builder
(871 )
Webflow offers significantly more design freedom than traditional builders. You can create dynamic, complex websites with many features and custom designs – but you should have an understanding of coding logic and web design concepts.
Mix of CMS & Website Builder
much more flexible than traditional website builders
great in-house learning platform
extensive collaboration tools
steep learning curve
8.8
good
Space
unlimited
Domains
0 domains
Pages
2 - 150 Seiten
Contract Period
0 - 12 months
Webflow Free
 $0.00
monthly price
Start for Free

Most of the website builders from our sample are targeted at beginners and try to make the site designing and building experience as 'code free' as possible. Webflow isn't one of these: The website builder/content management system (CMS) hybrid doesn't rely on code, however, its approach to visual design is heavily based on programming logic.

Webflow's user interface is reminiscent of programs like Photoshop and just as detailed.

If you want to avoid programming, Webflow probably won't be the best solution for you. However, the benefits of "visual programming" are worth considering, since it means that you can build just about anything that can be designed with code. As a result, users get much more creative freedom and versatility than classic website builders provide.

  • Practical CMS/website builder hybrid

  • Offers nearly endless possibilities

  • Excellent "Webflow University" e-learning platform

  • Background knowledge of programming and design are helpful

Review
8.8
good
Check Review
Support (10%)
10 / 10
Templates & Design (30%)
9.5 / 10
Ease of use (25%)
9.3 / 10
Advanced features (25%)
8.2 / 10
Pricing (10%)
5.8 / 10
4.

For Dedicated Online Shops: Shopify

Shopify
Shopify
(73,523 )
Shopify is a great all-rounder for small, medium, or larger shops. If you're looking for a platform that's more powerful than a regular website builder, but not as complicated as other ecommerce platforms, Shopify might offer the right mix.
more than 7,000 plugins
great help center
scales with your shop
suitable for beginners
many features require plugins
8.6
good
Number of Products
unlimited
Transaction Fee
0.5 - 2 %
Sales Channels
7+
Payment Options
7+
Shopify Basic
 $29.00
monthly price
14 day free trial

You can certainly open and run an online store with Squarespace, however, dedicated platforms like Shopify put a wider variety of ecommerce features at your fingertips. These range from enhanced sales and product management tools to delivery options, drop shipping, and points of sale, all of which exceed what Squarespace brings to the table.

Shopify is a dedicated ecommerce platform that offers both better and more selling features than Squarespace.

Still, Shopify comes in behind Squarespace so far as classic web design is concerned: You'll get better blogging features and templates with Squarespace.

If your goal is to open an online business, and the other aspects of web design only play a secondary role, it pays to take Shopify into consideration.

  • User-friendly and easy-to-navigate dashboard

  • Straightforward editor for customizing your store

  • Extensive app store with plenty of features

  • Advanced features (like user-defined checkouts) often cost extra

  • Transaction fees if you use external payment gateways

Review
8.6
good
Check Review
Configuration & Usage
9.4 / 10
Marketing & Analytics
9.4 / 10
Generating Sales
8.6 / 10
Product Management
8.6 / 10
Personalizing Your Store
8.6 / 10
Support
6.6 / 10
5.

Other Alternatives

Weebly

With its user-friendly editor, Weebly makes website creation simple. The platform also scores thanks to its nifty mobile app, which allows you to tinker with your website or write blog entries on the go.

Weebly Website Builder
Weebly Website Builder
(150,688 )
Weebly shows its age: The interface is clunky, its templates are uninspired, and there are very few customization options. The parent company, Square, also neglects the website builder, so it doesn't look like a promising option for the future.
strong ecommerce features
handy smartphone app
bulky, old-fashioned interface
limited customization
few templates and layouts
7.6
good
Space
0.5 - ∞
Domains
0 - 1
Pages
unlimited
Contract Period
0 - 12 months
Weebly Free
 $0.00
monthly price
Try for Free

SITE123

When it comes to customization, SITE123 doesn't have much to offer: There's no drag and drop, and only a few design aspects can be adjusted. All the same, SITE123 is extremely user-friendly and helps anyone quickly create a full and professional-looking website.

SITE123 Website Builder
SITE123 Website Builder
(9,103 )
SITE123 intentionally limits design freedom to make website creation particularly easy: users can hardly go wrong with the design, but they also can't create truly unique websites.
great 24/7 customer support with chat
many pre-designed sections
clean editor, easy to use
limited customization
unclear pricing and plans
8.3
good
Space
0.25 - 100 GB
Domains
0 - 1
Pages
unlimited
Contract Period
0 - 24 months
SITE123 Free
 $0.00
monthly price
Try for Free

Overall Result

In our comparison of 12 website builders, we scored each in terms of "Configuration and Usability", "Features", "Templates & Design", "E-Commerce, Marketing & SEO", and "Customer Support". Based on this, Squarespace finished just behind Wix in second place, followed closely by MyWebsite by IONOS (3rd), and Webflow (4th).

Below, you can see the full ranking of all providers from our sample:

1.
Wix
9.9
Review
excellent
2.
Squarespace
9.4
Review
excellent
3.
Webflow
8.8
Review
good
4.
Duda.co
8.6
Review
good
5.
Strikingly
8.3
Review
good
6.
SITE123
8.3
Review
good
7.
Webador
8.2
Review
good
8.
Framer
8.0
Review
good
9.
Hostinger
8.0
Review
good
10.
Webnode
7.9
Review
good
11.
Weebly
7.6
Review
good
12.
Jimdo
7.2
Review
good
13.
IONOS
7.1
Review
good
14.
GoDaddy
6.9
Review
satisfactory

Conclusion

Squarespace, like all website builders, has both advantages and disadvantages. Its (high) price is certainly a drawback, as are its rudimentary app market, and the tendency of its high-quality templates to look too similar to one another.

For that reason, it's good that there are so many alternatives. Wix offers a more well-rounded package (including a dedicated app market) at a better price. MyWebsite by IONOS is much more affordable and provides more customization. Should you be looking to open up a digital business, you'll be better served by ecommerce platforms like Shopify, thanks to their wider variety of features.

You can check comprehensive reviews for all 12 of our providers in our EXPERTE.com website builder evaluation. We also assessed 9 dedicated ecommerce systems as well.

Squarespace Website Builder
Squarespace Website Builder
(29,568 )
Squarespace scores with high-quality templates that serve as a foundation for elegant and modern websites. Additionally, there is a wide variety of pre-designed sections for different content, purposes, and industries.
150+ stylish templates
numerous pre-designed sections
flexible design tools
solid ecommerce platform
no free plan
9.4
excellent
Space
unlimited
Domains
1 domain
Pages
unlimited
Contract Period
1 - 12 months
Squarespace Personal
 $16.00
monthly price
14 Days Trial Period
Top Website Builder 2024
Sponsored
from  $0.00
per month
Wix
from  $16.00
per month
Squarespace
from  $0.00
per month
Webflow
from  $19.00
per month
Duda.co
show all
Author (German Version): Martin Gschwentner
Martin has been a freelance writer in the B2B sector for more than eight years, specializing in technical case studies for tech companies like Google Cloud. He lives in London, where he runs his own company, GSCRIBE, focusing on customer success stories and employer branding. At EXPERTE, he shares his knowledge about software and strategies that help freelancers and self-employed professionals optimize their business processes and work more efficiently.
Translation: D Bare
* Ad disclaimer: For links marked with an asterisk, EXPERTE.com may earn a commission from the provider. The commission has no influence on our editorial rating.
Continue Reading
Best Overall 2024
Sponsored
Wix Website Builder
800+ versatile templates
intuitive drag-and-drop editor
huge range of features
more flexible than other website builders
includes free plan
9.9
Review
excellent
Try Wix now
Try for Free