5 Best Squarespace Alternatives which are cheaper and more effective (Updated for 2023) --
If you're about beginning to create your own website it is likely that you have heard of Squarespace among the site builder options. In this day and age making a website can be simple since platforms like Squarespace allows anyone to create beautiful websites with no programming or design expertise.
But, Squarespace might not be for everyone. Amongst other reasons, users who need more robust eCommerce options and cheaper website builders might not find Squarespace as a viable option.
We're going to highlight the top five Squarespace alternative options that're less expensive, better, and will enable you to build any amazing website you can imagine - all while having a bit of fun in the process.
Below is our selection of the top Squarespace options:
What is Squarespace used to do?
Founded in 2003, Squarespace is a well-known content management website creation platform. It provides user-friendly tools as well as templates to help you begin in creating your own site with a drag-and-drop editor blogging tools, eCommerce, CMS, and more.
What is the cost of Squarespace Cost?
As a new user on Squarespace it is possible to start with the Personal plan for just $23/month. However, the personal plan isn't able to accept transactions i.e. you won't be able to sell anything as an online store.
Beyond that Squarespace is also offering an Business plan at $33/month and The basic Commerce plan at $36/month. Prices go all the way up until the Advanced Commerce plan for $65 per month, which allows you to access all kinds of features. Each of the plans comes with eCommerce capabilities (i.e. you are able to accept payments on your website).
If you're thinking of using Squarespace to run an online shop take note that the Business Plans includes an additional 3% fee per transaction over the monthly fee.
Squarespace offers the option of a free trial period for 14 days which allows you to try the software before buying one of their subscription plans.
Five Best Alternatives to Squarespace that are less expensive and better
1.
If you're wondering whether there's a web-based builder program that permits you to build a beautiful website for free (no really, I mean trulyfree without annoying advertisements and the rest), then this is the solution!
Psst..here comes the internet's greatest kept secret:If you're looking to build a website that does not require selling anything or take payments, the process of creating your site is 100% cost-free. only charges when you receive the transactions or orders. If you choose to create a number of product listings later on it won't mean you'll pay until you actually receive the orders you've placed on your site. This pricing has been in place for a long time, so it gives you confidence that the price won't go anyplace.
is the top Squarespace alternative for cost and value.
PRICING:
If you're starting from scratch and are just beginning your journey, then you should consider the most popular Free-forever packagewith no monthly fees + the 5% fee for each sale (excluding shipping fees). It gives you access to the entire features it has to offer.
If your company grows then you may move to the Plus plan at the price of$29 per month for monthly fees plus 2% fees per sale, or to the Professional plan for $99 per month.$99 monthly fees (no charges for other sales).
If you own an online shop but you're still adamant about using Squarespace and Squarespace's eCommerce features, you could incorporate features for eCommerce into your Squarespace website by embedding into it.
PROS :
- Perfect for anybody who wants to own a powerful and professional website without breaking the bank. is the most affordable alternative to Squarespace
- Domain for free with the option to connect a custom domain
- Easy drag and drop site designer with a lot of customization
- Website templates for free
- Instant payouts through an integration with Paypal and Stripe
- Unlimited product listings and revenue
- Bonus: also receives and pays UK & EU VAT on your behalf
CONS :
- No automated shipping label integration (e.g. Shippo and ShipStation). Its platform was initially designed to facilitate sales of digital goods However, it's still possible to easily sell physical goods if you want to
- A single storefront or website per email (if you're the owner of more than one then you'll need to establish distinct accounts for each email)
- There is no third-party app store. It does however have an integration with Zapier (which also provides connection to more than 5000 apps) All the eCommerce tools you require are integrated into the platform.
2. Wix
Wix is a popular alternative to Squarespace since both offer very similar characteristics. Wix is another website builder that offers an extensive drag-and-drop site builders tools, as well as many free website templates to choose from.
PRICING:
Wix has a plan for free that allows you to create an online presence with limited options. You can create your website using their basic drag and drop website builder, but you won't be able to connect a custom domain or do anything else more advanced other than this. Your website will also be covered in tons of custom Wix ads.
In addition, if you don't intend to sell anything online, then you have a choice between those plans: Combo($16/month) , Unlimited($22/month), Pro($27/month), or the VIP ($45/month) plans. The plans listed above do not include any eCommerce features i.e. it is not possible to sell products on your site.
If you're looking to transform your site into an online store, you'll be able to choose the Wix Business and eCommerce plans, starting from Business Basic($27/month), Business Unlimited($32/month) as well as Business VIP($59/month) .
PROS :
- Wix takes ease of use extremely seriously when it comes to web design. The drag-and-drop builder is easy and user-friendly for newbies.
- Lots of free website templates for you to pick from. It is then possible to alter the template of your choice to suit your needs.
- Wix provides a no-cost service with limited capabilities.
CONS
- While the free plan is excellent to save the cost, other aspects of it isn't great. Your website is covered with annoying Wix ads. You won't be able to link with a customized domain, and forget about any eCommerce functionalities
- Wix limits the size of storage space based on which pricing plan you're in. This isn't great for artists or any other user who requires lots of space for storage to upload heavy images as well as videos to their sites.
- Wix's eCommerce features don't include the features that you require for selling digital items. It is necessary to download separate applications (most are available at additional charges) to be able to market products such as online downloads, courses, coaching, and memberships
3. Shopify
Next on the checklist of Squarespace alternatives are Shopify, which is one of the most popular platforms for e-commerce for business owners to easily develop and manage their own online stores. Shopify has a range of plans for subscriptions tailored towards individuals new to the business who just require basic services as well as larger companies that require higher-end marketing tools as well as integrations with external platforms. Offering a 14-day trial choice, Shopify is worth exploring for anyone looking to start your own online store.
PRICING:
Shopify gives a 14-day trial for free trial that is ideal for businesses with small budgets who want to try out different platforms before choosing one that best suits their needs.
Shopify's most popular pricing plan begins with the Basic Plan at $29/month. In addition, there's an Shopify Plan with a monthly cost of $79, Advanced Shopify Plan costing $299/month and finally, a Shopify Plus/Enterprise Plan which will cost more than $2000 per month.
PROS :
- A huge selection of apps from third parties can be found on Shopify. Shopify app store. A lot of them cater to various online shop needs. However, Squarespace only offers a handful of extensions as it is shown in this article.
- There are plenty of small businesses that use Shopify and Content creators who write exclusive content for Shopify businesses. There's a good chance to gain a wealth of useful tips and tricks from these communities
- Multi-channel sales including brick-and-mortar
CONS
- The whole platform of Shopify is concentrated on online store and eCommerce functions. This platform is not ideal for bloggers, artists, or agencies who are seeking extensive web-based builders capabilities, or for the creation of static websites that don't require eCommerce functionality.
- Shopify's blog CMS isn't as strong as Squarespace
4. GoDaddy Website Builder
Another alternative to Squarespace could be GoDaddy. GoDaddy is not a well-known choice because this huge company has been historically popular in the field of domain registration and hosting services. Although the company needs to improve when it comes to meeting complex eCommerce needs for small businesses The GoDaddy website builder has a simple interface that is beginner friendly.
PRICING:
The GoDaddy website builder price starts from its basicplan at $11.99/month However, no of their plans include any eCommerce functionalities except the most expensive eCommerceand Commerce Pluspricing plans at $24.99/month and $29.99/month each. It is possible to get a 30-day trial for free to determine whether this service can hold good for you as an alternative to Squarespace alternative.
PROS :
- Offers ADI for helping you create websites swiftly and efficiently
- A bit more affordable than Squarespace
- Beginner friendly drag and drop editor
CONS
- Compared with Squarespace, GoDaddy severely lacks the capacity to scale. The pricing policy of GoDaddy places limitations on the number of emails you can send out and the amount of product listings, and the quantity of orders placed on specific sales channels. Keep this in mind as your business expands in terms of orders
- Although creating websites can be relatively simple and straightforward but some of its e Commerce functionalities are not quite as effective as Squarespace or the other platforms.
5. Webflow
The final Squarespace alternative is Webflow. Webflow is a builder of websites platform that elevates the web designing experience to an entirely new level. Web designers no longer and developers have to depend on dispersed HTML, CSS, and JavaScript codes since Webflow handles all the coding work for the user. Utilizing the user-friendly drag-and-drop tool for customization that allow you to easily design and customize your webite pages with no code.
PRICING:
If you first visit Webflow's pricing webpage it will be clear that the services listed aren't your typical eCommerce and/or website builder platforms like Squarespace. Webflow's pricing plans for Website plansstarts from freewhich is essentially a way for people who want to know the basics of using Webflow. The pricing plan goes from there to the Businessplan at $49/month. The plans listed will have eCommerce functionalities.
Webflow's eCommerce pricing plans begin at an initial price of the Standardplan starting at $42/month, and increase to the Advanced plan for $235/month.
Bear in mind that there is an additional Workspaces month-long subscription for those who need to provide multiple access to the members of your team to run your site.
PROS :
- In contrast to Squarespace focuses more on ease to use, Webflow is more adaptable and attractive to actual web developers with the ability to code. It gives you a lot more control over how your website will look
- Webflow's platform has also been designed using team-based functionality. You can easily have multiple individuals managing your website (but be aware of the additional Spacessubscriptions)
CONS:
- Webflow's eCommerce plans come with limitations on the number of items you can sell in addition to the annual sales volume. This isn't great for scalability if you are a small company that has an online store
- If you are planning to create an entire team of individuals who run your site frequently Webflow's cost may be difficult to grasp since you will have to cover their Site Plan and also the Workspaces Plan
- While Webflow has its own advantages over Squarespace however, it is meant for designers and developers who work on websites. Its user-friendliness does not compare to Squarespace, and it's not recommended for people who are looking for an easy-to-use website builder for beginners.
Final Thoughts - Searching for the Best Alternative to Squarespace
Here you are! Five top Squarespace alternatives that are cheaper more efficient, superior, and let you create any stunning website you can imagine. Remember to take advantage of no-cost trials on these site builder platforms so you can locate one that meets your needs specifically and let you have more fun while designing your amazing web page.