19 Top Squarespace Alternatives for Your Website Needs

Squarespace is among the most trusted builders for creating and managing websites. With approximately 4.91 million unique subscriptions, the popular platform empowers nearly 2.0% of all websites on the internet.  

For these websites, Squarespace's extensive library, drag-and-drop editor, stunning templates, and ease of use remain unbeatable. They might enjoy its ability to create an optimized store even if the user doesn't have coding knowledge.

However, their positive experience doesn't mean you will enjoy it too. While Squarespace offers many advantages, it also has several significant drawbacks that can affect the performance and functionality of a website.

For instance, Squarespace's customization abilities are limited compared to other website builders. It has fewer extensions and app integration options but costs more than similar website builders. If you use third-party extensions and face any issues, Squarespace won't be able to help you. Instead, you'll need to connect with the extension's support team.

All these cons make it wise to look for the best Squarespace alternative for a functional website.

We present a comprehensive list of the top Squarespace alternatives to stimulate your search.  

So, let's get started!

Why Should You Consider Alternatives to Squarespace?

Despite its sleek design, seamless interface, and popularity as the go-to choice for many, Squarespace's features lack depth. However, you can certainly use it to create an aesthetically pleasing website comprising fundamental eCommerce tools.

However, if your website requires customization flexibility, additional third-party integrations, and rich eCommerce capabilities, you'll need to seek alternatives to Squarespace.  

Below is more information on the limitations of Squarespace and why you may look for alternatives.  

1. Limited Customization and Flexibility:

While Squarespace templates are visually tempting and easy to use, customization options are comparatively few. If you need a specific design element or functionality, the platform might be restrictive.  

Alternatively, similar platforms will allow you to use more tools for enhanced flexibility. They will let you access the underlying code, like CSS, JavaScript, or HTML, to create a unique website that stands out.  

In addition to customizable templates, alternative platforms, such as WordPress, offer access to third-party templates, providing a blank canvas for creating just about anything.  

2. Performance and Speed Issues:

Many have reported that Squarespace websites can be slow due to integrated features and template limitations. It can negatively impact your website's SEO rankings and deter visitors.  

On the other hand, with the help of professional CMS development services and an alternative website builder, you can create a site that loads within seconds.  

With optimized hosting and improved performance metrics, you can deliver an unforgettable user experience to every visitor.

3. Multi-User Collaboration:

Scaling businesses typically have a team to build and manage their online store. Unsurprisingly, they prefer a website development platform that allows their team to collaborate and connect.  

While Squarespace has a "contributor" tab for additional users to provide content, it doesn't offer the same flexibility as others for multiple web developers or administrators.  

Hence, you may use an alternative to Squarespace or site builder to promote collaboration.  ‍

4. eCommerce Limitations:

As previously mentioned, Squarespace has a list of features to cover the basic requirements of your eCommerce. However, these standard features might not be sufficient for online stores with more complex needs.  

For instance, Squarespace's plans do not include advanced eCommerce features such as detailed inventory management, multiple payment gateways, and extensive third-party integrations.  

Therefore, if you own a scaling business that appeals to several customer segmentations, you may benefit more from Shopify web design services or other alternatives.  

5. Customer Support Challenges:

Squarespace focuses on providing customer support through emails rather than phone calls. As a result, their customer support lacks promptness, depth, and responsiveness.

If you encounter issues with your Squarespace website, you must wait for the customer support team to email you to address them. The wait can be frustrating, and it's unlikely that you will receive an immediate resolution.

Squarespace alternatives with highly rated customer service can be more helpful in similar instances. They will provide timely and reliable support to ensure the smooth operation of your website.  

6. Feature Set and Integrations:

Compared to other platforms, Squarespace noticeably lacks integrations and extensions. This can become a barrier if your website relies on specific tools for enhanced functionalities and business operations.

Going beyond Squarespace website development and exploring other alternatives can open up a broad range of integrations and features. It will enable you to utilize third-party extensions and customize your site to your business.  

7. SEO and Marketing Tools:

Again, Squarespace offers the standard SEO and marketing tools to complete the elementary tasks. However, they are not comprehensive enough for businesses that require advanced features to improve SEO rankings.

On the contrary, you will find better packages on competitive website development platforms, such as WordPress. These platforms offer extensive marketing tools and SEO plugins for more control over your website's success and marketing efforts.

8. Pricing Concerns:

Squarespace's user-friendly interface and high-quality templates are not free. When you look at Squarespace's features alongside its competitors, it becomes clear that Squarespace is on the pricier side.

For instance, the platform's entry-level plans start at $23 per month, while the Commerce Advanced plan is around $49 monthly. It can be expensive for businesses on a tight budget.  

Not to mention, the cost can rise significantly if your online store requires more advanced features.  

19 Top Squarespace Alternatives

With integrated hosting, a photo library, and hundreds of templates, and integrated hosting, Squarespace is an excellent design-focused website-building platform. However, it has a few notable flaws that affect a website's capabilities and features. Plus, its plans and packages may not appeal to every business.

Thankfully, the world of website-building platforms doesn't lack options. Numerous hosting platforms offer similar facilities to Squarespace and more within a lower price range. These Squarespace alternatives will allow you to build beautiful, feature-rich online stores with limited design skills. Plus, the additional features will ensure you don't have to look elsewhere when improving the store's functionalities.

So, if your online store has outgrown Squarespace's features, try the alternative options below for more advanced and comprehensive solutions.  

1. Wordpress.com

WordPress is one of the most well-known open-source Content Management Systems (CMS). Reputed for its vast library of plugins, themes, and extensive customization options, this website builder offers much more flexibility than Squarespace. It's an ideal option for business owners looking to create a stylish and robust website.  

Key Features:

• Advanced eCommerce features are available through the WooCommerce plugin

• SEO tools, such as MonsterInsights, WP Rocket, and Yoast SEO

• LearnDash and BuddyBoss for the course and resilient community creation

Best for:

WordPress development services are an excellent choice for creating engaging blogs and vibrant community websites.

Pricing:

WordPress has a flexible pricing structure. The open-source platform is free to use. However, you must pay for the hosting services, plugins, and themes, which are reasonable.  

2. Wix

Overview: Blending simplicity with strength, Wix is another notable website builder that is giving tough competition to Squarespace web development. Its easy-to-navigate interface, drag-and-drop features, and straightforward functionalities stand out.  

Key Features:

• A wide selection of customization options  

• Robust SEO and eCommerce capabilities  

• Great website security

• AI-based design guidance

Best for:

Wix provides access to top financial and marketing tools and allows integration with hundreds of web apps, making it ideal for delivering an immersive online shopping experience to your audience.  

Pricing:

Wix website development plans cater to a spectrum of needs and budgets, including basic website plans, business and eCommerce plans, and enterprise plans. Wix's Light plans start from $17 per month.  

3. Shopify

Hiring Shopify web development services is another excellent substitute for Squarespace. The platform, with its user-friendly interface and advanced eCommerce features, is perfect for creating comprehensive online stores.  

Key Features:

• Advanced eCommerce features, including multi-channel selling and dropshipping support

• A large app store to enhance functionality

• Analytics and reporting dashboards  

Best for:

Shopify is ideal for eCommerce websites that offer a variety of services or products online.

Pricing:

Shopify offers multiple basic, advanced, and standard eCommerce store plans. The basic plans typically cost between $29 and $39 per month.

4. BigCommerce

A powerhouse in eCommerce development, BigCommerce boasts advanced eCommerce features most growing online businesses require. It gives users access to detailed analytics, robust inventory management, and multiple sales channels.  

Key Features:

• Comprehensive and advanced eCommerce features  

• 24/7 customer support

• All-encompassing third-party integrations  

Best for:

The attractive features of BigCommerce make it suitable for large businesses and enterprises.

Pricing:

BigCommerce has similar packages to Shopify, with basic plans starting from $29-$39 monthly.

5. Webflow

Offering a high degree of design control and flexibility, Webflow development services are a top choice among business owners. It allows developers to create custom animations and interact with the site without writing code. The platform also has a functional CMS to manage all your content. Furthermore, its web hosting capabilities ensure fast, responsive, and SEO-optimized sites.  

Key Features:

• High level of design control

• Efficient content management system

• Advanced SEO features  

• Trusted hosting that ensures fast-loading sites

Best for:

Webflow is best for content-heavy websites operated by expert developers and designers.

Pricing:

Starting with Webflow is free, and the basic plans start from $14 per month.  

6. Kinsta

Overview: Managed by WordPress, Kinsta is a popular hosting platform for website building, scaling, and maintenance. It offers a solid lineup of applications and an informative database to enable you to build robust hosting solutions tailored to your website's needs. By storing everything on the cloud, Kinsta makes monitoring visitor traffic, resource usage, and other stats easy on a single dashboard.  

Key Features:

• Custom hosting solutions

• High scalability and quick infrastructure

• Convenient dashboard

• 24/7 support, security, and monitoring

Best for:

Kinsta is best for static sites, databases, web applications, and WordPress websites.

Pricing:

While some features are free on Kinsta, a foundational package costs around $30/month.  

7. Weebly

Overview: Preferred for its user-friendly interface and ease of use, Weebly is another excellent Squarespace alternative. Many web design services in California recommend it due to its straightforward drag-and-drop website builder features. Also, Weebly integrates inventory management, various payment options, and secure checkout options.  

Key Features:

• Robust eCommerce features ideal for small businesses

• Effortless drag-and-drop website builder  

• Responsive design options  

• Affordable plans

Best for:

Weebly is best for startups and small businesses searching for easy-to-use and cost-effective website builders.  

Pricing:

Weebly offers free basic plans, while the paid plans start around $10 per month.  

8. Webnode

Overview: If you are looking for an affordable, feature-rich alternative to Squarespace that is suitable for multilingual websites, look no further than Webnode. With incredibly cost-effective packages, Webnode can automatically translate your website for different audiences.  

Key Features:

• Multiple language support

• Attractive templates

• Email included by default

Best for:

The free website editor is best for small businesses, multilingual sites, blogging, eCommerce, and professional portfolios.  

Pricing:

Webnode offers several pricing plans for creating websites, starting from only $3.90 monthly.  

9. Jimdo

Overview: If you are tired of the limited Squarespace theme development and customization opportunities, try Jimdo. The AI-powered website builder allows anyone to create custom websites possessing excellent mobile responsiveness and optimization. Jimdo's affordable pricing packages and reliable customer support make it particularly fit for small businesses.  

Key Features:

• Mobile responsiveness

• Reliable customer support

• AI-driven platform

• Affordable pricing

Best for:

Jimdo is best for small businesses seeking a budget-friendly website builder.

Pricing:

Jimdo has free and paid plans, usually starting from $9 to $18 a month.

10. Gator Website Builder

Overview: Many alternatives to Squarespace don't require you to have coding knowledge. The Gator website builder is one of them. Offered by HostGator, the easy drag-and-drop option makes it effortless for users to craft tailored websites. Also, it offers attractive designs and features that perfectly accompany websites that use HostGator.  

Key Features:

• Site rollback feature

• Ease of use

• Well-designed, attractive templates

Best for:

The Gator website builder is ideal for sites that already use HostGator, small businesses, freelance portfolios, eCommerce stores, and blogs.

Pricing:

The Gator website builder is cost-effective, with basic monthly plans ranging between $7.78 and $24.98.  

11. Duda

Overview: Duda is an outstanding alternative to Squarespace, encompassing functional templates and advanced design capabilities. It contains a list of classy design tools for creating custom, responsive, and easy-to-load designs. Furthermore, its intriguing team collaboration features allow multiple stakeholders to work on a project without issues.

Key Features:

• Team collaboration tools

• Advanced design features

• Comprehensive eCommerce functionalities

• Mobile responsiveness

Best for:

Duda is best for businesses or developers seeking advanced design features in a website builder.

Pricing:

Duda has several pricing plans, with the basic plans ranging from $14 to $25 per month.  

12. Strikingly

Overview: If you are searching for an extremely easy-to-use Squarespace website development platform alternative, strikingly can be your perfect match. The intuitive platform is well-known for its exceptional marketing and e-commerce tools, ideal for small businesses. It also allows users to scale their business with blog integration and native forms.  

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use blogging pages

• Integration of contact and sign-up forms

• Social media integrations

Best for:

Strikingly is best for creating online stores, portfolios, landing pages, and blogs.

Pricing:

Strikingly's lowest or limited plans can cost you $8 to $12 monthly.

13. GoDaddy

Overview:  Renowned for its domain registration services, GoDaddy is an efficient alternative to Squarespace web development. The straightforward website builder helps beginners build quick and easy websites with hundreds of templates, integrated marketing and SEO tools, and dedicated customer support.

Key Features:

• Advanced website creation tools

• 24/7 customer support

• Domain registration support

• Built-in SEO and marketing features

Best for:

New website owners searching for comprehensive domain services can benefit the most from GoDaddy.  

Pricing:

GoDaddy's basic plans start at $10.99 per month.  

14. Cargo

Overview: Cargo, a website builder for artists, offers more than 70 unique and captivating templates that are fully customizable. From the fonts of the pages to the colors, you can tailor every element to your business needs. The platform also includes a drag-and-drop interface for ease of use.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop facility

• Fully customizable

• Unique layouts and templates

Best for:

Cargo caters to artists and designers who wish to create a sophisticated website without coding knowledge.  

Pricing:

The foundational packages at Cargo costs around $19.50 per month.

15. CMS Hub

CMS Hub, HubSpot's site builder, serves more as a content management system than a website builder. Still, it can compete with Squarespace website development features with its drag-and-drop editor tools and integrated HubSpot's sales and marketing features.  

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop design

• Extra site security

• Integrated content management system

Best for:

CMS Hub is best for small, local businesses, enterprises, and marketing teams seeking free tools and no-code solutions for their high-performance website.  

Pricing:

Besides free trials, CMS Hub offers affordable packages starting at $20 per month.  

16. Leadpages

Overview: Leadpages aims to help online businesses convert visitors into customers with attractive layouts and templates. It has built-in sales and analytics tools to empower sales teams and help them overcome the gap between brands and potential customers.  

Key Features:

• Include sales tools

• Conversion-centric templates

• Performance Analytics

Best for:

Leadpages is best for creating lead-generation websites and landing pages.

Pricing:

The standard plan at Leadpages starts at $49 per month.

17. Carrd

Overview: Carrd is an ideal alternative to Squarespace theme development for simple one-page websites. It has sufficient features for creating stunning personal websites and landing pages.  

Key Features:

• Simple, easy-to-use interface

• Templates designed for one-page websites

• Cost-effective

Best for:

Carrd is best for developing straightforward, single-page websites.  

Pricing:

Carrd's most inexpensive plan will cost you $9 yearly.

18. Hostinger

Overview: Hostinger is relatively new to the web. Naturally, it's not as featureful as Squarespace. Still, if you only need a simple, good-looking website with fundamental functionalities, Hostinger's drag-and-drop page editor can fulfill your needs. It's also among the cheapest website builders on the market.

Key Features:

• Affordable and easy to use

• hPanel management for effective file management

• 24/7 customer support

Best for:

Hostinger is best for beginners, simple websites, and landing pages.

Pricing:

Hostinger offers a spectrum of prices; the cheapest is around $2.99 monthly.

19. Square Online

Overview: The last alternative to Squarespace we have for you is Square Online. While Square Online is no way ahead of Squarespace's advanced website-building tools, there are two things the former is notably better at. It has free plans to cater to every business and an excellent editor to customize your website's critical elements.  

Key Features:

• Essential eCommerce tools

• Payment processing

• Integration of Point of Sales, marketing, and analytics tools,  

Best for:

Square Online is best for finance-oriented small business websites due to its integrated payment options, reporting, and tax-related features.

Pricing:

Square Online has free and paid plans, starting from $29 monthly.

How To Choose the Right Site Builder for You?

Every website builder has unique perks and limitations. Even the alternatives to Squarespace mentioned above may not meet all your requirements.  

Considering the hassle of changing hosting platforms, you must be analytical about the website builder you pick.  

Here are a few critical factors you must evaluate when choosing a website builder for your online business.

1. Consider your needs

Your first step when selecting the correct website builder should be determining the site's priorities, goals, and needs. Decide whether your website aims to showcase a business portfolio, sell products/services, or provide business contacts.  

Assess your coding knowledge and decide how much of a learning curve you can tackle. If you are a beginner, opt for user-friendly interfaces that don't require coding knowledge.  

Furthermore, determine whether you prefer customizable or pre-made templates. Ensure the platform supports scalability, such as adding more pages or handling extensive web traffic.  

To make things easier, create a checklist encompassing all your requirements and preferences and pick a website builder accordingly.

2. Check Design Options and Limitations

The design of your website will significantly influence visitors' perception of your brand. Therefore, you must ensure the design aligns with your brand's message.  

A few things you should check in this matter are whether the design templates are customizable and suit your niche or industry. Evaluate whether you can easily remove or add elements on the page or access tools for editing the design's contents.

Additionally, assess if the design is mobile-responsive and supports design features like videos, animations, and other interactive elements.  

3. Determine your E-commerce Needs

If you plan to sell products or services through your website, eCommerce should be one of the top factors to consider when picking the site builder.  

Every modern website builder, like Squarespace, offers some eCommerce integration. However, it varies widely in capabilities and features. Depending on your scaling plans, look for builders that support large catalogs, inventory management, point-of-sale systems, shipping solutions, multiple payment options, and other crucial features.  

Also, look for features like promotional tools, analytics, and abandoned cart recovery features to manage the store.  

4. Check Compatibility with Your Apps

Most website owners these days use a myriad of apps for SEO and web analytics. The website builder you choose should be able to support the integration of these apps.  

It's especially critical if you have been using a pre-existing technology stack that enhances your SEO and analytics efforts.  

Otherwise, you will have to make impactful and expensive changes to your website.  

5. Consider the Cost

Compare the pricing plans of different website builders that fit your budget without compromising on the required features. In addition to the initial expenses, don't forget to incorporate the ongoing fees into your budget.  

Many website builders may appear free at first glance, but once you have used all the services, they will surprise you with monthly bills.  

Therefore, we recommend prioritizing transparency and being aware of hidden charges, such as costs related to transaction fees, high traffic volumes, premium features, and plugins.

6. Don't Forget Hosting

Many website builders include hosting as an additional feature in their packages. However, this can have a few drawbacks.  

For instance, the platform may not completely control the host server, which can impact the site's SEO and traffic-handling capabilities.  

Furthermore, many site builders allow you to use a shared server to host multiple websites. If the other websites on the server have poor ranking, it can negatively impact your website.  

Considering all these factors, you may want to choose a separate hosting plan. It will give you more security and flexibility at lower prices.  

Find The Best Website Builder for Your Business with GT Wizards

While Squarespace is a widely preferred choice for website creation, it's not without flaws. In today's blog, we have introduced you to the best Squarespace alternative to avoid dealing with its customization limitations.

Still, if you require any assistance with website development or expert guidance on picking the correct platform, contact GT Wizards without hesitation.  

We specialize in helping businesses design and develop custom websites, apps, and online stores tailored to their business needs. With us, you never have to stress picking the wrong website builder or missing out on vital details.  

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