Are you searching for the best Squarespace alternatives to meet your unique website needs? While Squarespace is a top choice for its stylish templates and easy-to-use, all-in-one design, it may not work for everyone.
Known for its drag-and-drop editor and hosting services bundled with domain options, Squarespace makes building professional websites straightforward. Yet, it comes with certain drawbacks, such as limited design flexibility compared to WordPress, higher costs for advanced eCommerce features, and restricted customization for SEO or dynamic functionality.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best alternatives to Squarespace, tailored to fit a variety of needs—from enhanced customization and affordability to powerful eCommerce tools and simplicity.
Why Look for a Squarespace Alternative
Here’s a shorter breakdown of why you might want to look for a Squarespace alternative:
- Limited Customization: Squarespace’s templates are less flexible compared to open-source platforms, limiting your design options.
- Lack of Full Content Ownership: You don’t have full control over your content, which can be problematic for scaling or migrating your site.
- Pricing Concerns: While affordable initially, Squarespace’s costs rise significantly as you add eCommerce and additional features.
- Limited Plugins and Extensions: Squarespace offers fewer third-party integrations and extensions, limiting functionality.
- SEO Limitations: SEO tools are basic, making it harder to fully optimize your site compared to other platforms.
- Scalability Issues: Squarespace may struggle with large, complex websites, making it less ideal for rapidly growing projects.
The 7 Best Squarespace Alternatives in 2024
Now that we’ve covered why Squarespace might not work for everyone, let’s explore some top alternatives. Below, you'll find a comparison of seven great options for 2024, each with unique features that might better suit your needs.
| Alternative | Best For | Ease of Use | Customization | E-commerce | Pricing |
| WordPress.org | Flexibility | Moderate | High | Strong | Free (hosting required) |
| Wix | All-purpose | Easy | Good | Good | $17–$159/month |
| Breakdance | Complex Sites | Beginner | High | Excellent | $99/year |
| Shopify | Online Stores | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent | $29–$299/month |
| Webflow | Designers | Complex | High | Good | $14–$39/month |
| Weebly | Small Businesses | Easy | Limited | Basic | $6–$26/month |
| Hostinger | Simplicity and affordability | Easy | Limited | Basic | $7.99–$8.99/month |
Now that you have an overview, we will discuss each platform in detail, highlighting what makes them stand out and how they can better meet your needs.
1. WordPress.org
WordPress is used by 62.2% of all websites with a known content management system, which represents 43.7% of all websites globally. This open-source platform offers unmatched flexibility, making it suitable for all kinds of websites, from simple blogs to complex business sites. It’s perfect for users who want full control over design and functionality, and its vast community makes it easy to find support and resources.
Why WordPress.org is a Great Alternative
- Customization Freedom: WordPress is open-source, meaning you can modify every aspect of your site, from layout to functionality, without restrictions. This offers complete control over your website’s design and features.
- Scalability: WordPress grows with you. Whether you’re building a small blog or a large eCommerce store, it’s capable of handling websites of any size or complexity.
- Plugins and Themes: With over 55,000 plugins and thousands of themes, you can easily add new features and customize your website’s design to fit your needs.
- WooCommerce for Online Stores: For those wanting to run an online store, WooCommerce turns WordPress into a powerful eCommerce platform, allowing you to manage products, payments, and more.
- Full Ownership and Control: WordPress gives you full ownership of your site, unlike hosted platforms, so you have total control over your content and site management.
Best For
WordPress is ideal for developers, agencies, and anyone who wants complete control over their website’s design and functionality. It’s also perfect for users who have some technical know-how and want to customize their site extensively.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unlimited Design Freedom: The open-source nature of WordPress gives you endless customization options.
- Thousands of Plugins: WordPress offers plugins for almost every need, from SEO to advanced features like booking systems.
- Affordable Hosting: Hosting starts as low as $3/month.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: It may be challenging for beginners to get started, as it has many features to learn.
- Separate Hosting and Domain: You’ll need to manage hosting and domain separately, unlike all-in-one platforms.
Pricing
WordPress.org is free to download and install, but you’ll need to purchase hosting.
2. Wix
Wix is a widely popular website builder, currently powering 4.5% of websites with a known CMS. It is a great choice for individuals and small businesses looking for an easy way to build professional websites. With its drag-and-drop interface, Wix allows users to create a website without any coding knowledge. As a direct competitor to Squarespace, Wix offers a comprehensive platform for building, hosting, and managing websites.
Why Wix is a Great Alternative
- Beginner-friendly Design: Wix's intuitive drag-and-drop editor enables anyone to create a website without needing technical skills. The easy-to-use interface is perfect for beginners who want a professional-looking site without hiring a developer.
- Wide Template Selection: Wix offers over 800 customizable templates, catering to a wide range of industries such as food, photography, retail, and more. These templates make it easy for users to get started with a design that fits their business or personal style.
- Integrated Features: Wix comes with built-in blogging tools, SEO settings, and basic eCommerce features. You can manage your content, optimize your site for search engines, and set up a simple online store, all within one platform.
- Wix AI: With Wix's AI-powered tools, users can quickly create a custom website tailored to their needs. The AI can generate a site layout based on user preferences, simplifying the design process and saving time.
Best For
Wix is ideal for small businesses, freelancers, and individuals looking to create personal websites. It’s also perfect for those who want a one-stop-shop solution for website building, hosting, and security, without needing to manage these components separately.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No coding required: Wix is designed for beginners, so you don't need any coding skills to build a website.
- All-in-one plans: Wix’s plans include everything you need, such as hosting, domain registration, and security features, making it an easy and convenient choice.
- Customizable mobile views: Wix allows you to easily adjust how your site looks on mobile devices, ensuring your site is responsive and user-friendly.
Cons:
- Limited flexibility for advanced users: While Wix is great for beginners, it doesn’t offer the same level of flexibility as platforms like WordPress for users who need more advanced customization.
- Slower performance with large sites: For larger, more complex websites, Wix may not be as fast or responsive compared to other platforms, particularly when handling extensive content.
Pricing
Wix offers several pricing plans to suit different needs, ranging from free options to more advanced features for businesses. The free plan provides basic features but includes Wix ads, making it ideal for those just getting started. For those seeking more functionality and no ads, the Light plan is available for $17 per month when billed annually.
The Core plan, priced at $29 per month annually, includes additional features such as more storage and bandwidth. For businesses looking to sell online, the Business plan costs $36 per month with annual billing. For high-demand businesses, the Business Elite plan is available at $159 per month, offering advanced features and premium support.
3. Breakdance
Breakdance is a fast-growing WordPress page builder, known for its performance-driven design and robust WooCommerce integration. While it holds a small market share (less than 0.1% of websites using a known CMS as of November 2024), it's gaining attention for its focus on speed and customization. Breakdance offers powerful tools for building dynamic, high-performance websites, making it an appealing alternative for users who need both design flexibility and quick loading times.
Why Breakdance is a Great Alternative
- Performance-focused Design: Breakdance ensures fast page loads and includes built-in SEO optimization, making it an ideal choice for performance-conscious users.
- Advanced WooCommerce Integration: With features like pre-built product grids and customizable carts, Breakdance simplifies building an eCommerce site without relying on third-party tools.
- Visual Builder: The drag-and-drop editor allows for complex designs without the need for external plugins, offering both ease and flexibility.
- Global Styling: Apply consistent design elements across your entire site, making it easier to maintain a cohesive look.
- Dynamic Content: Easily integrate custom fields and user data into your website designs, enabling personalized, dynamic content.
- Animation Tools: Create interactive elements with built-in animation tools, no coding required.
- Built-in Form and Popup Builder: Capture leads and engage visitors with native form and popup tools.
Best For
Breakdance is great for WooCommerce store owners and users building dynamic, data-driven websites. It's perfect for designers and developers who want a WordPress-compatible builder with powerful customization options.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Optimized for WooCommerce: Breakdance offers excellent tools for building eCommerce sites, with custom carts and checkout designs.
- Minimal reliance on plugins: Built-in features reduce the need for third-party plugins, keeping websites lean and fast.
- User-friendly for all levels: Suitable for both beginners and professionals.
- High performance: Sites load quickly, improving both user experience and SEO.
Cons:
- Requires WordPress hosting: Unlike all-in-one platforms, you’ll need to set up WordPress hosting separately.
- Smaller community: Breakdance’s user base is still growing, meaning fewer resources compared to larger builders.
Pricing
Breakdance offers two pricing plans to suit different needs. The Pro plan is priced at $99 per year and is designed for users who need the platform for just one site. For those with multiple projects, the Pro Unlimited plan, at $199 per year, gives you the flexibility to use Breakdance on an unlimited number of sites. Both plans include all the essential features to create performance-focused, customizable websites.
4. Shopify
Shopify is a leading eCommerce platform, currently used by 6.6% of websites with a known content management system (as of November 2024). Designed specifically for online stores, Shopify offers a comprehensive set of tools that make it easy for businesses to manage their sales, inventory, payments, and shipping in one place. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, Shopify provides a full-service solution for building and growing an online store.
Why Shopify is a Great Alternative
- E-commerce-first Platform: Shopify is tailored to online stores, offering features like inventory management, payment processing, and shipping tools all in one platform. This makes managing an eCommerce business simple and efficient.
- App Store for Features: With over 6,000 apps available, Shopify allows you to expand your store's functionality, adding features like email marketing, reviews, and analytics to enhance your store’s performance.
- Built-in Security: Shopify includes SSL certificates and PCI compliance, ensuring secure transactions for your customers and building trust in your store.
- Shopify Payments: Shopify Payments eliminates additional transaction fees, making payment processing smoother and more cost-effective.
- Multi-Channel Selling: Shopify allows you to sell on multiple platforms like Amazon, Instagram, and Facebook, broadening your reach without managing separate stores.
Best For
Shopify is best for businesses focused entirely on eCommerce and those needing a simple yet powerful platform for selling products online. It’s perfect for users who want an all-in-one solution with minimal setup and technical overhead.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Shopify’s tools are designed specifically for eCommerce, from inventory tracking to payment processing.
- Easy multi-channel integration, allowing you to sell on platforms like Amazon and Instagram.
- A wide selection of professional themes to customize your store.
Cons:
- Transaction fees apply if you don't use Shopify Payments.
- Less design flexibility compared to platforms like Webflow or WordPress, which offer more customization options.
Pricing
Shopify offers three main pricing tiers to suit businesses of different sizes. The Basic plan, at $24 per month, provides the essentials for small businesses starting out with eCommerce. The Shopify plan costs $69 per month and includes additional features like advanced reporting and more shipping options. For larger businesses with more complex needs, the Advanced plan at $299 per month offers enhanced reporting and lower transaction fees.
5. Webflow
Webflow is gaining popularity among designers and developers for its ability to combine visual design with code flexibility. Unlike traditional builders, it allows users to create highly creative websites while retaining control over the site's code. As of November 2024, Webflow's user base continues to grow, positioning itself as a strong contender in the website-building market.
Why Webflow Is a Great Alternative
- Design-first Approach: Webflow offers a visual editor combined with powerful CSS control, allowing designers to create custom websites without coding while maintaining precise control over the design.
- Powerful CMS: Webflow’s CMS is perfect for content-heavy sites like blogs and portfolios, offering easy management for dynamic content.
- Built-in Hosting: Webflow provides fast, secure hosting directly within the platform, ensuring optimal performance and smooth site operation.
- Advanced Interactions: The platform allows you to create complex animations and interactions without coding, making it ideal for dynamic, interactive websites.
Best For
Webflow is ideal for designers and developers who need creative flexibility and control. It’s also great for businesses requiring custom animations and layouts to stand out.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Combines design ease with developer-level control, perfect for creative projects.
- Optimized for SEO and performance.
- All-in-one solution with CMS and hosting.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Can get expensive for larger, more complex projects.
Pricing
Webflow offers a range of plans for both websites and eCommerce. The Basic plan is $14/month, the CMS plan is $23/month, and the Business plan is $39/month. For eCommerce, the Standard plan is $29/month, the Plus plan is $74/month, and the Advanced plan is $212/month. Custom pricing is available for enterprise-level solutions.
6. Weebly
Weebly is an affordable and easy-to-use website builder that caters primarily to small businesses and beginners. Known for its simplicity, it offers a drag-and-drop interface that requires little to no learning curve, making it ideal for users who are new to website building. As of November 2024, Weebly powers 0.6% of websites using a known content management system, indicating its strong appeal for those seeking budget-friendly, basic websites.
Why Weebly is a Great Alternative
- Simplified Builder: Weebly’s drag-and-drop editor is incredibly intuitive, making it easy for first-time users to design a professional-looking website without prior experience.
- Integrated Features: The platform comes with built-in blogging tools, SEO capabilities, and eCommerce features for small stores, offering an all-in-one solution for those looking to create a straightforward site.
- App Center: Weebly’s App Center lets users extend their website’s functionality through various third-party integrations, enhancing the platform's features without requiring advanced technical skills.
Best For
Weebly is best suited for beginners and small businesses working with limited budgets. It’s ideal for those who need a straightforward website with essential features and don’t require the complexity of more advanced platforms.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable and incredibly beginner-friendly, making it perfect for users with little experience in web design.
- A variety of templates are available to suit basic website needs.
Cons:
- Offers limited customization options compared to other platforms like Wix or WordPress.
- Not ideal for larger, more complex websites that need custom features or detailed design.
Pricing
Weebly offers several pricing options to fit various needs. The Free plan is ideal for basic websites but includes Weebly branding. For a more polished look, the Personal plan is available at $10/month with annual billing. The Professional plan, offering custom domain features, costs $12/month annually. For advanced performance and additional tools, the Performance plan is priced at $26/month when paid annually.
7. Hostinger Website Builder
Hostinger Website Builder is a newer, affordable solution designed for users seeking simplicity. It combines web hosting and website building in one platform, making it a convenient choice for beginners and small businesses. With a focus on quick, cost-effective site creation, it’s ideal for those who want to get online without dealing with multiple services.
Why Hostinger Website Builder Is a Great Alternative
- All-in-One Solution: Hostinger integrates hosting and website building, eliminating the need for separate services, making it easy to get started quickly.
- AI-Powered Design: The platform uses AI to help users create personalized website designs effortlessly, making it perfect for those with little to no design experience.
- SEO Tools: Built-in SEO features help improve search engine visibility, making it easier to get your site noticed online.
- E-Commerce Capabilities: Hostinger offers basic e-commerce features, allowing users to set up small online stores and sell products or services.
- Simple Templates: Pre-designed templates make building a website easy and fast, ideal for personal websites or portfolios.
Best For
This platform is best suited for beginners who need an affordable and simple solution, as well as freelancers or small businesses looking for a basic online presence.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable pricing
- AI tools simplify website creation
- Built-in hosting for a seamless experience
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Not suitable for large, complex websites
Pricing
Hostinger Website Builder offers two pricing options. The Premium plan at $7.99/month includes essential tools like hosting, AI design features, and templates, ideal for personal or small business websites. The Business plan, priced at $8.99/month, adds extra features like better e-commerce capabilities and enhanced support, making it a solid choice for growing businesses. Both plans are affordable and cater to different user needs.
Which Squarespace Alternative Is Best for You?
Each Squarespace alternative serves a unique purpose, depending on your needs:
- WordPress: Ideal for those seeking high customization and scalability, offering full control for businesses or users needing advanced features.
- Wix: Great for beginners wanting an easy-to-use, all-in-one platform to create websites quickly without technical knowledge.
- Breakdance: Best for advanced users, particularly WooCommerce merchants or data-driven websites, offering flexible design options and excellent performance.
- Shopify: Perfect for eCommerce-first businesses, with powerful built-in tools for selling products.
- Webflow: Tailored for creative professionals who want full control over design, without coding knowledge.
- Weebly: Budget-friendly and perfect for beginners or small businesses looking for simple websites.
- Hostinger Website Builder: Ideal for new users, offering AI-powered design and integrated hosting, providing a seamless experience.
Ready to take your website to the next level? Explore these Squarespace alternatives and choose the platform to bring your vision to life!
