Your dream of running a successful online store starts with one big decision—choosing the right platform. Get it wrong, and you could face constant headaches. But get it right, and you’ll have the tools to thrive. Shopify and Squarespace are two of the most popular options, each with its own strengths. But which one fits your business best?
Shopify is great for serious sellers, offering robust ecommerce tools, scalability, and ease of use. Squarespace is ideal for creative businesses, known for stunning designs and affordability. Your choice depends on your goals.
Now let’s explore how each platform compares in areas like pricing, design, and features to help you decide the best fit.
Checklist
What is Shopify?
Shopify is an all-in-one platform designed specifically for ecommerce. It gives you all the tools needed to create, manage, and grow an online store. From building a sleek storefront to handling payments and shipping, Shopify makes selling online simple and efficient.
With Shopify, you can sell nearly anything, from physical products to digital downloads and services. The platform includes features like inventory tracking, customizable storefronts, and easy integration with multiple apps to enhance your store. It also simplifies shipping and taxes, saving you time and effort.
Shopify’s flexibility sets it apart. It supports over 100 payment gateways, offers 24/7 customer support, and can scale as your business grows. Whether you’re just starting or running a large enterprise, Shopify provides tools to support your needs at every stage.
What is Squarespace?
Squarespace is a website-building platform known for its stunning, modern designs. It began as a tool for creating beautiful websites but now offers ecommerce features, making it a solid choice for creatives and small businesses that want to sell online while showcasing their unique style.
Squarespace stands out for its visually appealing templates. These professionally designed layouts are responsive and fully customizable, helping your website look great on any device. Beyond design, Squarespace includes built-in features like email marketing tools, SEO options, and analytics, making it easy to manage your online presence in one place.
For ecommerce, Squarespace caters to smaller stores and creative sellers. It supports product listings, checkout tools, and basic inventory management. You can sell physical goods, services, or digital items. While its selling features are not as advanced as some platforms, it is perfect for businesses that value design and simplicity over heavy-duty ecommerce tools.
1. Ease of Use: Shopify Wins
Shopify is simpler for ecommerce because it focuses entirely on online selling. Its setup process is fast and beginner-friendly, guiding you through every step. While Squarespace offers beautiful designs, creating an online store requires more customization and manual effort, making Shopify the better choice for ecommerce beginners.
Shopify provides a seamless onboarding experience. After signing up, you’re guided through choosing a theme, adding products, and setting up payments. The dashboard is easy to use, offering features like automated taxes, inventory tracking, and secure payment gateways. These steps ensure your store is ready to launch quickly, even if you’re new to ecommerce.
Squarespace’s drag-and-drop editor shines for general website design but falls short for ecommerce. You’ll need extra effort to configure product listings, payment options, and order setups. Basic tools like inventory management lack robustness, and some features may require third-party integrations. This can be overwhelming for first-time sellers.
To understand the key differences, here’s a quick comparison of Shopify and Squarespace for ecommerce:
| Feature | Shopify | Squarespace |
| Onboarding | Step-by-step guide, streamlined setup | General website-focused, less specific for stores |
| Payments | Integrated Shopify Payments, PayPal | Supports fewer in-house options |
| Inventory Tools | Built-in tracking | Requires more manual adjustments |
| Design Usability | Pre-built ecommerce-focused themes | Drag-and-drop, great for creatives |
Shopify saves you time with its beginner-friendly setup and ecommerce tools. It handles technical tasks so you can focus on selling. Squarespace is ideal for creative, design-first websites, but Shopify’s efficiency makes it the better choice for launching and managing an online store.
2. Design Options: Squarespace Wins
If design is your priority, Squarespace shines. Its templates are visually stunning and feel modern and fresh. Whether you’re showcasing art, fashion, or high-end products, Squarespace gives you a professional, polished look. You can customize fonts, colors, and layouts to create a unique brand identity. Plus, every design adjusts beautifully to mobile devices.
Shopify, on the other hand, focuses more on practicality. Its templates are clean and professional, designed with ecommerce in mind. They work smoothly on all devices, ensuring a great shopping experience. However, they lean toward function rather than style, with fewer customization options compared to Squarespace.
If your goal is to create a site that stands out visually, Squarespace is the clear winner. Its focus on design lets you build a website that catches the eye and leaves a lasting impression. But if usability and functionality are your top needs, Shopify’s themes will serve you well.
3. Selling Features: Shopify Wins
Shopify stands out with a complete set of tools designed for selling. Whether you’re offering physical products, services, or digital downloads, Shopify simplifies the process. It handles taxes, shipping, and inventory automatically, so you can focus on growing your business. Squarespace, while suitable for smaller stores, lacks the depth to support larger or more complex shops.
Comprehensive Selling Tools
Shopify gives you everything you need to sell effectively. You can add unlimited products, set up product variations, and offer gift cards. For services or digital products, Shopify provides straightforward options to customize checkout workflows. Its built-in ecommerce features cover both small businesses and large-scale operations.
| Feature | Shopify | Squarespace |
| Product Types | Physical, digital, services | Physical, some digital |
| Product Options | Unlimited variations | Limited customization |
| Gift Cards and Discounts | Built-in | Available with restrictions |
Automated Tax and Shipping Tools
Shopify simplifies tax collection by automating calculations based on your location and customer data. It also integrates with popular shipping carriers to provide real-time rates, print shipping labels, and track orders directly in the dashboard. These features help you avoid manual work and reduce errors.
Squarespace includes basic tax and shipping tools, but customization is more limited. You may need external integrations to achieve comparable functionality, which can add time and costs.
| Tax and Shipping Features | Shopify | Squarespace |
| Tax Calculations | Automated worldwide | Basic, less automated |
| Real-Time Shipping Rates | Yes | No |
| Shipping Label Printing | Built-in | Requires external tools |
Advanced Inventory Management
Managing inventory is seamless with Shopify. It tracks stock levels in real time, notifies you when products run low, and even supports multi-location stores. With its built-in analytics, you can monitor performance and stock trends easily.
Squarespace’s inventory tools are less robust. While it allows stock tracking and low-stock alerts, its features lack the depth required for businesses with large catalogs. You may need third-party integrations for advanced capabilities.
| Inventory Management Features | Shopify | Squarespace |
| Real-Time Stock Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Location Inventory | Supported | Not supported |
| Low-Stock Notifications | Yes | Yes, but basic |
Squarespace’s ecommerce tools work well for hobbyists or small businesses with a handful of products. Its simple interface suits those who prioritize design over functionality. On the other hand, Shopify provides the scalability and advanced features that larger stores need. From selling thousands of products to operating globally, Shopify’s tools adapt to your needs.
4. Payment Options: Shopify Wins
Shopify leads the way with over 100 payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and its own Shopify Payments. This flexibility allows businesses to cater to customers worldwide, offering local and global payment options. Squarespace, in contrast, mainly supports Stripe and PayPal, which limits choices for businesses and customers.
Shopify Payments simplifies transactions by removing the need for third-party tools. It supports major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other region-specific methods, making checkout seamless. Plus, Shopify Payments reduces extra transaction fees, saving you money. Squarespace lacks this built-in option, and users may face additional costs when relying on external platforms.
With Shopify’s extensive payment features, customers enjoy more convenience and businesses can reach a wider audience. Squarespace’s limited tools work best for small shops or hobbyists that don’t need global flexibility.
| Feature | Shopify | Squarespace |
| Payment Gateways | 100+ options | Mainly Stripe, PayPal |
| Built-In Payment Solution | Shopify Payments (no extra fees) | None |
| Customer Payment Flexibility | High | Low |
Shopify’s wide range of payment options makes it better for businesses looking to grow. With over 100 gateways, Shopify Payments, and features that simplify checkout, it’s built for flexibility. Squarespace works well for smaller stores but can’t match Shopify’s ability to support larger, more diverse needs.
5. Pricing: Squarespace Wins
Squarespace offers more budget-friendly plans for small businesses or individuals. At $25 per month ($16 if paid annually) for its basic online store plan, it is cheaper than Shopify. Squarespace also avoids hidden fees unless you use third-party extensions. Shopify, starting at $25 per month ($19 if paid annually), often requires you to purchase extra apps or plugins to access more advanced features, which can increase your costs over time.
| Feature | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Starting Monthly Price | $25 ($16 if paid annually) | $25 ($19 if paid annually) |
| Hidden/Extra Costs | Minimal (only with extensions) | Potentially high (with apps/plugins) |
| Extensions/Plugins | Fewer third-party options | Many require added fees |
| Ideal For | Budget-conscious small stores | Scalability and advanced stores |
Squarespace provides a straightforward, affordable option for users with limited budgets. It’s great for smaller shops or people just starting out. Shopify, while more expensive, brings scalability and advanced functionality for growing businesses. If keeping costs low is your priority, Squarespace wins.
6. Customer Support: Shopify Wins
Shopify stands out by offering 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, and phone. You can get help at any time, ensuring your store runs smoothly. Squarespace, on the other hand, provides limited support, with live chat available only during specific hours, email support, and no option for phone assistance. This makes Shopify a more reliable choice for users who need constant, immediate help.
Shopify Support Highlights
- Available 24/7, ensuring help is always accessible.
- Offers live chat around the clock.
- Support via email for detailed queries.
- Phone support, providing quick, direct communication.
Squarespace Support Highlights
- Live chat available only during set hours.
- Email support for slower, non-urgent issues.
- No phone support option, limiting flexibility.
Shopify’s round-the-clock availability and variety of support channels make it the top choice for dependable assistance. Squarespace works for users with simple needs but may not suffice when urgent help is required.
7. Third-Party Integrations: Shopify Wins
Shopify offers a vast selection of third-party apps, making it easy to customize your store. With thousands of integrations, you can find tools for marketing, shipping, inventory, analytics, and more. This broad ecosystem allows you to build a store that’s tailored precisely to your needs, whether you’re starting small or scaling up.
The Shopify App Store provides access to advanced tools for email marketing, social media, loyalty programs, and even payment solutions. You can also integrate with popular shipping platforms and fulfillment services, simplifying operations as you grow. The flexibility to choose the apps you need keeps your store efficient and cost-effective.
Squarespace, while user-friendly, has a more limited app ecosystem. It focuses on covering basic needs like email marketing, social media integrations, and design tools. These features work well for simpler stores but may feel restrictive if you want to add more functionality or automate your operations.
Ultimately, Shopify’s extensive app choices give it a clear advantage for customization. Whether you need a simple plugin or a complex integration, Shopify makes it possible to build and adapt your store your way.
8. SEO Features: Shopify Wins
Shopify provides strong SEO tools to help your store rank higher in search results. You can customize metadata, optimize images, and take advantage of fast load times, all of which are key factors for improving visibility. These features make Shopify an excellent choice for businesses focusing on growing traffic over time.
Squarespace includes basic SEO features, such as customizable page titles and descriptions, but it may not support long-term scalability as effectively. While it simplifies the basics, like adding keywords or creating XML sitemaps, Squarespace lacks some advanced functionalities that Shopify offers. For a growing store, this could limit your ability to compete in more crowded markets.
| Feature | Shopify | Squarespace |
| Metadata Customization | Yes, full control | Yes, basic functionality |
| Page Load Speed Optimization | Fast and optimized for SEO | Moderate, may require tweaks |
| Image Optimization | Automatic alt-text and file compression | Requires manual settings |
| XML Sitemap Creation | Automatic and detailed | Automatic but simpler |
| Advanced SEO Apps | Large selection available | Limited app options |
| Scalability for Growth | Excellent for scaling traffic | Basic tools, less robust |
Shopify stands out with its advanced customization options and ability to scale with your store. Features like speedy page loading and access to a large SEO app library give you more ways to attract customers. Squarespace works for simpler needs, but Shopify is the better option for building traffic and expanding your store’s reach.
9. Blogging Features: Squarespace Wins
Squarespace is the go-to platform if blogging is a major focus for your site. Its tools allow you to create visually appealing and engaging posts without any hassle. You can add rich media like images, videos, and galleries to bring your content to life. Built-in features like scheduling options and customizable layouts make it perfect for keeping a steady flow of engaging content while maintaining a professional aesthetic.
Shopify’s blogging features are simpler and aim only to support a basic blog alongside your store. While they allow you to create posts and organize them with tags and categories, the options are limited compared to Squarespace. Shopify lacks tools like flexible blog layouts or detailed styling options, which might make your posts look less polished.
Squarespace also supports content marketing with SEO-friendly blogging features, such as dynamic metadata, AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) support, and integrated sharing tools. These help you reach a wider audience and improve your site’s visibility. Shopify, while functional, doesn’t provide the same level of depth for expanding your blog’s reach.
If you want a blog that stands out and supports your marketing goals, Squarespace is the better option. Its rich features and sleek designs make it ideal for inspiring readers and building a connection with your audience. Shopify is fine for basic needs but falls short for serious blogging efforts.
10. Scalability: Shopify Wins
Shopify is built to grow with your business, no matter its size. Whether you’re just starting or processing thousands of orders daily, Shopify’s platform adapts to your needs. Its advanced tools, like inventory management, multichannel selling, and custom app options, make scaling simple and effective.
For larger businesses, Shopify offers features like unlimited product listings, automated workflows, and robust reporting tools to manage growth. It also supports third-party integrations for shipping, marketing, and customer support, helping you streamline operations as you scale. With the ability to handle high traffic and large product catalogs, Shopify is ideal for businesses aiming for rapid expansion.
Squarespace performs well for smaller operations but struggles with larger demands. Its limited inventory tools and lack of deep customization might frustrate growing businesses. While it works for simpler setups, it doesn’t match Shopify’s readiness to support complex, high-growth enterprises. If scalability is essential, Shopify is the clear choice.
11. Mobile App Features: Shopify Wins
Shopify’s mobile app is designed to make store management easy, no matter where you are. With it, you can update inventory levels, track sales, and fulfill orders directly from your phone. You can even chat with customers, respond to inquiries, and manage promotions, ensuring your business runs smoothly on the go. These features cater to busy entrepreneurs who need full functionality at their fingertips.
Squarespace’s mobile app focuses more on managing a website rather than a full-fledged online store. While it allows you to edit pages, track basic site metrics, and make minor updates, its ecommerce tools are limited. This can be frustrating if you’re trying to manage customer orders or handle inventory updates from your phone. For ecommerce sellers, the lack of robust store management tools can be a dealbreaker.
| Feature | Shopify | Squarespace |
| Manage Inventory | Yes, full control | Limited |
| Track Sales | Detailed reports at your fingertips | Basic tracking only |
| Order Fulfillment | Process and update directly | Minimal functionality |
| Customer Interaction | Chat with customers in real-time | Not available |
| Website/Page Editing | Only via desktop, mobile for sales | Yes, strong focus |
| Ease of Use for Ecommerce | Excellent for store management | Basic, primarily for websites |
Shopify’s mobile app clearly outshines Squarespace when it comes to managing ecommerce operations. It gives you the tools you need to stay on top of your store while away from your desktop. Squarespace’s app is decent for blog posts and pages but falls behind for sellers looking to handle everything from inventory to customer service on the go. For mobile flexibility and store management, Shopify is the better pick.
12. Multi-Currency Support: Shopify Wins
Shopify simplifies selling in multiple currencies, making global business easier. It automatically adjusts prices based on a customer’s location, providing consistent and seamless shopping experiences. With built-in tools like automatic currency conversion and localized checkout, Shopify helps you attract a wider international audience without extra hassle.
Squarespace can support multi-currency sales, but it requires more manual setup compared to Shopify. You’ll need to configure separate settings and there’s less automation, which can feel cumbersome. While it works, the process can slow you down, especially if your focus is on running a growing global business.
Here’s how the platforms compare for multi-currency selling:
- Automatic Currency Conversion: Shopify automatically displays prices in the customer’s local currency. Squarespace does not.
- Localized Checkout: Shopify ensures a complete local currency experience, including checkout. Squarespace offers no automatic localization at checkout.
- Ease of Setup: Shopify integrates seamlessly with multi-currency tools out of the box. Squarespace involves more steps to configure.
- Customer Experience: Shopify’s polished approach makes shopping in different currencies smoother for buyers. Squarespace feels less streamlined in comparison.
For businesses expanding internationally, Shopify is the better option. It gives you robust tools that are easy to use and save you time, allowing you to focus on growing your brand. Squarespace works for simpler setups, but its approach may not be ideal for scaling global sales.
Who Should Choose Shopify?
Shopify is perfect for anyone focused on selling products online. Its tools are built specifically for ecommerce, making it easier to manage your store, handle payments, and scale your business. Whether you’re just starting out or running a large online store, Shopify meets your needs with features designed for growth.
One of Shopify’s biggest advantages is its ability to grow with your business. It offers tools like multichannel selling, advanced inventory management, and customizable apps. These features ensure you can adapt and expand without switching platforms. Shopify also provides secure, reliable hosting that can handle high traffic and large product catalogs with ease.
If you’re looking for an ecommerce platform that prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing depth, Shopify is the answer. Its user-friendly dashboard and mobile app make it easy to manage your store from anywhere. Advanced analytics and reporting tools help you understand your business performance in real time, giving you the insights needed to make smart decisions.
Choose Shopify, if you…
- Want a platform that is specifically built for ecommerce.
- Plan to grow your business with scalable tools.
- Need hosting that reliably handles high traffic.
- Are looking to expand through multichannel selling.
- Prefer access to customizable features and apps.
- Want to manage inventory and payments with ease.
- Appreciate a mobile-friendly and user-friendly interface.
Shopify is the ideal choice for businesses that prioritize ecommerce and long-term growth. With its robust tools and flexibility, it’s a platform that can grow alongside you.
Who Should Choose Squarespace?
Squarespace is a great option if you want a beautiful website that’s simple to build. Its templates are stunning and cater to creative businesses like photographers, designers, and artists. With built-in features for ecommerce, Squarespace lets you create a site that goes beyond looks and serves as a functional online store.
Squarespace excels in design and user-friendliness. You don’t need coding skills to get started, thanks to its drag-and-drop website editor. The platform’s focus on aesthetics makes it perfect for showcasing products, portfolios, or services. For small shops or businesses prioritizing visual appeal, Squarespace strikes the right balance between form and function.
While it’s not built for massive-scale operations, Squarespace offers everything you need for a smaller online business. You get integrated tools like email campaigns, appointment scheduling, and basic analytics. These features make it easy to manage your site and engage with customers without needing extra software.
Choose Squarespace, if you…
- Want professional templates that are designed with creativity in mind.
- Need to showcase your products or services in a beautiful way.
- Value simplicity and usability more than technical features.
- Run a small shop or focus on niche products.
- Benefit from tools like email campaigns and appointment scheduling.
- Aim to build a visually appealing and elegant online store.
For creative businesses and smaller shops, Squarespace offers the perfect mix of design, ease, and basic ecommerce functions. It gives you a professional presence online without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
Key Takeaways: Making the Right Choice
Shopify and Squarespace are both excellent choices, but the right one depends on your needs. Shopify is ideal for serious online sellers, offering advanced tools and the ability to scale as your business grows. Squarespace, on the other hand, is perfect if you want a stunning website with basic ecommerce features. To help you decide, here are the key points to consider:
- Choose Shopify if you prioritize advanced ecommerce tools and scalability.
- Go with Squarespace if design and simplicity are key for your business.
- Compare features like pricing, usability, and integrations to match your goals.
- Think about your long-term plans, such as growing sales or launching new channels.
When deciding, focus on what matters most to you and your business. If you’re looking to grow a big, sales-driven ecommerce store, Shopify offers everything you need. But if creating a visually striking site with light selling features is your priority, Squarespace could be the perfect fit. Either way, both platforms can help you build a strong online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What makes Shopify a good choice for online stores?
Shopify offers advanced ecommerce tools, scalability, and reliable hosting. It is designed specifically for online selling, making it ideal for growing businesses.
Why is Squarespace best for creative websites?
Squarespace provides stunning templates and a user-friendly interface. It offers tools for showcasing products beautifully, perfect for design-focused businesses.
Which platform is better for high-traffic stores?
Shopify handles high traffic effortlessly with reliable hosting and strong performance. It is a great choice for stores expecting heavy traffic.
How does Squarespace simplify building a website?
Squarespace offers easy-to-use drag-and-drop tools and professional templates. It simplifies creating elegant websites without advanced technical skills.
What ecommerce tools does Shopify offer?
Shopify provides an array of tools like inventory management, multichannel selling, and customizable apps. These tools help businesses boost sales effectively.
Who should choose Squarespace?
Squarespace is ideal for small shops, creative brands, or those needing light ecommerce features. It fits well for showcasing niche or artistic products.
Which platform is better for beginners?
Squarespace is better for beginners due to its simple design tools and user-friendly setup. It helps users create beautiful sites quickly.
Can Shopify scale with a business?
Shopify is built to scale with growing businesses. It supports large inventories, handles traffic surges, and integrates with many sales channels.
Does Squarespace support selling online?
Squarespace offers ecommerce features like storefronts, payment processing, and appointment scheduling. Ideal for businesses with basic selling needs.
How to pick between Shopify and Squarespace?
Focus on business needs. Use Shopify for advanced ecommerce and growth. Pick Squarespace for creative design and light selling features.
