Comparing Shopify vs Squarespace: Which E-commerce Builder Suits Your Needs?

Get ready to compare two of the best website builders, Shopify and Squarespace, as we dive into their strengths and weaknesses, from e-commerce features to design flexibility.

  • 1. Shopify is built specifically for e-commerce, while Squarespace is a more versatile website builder great for design and smaller stores.
  • 2. Both platforms offer free trials: Shopify's trial lasts 3 days, and Squarespace's lasts 14 days.
  • 3. Shopify starts at $30 per month for its basic plan, while Squarespace starts at under $20 a month but can go up to $30 a month for more advanced features.
  • 4. Shopify offers an additional starter plan at $5 a month for social account or existing website integration.
  • 5. Neither platform allows selling during the trial period.
  • 6. Shopify has a limit on staff accounts even on its most advanced plan, while Squarespace allows unlimited staff accounts.
  • 7. Shopify offers around 10 free templates, while Squarespace has over 100 modern-looking and award-winning designs.
  • 8. Shopify allows third-party template purchases for more variety, but Squarespace templates are more expensive and less accessible from third-party providers.
  • 9. Shopify's editor is simplistic and a bit restrictive, while Squarespace has a smooth drag-and-drop editor with extensive customization options.
  • 10. Both platforms have similar pricing overall, but Shopify offers an easier entry point with its starter plan.
  • 11. Shopify offers robust e-commerce functionalities, making it better for physical stores and products.
  • 12. Squarespace focuses more on internal features and has excellent blogging, SEO, and marketing tools.
  • 13. Squarespace handles transaction fees differently than Shopify and charges 0% transaction fees but includes credit card processing fees through third-party providers.
  • 14. Marketing is better with Squarespace for beginner marketers, while Shopify requires extra subscriptions and apps for extensive marketing options.
  • 15. Performance testing shows both platforms meet the standard of 4 seconds loading time, which is acceptable for web builders.
  • 16. Both platforms have good uptime and can handle 50 virtual users without real issues or errors occurring.
  • 17. Shopify has a more robust ecosystem with extensive third-party tools, making it better for scaling businesses focusing on sales.
  • 18. Squarespace offers refined designs, creative freedom, and easy-to-use marketing tools, making it the edge in design and simplicity.
  • 19. Choose Shopify if your focus is mainly on sales and growth, but choose Squarespace if you want more refined designs, creative freedom, and simple marketing tools.
  • 20. Test both platforms using their free trial periods to see which platform suits your needs best.
  • 21. Shopify's basic plan includes advanced features like abandoned cart recovery, unlimited products, and multi-channel selling.
  • 22. Squarespace has a slightly better performance compared to Shopify in terms of loading speed and uptime.
  • 23. Both platforms lack the option to start selling during their free trial period.
  • 24. There are no hidden fees or upsells with both Shopify and Squarespace, and the price you pay for your web builder will always stay the same.

Source: Cybernews via YouTube

❓ What do you think? What are the most critical factors to consider when choosing between Shopify and Squarespace, beyond their design and e-commerce capabilities? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!