Framer is a code-first design tool optimized for interactive prototypes and developer-friendly websites, while Squarespace is a visual website builder focused on professional e-commerce and portfolio sites with built-in hosting and payment processing.
Framer vs Squarespace — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
React-based web design and prototyping platform with code editing capabilities
All-in-one hosted website builder with drag-and-drop editor and included hosting, billing, and support.
Primary Use Case. Coding Capability. Starting Price (Monthly). Learning Curve. E-commerce Features. Built-in Payment Processing. SEO Tools
Choose Framer if you're a developer or designer building interactive prototypes, portfolios, or custom web experiences where code flexibility matters more than built-in commerce features. Choose Squarespace if you're launching an online store, portfolio, or service business and need professional e-commerce, integrated payments, and minimal technical setup.
Framer: Basic (simple product pages) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Intermediate (good for marketing content) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Fast (Figma import, instant publish) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Gentle (design-first approach) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Basic/Limited | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Full CMS with collections | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Basic components | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Native hosting included | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Code export and CSS access | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 1-20 (optimal) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Not available | Squarespace: $23-33/month
Framer: 8-10 hours | Squarespace: 2-3 hours
Framer: ~1,800 reviews (Capterra estimate) | Squarespace: 3,394 reviews (Capterra)
Framer: Full relational CMS with cross-references | Squarespace: Basic collections only
Framer: Scroll triggers, gestures, Squircle UI, advanced state | Squarespace: Block animations, limited transitions
Framer: Vercel-powered with auto-scaling | Squarespace: Proprietary global CDN included
Framer: No, requires third-party integration | Squarespace: Yes, with inventory and payments
Framer: Yes - relational collections with AI | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Limited (on-page editing only) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 1.2-1.8s (optimized by default) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Yes - interactions, content generation, UX optimization | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: $19/month | Squarespace: $15/month (Starter plan)
Framer: $54/month | Squarespace: $33/month (Core plan)
Framer: 14-28 days | Squarespace: 1-3 days
Framer: 4.7/5 stars | Squarespace: 4.4/5 stars (3,394 reviews)
Framer: Relational CMS with AI content features (2025-2026) | Squarespace: Basic content management; third-party integrations needed
Framer: Yes, with product management and checkout | Squarespace: Yes, integrated with advanced product filters (April 2026)
Framer: Real-time multiplayer, live cursors, shared workspaces | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited with code-based logic and variants | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Limited native extensibility; API available | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Included; publish live sites with custom domains | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Yes, native export | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Variants and tokens (growing capability) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Web-only (browser-based) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Basic variant support | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 3-5 (via limited API) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 9/10 (full code access) | Squarespace: 40% - template parameter-based
Framer: 4-8 (design-heavy) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Yes, unlimited projects | Squarespace: Yes, managed hosting
Total Monthly Cost (with Required Services)
Framer: Unlimited simultaneous users | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: No direct Adobe integration | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Full code export, design tokens, component library generation | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: JavaScript/React fundamentals required | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Basic component library, limited design token support | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 12% of design teams | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Auto-deploy, custom domains, serverless functions | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 150+ integrations | Squarespace: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)
Framer: $12/month (billed annually) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 5-10 simultaneous users | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 90% (native React generation) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Advanced animations, gestures, scroll triggers, full prototypes | Squarespace: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual Plan)
Framer: $12/month (Pro plan) or Free tier | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited (infinite canvas) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited simultaneous editors | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: React, HTML, CSS, SVG, PNG, code snippets | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited (code-based logic and conditions) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited projects | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 150+ integrations and community extensions | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: React component export, live code editor, CSS-in-JS, Figma sync | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 0% (via Stripe: 2.9% + $0.30) | Squarespace: 3% (Squarespace Payments)
Framer: Yes - included with all plans | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Basic (meta, OG tags) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: $12/month (Free limited) or $25/month (Pro) | Squarespace: N/A
Team Collaboration - Simultaneous Editors
Framer: Up to 5 team members (limited real-time) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Basic component library without token system | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Full React component code with logic | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 200+ integrations and components | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Unlimited but degrades with complexity | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Yes, with Framer branding | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 0 (third-party only) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Full React/JSX, npm packages, any library | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 0 native (requires third-party) | Squarespace: 4 built-in (Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, Square)
Framer: Full React component access and custom code | Squarespace: Limited CSS/JavaScript injection
Framer: Yes (full feature access) | Squarespace: No (14-day trial only)
Framer: Yes (Vercel edge infrastructure) | Squarespace: Yes (unlimited bandwidth)
Framer: Advanced (scroll, gesture, interaction animations) | Squarespace: Basic (scroll effects, transitions)
Framer: Framer branding on subdomain only | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: No (requires workarounds) | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 20+ via Zapier | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Full HTML/CSS/React export | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Advanced frame-by-frame animations | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: 50+ templates | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Real-time collaboration on free plan | Squarespace: N/A
Framer: Full React/JavaScript/CSS access | Squarespace: Limited CSS-only (no JavaScript)
Framer: Yes, on Framer's servers | Squarespace: Yes, on Squarespace's servers
Framer: No (requires Stripe integration) | Squarespace: Yes (Squarespace Payments)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $16/month (included)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Not available
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited integrations
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: More attractive & polished aesthetics
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Extensive, section-based editor
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Advanced, highly customizable
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: SSL certificate, daily backups, security updates
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 2/10 (minimal)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Plan-dependent
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 50+ professional designs
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 15–30 minutes
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 4.5/5 (3,394 reviews)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Automatic (all templates mobile-optimized)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 3,396 reviews
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: No native B2B support
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited integrations (primarily Squarespace native)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Basic API, limited headless support
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Basic coupon and discount tools
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: All paid plans included
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 14-day trial only
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $12-33 (Creator/Business)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 3-4% per transaction
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Unlimited (with per-transaction fees)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 70+ professionally designed templates
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Requires integration (Mailchimp, Klaviyo, etc.)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited; requires apps or custom integration
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Advanced on-page SEO, image optimization, blogging
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $15 (Business plan starts here)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 1-2 hours (drag-and-drop)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 1+ million stores
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 24/7 phone and chat support
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $180-276 (included)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Unlimited (Commerce plan)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited/Not published
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Basic (single-location, limited variants)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited; mainly Facebook and Instagram
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Full drag-and-drop with no coding needed
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $16/month (Personal)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 500+ built-in integrations
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Yes (all plans)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $23-529 first month
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $23-529 (all-inclusive)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: ~1,000 (performance degrades beyond)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 100+ pre-built templates
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 24/7 live chat, email, phone
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $2,784-6,348 (subscription + fees)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Phone, Chat, Email (24/7)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $23 (Business plan with e-commerce)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 2-4 (drag-and-drop template)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: ~200 pre-built apps
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $0 (included in plan)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 5 (template + drag-drop limits)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Instagram Shop only (1)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited API with restricted code
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 2-4 hours (drag-and-drop)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited/No direct API
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 500 free/month built-in
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Premium, cohesive design system
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: ~200 integrated apps
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Included in all plans
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Up to 20% off
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 100+ responsive templates
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited (requires workarounds)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Full shopping cart, inventory, tax, shipping
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Basic (Business plan $23+/month)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Yes (all plans included)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Advanced (meta, schema, sitemaps)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 15-30 minutes
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 140+ proprietary templates
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited integrations (500+)
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: 24/7 live support
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: Limited; vendor lock-in risk
Framer: N/A | Squarespace: $960 (5-year total)
How to choose between Framer and Squarespace
Framer vs Squarespace — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Framer vs Squarespace. Contains 237 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Framer vs Squarespace — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Framer vs Squarespace.
Can I build an e-commerce store with Framer?
Yes, but with limitations. Framer supports basic product displays and can integrate with Stripe for payments via custom code. However, Squarespace offers superior e-commerce features including inventory management, tax automation, and abandoned cart recovery out-of-the-box, making it better suited for serious online stores.
Do I need coding skills to use Framer or Squarespace?
Squarespace requires zero coding—it's entirely visual. Framer has two modes: a visual design mode (similar to Figma) that requires no code, but unlocking its full power (animations, custom components, React integration) requires JavaScript/React knowledge. Non-developers can use Framer's visual features but will hit limitations quickly.
Framer is cheaper at $5-20/month, but Squarespace's transaction fees are lower (3% vs Stripe's 2.9% + $0.30). For low transaction volume, Framer costs less. For high-volume e-commerce, Squarespace's integrated payments and features save money and time despite higher base price.
Can I export my site and leave either platform?
Neither platform makes exporting easy. Framer: sites are tightly integrated with their platform; you can export React code but lose hosting/CMS. Squarespace: no native export; leaving requires manual migration. Both create vendor lock-in, though Framer's code access offers more flexibility for developers.
Squarespace has more comprehensive built-in SEO tools including automatic schema markup, CDN optimization, and blogging features that boost discoverability. Framer supports basic SEO (meta tags, sitemaps, responsive design) but lacks Squarespace's automatic optimizations, making Squarespace superior for organic search visibility.
How to Choose Between Framer and Squarespace
Primary Use Case: Framer has Interactive prototypes & developer websites, while Squarespace has E-commerce & professional portfolios.
Coding Capability: Framer has Full React/JavaScript support with code editor, while Squarespace has Limited CSS customization, no JavaScript.
Starting Price (Monthly): Framer has $5 (personal) / $20 (pro), while Squarespace has $14 (Business Basic).
Learning Curve: Framer has Steep for non-developers, moderate for developers, while Squarespace has Minimal, visual drag-and-drop interface.
E-commerce Features: Framer has Basic, requires integration for advanced features, while Squarespace has Advanced: inventory, shipping, tax automation.
Built-in Payment Processing: Framer has Via Stripe integration (not native), while Squarespace has Native Squarespace Payments included.
SEO Tools: Framer has Good meta control, sitemaps, responsive design, while Squarespace has Comprehensive: auto-sitemaps, schema markup, CDN.