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
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.
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.
Structured comparison data for Framer vs Squarespace with 237 attributes.
Total Monthly Cost (with Required Services)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual Plan)
Team Collaboration - Simultaneous Editors
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.