Squarespace is an all-in-one hosted platform with built-in hosting and support ideal for beginners, while WordPress is a self-hosted content management system offering maximum customization and control for users willing to manage their own infrastructure. WordPress powers 43% of all websites globally compared to Squarespace's ~2.5%, but Squarespace requires no technical setup.
Squarespace vs WordPress — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Squarespace if you're a non-technical user, small business owner, or creative professional who values simplicity, included hosting, 24/7 support, and getting online in under 30 minutes. Choose WordPress if you need maximum customization, plan to scale significantly, want to minimize costs, require thousands of plugin options, or need complete data portability and long-term flexibility.
All-in-one website builder and e-commerce platform known for designer templates and integrated functionality.
Open-source content management system installed on self-hosted servers, offering unlimited customization and control.
Squarespace vs WordPress — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Squarespace vs WordPress with 247 attributes.
Reported Security Vulnerabilities (2024)
Squarespace vs WordPress — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Squarespace vs WordPress.
Can I move my Squarespace site to WordPress?
It is technically possible but difficult. Squarespace restricts data export, so you would need to manually rebuild content, redesign pages, and reconfigure functionality in WordPress. Most users hire developers for this ($1,000-5,000). WordPress migration tools are limited compared to migrating FROM WordPress, which is seamless.
WordPress is dramatically cheaper over 5+ years. Squarespace costs $960+ for 5 years (minimum); WordPress hosting costs $180-300 for the same period. However, WordPress requires either self-management or hiring developers ($50-200/hour), so total cost of ownership depends on your time investment or hiring costs. For pure platform fees, WordPress wins 5-10x over.
WordPress with WooCommerce offers more advanced features, lower transaction fees (2-3% vs Squarespace's 3% built-in), and unlimited scalability. However, Squarespace is simpler for beginners with integrated payment processing and no plugin management. For stores expecting >$10,000/month revenue, WordPress is more economical; for <$5,000/month, Squarespace's simplicity may justify the cost.
Do I need technical skills for WordPress?
For basic setup and blogging, minimal skills required with managed hosting (like Bluehost or WP Engine). However, custom development, security optimization, advanced plugins, and troubleshooting benefit from technical knowledge. Squarespace requires zero technical skills. Many WordPress users hire developers or support plans ($30-200/month) to offset the skill gap.
WordPress has superior SEO flexibility. Plugins like Yoast SEO, RankMath, and All in One SEO provide granular control over meta tags, sitemaps, structured data, and technical SEO. Squarespace's SEO tools are basic and built-in but less customizable. For competitive keywords, WordPress's advanced SEO plugin options generally outperform Squarespace. Both can rank well; WordPress offers more control.