Squarespace is a popular choice for its ease of use, stunning templates, and all-in-one platform appeal, making it a go-to for many. However, users with unique needs might find its one-size-fits-all approach limiting, due to factors like cost, customization, and specific features. Recognizing this, we’ve analyzed and selected the 5 best Squarespace alternatives, detailed below, to better match your personal requirements.
Short on Time? Here are the Top 3 Squarespace Alternatives
| Provider | User Rating | Best For | Expert & User Reviews | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.6 | AI Tools | Hostinger Review | Visit Hostinger |
 | 4.0 | Pricing | IONOS Review | Visit IONOS |
 | 4.7 | Speed | A2 Hosting Review | Visit A2 Hosting |
What Are Some Main Drawbacks of Squarespace?
While Squarespace stands out for its high-quality designs and robust performance, it’s important to note it has its limitations:
- Pricing Concerns: There’s no free plan available, and the monthly fees are relatively high compared to other providers.
- Limited Customization Options: You can customize templates, but they’re based on fixed patterns. You don’t have full control over elements, and significant changes might require purchasing premium features.
- Limited Support Channels: There’s no option for phone support; the platform offers only live chat and email.
- Limited Navigation Options: Navigation is restricted to two levels, which can be limiting for sites needing deeper menu hierarchies.
- No Autosave Function: The lack of an autosave feature means you have to remember to save your work manually, risking data loss.
- Video Storage Limits: All plans come with limitations on video storage, which could be a concern for content-heavy sites.
For a detailed overview of Squarespace’s advantages and disadvantages, please visit our full Squarespace review, which includes expert analysis and user ratings.
How To Find the Right Squarespace Alternative for You?
- Consider Your Project Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your website. Consider if you’re focusing on eCommerce, blogging, portfolio showcase, or another purpose. The right platform should cater specifically to your project’s objectives.
- Estimate Your Budget: Determine your budget not just for the initial setup but also for ongoing costs. Some alternatives might offer lower starting prices or more value for the money with included features.
- Prioritize User-Friendliness: Look for a platform that balances powerful features with simplicity. It should be intuitive for you to use, regardless of your technical expertise, making website management and updates straightforward.
- Look for Add-ons and Extras: Consider what additional tools and services each platform offers. These might include SEO tools, marketing solutions, or website analytics that can help enhance your site’s performance and reach.
- Review Available Integrations: Your website might need to work seamlessly with other tools like social media platforms, email marketing services, or customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Check the availability and ease of integrations.
- Take Customer Service Into Account: Reliable support is crucial, especially when you encounter issues or have questions. Look for platforms that offer robust customer service, including live chat, phone support, and extensive knowledge bases for self-help.
5 Best Alternatives to Squarespace
1. Hostinger
Best for: AI-Powered Website Builder
Overview
Hostinger offers an AI-powered website builder that simplifies website creation with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. Designed for users of all skill levels, it enables quick site setup without coding. Hostinger provides affordable options for AI enthusiasts looking to build websites efficiently.
Free Trial: No
Money-Back Guarantee: 30 Days
Hostinger Pros & Cons
- User-friendly drag-and-drop editor
- Affordable pricing plans
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Multiple AI tools for writing, design and SEO
- eCommerce features available from $3.99 monthly
- No free trial
- No plan upgrade option
- No option to switch templates once live
- Limited template customization options
Features:
- Free domain and email address: free domain name for a year with any plan lasting 12 months or more, making starting your online presence even easier
- 150 responsive and customizable templates: fully customizable templates to quickly design your site without sacrificing style or functionality
- AI Website Builder: included in all plans, offering a simple drag-and-drop interface that anyone can use, regardless of experience.
- AI-powered tools: AI Writer, Image Generator, Blog Generator, Heatmaps, and SEO tools available with the Business plan to enhance your site’s content and user experience
- Advanced eCommerce features: with the Business plan, you can sell up to 500 products and offer over 20 payment methods, broadening your store’s reach and convenience.
For a detailed overview, read our full Hostinger review.
Why Choose Hostinger over Squarespace?
Choosing Hostinger over Squarespace can come down to a variety of factors tailored to your specific needs in building and managing a website. Here are some key differences:
- Pricing: Hostinger offers significantly more affordable plans than Squarespace, making it a budget-friendly choice. For personal websites, Hostinger’s basic plan starts at just $2.99 per month, compared to Squarespace’s starting price of $16.00 monthly. For those looking to build a business website, Hostinger’s price is as low as $3.99 a month, whereas Squarespace’s equivalent option is priced at $23 per month. Additionally, Hostinger includes a free domain for the first year with a 12-month plan, further reducing the upfront costs for new site owners.
- AI Capabilities: Hostinger’s AI-powered tools, including AI Image Generator, Heatmaps and AI SEO features, offer innovative solutions for site design and performance tracking. Squarespace doesn’t have a built-in AI design and SEO tools, which might appeal less to those looking for cutting-edge technology in their site building toolkit.
- Customization Options: With Hostinger, you have access to 150 responsive and customizable templates, allowing for a high degree of personalization. Squarespace also offers beautiful templates but with Hostinger, you might find them at a lower price.
- General eCommerce Capabilities: Hostinger’s Business plan allows for the sale of up to 500 products and supports over 20 payment methods, catering well to growing online stores. Squarespace does provide eCommerce solutions, but Hostinger’s offer might be more suited for those looking to scale their business with more products and payment options.
- eCommerce Transaction Fees: Hostinger stands out by offering 0% transaction fees for eCommerce on its Business plan, which starts as low as $3.99 a month. In contrast, Squarespace only provides a 0% transaction fee option on plans starting from $28 a month, making Hostinger a more cost-effective choice for online sellers.
- Ease of Use: Both platforms are designed for ease of use, but Hostinger’s AI Website Builder emphasizes a more user-friendly experience for beginners, with tools that simplify the design and content creation process.
- Money-Back Guarantee: Hostinger’s 30-day money-back guarantee provides a risk-free opportunity to test its features and services, which is especially appealing for those cautious about committing to a new platform.
Hostinger might be a better option than Squarespace for beginners, those on a budget, individuals looking to build personal websites, and users interested in harnessing AI tools for their site development.
Hostinger: The Best AI Website Builder
Still undecided? Visit our detailed Squarespace vs Hostinger Comparison for more information.
2. IONOS
Best for: Affordable Pricing Plans
Overview
IONOS offers an affordable and intuitive website builder starting at $1.00/month, designed for both beginners and professionals. With no coding knowledge required, it provides an easy way to create professional websites. IONOS stands out for its budget-friendly prices, beginner-friendly interface, and reliable performance.
Free Trial: No
Money-Back Guarantee: 30 Days
IONOS Pros & Cons
- Beginner-friendly editing interface
- Affordable pricing plans
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- AI Website Builder, writing and design tools
- Integrated online booking tool
- Mobile app
- No free trial
- Limited template choice
- Limited template customization options
- Limited integrations
- Limited eCommerce capabilities
Features:
- Free Domain and Email Address: Free domain for a year plus an email address with a mailbox size of 2GB, 12GB, or 50GB, depending on your chosen plan
- Online Booking Tool: Available in Plus and Pro plans, this tool lets you quickly receive and manage bookings on your website, simplifying appointment scheduling
- AI-powered Writing Tools: Tools like the Text Generator, Improver, and SEO Text Generator help create compelling content easily, improving your website’s engagement and SEO
- AI-powered Design Tools: Utilize the Image and Color Palette Generator to effortlessly design your website with a professional look that matches your brand
- SEO Optimization Tools: Enhance your site’s visibility with rankingCoach Standard included in the Pro plan and SiteAnalytics for fundamental SEO insights, helping your website rank higher in search results
- Full-featured Online Store: Available with Plus and Pro plans, it includes inventory management, sizing options, and tax and shipping settings. Extra functions like discount coupons and abandoned cart emails make managing an online store more effective.
- Multilingual Translations: IONOS supports multilingual translations, allowing you to reach a global audience by offering your website in multiple languages. This feature enhances accessibility and user engagement across different regions.
For a detailed overview, read our full IONOS Website Builder review.
Why Choose IONOS over Squarespace?
Choosing IONOS over Squarespace could be beneficial for various reasons, especially for those looking for cost-effective solutions and advanced features. Here’s why IONOS might be a better fit:
- Pricing Plans: IONOS offers highly competitive pricing, starting at just $1/month, making it a more affordable option than Squarespace, whose plans start at a higher monthly fee. This affordability makes IONOS attractive for those just starting out or looking to minimize costs.
- User-Friendly Interface: IONOS boasts a user-friendly and intuitive website builder that, like Squarespace, doesn’t require coding knowledge, but it’s especially tailored for beginners. Its straightforward interface ensures easy navigation and website creation for users at any skill level.
- AI Capabilities: With AI-powered writing and design tools such as Text Generator and Image Generator, IONOS steps ahead in facilitating content creation and design, offering solutions that Squarespace might not have directly available, thus enhancing user experience and efficiency.
- Selling on Social Media: IONOS simplifies expanding your online store’s reach by automatically syncing and promoting your products across popular platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Google. This feature allows for seamless integration and broader audience engagement without extra effort.
- Money-Back Guarantee: IONOS offers a confidence-inspiring money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their services risk-free, providing a safety net that makes testing their comprehensive suite of tools and services worry-free.
IONOS’s main strengths are affordability, usability, innovative technology, and comprehensive service offerings, making it a compelling choice for beginners, cost-savvy users, and small businesses with limited customer base.
IONOS: The Best Affordable Website Builder
Still undecided? Visit our detailed Squarespace vs IONOS Website Builder Comparison for more information.
3. A2 Hosting
Best for: Websites with Fast Loading Times
Overview
The A2 Site Builder offers a swift and dependable way to craft your online presence, available with any hosting plan. It provides an affordable option to create a one-page website, perfect for those looking to launch quickly and efficiently. Known for its speed and reliability, it’s an excellent choice for any project.
Free Trial: No
Money-Back Guarantee: 30 Days
A2 Pros & Cons
- User-friendly drag-and-drop editor
- One-Page Website plan at a low cost
- Can be purchased with any hosting plan
- Excellent A2 Hosting bundled
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 24/7/365 live support via chat, email, tickets and phone
- No free trial
- Limited customization options
- No AI-powered tools
- Only basic eCommerce capabilities
- Prices are higher on renewal
Features:
- Pre-designed and Customizable Templates: A variety of templates that are ready to use and easily customizable, allowing you to create a professional-looking website with your personal touch
- Image Compression: Automatically compresses images to optimize your website’s speed and performance, ensuring your site loads quickly for visitors without sacrificing image quality
- eCommerce Plugin: An online store can be added to your website easily with the eCommerce plugin, providing tools to sell products, manage inventory, and process payments smoothly
- Fast Loading and Reliable Performance: Quick website loading times and dependable performance, ensuring a smooth experience for both you and your visitors, even during high traffic
- Startup Web Hosting Included: Every site builder plan includes a high-quality A2 hosting solution right from the start, ensuring your website is fast, secure, and reliably online without needing to manage separate hosting arrangements.
For a detailed overview, read our full A2 Hosting review.
Why Choose A2 over Squarespace?
Choosing A2 Hosting over Squarespace can be a strategic decision based on specific needs and preferences. Here are several reasons why A2 might be the more suitable option:
- Building a One-Pager: If your needs are met with a single-page website, A2 offers a specially designed and affordable plan for creating a one-pager. This option is perfect for those looking to establish an online presence quickly and efficiently without the complexity of a multi-page site.
- Pricing Plans: A2’s basic plan starts at $8.99, offering a more affordable entry point compared to Squarespace’s starting price of $16.00. This difference makes A2 a cost-effective choice for those looking to build a website on a budget.
- Loading Speed: A2 Hosting is renowned for its fast loading times, utilizing advanced technologies to ensure your website operates smoothly and quickly. This is crucial for SEO and improving user experience, potentially giving A2 an edge over Squarespace in terms of performance.
- Bundled Hosting Service: With every site builder plan, A2 includes a high-quality hosting solution, ensuring that your site is not only functional but also hosted on a reliable and secure platform. This bundled approach simplifies the process and adds value compared to Squarespace, which primarily focuses on the website builder and design aspects.
- Money-back Guarantee: A2 offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you the confidence to try their services risk-free. This assurance allows you to evaluate their offering thoroughly, knowing you can get a refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
A2 Hosting: The Best Fast Loading Website Builder
Still undecided? Visit our detailed Squarespace vs. A2 Hosting Comparison for more information.
4. Elementor
Best for: WordPress Websites
Overview
Elementor is a renowned WordPress website builder catering to tech professionals across the globe. With over nine million active installs in more than 180 countries, its user-friendly interface and sleek designs have supported millions in creating customized WordPress sites. Elementor also offers a vast array of pre-made templates, simplifying the design process.
Free Trial: No
Money-Back Guarantee: 30 Days
Elementor Pros & Cons
- Free and Pro plans available
- Managed WordPress hosting & Pro plan Bundle
- Ability to upgrade to a higher-tier plan at any time
- Library of responsive widgets
- eCommerce store with WooCommerce
- Live page editor included
- No free trial
- You can only purchase a yearly plan
- Can be complexed for beginners
- Dedicated mainly to WordPress sites
Features:
- Managed WordPress Hosting: The Pro plan includes managed WordPress hosting, ensuring optimized performance for WordPress sites.
- Integration with WooCommerce: Personalized product pages and customized WooCommerce default pages, like single product pages and product archives, could be created with Elementor’s WooCommerce Builder.
- Multiple Beautifully Designed Templates: Elementor offers 150 templates for free users and 300 for Pro users, alongside Kits and collections for a consistent design aesthetic across your website.
- Responsive Design: Content created with Elementor is mobile-friendly, with extensive control over how it appears on different screen sizes for optimal viewing on any device.
- Large Library of Widgets: Elementor’s vast library of widgets, such as image galleries, buttons, and carousels, can be utilized to easily assemble and enhance your site’s content.
- Form & Popup Builder: Easy-to-use forms and popups, requiring no coding skills, are helpful in increasing user engagement. These features are available in the paid plans.
- AI Builder and Content Generator: Available in the paid plans, these tools help in generating content and designing your site more efficiently with the power of AI.
For a detailed overview, read our full Elementor review.
Why Choose Elementor over Squarespace?
Choosing Elementor over Squarespace can offer distinct advantages, particularly for users entrenched in or favoring the WordPress ecosystem. Here’s why Elementor might be a preferable option:
- Pricing and Free Plan: Elementor provides a free plan with 150 templates, making it accessible without any upfront cost. This is in stark contrast to Squarespace, which only offers paid plans starting at a higher price point. Elementor’s free option is ideal for users looking to start with minimal financial commitment.
- Suitability for WordPress Websites: Elementor is specifically designed for WordPress, offering seamless integration and a vast range of WordPress-centric features and plugins. This makes it a perfect match for those who are already comfortable with or prefer WordPress as their content management system.
- WordPress Hosting Included: In the Pro plan, Elementor includes managed WordPress hosting, ensuring a hassle-free, optimized WordPress experience. This bundled approach simplifies the process for users, combining hosting and website building in one package, something Squarespace does not offer directly for WordPress sites.
- 30-Days Money-Back Guarantee: Elementor backs its Pro plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving users a risk-free opportunity to test its extensive features. This assurance is a testament to Elementor’s confidence in their product and its value to the user.
Elementor stands out for WordPress enthusiasts seeking an affordable and flexible website builder. Its integration with WordPress, coupled with exclusive features and a free starting plan, offers a tailored solution that meets the specific needs of the WordPress community.
Elementor: The Best WordPress Website Builder
Still undecided? Visit our detailed Squarespace vs. Elementro Comparison for more information.
5. Wix
Best for: Building Free Sites
Overview
Wix is renowned for its user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder, offering extensive customization options. It’s designed to be accessible for users of all skill levels, with a focus on flexibility and ease of use. With its blend of powerful tools and competitive pricing, Wix is an ideal choice for small businesses, budget-conscious users, and small projects seeking an effective online presence.
Free Trial: 14 Days
Money-Back Guarantee: No
Wix Pros & Cons
- Free and Premium plans available
- You can upgrade to paid plan anytime
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
- Flexible customization options
- Advanced eCommerce features
- Many free and paid apps available
- Limited functionalities in the free version
- Slower page loading time than competitors
- Mobile responsivity issues
- Website migration from Wix is difficult
Features:
- 900+ Fully Customizable Templates: Wix offers over 800 templates that are fully customizable, giving you the creative freedom to design your website exactly how you envision it.
- Built-in Accessibility Features: Enhance your site’s usability with Wix’s built-in accessibility features, ensuring it’s navigable and functional for all users.
- Site Analytics: Track and analyze your website’s performance with Wix’s site analytics tools, helping you understand visitor behavior and optimize your site.
- Built-in SEO Tools: Improve your website’s visibility on search engines with Wix’s built-in SEO tools, making it easier to reach your target audience.
- Automated Ads on Facebook and Instagram: Easily create and manage social media campaigns for Facebook and Instagram directly from Wix, increasing engagement and drawing more visitors.
- Powerful eCommerce Capabilities: Wix provides robust eCommerce solutions, including customizable online stores, support for 80+ payment methods, and comprehensive order and shipping management.
- Wix Owner App: Stay connected to your site’s performance and metrics on the go with the Wix Owner App, enabling effective management from anywhere.
- Wix App Market: Expand your website’s functionality with a wide range of free and paid apps from the Wix App Market, catering to various needs and enhancing your site’s capabilities.
For a detailed overview, read our full Wix review.
Why Choose Wix over Squarespace?
Choosing Wix over Squarespace can be beneficial for users looking for greater flexibility, variety, and affordability in building their online presence. Here’s why Wix might be the better choice:
- Pricing and Plan Diversity: Wix offers a broader range of pricing plans than Squarespace, including a completely free option. This diversity makes it easier for users of all types, from individuals to businesses, to find a plan that fits their budget and needs without any initial investment.
- Free Plan Option: Wix provides a free plan that allows users to build and publish a website at no cost, an option not offered by Squarespace. This is particularly appealing for users starting out or experimenting with their online presence without financial commitment.
- Variety of Apps in the Wix App Market: The Wix App Market offers a vast array of both free and paid apps, enabling users to extend the functionality of their websites far beyond what’s possible on Squarespace. From advanced booking systems to marketing tools, the options are nearly limitless.
- Advanced Customization Options: Wix’s drag-and-drop interface and over 800 customizable templates offer unparalleled flexibility in design, allowing for more personalized and unique website creations compared to the more structured options on Squarespace.
- Impressive eCommerce Capabilities: Wix’s eCommerce plans are powerful, supporting over 80 payment methods, advanced order and shipping management, and numerous online store customization options, making it an ideal platform for businesses looking to grow their online sales.
Wix stands out as a versatile and user-friendly choice for those prioritizing extensive customization options, affordability, and comprehensive eCommerce features.
Wix: The Best for Building Free Websites
Still undecided? Visit our detailed Squarespace vs. Wix Comparison for more information.
Top Squarespace Competitors Compared
| Provider | User Rating | Free Trial | Money-Back Guarantee | Starting Price | Max. Premium Plan Cost |
| Squarespace | 4.5 | Yes | No | $16.00 | $52.00 |
| Hostinger | 4.6 | No | 30 Days | $2.99 | $3.99 |
| IONOS | 4.0 | No | 30 Days | $1.00 | $17.00 |
| A2 Hosting | 4.7 | No | 30 Days | $2.99 | $18.99 |
| Elementor | 5.0 | No | 30 Days | $2.99 | $22.99 |
| Wix | 4.0 | Yes | No | $17.00 | $159 |
When To Look for Squarespace Alternatives?
Lower Costs
If you’re starting a small business or running a personal project with a tight budget, the cost can be a crucial factor. Squarespace’s plans, while comprehensive, may be pricier than alternatives that offer free tiers or lower-priced options with essential features.
Improved Loading Time
Website speed is vital for SEO and user experience. If your Squarespace site suffers from slow loading times, exploring alternatives optimized for faster performance could significantly impact your site’s effectiveness and visitor satisfaction.
More Integrations with Third-Party Tools
Businesses relying on a wide range of digital tools for eCommerce, marketing, or customer service may find Squarespace’s integration options insufficient. Alternatives offering more extensive third-party integrations can streamline operations and enhance functionality.
Need for a Specific Feature
If Squarespace lacks a particular feature critical to your website’s success—such as advanced SEO tools, specific eCommerce capabilities, or unique user interaction options—searching for a platform that includes these features might be necessary.
More Available Customer Support
For those who prefer support in languages other than English or need assistance outside of standard business hours, Squarespace’s customer service limitations could be a drawback. Platforms offering 24/7 support, multiple language options, or phone support present a more accessible solution.
Final Word
Choosing the right website builder is crucial for the success and ease of managing your online presence. If Squarespace doesn’t align with your budget, need for speed, integration requirements, specific feature needs, or customer support preferences, exploring alternatives can lead you to a solution that fits your unique plans and requirements more closely.
Take the time to assess what’s most important for your project or business and select the platform that best matches your needs. With the right tool, you’ll be better positioned to create, manage, and grow your online presence effectively.
If you haven’t found the perfect Squarespace alternative in this article, we encourage you to explore our full list of the best website builders to find the one that meets all your requirements.
