All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
Best for Bloggers
/images/2026/05/11/wpcom-blueberry-default2x.png)
Everything managed for you — automated updates, real-time backups, and security built in from day one
Unified wp-admin dashboard removes the dual learning curve of separate hosting and site-building tools
Enterprise-grade security stack — CDN, malware removal, DDoS protection, and a WAF — included on every plan, even free
Best for Online Businesses
/images/2024/12/09/squarespace-logo-2018-present.png){kind=logo}
Easy to use drag-and-drop platform with professional templates
All-in-one building, hosting, security, and ecommerce platform
Advanced blogging features to boost SEO rankings
Comparing WordPress.com and Squarespace is like comparing a writing class to a business class. Each web builder shares some of the same features, but both have a clear path. WordPress.com is the go-to platform for bloggers, while Squarespace gives online businesses more built-in tools to grow.
Of course, both platforms offer the capabilities to create content and launch an online business, but one is better than the other depending on your goals. Below, we break down the key similarities and differences between WordPress.com and Squarespace based on our testing.
If you're also weighing options like Wix, we cover those in our top alternatives section below.
/images/2026/05/11/wpcom-blueberry-default2x.png)
|
/images/2024/12/09/squarespace-logo-2018-present.png){kind=logo}
Our Pick | |
| Star rating | ||
| Price | $2.75-$45.00/mo | $19.00-$139.00/mo |
| Free plan | ||
| Free trial | Yes — 14 days for some premium upgrades | Yes — 14 days |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 14 days | |
| Number of collaborators | Unlimited | Up to unlimited |
| Storage space | 6GB – 150GB (for additional fee) | Yes — up to unlimited |
| Custom domain | Free for one year with paid plans | Yes (only for annual subscription) |
| Site analytics | Yes, starting with Personal plan | |
| Ecommerce tools | Yes, Business and Commerce plans only | |
| AI tools | Yes, via plugins | |
| Learn more | Get WordPress.com | Get Squarespace |
Our team has conducted hands-on testing on 20+ website builders. We sign up for each service and build a real website from scratch, giving us a firsthand look at the full experience from onboarding to publish.
Then, we evaluate each product across six categories:
We retest all website builders at least once a year. To learn more about how we test, read our full website builder testing methodology here.
WordPress.com started as a blogging platform over 20 years ago and has evolved into a space to build a variety of websites. During testing, we found the blogging features exceptional, offering highly versatile ways to manage our content and a robust set of design tools for customization. Even though there aren't any AI-building tools, we did find the templates easy to use and edit.
/images/2026/01/05/wordpress.com_activating_a_new_theme.png)
We were less thrilled by the customer support options and the extensive use of plugins. For ecommerce, SEO, marketing, and other features, some of which we consider core features, you'll have to purchase a Business- or Commerce-level plan to access the needed plugins. As for support, searching through help topics and forums was time-consuming and frustrating.
Squarespace also emerged onto the scene 20 years ago as a way for regular people to design professional business websites. It's held that energy throughout, positioning itself as a solid contender for ecommerce web pages and business-related design. During our testing, we found the initial design tools easy to use and helpful for creating our Squarespace site.
/images/2026/01/05/squarespace_dashboard-emailcampaigns.png)
The customization tools are limited, offering fewer template designs than competitors, but they still allow for an aesthetically pleasing page. Squarespace doesn't offer a free version, and its premium plans start at higher prices than those of its competitors. We think Squarespace is better suited for businesses looking to migrate their online shop to a better-performing platform than for anyone just starting out.
WordPress.com vs. Squarespace pricing is a clear differentiator. WordPress.com offers lower-cost plans that let beginners start small, while Squarespace's plans start at a higher price but include more built-in tools from the get-go.
|
Best Value
|
| |
| Price range | $2.75-$45.00/mo | $19.00-$139.00/mo |
| Best value plan | Premium for $5.50/mo | Core for $45.00/mo |
| Free trial | Yes — 14 days for some premium upgrades | Yes — 14 days |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 14 days | |
| Learn more | Get WordPress.com | Get Squarespace |
WordPress.com offers a free plan with limited features, but it still lets you customize your website to your liking before upgrading to a paid plan. The subdomain offered with the free plan is customizable, and you can publish immediately while continuing to hone your skills.
However, you need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan to install plugins and access WooCommerce, which is a major drawback.
Personal:
Premium:
Everything in Personal plus
Business:
Everything in Premium plus
Commerce:
Everything in Business plus
Enterprise:
Must contact a sales representative for details.
Squarespace offers a free trial, so you can test the platform without inputting a payment method. If you want to try it out, you'll have 14 days to design and customize your website before committing to a plan below.
Basic
Core:
Everything in Basic plus
Plus:
Everything in Core plus
Advanced:
Everything in Plus plus
Squarespace offers more features across its plans, with many proprietary, while WordPress.com requires plugins for several core features and lacks AI-building tools.
|
|
Best Features
| |
| Number of contributors | Unlimited | Up to unlimited |
| Custom domain | Yes, all paid plans | |
| Free domain | ||
| Site analytics | Yes, starting with Personal | |
| Storage space | 6GB – 150GB (for additional fee) | Yes — up to unlimited |
| AI tools | Yes, via plugins & image creator | |
| SEO tools | Yes, Business and Commerce plans only | |
| Professional email | Yes (for additional fee) | Yes, free Google Workspace for the first year |
| Learn more | Get WordPress.com | Get Squarespace |
Many of Squarespace's features — including SEO and website analytics — are built into the main dashboard. Meanwhile, similar core features are available only on WordPress.com via premium plugins. WordPress.com also lacks proprietary AI tools aside from an image generator. To install plugins, you'll need a Business or Commerce plan, the top two subscription tiers.
/images/2025/01/13/wordpress_review_themes.png)
/images/2025/01/13/wordpress_review_pagetutorial.png)
Squarespace includes a variety of proprietary features but starts at a higher price than most competitors. Since we view Squarespace as a web builder for people with moderate skills, you should already be familiar with website building or have a site you're migrating over and have a general knowledge of how to use these tools.
/images/2024/12/16/squarespace_review_add_page.png)
/images/2024/12/23/squarespace_review_products_and_services.png)
Squarespace includes a variety of proprietary ecommerce tools as well as additional widgets and extensions that make it the stronger choice for ecommerce and marketing. WordPress.com can get there with plugins, but it requires a higher-tier plan and adds ongoing costs.
|
|
Our Pick
| |
| Customer accounts | Yes, via WooCommerce | |
| Customer subscription plans | Yes, via WooCommerce | |
| Customer loyalty programs | Yes, via WooCommerce | |
| Product reviews | Yes, via WooCommerce | |
| Newsletter list | Yes, via plugins | |
| Physical point of sale options | ||
| Physical product support | Third-party extension integrations | |
| Sales and discounts | Yes, via WooCommerce | |
| Gift cards | Yes, via WooCommerce | |
| Extras | AI image creator, customizable templates, extensive plugins marketplace | AI tools, customizable templates, SEO checklist, widget library |
| Learn more | Get WordPress.com | Get Squarespace |
With WordPress.com, almost every tool you need for marketing and ecommerce can be accessed only via plugins. Plugins are available only with Business or Commerce plans, and many essential plugins require an additional monthly subscription. Considering that the Business and Commerce plans are two of the most expensive, WordPress.com isn't the most economical or logistical option for an ecommerce website.
/images/2025/01/12/wordpress_review_pluginsmarket.png)
Squarespace, on the other hand, was built for business. It includes proprietary marketing and ecommerce tools, as well as extensions that provide access to more robust tools. Many of the available extensions are free, so they won't add to the monthly costs of running your site. Since the platform was created to help people build websites without needing to know code, it offers plenty of useful, easy-to-use tools.
/images/2024/12/16/squarespace_review_extensions.png)
Squarespace offers more support options and a much better quality of support.
|
|
Best Support
| |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes, Business and Commerce plans only | |
| Customer support options | Guides, forums, tutorials, plus contact forms for upgraded plans | Live chat, email, forums, online guides |
| Learn more | Get WordPress.com | Get Squarespace |
WordPress.com customer support is mostly self-help unless you have a Business or Commerce account, in which case you'll have access to what is touted as 24/7 support. Unfortunately, that support isn't available over the phone or via live chat, so you'll still be waiting for a response. Everyone else will be left to hunt through the forums and online guides.
Squarespace offers 24/7 support via email, but users can also hop on live chat during business hours. Not only can you ask a direct question, but for a large portion of the day, you'll have someone who is actually able to help. Even if you don't use live chat, the online guides are well-organized and give you plenty of options based on your search criteria.
Both WordPress.com and Squarespace give you built-in SEO tools, but they take different approaches. Squarespace includes an SEO checklist, automatic sitemap generation, clean URLs, and built-in schema markup across all plans. WordPress.com also generates sitemaps and lets you customize meta titles and descriptions on all paid plans, but advanced SEO tools like Yoast or Rank Math require a Business plan or higher to install.
For site speed, a core SEO factor, Squarespace's hosted infrastructure keeps load times consistent without any configuration on your end. WordPress.com is similarly managed, but performance can vary depending on your plan tier.
If blogging and content discoverability are your priorities, WordPress.com's deep plugin ecosystem gives you more control over technical SEO once you're on a Business plan. For most users who want solid SEO without the setup work, Squarespace's built-in tools are the easier path.
If neither WordPress.com nor Squarespace has the tools you need right now, consider another web builder we've reviewed. Below are some of our favorites, specializing in everything from beginner-friendly web building to ecommerce powerhouse tools.
Wix is our top pick for overall website building, earning a perfect 5.0 in our testing. It's the most beginner-friendly option on this list, with AI tools that can generate a professional-looking site in minutes and a free plan that lets you get started without a payment method. Where it shines over WordPress.com and Squarespace is flexibility — the drag-and-drop editor works for everything from portfolios to small online stores, and the built-in SEO checklist and marketing tools make it easy to grow.
/images/2024/11/25/wix.com_website_logo.svg.png){kind=logo}
Best-in-class web builder with 100% uptime guarantee and PCI-compliance for online stores
Free plan includes comprehensive AI and editing tools
Easy-to-use platform with intuitive design elements and robust SEO, marketing, and ecommerce tools
If you want the most capable all-around builder, Wix is it. Read our full Wix review.
Hostinger is the best value on this list, with plans starting well below what WordPress.com and Squarespace charge. Its AI builder is one of the fastest we've tested — answer a few questions and you have a fully designed site ready to customize. It also gives you the option to build on WordPress if you want more control and plugin access down the road, making it a solid bridge between ease of use and flexibility.
/images/2024/12/05/hostinger-logo-horizontal.png){kind=logo}
Website builder with an AI tool that generates your site, product listings, and copy from a few prompts
Built-in SEO audit and Google Search Console integration on all plans
Zero transaction fees on ecommerce sales, regardless of plan
Hostinger is best suited for beginners and small businesses who want to launch quickly without overspending. Read our full Hostinger review.
If ecommerce is your primary goal, Shopify is worth serious consideration. It earned a 4.7 in our testing and offers unlimited product listings on every plan, robust dropshipping integrations, and automated marketing tools that scale with your business.
/images/2024/12/05/shopify-logo-name.png){kind=logo}
Designed for growing businesses and has automated ecommerce tools
Offers unlimited product listing with all subscription tiers
Excellent functionality for dropshipping and other wholesale opportunities
Shopify starts at a higher price point than Squarespace and isn't beginner-friendly, but for established businesses or anyone building a dedicated online store from day one, the feature depth is hard to match. Read our full Shopify review.
Squarespace is the better web builder, especially if your goal is to run an ecommerce website. Even still, WordPress.com has its merits and is a low-cost option for bloggers.
|
|
Best Overall
| |
| Value | ||
| Core features | ||
| Ecommerce features | ||
| Compatibility & customer support | ||
| Learn more | Get WordPress.com | Get Squarespace |
WordPress.com is a good option for bloggers, especially if you aren't interested in tools like dropshipping integration or global shipping. The blogger tools that come standard with WordPress.com will help you create a successful website that you can eventually scale thanks to its limitless customization via plugins.
However, Squarespace is the better option for seasoned website owners and individuals looking to grow their ecommerce business. It has user-friendly building tools, plenty of free extensions, and helpful customer support.
/images/2024/12/09/squarespace-logo-2018-present.png){kind=logo}
Easy to use drag-and-drop platform with professional templates
All-in-one building, hosting, security, and ecommerce platform
Advanced blogging features to boost SEO rankings
The best web builder for you greatly depends on your goals and skills. We suggest beginners start small and utilize AI-building tools. Once you're established, shop around for the hosting platform that offers your unique site all the features it needs to thrive.
Based on our testing, Squarespace isn’t as beginner-friendly as other web-building platforms like Wix and Hostinger. It also starts plans higher than competitors. As far as quality is concerned, however, Squarespace is a useful and powerful tool. That’s why we consider it one of the best website builders available.
Yes, professional web designers, businesses of all sizes, and established online entrepreneurs all use Squarespace to design their websites and run their businesses. In fact, Squarespace was specifically created for professionals to build sleek, modern websites without the need for coding skills.
If blogging and lower monthly costs are your priorities, WordPress.com is worth considering. But if you rely on Squarespace's ecommerce tools, built-in analytics, or integrated support, switching could mean losing features you'd have to recreate with plugins. Evaluate what you actually use before making the move.
If you’ve already built your website on a platform like Wix or Hostinger and are ready to move to a place with more ecommerce or business features, migrating your site to Squarespace might be a good move.
Squarespace includes more built-in SEO tools across all plans, including a built-in SEO checklist, clean URLs, and automatic schema markup. WordPress.com supports meta customization on paid plans, but you'll need a Business plan to install third-party SEO plugins like Yoast. For most users, Squarespace is the easier path to a well-optimized site.
Yes, for most users. Squarespace was designed from the ground up for non-technical users, with a drag-and-drop editor and guided setup. WordPress.com has significantly improved its editor, but its reliance on plugins for key features adds complexity that Squarespace avoids. Check out our beginner's guide to WordPress to get started.
WordPress.com starts cheaper, with plans from $2.75/mo, and includes a free subdomain option. Squarespace starts at $19.00/mo with no free plan, though it includes a 14-day free trial. For basic blogging, WordPress.com offers better value. For businesses that need ecommerce and built-in tools, Squarespace's higher price is easier to justify.
It depends on your goals. If you primarily want to blog or need a low-cost starting point, WordPress.com is the better fit. If you're building an online business, selling products, or want everything managed in one place, Squarespace is worth the higher price.
Easy to use drag-and-drop platform with professional templates
All-in-one building, hosting, security, and ecommerce platform
Advanced blogging features to boost SEO rankings
/images/2024/12/18/best_website_builders.jpg)
/images/2025/04/22/canva_website_builder_review.jpg)
/images/2026/06/05/vibe_coding_neon_purple_text_on_dark_background_with_code_matrix_rain.jpg)
/images/2026/05/28/cheap_domain_registration_services.jpg)
/images/2026/06/05/base44_app_on_smartphone.jpg)
/images/2026/05/04/mobile_finance_management_concept_with_person_checking_real_time_trans_72RRNgL.jpg)
/images/2026/05/18/finger_presses_orange_keyboard_button_domain_name_registration.jpg)
/images/2026/05/03/network_solutions_review.jpg)
/authors/mary-james_allaboutcookies-author.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/kate-quinlan-new.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/mary-james_allaboutcookies-author.jpg)
