WordPress vs Squarespace – The battle of the big site builders

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Feb 18, 2022 / by
WordPress vs Squarespace – The battle of the big site builders

When it comes to online web building platforms, few are as iconic and as easy-to-use as Wix, Squarespace and WordPress. Indeed, so many of the sites you visit on a daily basis were probably constructed using the simple and effective tools offered by these three popular site builders.

Of the three, Wix is looking a little long in the tooth right now but WordPress and Squarespace have both never been more popular. When it comes to which one is best for your needs, however, there are some subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the two platforms that make them ideal for different kinds of users. So, what kind of user are you and which platform should you be using to create your online presence?

Cost

On the surface, WordPress is always going to come out on top in this battle because it’s a free-to-use, open-source platform. However, while the software is free, you’ll need to buy a domain name with web hosting to actually install it.

Squarespace, meanwhile, offers plans of varying prices that all include hosting, templates and domain registration. The more expensive plans also include ecommerce options. When it comes to WordPress, meanwhile, basic hosting can set you back as little as a few quid per month. So, in this battle, WordPress wins, though value is always going to depend on the individual configuration of your site.

Ease

What both platforms offer is a chance to get a basic site built for you in minutes that you can continue to customise and build as your skillset and your business grows. They both allow you to create a functional site without hiring a website designer or learning code. But while WordPress is perhaps the more flexible and fully-featured option, Squarespace definitely comes out on top when it comes to ease of use.

Even a complete beginner could set up a website on a domain name within 15 minutes using Squarespace. WordPress is a lot more powerful and flexible but it’s also got a steeper learning curve. If you’re looking to get up and running ASAP then Squarespace is the way to go but if you want a platform you can really dig into and get a lot out of, WordPress wins again.

Everything else

Design – WordPress allows you to choose from thousands of different styles that can be tweaked to your bespoke preferences. It’s also a lot easier to switch layouts and designs out on the fly. Once again, however, Squarespace has it when it comes to the simple layouts and designs and there are plenty of readymade ones for all kinds of sites. Its drag and drop page editor is also a lot more user-friendly.

Plugins – Both platforms are compatible with extensions that will add extra functionality to your site. There are dozens available on Squarespace but literally thousands of plugins available on WordPress. Also, the Squarespace extensions are almost exclusively focused on ecommerce. So, once again, WordPress wins this round.

Blogging – Squarespace includes all the basic blogging features you’d expect but very little else. WordPress, meanwhile, began life as a dedicated blogging platform and its heritage is revealed in its incredibly deep capabilities.

Which one is right for you?

It might seem as if WordPress is the obvious winner here but that’s only true if you’re looking to build a business or really spend a lot of time and effort on your site. If you are simply a hobbyist or just need a few simple pages to sell yourself to potential clients, Squarespace is probably the better option. For everyone else though, WordPress comfortably reigns supreme in the battle of Squarespace vs WordPress!