Webflow vs Squarespace | 9 Crucial Differences To Know in 2023

Having doubts about Webflow vs Squarespace? 

I get you! It’s a choice many people have doubts about. And I’m here to help you understand the differences, so you can make the choice that’s best for you!

You found the right page. I’ve built and analyzed over 300 websites built with Webflow and Squarespace, and I’m here to share my experiences with you.

My work is supported by affiliate commissions. Learn more.

My name is Ralph de Groot. I’m the founder and author at My Codeless Website. Wake me up for a great web design!

Webflow vs. Squarespace at a glance

1. Two most popular website builders

Webflow and Squarespace are the two top-rated website builders! Combined, they have over  1 million websites up and running.

2. Aggressive feature releases

Both Webflow and Squarespace have been releasing new features at the speed of light. It’s clear that they’re going head to head to become the most popular website builder. That being said, when one of them releases a popular feature, it won’t be long until the other releases it as well.

3. Main difference between Webflow and Squarespace 

Webflow is more complicated to use than Squarespace. Although they both cater to your website needs, Webflow needs its users to have basic codings skills, whereas Squarespace is best suited for total beginners.

4. Incredible templates

Webflow has over 500+ templates, while Squarespace has 113. That being said, I’m sure you’ll find a beautiful one with both of them!

5. Disadvantages Webflow ❌

• Difficult to use
• Expensive plans
• Limited code customization

6. Disadvantages Squarespace ❌

• It’s impossible to get custom solutions from support
• They don’t offer a one-time pricing
• The customer support isn’t amazing

Installing Webflow or Squarespace is actually super easy! Just follow my steps, and you’ll have everything set up in less than 5 minutes. Pinky promise!

I split it up into 2 phases. 

Phase 1 is for Webflow, and Phase 2 is for Squarespace. 

Phase 1 – How to Install Webflow 

Step 1: Go to Webflow’s website.

Step 3: Answer several questions about your role and business.

In this section, you’ll be guided into a set of instructions (sections 1 and 2) to guide you into making your long-desired website. 

Step 4: It’s time to get the ball rolling. 

Feel free to unleash your hidden creativity in this step. Your website is a reflection of you, so make it a hit!

If you’re unfamiliar with website development, Webflow’s video lessons, blogs, and showcases will get you back up and running. They will provide you with the knowledge, ideas, and motivation you need to thrive with Webflow — and as a business.

Phase 2 – How To Install Squarespace

Step 1: Go to the website of Squarespace and click on Get Started.

Step 2: Once you press Get Started, you’ll be prompted to choose a template.

Step 3: Look like a professional by setting up a domain. 

Step 4: Create a style for your website to establish your brand’s tone. 

Step 5: Add the pages you need and delete the ones you don’t.

Step 6: Configure SEO. 

The marketing section of your toolbar includes an SEO option where you can import your keyword list for ranking purposes. 

Step 7: Prioritize analytics! 

Data analytics is significant since it allows you to improve your performance. You can also utilize data analytics to make smarter decisions and monitor customer patterns and satisfaction.

Step 8: It’s time to party!

Your Squarespace website is ready for use!

Let’s start with some Webflow templates. 

With Webflow, you can browse the most recent free and paid HTML5 website templates for any business, personal portfolio, and blog. 

Take a look at these examples: 

Example 1 – Ecommerce Template

Example 2 – Agency Template

Example 3 – Restaurant template

Things you should know about Webflow Templates:

• The templates can be filtered by business, category, style, feature, and type, making it quick to locate a template that matches your requirements.

• Webflow’s templates are all responsive for the users!  Each template has a brief explanation that tells you what type of site it’s best suited for and what design options you have.

Squarespace Templates 

Let’s continue with Squarespace.

Squarespace provides a fantastic selection of templates. Although aesthetics are subjective, no other website builder can compete with Squarespace’s clean, contemporary templates.

Just replace the placeholder content with your own, and that’s it; you got a website. You can adjust elements to make them just the way you like them.

Take a look at these examples:.

Squarespace template 1 – Personal

Squarespace template 2 – Photography

Squarespace template 3 – Restaurant

Things you should know about Squarespace Templates:

• All templates are responsive, which means that they adapt to the browser window’s size, making them suitable for use on desktops, mobile devices, and tablets.

• Squarespace designs have a distinct appearance, including bold text, white space, and ample website area to display photos.

• Squarespace’s templates are built to highlight photography. Even simple stock photographs will improve the website’s appearance, so you can make the best outcome possible. Cheers to that!

Winner: 

Personally, Squarespace wins this round. I must say that I am not entirely surprised. When it comes to slick, professional template designs, Squarespace has long been the standard.

It’s tough to compare the user interface of Webflow and Squarespace, as it’s highly dependent on personal preferences.

There will be tons of people who think that Webflow clearly has a better editor. But then again, others will say Squarespace wins.

I’ll start comparing the two for you to see the difference: 

The Webflow editor compared to Squarespace 

Managing your website’s content should not be stressful. Thank goodness, Webflow has made it simple! There are no complicated dashboards or unconnected back ends with the Webflow Editor. It’s just you, your anticipated website, and the information you want to add. 

The Squarespace editor compared to Squarespace 

Compared to Webflow, Squarespace’s sections and content blocks are the building components of its pages.

Content blocks are the various pieces that make up your websites, such as text, buttons, photos, maps, forms, and other features. In general, they are known as building blocks.

Sections are stacked vertically on your website and include content chunks that are linked together.

Even though you may build a part from scratch, you can also select from a library of pre-designed sections, such as the following:

Background pictures may be used in sections, which is essential for a contemporary, full-bleed image feel. The height, breadth, alignment, and colors of a section may all be customized, but you cannot go too much from this basic structure.

Winner:

If I were you, I’d go with Squarespace as it offers various tools to make your website shine like no others. Everything you need is right there.  Also, it’s easy to use, and the interface is user-friendly. 

Webflow 

In my opinion, Webflow will take some of your time understanding it. 

For some, its Designer can be complicated and time-consuming as it is feature-packed. However, the outcome is satisfying as you will have a well-built, dynamic website that you’ve always been planning for.  

Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder geared for beginners that allows users to construct websites without knowing any code. Anyone may take charge of the construction process and develop a website in their spare time. 

Furthermore, customers may choose a package that already includes a name and hosting, eliminating the need to maintain or purchase these items independently. 

One downside, however, once you choose a template and edit it to your liking, it’s not easy to change to a different template. In fact, it means you have to start over.

On Squarespace, you can even build and fully complete your website before ever paying. This is super handy if you’re comparing different builders.

Winner:

Squarespace wins this round! As a website builder, it’s definitely fit for a newbie. Are you turning 40 with no experience in web creation? Definitely not a problem! Squarespace makes it easy for you to start. 

Can you use Webflow or Squarespace for eCommerce?

Yes, actually, they’re both perfect for it. Let me show you why.

Webflow

Webflow helps you create a customized eCommerce store — from product grids to shopping carts without writing a single word of code.  As a user, you’ll be able to create landing pages, ads, and promos in minutes rather than days or weeks! 

Overall, I can assure you that you can build your eCommerce store YOUR way.

A few of Webflow’s eCommerce features:

• Easy checkout 

You can personalize your shopping cart and checkout with ease. 

• Flexibility 

Webflow’s eCommerce is very flexible. It does not impose a typical eCommerce framework on you. Instead, you are free to be inventive and create any form of the bespoke web page you can dream of.

• Excellent animations 

You can develop a magnificent and one-of-a-kind eCommerce site with nearly any animation and effect.

Squarespace

Let’s continue with Squarespace.

Squarespace eCommerce is a top-tier option for creating online stores.  Listed below are some of its advanced features: 

• Subscriptions 

You may offer items that are regularly charged as subscriptions. This is something that eCommerce website builders are capable of, but I am not aware of a single website builder that is capable of doing so.

• Email receipts that may be customized 

This is a feature that far too many website builders overlook. Squarespace allows you to personalize the email receipts that consumers get after making a purchase. Customers’ email receipts provide an excellent opportunity to thank them or upsell them.

• Product Variations of Superior Quality 

You may develop several product variations, each with its pricing.

• Using Squarespace for Digital Items and Services 

You are not limited to using Squarespace only for physical products. You may also sell digital items or accept payments from clients for services you provide.

• Incorporation of ShipStation

ShipStation is a widely used application for printing shipping labels.

• Apple Pay Integration 

Squarespace allows you to utilize Stripe as a payment provider, which enables consumers to pay you using Apple Pay on their devices. Apple Pay has been demonstrated to improve the number of successful mobile checkouts (it lets customers authorize payments with only Touch ID).

• POS (Point of Sale) 

In November 2019, Squarespace introduced a Point of Sale system that works with Square’s credit card reader and the Squarespace Commerce app.

Keep in mind that you can only start an online shop by choosing the appropriate plan. Plans for eCommerce are slightly more expensive than regular plans and start at $24.

Winner:

Both Webflow and Squarespace offer eCommerce features that your store will love. 

Both Webflow and Squarespace have a lot of features. Honestly, I can’t think of any feature I would like to add to either one of them.

However, I can imagine you want to know more about what features are included. So here we go.

Webflow 

Webflow is living up to its expectations of being an excellent website builder. To know more about its features, check out the following: 

• Sites are responsive

Webflow sites are responsive by nature, which means they look and operate well on any device. Whatever you create for the desktop will instantly cascade down to smartphones and tablets. 

• Concise, compliant, and exportable codes

Webflow websites are backed by clear, semantic code that is easy for search engine crawling bots to read. Since its visual development tools are based on HTML and CSS, the results are pleasing to developers and search engines.

• Visually tempting interactions

Webflow provides designers with the tools they need to construct their interactions, such as auto-loading elements. When animating tools become more available to creatives, the boundary is pushed, producing better outcomes. 

• Iterations are done swiftly

I know you’d love this feature! 

Webflow enables you to complete projects more quickly without compromising quality. You could implement the client’s comments and suggestions in just a snap without being on the verge of tears because of the stress and pressure.  

• Flexible CMS

With Webflow’s versatile, visual CMS, you may create whatever type of content your site requires.

Squarespace

Now let’s continue with Squarespace.

• Blogging

Excellent. In terms of blogging, Squarespace is the only website builder that competes with WordPress. If you’re a blogger looking for a website builder, Squarespace is a great option.

• Form Builder

My only concern is this: Squarespace does not automatically save your submissions; you must link it to a source. Why can’t submissions be saved by default?

• Photographic Galleries

Thanks to its stunning picture galleries, Squarespace has long been a favorite among artists and photographers.

• Scheduling Appointments

Visitors can arrange and pay for visits using Appointment Scheduling. There is a monthly charge, and options begin at $14 per month.

• Analytics

While Google Analytics may always be added, Squarespace offers its own analytics that seamlessly integrates with current Squarespace capabilities to measure sales per product.

• Members’ Only Area

Members Area, which allows you to produce and manage premium content for registered customers, was introduced by Squarespace in 2020. It does come at a cost (monthly plans start at $9) and a transaction fee.

Winner: 

I love Squarespace and its ease of use, but I’d have to go with Webflow in this one. Webflow includes various complex features for you to explore on. In addition, it offers plugins and widgets that allow it to integrate with popular programs. 

It might be challenging for people to use it as it’s complex, but I assure you, it’s worth the try. 

Let’s talk about pricing. When comparing Webflow vs Squarespace, price is an essential factor to consider. So, which platform is less expensive and which gives more value? 

Let’s take a closer look.

Webflow

You can create your site for free and take as much time as you need, but your account will stay in trial mode. (That’s right, there’s no trial period here.)

And then, when you’re ready to conquer the online world, purchase a plan for extra pages and a personalized domain.

When you’re ready to commit to a subscription service, Webflow offers 2 different plans.

Adding a site plan allows you to connect your unique domain, engage with collaborators, and facilitate checkout on eCommerce stores. If you’re interested in getting one, Webflow has four options for you:

For eCommerce plans, here you go as well: 

Make sure to get a plan suited for your needs! 

Squarespace

Prices on Squarespace work a bit differently.

They have multiple tiers with each tier to offer more functionalities. You pick from a variety of different plans, based on the project’s requirements.

The best part about the pricing of Squarespace? It all comes with a free domain and a free SSL certificate.

Squarespace may cost anywhere from $12 to $40 per month on a yearly basis. Squarespace has four pricing options, two of which are for eCommerce:

Personal Plan vs. Business Plan

There are several compelling arguments for upgrading to the Business Plan:

• Ecommerce functionalities are available with the Business plan.
• Third-party integrations are included in the business plan (example: Mailchimp).
• Advanced metrics are included in the business plan.
• Some marketing tools are included in the business plan (example: Announcement Bars and Pop-ups).

Winner: 

Webflow and Squarespace are both reasonably priced for what they offer. I’d recommend Webflow for its complexity and excellence if you want to go all-in. Worth the money for a user.

I’m going to keep this short. Both of them are great for SEO.

Webflow 

Webflow is your one-stop solution for an SEO-optimized website! They assure you that all of your websites utilize enterprise-grade hosting, generate clean semantic code, and provide more freedom with content formats and web design. 

Overall, they take things a step further to provide your website the attention it deserves. You can have all the power you need without plugins! 8.5/10!

Squarespace 

All Squarespace designs are fully responsive, which means that your site’s design will simply adapt to look good on tablets, mobile devices, and desktop PCs. This not only makes your site more accessible to the masses, but it can also bring significant SEO value.

Winner:

It’s a draw! Both are good for SEO if you ask me. In fact, I’ve seen several Webflow and Squarespace websites with millions of visitors per month, all because of SEO!

Squarespace’s email campaigns provide a one-of-a-kind solution for you to expand and connect with your audience while remaining true to your identity and style.

The cool thing is, Squarespace has an email style for every audience and great website templates for every function. 

Here is a collection of my favorite 49 Squarespace websites

Definitely have a look at this collection to better understand what’s possible with it.

Below is another example as well.

https://www.fatchoynyc.com/

Fat Choy is an example of a stunning website made from Squarespace. It is located in New York that sells Chinese and Vegan cuisines. Superb images and animations!

Webflow 

Webflow’s skilled customer support team is available all around the world and eager to assist! They make every effort to react to every request with a tailored response within 24-48 business hours.

Squarespace 

Squarespace’s customer service options are relatively limited. Most concerns are fixed by visiting their forum, which I believe is handy enough to solve your problems. 

If you can’t find a solution in the knowledge base, there’s live chat available from Monday to Friday. 

Winner:

Webflow vs Squarespace? No need to choose. They provide good customer service to assist you in resolving your concerns. 

Webflow vs Squarespace? Honestly, it depends on what you need. 

Webflow provides extraordinary features and customization options if you’re a professional designer. Besides, it’s perfect for those determined to make the most incredible outcome.

On the other hand, Squarespace is an incredible platform for small to medium enterprises. If you don’t want the stress and complication, I’d advise you to choose this one.

Overall, both options have surpassed my expectations, and I would love to see how nicely they work for you too.

Which is faster, Webflow or Squarespace?

It’s a draw! They both function well with no interruptions, so you don’t need to worry about anything.

Is Webflow better than Squarespace?

No. They both serve different advantages for their users. Choose Squarespace for ease of use, and choose Webflow for advanced functionalities. Simple as that.

Which is cheaper, Webflow or Squarespace?

They’re both affordable if you ask me.  Both of them offer basic plans for only $12.