Squarespace Vs Shopify: Which is Best For Your Online Store?
Thinking about launching an online shop? Whether you're selling products, services, digital downloads (or a little of everything), choosing the right platform is a big deal. And if you've landed here, you're probably trying to decide between two of the biggest names in the game: Squarespace and Shopify.
As a web designer who works exclusively with Squarespace (and for good reason!), I’ve helped dozens of small business owners launch gorgeous, high-converting online stores — without all the overwhelm. Let’s walk through what each platform offers — and why, in some cases, Squarespace might be the better, simpler choice.
🛒 Shopify: Built for Big E-Commerce, But Maybe Too Big?
Shopify is a platform that’s laser-focused on e-commerce. If you're planning to build the next Amazon or sell hundreds of SKUs with complex shipping needs, Shopify has the infrastructure to back you up.
WHAT SHOPIFY DOES WELL:
Robust inventory tools for managing tons of products and variants
Third-party app integrations for every imaginable feature (seriously, there are thousands)
Multi-channel selling across platforms like Amazon, Instagram, and TikTok
But here’s the catch…
With great power comes… complexity. Shopify’s backend isn’t as intuitive, and getting the storefront to match your brand vision often requires custom coding or paid apps (this storefront isn’t necessarily a website replacement). It’s powerful, but not always user-friendly — especially for small business owners who want a DIY-friendly setup.
✨ Squarespace: Simplicity Meets Style (With Surprisingly Strong E-Commerce)
Now let’s talk about Squarespace — the platform I recommend to 95% of my clients, especially small business owners, creatives, and service providers.
WHAT SQUARESPACE DOES WELL FOR ONLINE STORES:
All-in-one platform: Website, blog, store, scheduling, email marketing—all built in and beautifully integrated.
Modern, on-brand design: You can launch a site that looks like a designer made it (or work with one for next-level polish 👋).
Product + service-friendly: Sell physical goods, digital downloads, subscriptions, bookings — you name it.
No apps required: What you need to launch and grow your store is already there. Fewer plug-ins, fewer headaches. Manage, view, and fulfill orders in one place
Squarespace has come a long way from its early blogging days. Today, it’s a powerful e-commerce tool — especially if your store is part of a broader business, or if you want to manage everything in one simple dashboard.
💸 Pricing: Transparent & All-Inclusive
On paper, Squarespace and Shopify look close in price.
LET’S BREAK IT DOWN —
Platform: Squarespace
Starting Price: $23/month (Core Plan)
What You Get: Store, blog, scheduling, email, design tools — all included
View current Squarespace pricing →
Platform: Shopify
Starting Price: $29/month (Basic Plan)
What You Get: Store only—everything else (email, blog, custom design) usually requires add-ons or apps
View current Shopify pricing →
With Squarespace, you don’t need to patch together third-party apps to get essential features. That saves time, money, and tech confusion down the line.
⚙️ Ease of Use: Squarespace Wins for SELF-MANAGED STORES
Squarespace is known for its visual editor, intuitive tools, and beautiful templates. If you want a site you can update yourself — with zero coding — this platform was built with you in mind.
Shopify? Not so much. Customizing layouts often means digging into code or hiring a developer. It’s functional, but not friendly.
