Squarespace is a hosted website builder with design templates, a store and linked scheduling. WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that turns a WordPress site into an online store. The better choice depends on what your site has to do and who will run it.
With Squarespace: features outside Squarespace's blocks need code injection or a third-party service. and only part of the site exports if you move later.
With WooCommerce: store, plugin and WordPress updates need testing before they go live. and payments, shipping and tax extensions each need setting up and maintaining.
List the jobs the site must do, such as bookings, a store, listings or member logins.
Check each job against what each platform has built in, through add-ons or as custom work.
Decide who will update the site day to day, and how often.
Check what you could take with you if you move later.
| Criterion | Squarespace | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting and upkeep[1][4] | All Squarespace plans include managed hosting. | Runs on the same self-chosen WordPress hosting, with PHP, a database and HTTPS. |
| Selling online[5][3][6] | The store sells physical, download, service and gift card products through Squarespace checkout. | Products, cart and checkout are the core of the plugin, and a built-in CSV tool imports and updates products. |
| Custom code[7][8] | Custom code can be added through code injection on plans that include it. | The store is a WordPress site, so themes and blocks can be written in code. |
| Adding features[2][9][10][11] | Extra features come from built-in blocks and linked services such as Acuity Scheduling and OpenTable. | Official extensions add features such as bookings and gift cards. |
| Moving away later[12][6] | The export is a WordPress-format file covering layout pages, one blog and some blocks; store, portfolio and other page types are left out. | The built-in CSV tool exports products; it does not cover customers or orders. |
The export is a WordPress-format file covering layout pages, one blog and some blocks; store, portfolio and other page types are left out. Any move should map every old address to its new page with permanent redirects.[12][13]
The built-in CSV tool exports products; it does not cover customers or orders. Any move should map every old address to its new page with permanent redirects.[6][13]
Yes. We customise and improve existing Squarespace sites. If your site needs more than Squarespace offers, we recommend a platform that fits and plan the move. WooCommerce is one of the platforms we build on, and we recommend it when it suits the jobs your site has to do. If another platform fits better, we say so.
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