Squarespace is a hosted website builder with design templates, a store and linked scheduling. WordPress is open-source software installed on hosting you choose and extended with plugins. 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 WordPress: core, theme and plugin updates need regular attention. and every plugin added is one more thing to keep current and compatible.
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 | WordPress |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting and upkeep[1][3] | All Squarespace plans include managed hosting. | Runs on hosting you choose, which needs PHP, a MySQL or MariaDB database and HTTPS. |
| Selling online[5][6] | The store sells physical, download, service and gift card products through Squarespace checkout. | Selling online comes from WooCommerce, which adds products, a cart and checkout. |
| Custom code[7][8] | Custom code can be added through code injection on plans that include it. | Themes and custom blocks can be written in code. |
| Adding features[2][9][4] | Extra features come from built-in blocks and linked services such as Acuity Scheduling and OpenTable. | Most features come from plugins in the WordPress.org directory. |
| Moving away later[10][11] | 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 Export screen produces an XML file of posts, pages and other content. |
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.[10][12]
The Export screen produces an XML file of posts, pages and other content. Any move should map every old address to its new page with permanent redirects.[11][12]
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. WordPress 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.
Your website, fully managed — no big upfront cost.
We design, build, host, maintain and keep improving your site for one simple monthly fee.
A one-off custom build you own outright.
A defined scope and a single fixed quote — delivered once, and yours to keep.
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your project. We respond within 24 hours.