Starting an online store? You’ve likely come across Shopify and Squarespace. They’re two of the most popular platforms out there, but they’re built with different types of businesses in mind. Shopify leans heavily into e-commerce, while Squarespace is better known for stylish websites with some selling features added in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Shopify vs Squarespace debate and explain what each one offers, what they’re best at, and how to choose the right fit for your business.
Shopify is a full-service e-commerce platform built for selling online. From the moment you sign up, you can tell it’s made with online businesses in mind. It handles everything you need to run a store—from adding products and processing payments to managing inventory and shipping.
Shopify was built to help businesses—small or large—sell with ease. You don’t need coding skills to get started, and the setup is quick. It comes with all the basics, like product pages, secure checkout, and tools to track your stock.
You also get features like:
One of Shopify’s biggest strengths is its app store. It doesn’t matter if you want to offer subscriptions, run loyalty programs, or connect your shipping to a fulfillment center; there’s likely an app for it. On top of that, the themes are clean, mobile-friendly, and customizable—so your store can look exactly how you want it.
Shopify comes with a lot of power under the hood, especially for businesses that plan to grow. It’s built for selling, and it shows.
On the plus side, Shopify gives you room to scale. Its e-commerce features are strong right out of the box, and if you need more, the app marketplace offers everything from shipping solutions to advanced marketing tools.
You can accept payments in multiple ways, including Shopify’s own system, which simplifies things and speeds up your payouts. Their support team is also reliable and available 24/7, which is a huge help when you’re running a store that never really sleeps.
That said, Shopify can get pricey. While the base plans are reasonable, adding apps or upgrading for more advanced features adds up. It also takes a little more time to learn compared to something like Squarespace, especially if you’re brand new to e-commerce. And unless you use Shopify Payments, expect to pay some extra transaction fees.
You can enjoy a free trial of Shopify to see if it’s the right fit for you and business!
Squarespace is one of the go-to platforms for building beautiful websites. It’s known for its clean, modern templates and easy drag-and-drop editor, making it perfect for creatives, small businesses, or anyone who wants a polished site without touching code.
Unlike Shopify, Squarespace started as a general website builder and later added e-commerce tools. So, while you can sell products, its strength lies in presentation. If you’re an artist, photographer, service provider, or someone selling just a handful of products, Squarespace might feel like a better fit. It’s simple to use, quick to set up, and the design options make your site look professional from day one.
When weighing Squarespace vs Shopify, it’s clear Squarespace focuses more on aesthetics than full-blown e-commerce.
Squarespace shines when it comes to design. It’s built for people who care about how their website looks and want something that feels polished and professional right out of the gate. With its drag-and-drop editor and award-winning templates, you don’t need to be a designer or developer to create a stunning site.
It’s a favorite among creatives—photographers, designers, bloggers, and small business owners—because it makes visual storytelling easy. Portfolios, blogs, service pages—they all look good with very little effort.
While Squarespace wasn’t built with e-commerce as its main focus, it still offers solid tools for running a small online store. You can sell physical products, digital downloads, and even subscriptions. You also get inventory tracking, promotional pop-ups, email marketing tools, and basic checkout features. It’s not as advanced as Shopify, but it’s more than enough for stores with a smaller product range.
Squarespace’s biggest strength lies in its design. The templates are clean, mobile-friendly, and visually striking. Plus, the drag-and-drop editor makes it simple to update your site, even if you're not tech-savvy. You also get access to helpful built-in tools for SEO, blogging, and email campaigns, and if you’re on a business plan, you won’t pay extra transaction fees.
One thing to note is that Squarespace doesn’t offer as many integrations or apps as Shopify. If you need custom features or want to grow a large-scale e-commerce business, you may hit a few roadblocks. Payment options are also more limited, which can be a factor if you plan to sell internationally or want more control over the checkout process.
Now that we’ve looked at both platforms, let’s break down how they stack up side by side. The Shopify vs Squarespace debate really comes down to your business goals. If you’re wondering whether to choose Shopify or Squarespace, this section will clarify what each excels at.
Shopify focuses on selling. Everything revolves around e-commerce—from product management to shipping to payment processing. If your goal is to build a serious online store and grow it over time, Shopify gives you the tools and flexibility to do just that.
Squarespace, meanwhile, leads with design. It’s perfect for businesses that want to look good online, share content, and maybe sell a few things along the way. It’s easier to use out of the box and works well for smaller stores or service-based businesses that only need basic selling features.
Both platforms offer value. The best one depends on what matters more to you—powerful sales tools or beautiful design with simple selling options.
When choosing between Squarespace or Shopify, pricing plays a big role—especially if you're just starting out or managing a growing business.
Shopify kicks things off with a promotional offer of $1/month for the first 3 months. After that, plans range from $19/month (billed annually) for the Basic plan to $299/month for Advanced, with a Plus plan starting at $2,300/month for high-volume sellers. Even the Basic plan includes e-commerce essentials like inventory management, 24/7 chat support, localized selling in 3 markets, and POS Lite. As you scale, you unlock benefits like lower third-party payment fees (down to 0.6%), more staff accounts, and boosted checkout capacity.
Squarespace starts at $16/month for the Personal plan, which covers standard website needs but doesn’t support e-commerce. To start selling, you’ll need the Business plan at $23/month, which includes a 3% transaction fee on sales. Their Commerce Basic and Advanced plans, at $28/month and $52/month, respectively, remove transaction fees and add features like advanced shipping, analytics, and merchandising tools.
If your goal is a fully-equipped online store, Shopify’s pricing reflects the depth of its e-commerce infrastructure. But if you’re just starting out or need a more design-centric site with light selling features, Squarespace gives you a more affordable path with solid tools.
Start your free trial today and see if Shopify suits your business needs.
When comparing Shopify vs. Squarespace, transaction fees are another key consideration, especially for businesses selling at scale.
Shopify charges 2.4%–2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction and 2.4%–2.7% + 0¢ for in-person card payments when you use Shopify Payments. If you use a third-party provider instead, additional transaction fees (0.5% to 2%) apply based on your plan.
Squarespace charges a 3% transaction fee on its Business plan. Both the Commerce Basic and Commerce Advanced plans have 0% Squarespace transaction fees. However, all Squarespace users still pay credit card processing fees, which depend on the provider you choose—Stripe, PayPal, or Square.
If you plan to use Shopify Payments, Shopify offers more predictable rates, especially as your volume grows. But if you’re sticking with Stripe or PayPal, Squarespace Commerce plans might save you more by skipping platform transaction fees.
The Squarespace vs Shopify e-commerce breakdown boils down to how much functionality you need out of the box versus how much you care about design and simplicity.
Shopify was made for online selling. Everything—from product management and discount codes to inventory tracking and third-party app support—is built with e-commerce in mind. It’s the better choice for serious sellers who plan to scale.
Squarespace, while capable, keeps things simpler. You can sell products, offer digital downloads, and even run subscriptions—but it’s best suited for boutique-style stores where branding and presentation matter more than backend logistics.
If you’re building an online brand with plans to expand your catalog, go with Shopify. But if you’re running a smaller store with a few standout items, Squarespace can do the job beautifully.
Thinking about Shopify or Squarespace for your small business? Here’s how they compare depending on your goals and technical skillset.
Shopify fits businesses that rely heavily on selling products online. Its tools are designed to grow with you, whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a growing team.
Squarespace is easier to use and more flexible for service-based businesses. It’s great for consultants, freelancers, or local shops that don’t need advanced e-commerce but still want an online presence that feels polished and personal.
If you need full-blown e-commerce power, Shopify is the better fit. If you’re more focused on showing your work, booking clients, or maintaining a portfolio, Squarespace is the simpler, more stylish option.
The Squarespace or Shopify decision often depends on whether you’re more focused on aesthetics or growth-ready tools. This section breaks it down for creatives who may need both.
Artists, photographers, and designers often lean toward Squarespace because of its clean, image-forward templates and simple editor. It’s ideal for showcasing a portfolio or selling a few pieces without needing technical know-how. Many creatives also link their Etsy shops to their Squarespace site, using it as a branded hub to tell their story while Etsy handles the marketplace.
That said, Shopify works well for creatives who want more control and room to scale. If you're looking to move beyond Etsy and build your own store for selling prints, merch, or digital goods, Shopify gives you the infrastructure to do just that—even if it takes a little more setup.
If you're just starting out or focused on presentation, Squarespace feels more intuitive. But if you're serious about growing an art-based business, Shopify may be worth the learning curve.
By now, the Shopify vs. Squarespace matchup should feel a little clearer. Your choice depends on whether you value scalability and e-commerce tools or sleek design and simplicity.
If your main focus is selling products online and you plan to grow over time, Shopify is the stronger pick. It’s built for e-commerce from the ground up, with powerful tools for everything from inventory management to shipping and marketing.
Shopify works especially well for:
Its scalability, flexibility, and integration options make it a smart long-term investment for businesses that want to expand their product lines, serve global customers, or manage large inventories without hassle.
If you’re stuck between Squarespace or Shopify, go with Shopify if you’re serious about growth.
Squarespace is a great choice if design, simplicity, and ease of use are your top priorities. It’s perfect for creatives and service-based businesses that want a beautiful online presence without digging too deep into tech or store management.
Squarespace works best for:
If you’re deciding between Shopify or Squarespace and care more about appearance and ease, Squarespace is a great option.
In the end, both Shopify and Squarespace offer value—you just need to match the platform to your goals.
Choose Shopify if selling products is the heart of your business and you’re aiming for growth and reach across multiple sales channels. Choose Squarespace if you want a visually impressive site with light selling features or if you’re building a brand around your creative work or services.
Experience Shopify free for a limited time and decide if it’s right for you.
Whatever you decide, both platforms give you the tools to build something great. It’s not just about features—it’s about what works for your way of doing business.
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Use Shopify if your focus is selling products and scaling your store. It offers powerful e-commerce tools and multi-channel sales. Choose Squarespace if you prioritize design and need a simpler site for services, portfolios, or light selling. Pick the one that best fits your business model and future plans.
If your product range is growing or you need advanced e-commerce tools, switching to Shopify makes sense. Shopify supports better inventory management, multiple payment options, and third-party integrations. If you're outgrowing Squarespace’s limited e-commerce features, migrating to Shopify can help you scale and sell more efficiently.
Unless you have coding skills or want full control, Shopify is faster and easier. It handles hosting, security, checkout, and updates so you can focus on running your business. Building from scratch may cost more and take longer without offering the same stability or e-commerce features that Shopify provides.
Reddit users often say Shopify is better for serious e-commerce, especially for stores planning to grow. Squarespace gets praise for ease of use and design. Most recommend Shopify for selling and Squarespace for showcasing. It depends on your business goals—lean toward Shopify if growth and sales are your focus.
BigCommerce is a strong alternative for large-scale sellers needing advanced features without extra fees. WooCommerce offers flexibility if you already use WordPress. Wix suits smaller stores on a budget. Still, Shopify remains a top pick due to its ease of use, ecosystem, and proven success with online businesses.
Shopify is widely considered the best eCommerce website builder. It’s built specifically for online selling, offers great scalability, and supports sales across multiple channels like Amazon, TikTok, and Instagram. Its ease of use, extensive app store, and secure payment system make it ideal for beginners and seasoned sellers alike.
When comparing Shopify vs Squarespace pricing, Shopify starts at $19/month billed yearly, while Squarespace begins at $16/month. Squarespace’s Business plan adds a 3% fee, while Shopify offers lower payment rates as you scale. Shopify costs more upfront but offers deeper eCommerce tools for long-term growth.
Shopify vs Squarespace transaction fees come down to usage. Shopify charges 2.4%–2.9% + 30¢ per online sale with Shopify Payments. Squarespace adds a 3% fee on its Business plan, but removes it on Commerce plans. Still, Squarespace users pay Stripe or PayPal processing fees separately.
AFFILIATES DISCLAIMER. This site may contain links to affiliate websites and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Our affiliates include the following: Shopify.
Alex Quin is a full-stack marketing expert and global keynote speaker. Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of UADV Marketing - a member of the Forbes Agency Council.
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