Comparison · checked September 2026
WordPress vs Squarespace
Choose Squarespace if you want a beautiful, low-maintenance site and your needs fit its features. Choose WordPress if you need flexibility, specific functionality or full ownership, or if someone will build the site for you.
| WordPress | Squarespace | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free software plus hosting, domain and optional premium theme/plugins | $19 / $29 / $49 / $99 per month billed annually |
| Free option | Free software (hosting not included) | 14-day free trial |
| Store fees | None from WordPress (payment processor fees only) | 2% on Basic; 0% on Core and above (processor fees extra) |
| Design | Themes and block patterns, fully editable | Designer templates, consistent and polished |
| Functionality | Plugins for almost anything | Built-in features and a smaller extension library |
| Export | Full export, move to any host | Partial: blog and basic pages only |
| Share of all websites (W3Techs) | 40.2% | 2.4% |
Prices in USD, billed annually unless noted, as listed in September 2026. Prices change; check the official pages linked below.
Choose WordPress if
- You need functionality Squarespace does not offer
- You want to own the site and database
- You want a developer or agency to customize it deeply
Choose Squarespace if
- You value design polish and low maintenance over flexibility
- You want hosting, security and updates included
- You are building a portfolio, restaurant or small shop yourself
What you can take with you
Squarespace can export a WordPress-compatible file, but it includes only layout pages, one blog, text, images and galleries. Store pages, products, most other page types, styles and custom CSS are left behind. WordPress sites move between hosts with everything intact.
WordPress vs Squarespace: common questions
Is Squarespace easier than WordPress?
For a solo owner building their own site, usually yes: hosting, updates and security are included. WordPress asks for a little more setup but has far more flexibility.
Can I move from Squarespace to WordPress?
Partly. Squarespace's export brings over basic pages and one blog, but store products, styles and most page types must be rebuilt.
Does Squarespace charge transaction fees?
Only on the Basic plan, at 2% of store sales. Core, Plus and Advanced have no Squarespace transaction fee; payment processor fees still apply.