WordPress.com vs Squarespace
WordPress.com vs Squarespace is a common dilemma for anyone building a website. I've created the same site on both platforms to give you a true apples-to-apples comparison. Squarespace scores 9/10, but the right choice depends on what you're building.
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Quick Answer
Squarespace beats WordPress.com for most users. It scores 9/10 vs 8.4/10 and stunning designer templates. Choose WordPress.com if you need wordpress without hosting hassle.
WordPress.com
Hosted WordPress with no technical setup
Starting from
$4/mo
Squarespace
WinnerAward-winning templates for beautiful websites
Starting from
$16/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Starting Price | $4/mo | $16/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Resources | ||
| Templates | 200+ | 150+ |
| Storage | 1GB (free) | Unlimited |
| Bandwidth | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Features | ||
| Custom Domain | ||
| E-commerce | ||
| SEO Tools | ||
| Mobile Editor | ||
| App Market | ||
| Security & Analytics | ||
| SSL Certificate | ||
| Analytics | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
WordPress.com
- WordPress without hosting hassle
- Great for blogging
- Free plan available
- Plugin support on higher tiers
- Strong SEO capabilities
- Large community
- Limited customization on free plan
- Plugins only on expensive plans
- WordPress.com ads on free tier
Squarespace
- Stunning designer templates
- Clean, professional designs
- Built-in SEO tools
- Excellent blogging platform
- Great for portfolios
- All-in-one pricing
- Less flexible than Wix
- No free plan (only trial)
- Learning curve for editor
Key Difference
The most significant difference is value positioning. WordPress.com offers excellent quality at a lower price point ($0.00/mo), while Squarespace ($16.00/mo) targets users who want premium features and are willing to pay for them.
Which Should You Choose?
WordPress.com
Choose WordPress.com if you prioritize wordpress without hosting hassle, want to start with a free tier, need unlimited usage, or value great for blogging.
Squarespace
Choose Squarespace if you prioritize stunning designer templates, need unlimited usage, or value clean, professional designs.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Squarespace is our winner with a rating of 9/10 compared to WordPress.com's 8.4/10. Squarespace stands out for its stunning designer templates and clean, professional designs. While WordPress.com is more affordable, Squarespace's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, WordPress.com remains an excellent choice if wordpress without hosting hassle is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Moving between website builders essentially means rebuilding your site. You can transfer content and images, but the design and structure will need to be recreated. Plan for significant time investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WordPress.com better than Squarespace?
Squarespace scores higher in our testing (9/10 vs 8.4/10). Squarespace excels at stunning designer templates, while WordPress.com is better for wordpress without hosting hassle.
Which is cheaper, WordPress.com or Squarespace?
WordPress.com is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $16.00/mo. WordPress.com offers 100% savings.
WordPress.com vs Squarespace: which should I choose?
Choose WordPress.com if you prioritize wordpress without hosting hassle. Choose Squarespace if you need stunning designer templates. Both are solid website builders options.
What's the main difference between WordPress.com and Squarespace?
The main difference is WordPress.com offers hosted wordpress with no technical setup, while Squarespace focuses on award-winning templates for beautiful websites.