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Wix vs Squarespace vs WordPress: Which One is Best for E-commerce Websites in 2024?

September 08, 2023
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

In this comparison, we’ll explore Wix Vs WordPress Vs Squarespace, helping you choose the best platform for your online presence.

Key Takeaways

  • Wix: Best for Small to Medium Businesses and Beginners
  • Squarespace: Best for Creatives and Visual Enthusiasts
  • WordPress: Best for Versatility and Advanced Users

Wix vs Squarespace vs WordPress: Quick Comparison

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As the digital realm continues to expand, the decision to choose between Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress shapes the foundation of your online presence. 

  • Wix

Wix started as a user-friendly website builder with drag-and-drop functionalities. Over the years, it has introduced a suite of e-commerce features, allowing businesses to set up online stores effortlessly. Its true essence lies in simplicity and the ability to create a website without knowing a line of code.

Wix’s business strategy revolves around user-friendliness. It aims to attract a broad spectrum of users, from beginners to those with more web experience. By offering a freemium model and affordable premium plans, Wix entices users to get started for free and then upgrades as their needs grow.

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  • Squarespace

Similar to Wix, Squarespace is a website builder with a focus on design and aesthetics. What sets it apart is its emphasis on providing sleek, designer-caliber templates, which appeal to artists, photographers, and creative entrepreneurs. Over time, it has expanded its tools to cater to e-commerce, but its core remains grounded in design-driven website creation.

Squarespace positions itself as a premium platform, and its pricing strategy reflects this. By concentrating on higher-end, quality templates and functionalities, it aims to attract discerning users who prioritize aesthetics and cohesive branding.

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  • WordPress

In contrast, WordPress started as a blogging platform but has since evolved into a full-fledged content management system (CMS). Its e-commerce capabilities mainly come from plugins like WooCommerce. Being open-source, WordPress offers a degree of flexibility and customization that neither Wix nor Squarespace can match, albeit at the cost of a steeper learning curve.

WordPress stands out with its open-source approach. It means the core software is free, but users might incur costs for hosting, premium themes, or plugins. The business strategy for Automattic (the company behind WordPress.com) and the broader WordPress ecosystem is to offer robust customization, a large repository of plugins, and a vast community that supports and develops for the platform.

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Wix vs Squarespace vs WordPress: In-depth Comparison

Pricing

Wix 

Subscription fee

Wix presents a tiered approach to pricing, tailored specifically for e-commerce purposes. Within its ecosystem, Wix offers a free plan (just website builder) and four plans with 4 levels of pricing: 

  • Light at $16 per month (just a website builder)
  • Core at $27 per month
  • Business at $32 per month
  • Business Elite at $159 per month

Transaction fee

Notably, Wix stands out by not imposing any transaction fees. Instead, the platform requires payment processing fees, which vary based on the payment gateway and the region. For instance, US sellers can expect credit card rates of 2.9% of the transaction amount plus $0.30 or 2.6% for Wix Payments Point of Sale (POS).

Squarespace 

Subscription fee

Squarespace follows a more straightforward pricing approach, offering four main plans: Personal, Business, Basic Commerce, and Advanced Commerce. These plans range from $23 to $65 monthly, and the Personal is just a website builder. Squarespace’s pricing reflects a comprehensive package suitable for various purposes.

In particular: 

  • Personal at $23 per month 
  • Business at $33 per month 
  • Basic Commerce at $36 per month 
  • Advanced Commerce at $65 per month 

With annual billing, the pricing per month would be way less.

  • Personal at $16 per month with annual billing
  • Business at $23 per month with annual billing
  • Basic Commerce at $27 per month with annual billing
  • Advanced Commerce at $49 per month with annual billing

Transaction fee

While Squarespace Commerce Basic and Commerce Advanced plans do not impose any transaction fees, the Personal plan still does carry a 3% transaction fee and the rate is 2% with the Business plan. 

Additionally, payment processing fees apply, which can vary from 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, depending on the provider and region.

WordPress 

Subscription fee

WordPress offers a unique approach to pricing, as it provides its software for free, but users need to consider hosting and domain costs. 

Web hosting expenses can vary significantly, ranging from $1.99 to higher amounts per month, depending on the chosen hosting provider. A custom domain name, which is typically priced from $0.99 to $129.99 per year, is also required.

Transaction fee

WordPress itself does not levy any transaction fees, but users will need to contend with payment processing fees charged by payment gateway providers like PayPal or Stripe. These fees usually amount to around 2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction.

Table Comparison about Pricing

Platform Subscription Fee Transaction Fee
Wix$16 – $159 per monthNo transaction fee, but requires payment processing fees
Squarespace$23 – $65 per month ($16 – $49 per month with annual billing)3% for Personal plan and 2% for Business plan, required  payment processing fees
WordPressFree, but need to consider hosting costs (from $1.99 per month) and domain costs (from $0.99 per year)No transaction fee, required  payment processing fees

The Verdict 

When comparing the pricing, WordPress stands out as the winner. This platform allows users to use it without paying the subscription fees, making it the best choice for a budget-friendly platform.

Sales Features 

#1. Payment Options

Wix

Wix empowers businesses with a seamless integration of payment gateways (97 payment options), including but not limited to PayPal, Stripe, Square, and more. This expansive array of payment options caters to a global audience, accommodating diverse customer preferences and facilitating hassle-free transactions. 

Wix’s integration ensures that customers can make purchases using their preferred payment methods, enhancing their overall shopping experience and fostering trust in the platform.

Squarespace

Squarespace supports essential payment gateways such as Stripe and PayPal, ensuring secure and reliable transactions. While the selection of supported gateways is narrower compared to Wix, Squarespace still offers a foundation for businesses to process payments smoothly and efficiently.

WordPress

Through WooCommerce, WordPress provides a versatile range of payment gateways, enabling businesses to accept payments from various sources. While the options are extensive, it’s important to note that configuring and managing these gateways might necessitate a certain level of technical acumen, potentially creating a barrier for users who are less familiar with web development intricacies.

Users also must download/purchase the plugins to use the payment gateways on WordPress.

#2. Abandoned Cart Recovery

Wix

Wix’s robust e-commerce platform incorporates advanced abandoned cart recovery tools. Businesses can set up automated email sequences to re-engage customers who left their carts without completing a purchase. These emails can include enticing incentives, personalized recommendations, and gentle reminders, effectively increasing the likelihood of converting abandoned carts into successful transactions.

Squarespace

Squarespace’s Commerce Advanced plan equips businesses with the capability to implement abandoned cart recovery strategies. By sending targeted follow-up emails, Squarespace helps businesses recapture the attention of potential customers and guide them toward completing their purchases, thereby maximizing revenue potential.

WordPress

Within the WooCommerce ecosystem, businesses can harness abandoned cart recovery functionality through various plugins. However, implementing and optimizing these plugins may require a deeper understanding of WordPress’s framework, potentially posing a challenge for users who are less experienced in website development.

#3. Product Options and Variants

Wix

Wix provides an extensive toolkit for managing product options and variants (at a maximum of 6 product options and 1,000 variants to each product), allowing businesses to offer a diverse range of customizable choices to their customers. 

From selecting sizes, colors, and materials to configuring unique attributes, Wix’s intuitive interface empowers businesses to create a personalized shopping experience that resonates with their target audience.

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Squarespace

Squarespace supports product variants, enabling businesses to offer different iterations of a product. While this feature enhances flexibility, businesses might encounter limitations in terms of the complexity and depth of customization compared to more advanced e-commerce platforms.

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WordPress

WooCommerce, the e-commerce engine of WordPress, facilitates sophisticated product variant management. Businesses can create intricate options for their products, such as different sizes, colors, and styles. However, mastering these features might require a learning curve, particularly for those who are new to website development.

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#4. Product import and export

Wix

Wix streamlines the process of product import and export, simplifying inventory management for businesses. Through user-friendly CSV file uploads, businesses can efficiently add, update, or modify their product listings in bulk. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses with extensive product catalogs.

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Squarespace

Squarespace offers a straightforward product import process through CSV files, allowing businesses to seamlessly update their product listings. This functionality helps maintain accurate and up-to-date product information on their online store.

WordPress

WooCommerce empowers businesses with product import and export functionality as well, enabling efficient management of their product inventory. However, dealing with larger inventories or intricate product details may demand a higher level of technical expertise.

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#5. Point of Sale (POS)

Wix

Wix stands out by seamlessly integrating with Wix POS, creating a unified platform for managing both online and offline sales. This integration is particularly advantageous for businesses that operate brick-and-mortar stores alongside their online presence. Wix POS empowers businesses to efficiently process in-store transactions, manage inventory, and synchronize sales data in real-time.

Squarespace

With POS features, Squarespace helps its customers easily keep inventory management and customers by checking it all-in-one. Not only that, it’s effective for business owners to connect more and more with their customers through a variety of ways such as offering personalized discounts, creating an email list, etc, and to impress them with a gorgeous design area of products, still ensuring speed and efficiency from Squarespace.

WordPress

With WooPOS, WordPress helps the businesses manage their stores to the point of sale, also develop the relationships with customers through various functionalities: All-in-One package, Inventory Management, Fully Loaded Support and Secure Time. 

While these functionalities are attainable, businesses may need to invest more time and effort in setting up and configuring the plugins to achieve seamless integration between their online and offline sales operations.

#6. Upselling/Cross-selling

Wix

Wix provides robust tools for effective upselling and cross-selling strategies, including:

  • Related products
  • Bundles and multipacks
  • Incentives and rewards  
  • Premium products
  • Coupons and discounts

Through integrated features, businesses can showcase related and complementary products to customers during their shopping journey. This encourages customers to explore additional options, increase their cart value, and enhance their overall shopping experience.

Squarespace

Squarespace supports upselling efforts by enabling businesses to display related products. While this feature encourages customers to consider additional purchases, its cross-selling capabilities might be more limited compared to more advanced e-commerce platforms.

WordPress

WooCommerce, complemented by a range of plugins, empowers businesses to implement upselling and cross-selling tactics. However, leveraging these techniques may necessitate a deeper understanding of the WordPress ecosystem, including the selection and configuration of suitable plugins.

#7. Tax setting

Wix

Wix simplifies tax setting through automated calculations based on customer locations. This dynamic functionality ensures accurate tax assessments without requiring manual input. As a result, businesses can remain compliant with tax regulations and minimize the risk of errors.

Squarespace

Similar to Wix, Squarespace automates tax calculations based on customer locations. This feature streamlines the process of setting up and managing tax-related aspects for businesses, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience for customers.

WordPress

With WooCommerce, WordPress offers flexible tax calculation options, allowing businesses to configure tax rates and rules to align with regional requirements. While this feature offers control over tax settings, businesses may need to invest time in understanding and adjusting these configurations.

The Verdict 

Wix is the winner in this battle

Its comprehensive payment options, advanced abandoned cart recovery mechanisms, versatile product management tools, and efficient import/export capabilities position it at the forefront of e-commerce platforms.

SEO Tools

Wix 

Wix empowers businesses with a robust suite of SEO tools meticulously designed to enhance online visibility and search engine rankings. The tools as below enable businesses to implement best practices without the need for intricate technical knowledge.

  • Meta Tags and Customizable URLs: Wix grants businesses the ability to effortlessly optimize meta tags and URLs for each page. This feature ensures that search engines accurately understand the content and purpose of each page, contributing to higher rankings in relevant search results.
  • Header Code Insertion: Wix’s SEO tools allow for header code insertion, facilitating the integration of essential scripts and metadata for search engines to interpret. This enables businesses to implement advanced SEO strategies, such as schema markup, without the need for manual coding.
  • SEO Wiz: Wix’s SEO Wiz serves as a personalized guide, providing step-by-step recommendations for optimizing content and improving search engine rankings. This user-friendly feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, offering actionable insights to enhance a website’s SEO performance.
  • Sitemap Generation: Wix automatically generates XML sitemaps, simplifying the process of communicating a website’s structure and content to search engines. This ensures that search engine crawlers can efficiently index and rank web pages, leading to improved visibility.
  • Mobile Optimization: Wix’s responsive design templates and mobile optimization features contribute to a positive user experience across devices. Since mobile-friendliness is a crucial factor in search engine rankings, Wix’s emphasis on this aspect directly influences SEO performance.
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Squarespace 

Squarespace embeds SEO tools within its design-centric framework, offering businesses the means to enhance their online presence while maintaining aesthetic appeal. While Squarespace may not offer the same breadth of SEO features as other platforms, its built-in functionalities contribute to overall search engine visibility.

  • Automatic SEO Optimization: Squarespace automatically generates clean and SEO-friendly HTML markup for websites, ensuring that search engines can easily crawl and index content. This foundational feature sets the stage for solid SEO performance.
  • Responsive Design: Similar to Wix, Squarespace prioritizes mobile responsiveness, enabling businesses to deliver a seamless browsing experience across devices. This aligns with search engines’ preferences and positively impacts search rankings.
  • Integrated Blogging: Squarespace’s blogging platform incorporates SEO tools such as customizable URLs, meta descriptions, and tags. These elements contribute to optimizing individual blog posts for search engine visibility.
  • XML Sitemaps: Squarespace generates XML sitemaps automatically, assisting search engine crawlers in navigating and indexing website content. This automated process reduces the burden on businesses and ensures efficient SEO implementation.
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WordPress 

WordPress, in conjunction with plugins like Yoast SEO, offers a comprehensive toolkit for businesses seeking extensive SEO customization. While harnessing these tools may require a deeper understanding of SEO principles, they empower advanced users to wield SEO as a potent tool for driving organic traffic.

  • Meta Tag Optimization: Yoast SEO, a popular WordPress plugin, allows businesses to optimize meta tags, titles, and descriptions for each page and post. This meticulous control over on-page SEO elements enhances a website’s chances of ranking prominently in search results.
  • Readability Analysis: Yoast SEO evaluates the readability of content and provides suggestions for improving user engagement. This feature enhances the overall user experience, indirectly influencing search engine rankings.
  • Keyword Analysis: Yoast SEO facilitates keyword analysis and optimization, guiding businesses in selecting relevant keywords and incorporating them strategically within content. This feature empowers businesses to align their content with user search intent.
  • XML Sitemaps: WordPress, coupled with plugins like Yoast SEO, generates XML sitemaps that aid search engine crawlers in navigating and indexing website content. This foundational tool streamlines the process of ensuring all pages are discoverable by search engines.
  • Rich Snippets and Schema Markup: WordPress plugins offer tools for adding structured data and schema markup to your content. This can enhance search results by displaying rich snippets, such as star ratings, reviews, and other additional information, which can increase click-through rates.
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The Verdict 

WordPress emerges as the ultimate victor in the realm of SEO tools. Its range of SEO plugins makes it invincible when it comes to SEO features.

Ease of Use

Wix 

Wix sets the gold standard for user-friendliness, making it an exceptional choice for businesses aiming to establish a compelling online presence with minimal technical hurdles. Wix’s ease of use is a cornerstone of its value proposition, offering numerous advantages to businesses:

  • Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface: Wix’s drag-and-drop interface is a game-changer for businesses, enabling effortless customization of website elements. Whether you’re rearranging sections, adding images, or embedding videos, Wix’s intuitive design empowers users to create visually appealing websites without wrestling with complex code.
  • User-Centric Design: Wix’s design philosophy centers around the user experience, ensuring that even those new to web development can craft stunning websites. Businesses can seamlessly select from a vast library of professionally designed templates, allowing them to quickly establish an appealing online presence.
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  • Streamlined Navigation: Wix’s platform boasts a user-centric layout, facilitating easy navigation and reducing the learning curve. Businesses can access essential tools, settings, and features with a few clicks, ensuring efficient website management and optimization.
  • Mobile Optimization: Wix’s responsive design ensures that websites look and function seamlessly across devices. With mobile-friendliness being a crucial factor in user experience and search engine rankings, Wix equips businesses to deliver a consistent brand experience to their audience.

Squarespace 

Squarespace’s ease of use revolves around its design-centric approach, providing businesses with the tools to craft visually captivating websites while maintaining user-friendly functionality:

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  • Visually Appealing Templates: Squarespace’s design prowess shines through its selection of beautifully crafted templates. These templates enable businesses to achieve a professional and aesthetic online presence without the need for extensive design skills.
  • Seamless Design Customization: Squarespace empowers businesses to customize templates to align with their branding and aesthetic preferences. The platform’s user-friendly design interface facilitates changes in fonts, colors, layouts, and more, allowing for personalized and visually stunning websites.
  • Built-In Features: Squarespace seamlessly integrates essential features such as blogging, e-commerce, and analytics within its platform. This consolidated approach simplifies website management, enabling businesses to focus on content creation and customer engagement.
  • Automated SEO Optimization: Squarespace’s emphasis on automatic SEO optimization ensures that businesses’ websites adhere to best practices without manual intervention. This feature supports businesses in enhancing their search engine visibility and driving organic traffic.
  • Mobile-Ready Designs: Like Wix, Squarespace’s responsive design ensures that websites maintain their appeal and functionality across various devices. Businesses can cater to mobile users effectively, contributing to a positive user experience.

WordPress 

Mastering WordPress demands a deeper understanding. However, its potential for customization offers significant advantages:

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  • Content Management Made Simple: WordPress’s content management system simplifies content creation, organization, and publication. Businesses can easily add, edit, and manage content, ensuring a dynamic and engaging online presence.
  • Customizable Design: WordPress’s themes and customization options empower businesses to design websites that truly reflect their brand identity. While this may involve more complex decision-making, the payoff is a unique and memorable online experience for visitors.
  • SEO Optimization Tools: With plugins like Yoast SEO, WordPress offers businesses a comprehensive toolkit for optimizing content for search engines. While utilizing these tools might require a deeper understanding of SEO principles, they offer granular control over on-page optimization.

However, it’s kindly noted that this platform doesn’t have the galleries of images and mobile editor.

The Verdict 

Wix takes the crown for offering unparalleled ease of use. 

Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, user-centric design philosophy, streamlined navigation, and comprehensive support resources empower businesses of all levels to establish a captivating online presence. 

Design Flexibility

Wix 

Wix stands out as a masterful blend of design flexibility and user-friendly customization, providing businesses with the tools to create visually captivating websites without the need for complex coding:

  • Template Variety: Wix offers a diverse range of professionally designed templates that cater to various industries and aesthetics. Businesses can select from an array of themes as their starting point, ensuring a visually pleasing foundation.
  • Drag-and-Drop Interface: Wix’s hallmark feature, the drag-and-drop interface, empowers businesses to effortlessly customize website layouts, elements, and content. This intuitive design approach allows for creative experimentation without grappling with technical intricacies.
  • Visual Customization: Beyond layout adjustments, Wix allows businesses to customize fonts, colors, backgrounds, and other visual elements. This granular control ensures that websites reflect the brand’s identity and resonate with the target audience.
  • Customization Options: Wix offers a balance between simplicity and depth, catering to both beginners and those seeking more intricate design adjustments. While advanced users can delve into coding for deeper customization, Wix’s interface ensures accessibility for users with varying skill levels.
  • Third-Party Integrations: Wix’s App Market provides an ecosystem of integrations that enhance design flexibility. From image galleries and sliders to social media feeds and e-commerce widgets, businesses can seamlessly integrate third-party tools to elevate their website’s design.
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Squarespace 

Squarespace’s design flexibility revolves around its commitment to artistic aesthetics and user-friendly design, enabling businesses to create visually stunning websites:

  • Aesthetic Templates: Squarespace’s templates are a testament to its design-centric ethos, providing businesses with elegantly curated options. These templates serve as a starting point for creative expression, facilitating customization that aligns with the brand’s artistic vision.
  • Design Customization: Squarespace’s design interface offers a seamless balance between creative control and user-friendliness. Businesses can manipulate elements, fonts, colors, and layouts to craft a unique website that captures their identity while adhering to design best practices.
  • Visual Content Integration: Squarespace seamlessly integrates visual content, such as images and videos, into its templates. Businesses can showcase their products, portfolio, or services through visually engaging galleries and sliders, enhancing the overall user experience.
  • Mobile-Optimized Designs: Similar to Wix, Squarespace prioritizes mobile responsiveness, ensuring that websites maintain their allure across devices. This feature bolsters user engagement and contributes to a positive impression on visitors.
  • E-commerce Integration: Squarespace’s e-commerce capabilities blend seamlessly with its design elements, enabling businesses to create aesthetically pleasing online stores. Product displays, checkout pages, and inventory management are harmoniously integrated, ensuring a consistent visual experience.
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WordPress 

WordPress’s design flexibility is a testament to its open-source nature, offering businesses unparalleled versatility for crafting unique and visually impactful websites:

  • Customization Freedom: WordPress provides businesses with the freedom to customize nearly every aspect of their website’s design. From layouts and color schemes to typography and visual elements, businesses have full control over the website’s appearance.
  • Page Builders and Plugins: WordPress offers page builder plugins that simplify design customization. Plugins like Elementor and Beaver Builder empower businesses to create complex layouts and incorporate advanced design elements without coding expertise.
  • Coding Capabilities: For businesses with coding proficiency, WordPress offers the option to directly manipulate the website’s code. This advanced feature allows for highly tailored design adjustments, enabling businesses to create truly unique online experiences.
  • Visual and Multimedia Integration: WordPress seamlessly integrates visual and multimedia content, allowing businesses to showcase their products, services, or portfolio in engaging formats. From image galleries to videos, WordPress enables versatile content presentation.
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The Verdict 

Squarespace emerges as the definitive winner in the realm of design flexibility. 

Its clean, creative and impressive p interface, vast template variety, and balance between simplicity and advanced customization cater to businesses of all design preferences. 

App Markets

Wix 

Wix’s Apps Market serves as a versatile ecosystem that empowers businesses with a wide array of integrations, allowing them to enhance their online presence, streamline operations, and cater to diverse needs:

  • Robust App Selection: Wix’s expansive library of over 800 apps spans various industries and functionalities, catering to businesses of all scales and niches. From e-commerce and bookings to marketing and analytics, the Apps Market offers a comprehensive toolkit for optimization.
  • Tailored User Experiences: Businesses can leverage Wix’s Apps Market to tailor their website’s functionality to their specific requirements. Whether it’s integrating appointment scheduling, customer reviews, or live chat support, Wix’s third-party apps allow businesses to create personalized and engaging user experiences.
  • Scalable Solutions: Wix’s App Market accommodates businesses as they grow and evolve. As needs change, businesses can seamlessly integrate new apps to extend their website’s capabilities, ensuring ongoing optimization without the need for extensive technical development.
  • Access to Free and Premium Apps: The availability of both free and premium apps within the Apps Market provides flexibility for businesses with varying budgets. This ensures that businesses can harness the power of third-party tools regardless of their financial constraints.
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Squarespace 

Squarespace’s Apps Market focuses on quality over quantity, providing businesses with artfully curated extensions that enhance website functionality while maintaining design integrity:

  • Quality Over Quantity: While offering a more selective range of over 30 apps compared to other platforms, Squarespace ensures that each integration aligns with its design-centric philosophy. This curated approach emphasizes seamless integration without compromising aesthetics.
  • Design-Centric Integrations: Squarespace’s third-party apps are chosen to seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. From e-commerce enhancements to social media integrations, these extensions contribute to an enhanced user experience while maintaining the website’s visual allure.
  • Enhanced User Engagement: Squarespace’s Apps Market allows businesses to integrate features such as contact forms, social media feeds, and newsletter sign-ups, fostering deeper engagement and interaction with visitors.

WordPress 

WordPress’s extensive plugins directory opens a universe of possibilities for businesses seeking to enhance their website’s capabilities, optimize performance, and cater to specific needs:

  • Vast Repository of Plugins: With over 59,000 plugins available, WordPress provides businesses with an unparalleled selection of tools spanning various functionalities. This extensive range empowers businesses to address diverse needs and optimize their website’s performance.
  • Custom Solutions: Businesses can tap into WordPress’s plugins to create custom solutions that align precisely with their objectives. From SEO and security to e-commerce and multimedia enhancements, the breadth of options ensures that businesses can tailor their website’s functionality.
  • Scalability and Adaptability: As businesses evolve, WordPress’s plugins accommodate changing requirements. Whether it’s integrating advanced e-commerce features, enhancing security, or optimizing for performance, businesses can adapt their website’s capabilities over time.
  • Consideration for Quality: While the vastness of WordPress’s plugins directory brings incredible options, businesses need to exercise discernment in selecting high-quality plugins to ensure optimal website performance and security.
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The Verdict 

WordPress emerges as the indisputable victor in the realm of Apps Market. 

Its expansive ecosystem of over 59,000 integrations ensures that businesses have access to a comprehensive toolkit for enhancing their websites. 

Help and Support

Wix 

Wix’s Help and Support ecosystem is a cornerstone of its commitment to empowering businesses with reliable guidance and assistance throughout their website-building journey:

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  • Knowledge Base and Resources: Wix offers an extensive knowledge base filled with articles, tutorials, and step-by-step guides. This treasure trove of information equips businesses with self-help resources to troubleshoot issues, master platform features, and enhance website functionality.
  • Video Tutorials: Wix’s library of video tutorials offers businesses visual and interactive guides, making it easier to follow along with various tasks and understand complex concepts. From basic website setup to advanced design and e-commerce management, businesses can benefit from visual learning.
  • Responsive Customer Support: Wix’s responsive customer support team is readily available 24/7 through various channels, ensuring businesses receive prompt assistance. Whether through live chat, email, or phone, businesses can confidently reach out for help when faced with challenges or queries.
  • Community Forums: Wix’s vibrant community forums facilitate peer-to-peer support, enabling businesses to tap into the collective wisdom of fellow users. Businesses can seek advice, share insights, and engage in discussions that enrich their understanding of the platform.

Squarespace 

Squarespace’s Help and Support ecosystem emphasizes personalized guidance and community engagement, offering businesses a range of resources to overcome hurdles and optimize their websites:

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  • Video Workshops: Squarespace’s video workshops offer businesses a unique opportunity to engage in guided learning. These workshops cover diverse topics, from design tips to e-commerce strategies, enabling businesses to acquire practical skills directly from Squarespace experts.
  • Community Resources: Squarespace’s community forums serve as a hub for businesses to connect, share insights, and seek advice from other users. Businesses can leverage the collective expertise of the community, gaining insights into best practices and innovative solutions.
  • Email Support: Squarespace’s email support provides personalized assistance to businesses facing challenges or seeking guidance. This direct channel allows businesses to receive tailored responses that address their specific needs.

Also, note that Squarespace’s 24/7 support is only available via email, Twitter, and Facebook. There is no phone support and limited live chat. 

WordPress 

WordPress’s Help and Support landscape is rooted in its community-driven approach, enabling businesses to tap into a vast repository of knowledge and collaborative resources:

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  • Documentation and Forums: WordPress offers comprehensive documentation and community forums where businesses can find solutions to a wide range of issues. From basic setup to advanced customization, these resources empower businesses to troubleshoot and optimize their website.
  • Online Resources: In addition to official documentation, a plethora of online resources, including blogs, tutorials, and YouTube channels, provide businesses with diverse perspectives and insights. These resources offer practical tips and tutorials for harnessing WordPress’s capabilities.
  • Active User Community: WordPress’s vibrant user community ensures that businesses can connect with fellow users, sharing experiences and seeking advice. The collaborative environment enables businesses to navigate challenges, share insights, and learn from one another.

The Verdict 

Wix emerges as the ultimate victor in the realm of Help and Support. 

Its comprehensive knowledge base, video tutorials, responsive customer support, and vibrant community forums ensure that businesses have a reliable partner to navigate challenges and optimize their website-building experience. 

Scalability

Wix

Wix offers a range of features that contribute to the scalability of businesses, ensuring they can expand and adapt to changing needs over time. The platform’s scalability is particularly beneficial for startups and small to medium-sized businesses that aim to evolve and extend their online presence.

  • Flexible Plans and Upgrades: Wix provides a tiered pricing structure that caters to various business sizes and objectives. As your business grows, you can seamlessly upgrade your plan to access more advanced features and functionalities. Whether you need additional e-commerce capabilities, marketing tools, or increased storage, Wix’s scalable plans allow you to adjust your subscription to match your evolving requirements.
  • E-commerce Expansion: For businesses focusing on e-commerce, Wix’s scalability is evident in its e-commerce plans. These plans offer features like unlimited products, secure payment gateways, and customizable online stores. As your product offerings increase and your customer base expands, Wix ensures that your e-commerce platform can accommodate higher traffic and sales volumes.
  • App Marketplace: Wix’s App Market is a testament to its scalability. With over 300 apps, businesses can integrate a wide range of functionalities, from marketing and customer support to analytics and bookings. As your business scales, you can explore and integrate new apps to enhance your website’s capabilities and improve customer engagement.
  • SEO Tools for Visibility: Wix’s integrated SEO tools contribute to scalability by ensuring your website remains visible and competitive as your business grows. By optimizing meta tags, URLs, and content, you can attract more organic traffic and expand your online reach over time.
  • Site Performance: Wix’s focus on performance ensures that your website can handle increased traffic without compromising speed and responsiveness. This scalability feature is vital as it guarantees a positive user experience, even during peak periods.

Squarespace

Squarespace’s scalability features are designed to accommodate businesses that seek expansion and increased online presence. While the platform may not offer as extensive scalability options as others, it still provides essential tools for businesses to grow.

  • Tiered Pricing Plans: Squarespace offers different pricing plans that cater to various business needs. As your business scales, you can transition to higher-tier plans to access advanced features, such as e-commerce functionalities and marketing tools.
  • E-commerce Growth: Squarespace’s e-commerce capabilities contribute to scalability, allowing businesses to list and sell more products as their inventory expands. The platform provides options for product variants, customizable checkouts, and abandoned cart recovery, all of which support growing online stores.
  • Mobile Responsiveness: As mobile usage continues to rise, Squarespace’s responsive design ensures that your website remains accessible and user-friendly on various devices. This scalability feature is vital for businesses looking to reach and engage a broader audience.
  • Integration and Extensions: Squarespace’s extensions, although more limited compared to other platforms, offer some scalability potential. Integrations with third-party tools and services can enhance your website’s capabilities and support your business’s growth.

WordPress

WordPress is renowned for its exceptional scalability, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes. Its open-source nature and vast ecosystem of themes, plugins, and customizations provide unparalleled scalability possibilities.

  • E-commerce Expansion: With the WooCommerce plugin, WordPress becomes a powerful e-commerce platform. This scalability feature enables businesses to start small and gradually scale up, adding products, payment gateways, and shipping options to accommodate growing sales volumes.
  • High Traffic Handling: WordPress’s scalability is demonstrated in its capability to handle high levels of traffic without sacrificing performance. With proper hosting and optimization, your website can accommodate increased visitors and interactions as your business gains popularity.
  • Multi Site Management: For businesses with multiple websites or subdomains, WordPress’s multisite feature offers scalability by centralizing management and allowing for efficient updates and content distribution across different sites.
  • Enterprise Solutions: WordPress’s scalability is not limited to small businesses; it also serves enterprise-level companies. With the right development and hosting resources, WordPress can handle complex websites, large content volumes, and sophisticated functionalities.

The Verdict

WordPress is the winner in the competition of scalability.

Table Comparison among Wix, Squarespace and WordPress

Criteria Wix Squarespace WordPressWinner
Pricing$16 – $159 per month

Payment processing fees
$23 – $65 per month ($16 – $49 per month with annual billing)

Transaction fees: 2%-3%- Payment processing fees
Hosting fees (from $1.99 per month) and domain costs (from $0.99 per year)

Payment processing fees
WordPress
Sales FeaturesFeatures like customizable product galleries, secure payment gateways, and versatile app integrationsFeatures like mobile-friendly shopping carts and third-party services. Available point-of-sale featuresWooCommerce plugin with extensive tools for product management, tax calculations, and diverse payment gateways; WooPOS for point of saleWix
SEO ToolsMeta tags, customizable URLs, and perAdherence to SEO best practices through features like responsive design and XML sitemaps.Comprehensive SEO customization through plugins like Yoast SEO.WordPress
Ease of UseIntuitive drag-and-drop interface & user-oriented features Slight learning curveDeeper learning curve but grants advanced users the freedom to sculpt websites with unparalleled precision and versatility.Wix
Design FlexibilityExcellent design flexibility and user-friendliness → Various beautiful templates and customizationArtistic templates and design-centric featuresVarious plugins  and coding capabilities, enabling unmatched design flexibility for advanced users.Squarespace
App Market800+ integrations30+ apps59,000+ pluginsWordPress
Help and Support24/7 responsive customer support + various support channelsknowledge base + community forums + personalized assistanceActive community + documentation + forums + users tutorialsWix
ScalabilityYes, but more suitable for not too large businessesYes, for small to medium businessesYesWordPress

Wix vs Squarespace vs WordPress: Our Overall Winner

Among the trio of Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress, Wix shines brightly as the ultimate winner

In a digital landscape where choices abound, this platform emerges as a beacon of innovation, excellence, and empowerment. As businesses traverse the virtual realm, seeking to establish a digital identity that captivates and resonates, the decision between these platforms becomes a defining moment. In this decisive comparison, Wix stands tall, casting its brilliance over the competition and claiming its rightful throne.

Wix’s ascendancy is rooted in its unwavering commitment to simplicity and versatility. A canvas for creators, it bridges the gap between design prowess and user-friendly functionality. 

With an intuitive interface and drag-and-drop capabilities, Wix empowers both fledgling entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals to craft captivating websites with effortless grace. The platform’s adaptability is a testament to its understanding of the diverse needs of businesses in a dynamic digital landscape.

Design flexibility is where Wix truly distinguishes itself. Its treasure trove of professionally designed templates spans myriad industries, offering businesses the tools to transform visions into reality. 

The integration of third-party apps expands the horizons of design, enabling businesses to infuse additional functionalities that enhance user experiences. From seamless e-commerce solutions to engaging marketing tools, Wix’s app ecosystem provides a platform where creativity knows no bounds.

Its sales features seamlessly blend user-friendly design with advanced functionality. Customizable product galleries, secure payment gateways, and inventory management converge to create a seamless shopping experience. 

The potential for upselling and cross-selling offers businesses the means to elevate customer engagement and boost revenue, solidifying Wix’s position as an all-in-one solution for businesses aiming to conquer the e-commerce realm.

Wix’s SEO tools are a guiding light for businesses seeking to ascend search engine rankings. Integrated features such as meta tags, customizable URLs, and personalized recommendations empower users to optimize their content effectively, ensuring their digital footprint leaves an indelible mark. Wix simplifies the complex world of SEO, offering businesses a roadmap to navigate the labyrinth of algorithms and keywords.

In the realm of customer support, Wix stands as an unwavering partner in success. Its comprehensive knowledge base, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides serve as beacons of guidance. Businesses can navigate challenges with confidence, knowing that a responsive customer support team stands ready to address queries and concerns. 

Wix’s vibrant community forums foster collaboration and provide a space for businesses to share insights and experiences, creating a network of support that extends far beyond the virtual realm.

 Its scalability is also a strong point for all kinds of businesses.

Wix vs Squarespace vs WordPress: FAQs 

The decision between Squarespace and Wix hinges on the specific needs and preferences of your project.

If your priority is to create a website with a strong visual impact and you appreciate artistic design, Squarespace might be the better choice. Its templates are meticulously curated to provide a polished and professional look, making it an excellent option for creative individuals and businesses.

On the other hand, Wix stands out with its user-friendliness and versatility. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that empowers users of all skill levels to create stunning websites. Wix’s comprehensive e-commerce capabilities, customizable product galleries, and extensive app market make it a compelling choice for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence. If you prioritize ease of use, flexibility, and a wide range of functionalities, Wix could be the better option.

Ultimately, the choice between Squarespace and Wix depends on whether you value design aesthetics and a curated experience (Squarespace) or user-friendliness and versatility (Wix) for your project’s success.

Deciding between Wix and WordPress depends on the level of customization, control, and technical expertise you desire.

  • Wix is the ideal platform for beginners and those who prioritize ease of use. Its drag-and-drop interface, user-friendly design, and comprehensive e-commerce features are tailored for users who want to quickly create and manage a visually appealing website without delving into complex technicalities.
  • WordPress, on the other hand, offers unparalleled customization and flexibility. It’s an open-source platform that allows advanced users and developers to shape their websites with intricate detail. If you have coding skills or are willing to invest time in learning, WordPress offers endless possibilities. With an extensive library of themes, plugins, and the ability to fine-tune every aspect of your site, WordPress is a powerhouse for those who want complete control over their website’s design and functionality.

In summary, choose Wix if you prioritize simplicity, user-friendliness, and a streamlined website-building process. Opt for WordPress if you seek advanced customization, coding capabilities, and the freedom to create a truly unique online presence.

Comparing the cost of Squarespace and Wix involves considering both subscription fees and potential transaction expenses. Squarespace offers a tiered pricing structure for various purposes, with plans ranging from Personal to Commerce Advanced.

While the entry-level plans may seem more affordable, it’s important to note that you can’t sell products on Squarespace’s Personal plan, making it less suitable for businesses seeking e-commerce capabilities.

Wix’s pricing also varies based on the features you need, but it offers a wider range of e-commerce plans, ensuring scalability for businesses of all sizes. It’s crucial to consider the specific features included in each plan and how they align with your business goals.

While Squarespace may appear cheaper initially, the lack of e-commerce functionality on lower-tier plans might result in higher costs if you need to upgrade for business purposes. Therefore, it’s advisable to thoroughly assess your requirements and compare plans to determine the true cost-effectiveness for your specific needs.

The decision between WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace ultimately boils down to your unique objectives, expertise, and the type of online presence you wish to create.

If you prioritize simplicity and ease of use, Wix is an excellent choice. Its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, comprehensive e-commerce features, and helpful support make it an accessible platform for beginners and businesses looking for a quick and visually appealing website.

For those seeking a balance between design aesthetics and functionality, Squarespace shines. Its design-centric approach, artistic templates, and seamless integration of design elements with e-commerce capabilities cater to creative individuals and businesses that want to make a visual impact.

WordPress is the platform of choice for users who crave complete control and customization. With its extensive library of themes, plugins, and coding possibilities, it’s a playground for advanced users and developers who want to craft a unique online presence, particularly those with coding proficiency.

Consider your level of technical expertise, the extent of customization you require, and your business goals when making this decision. Each platform has its strengths, and the better choice depends on how well these strengths align with your specific needs.

Yes, Squarespace has made significant strides in optimizing its platform for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) over the years, but its approach to SEO differs from other platforms. While Squarespace may not offer the same breadth of SEO tools and customization options as some competitors, it still provides a solid foundation for improving your website’s search engine rankings.

Squarespace simplifies SEO with its integrated approach. The platform offers essential tools like meta tags, customizable URLs, and header code insertion, which allow you to optimize key elements of your website for search engines. These features enable you to influence how your site’s content appears in search results and improve its discoverability.

One of the notable advantages of Squarespace is its emphasis on responsive design. The platform automatically ensures that your website is mobile-friendly, which is a crucial factor in modern SEO. Additionally, Squarespace’s design-focused ethos extends to SEO, as it automates technical aspects such as XML sitemaps and responsive design. These features contribute to overall search engine visibility and user experience.

However, it’s important to note that Squarespace’s SEO capabilities might not be as extensive as those offered by other platforms like WordPress, which has a wider array of SEO plugins and customization options.

While Squarespace’s built-in features cover the basics and ensure adherence to SEO best practices, advanced users seeking fine-tuned control over every aspect of SEO might find the platform somewhat limiting.

Final Words

In the comparison among Wix vs WordPress vs Squarespace, Wix emerges as the ultimate winner, offering user-friendly design, comprehensive e-commerce solutions, and exceptional support to bring your digital vision to life with unparalleled ease and excellence.

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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.