If you are in the process of developing an online store, you are probably weighing your options for an eCommerce platform that meets your requirements. While there are quite a few options available, we will be talking about the top two platforms in this blog – Shopify & Squarespace, how they are different, and which is better. Explore the features & differences, and make an informed decision for your Squarespace or Shopify setup.
For your convenience, we have drafted an in-depth comparison between the two to help you decide which one to choose. So start scrolling to get started with the comparison! But first, let’s do a quick overview of both platforms.
Shopify Overview
Shopify is a hosted eCommerce platform that lets you create and run your online stores. It is convenient for beginners who have no prior knowledge of coding and web development. With 1 million+ active users, Shopify is one of the popular eCommerce platforms that offer scalable front-end & back-end solutions to businesses.
Explore the world of Shopify 2.0 with our guide, covering essential Shopify setup steps. Learn how this hosted eCommerce platform empowers beginners and 1 million+ users with scalable solutions for online stores.
Shopify Setup Steps
- Create an account with Shopify.
- Explore the Shopify admin screen.
- Choose and customize your theme.
- Add your products.
- Configure settings (shipping, payment, etc.)
- Test your store.
- Add a custom domain name.
- Go live.
Shopify Pros
1. User-friendliness
The best thing about Shopify is that it is beginner-friendly. It is designed so that even a person with no prior coding and web development experience can create an online store from scratch.
2. No transaction fee
Unlike other eCommerce platforms, it allows businesses to accept payments without paying a transaction fee to Shopify.
3. Variety of themes and apps
Shopify offers numerous apps and themes to enhance the functionality of your online store.
4. 24/7 customer support
The Shopify support team is always available to help you with issues.
5. Secure & reliable
All Shopify stores are hosted on Shopify’s secure servers. Plus, your confidential data is always kept safe and secure.
Shopify Cons
1. Limited customization
Shopify allows limited customization. And if you want to change the functionality of your store, you can’t do it without the knowledge of coding.
2. Expensive
Though Shopify offers numerous apps, you have to pay for each app separately, which quickly increases your overall costs.
3. Limited reporting tools
Shopify offers a few essential reporting tools that might not be enough for some businesses.
Squarespace Overview
Squarespace is a hosted CMS solution that lets you create and manage blogs, portfolios, and online stores. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it a favorable choice for building a simple store from the ground up. In addition, Squarespace is an all-purpose website builder handy for creating landing pages.
Squarespace Setup Steps
- Choose a website template.
- Secure a custom domain name.
- Start adding content.
- Spread the word.
- Save and continue editing.
Squarespace Pros
1. Modern templates
Squarespace offers a variety of sleek templates for building professional-looking online stores.
2. Affordable
You can start a store at as low as $16/month to $46/month, which is relatively cheaper than other eCommerce platforms.
Squarespace Cons
1. No app store
Since it doesn’t have an app store, you require coding skills to change the functionality of your online store.
2. Limited payment options
On Squarespace, you can only accept payments through PayPal and Stripe. It doesn’t offer as many payment options as Shopify.
3. The tricky dashboard
Squarespace dashboard can be tricky, especially for first-time users.
Shopify vs. Squarespace: A Tabular Comparison
| Key Features | Squarespace | Shopify |
| Drag-and-Drop Editor |  | |
| Sales Reporting | | |
| International Payment Methods | | |
| Blog CMS Capabilities | | |
| Built-in SEO Tools | | |
| Fully-Featured Mobile App | | |
| Sell Subscriptions | | With Shopify apps |
| Fraud Analysis | – | |
| Transaction Fee | 0% on commerce plans | 0% with Shopify payments |
| App Store | Over 20 extensions | Over 6000 apps |
| Responsive Website Themes | Over 100 free templates | Over 70 free and paid themes |
| Custom Online Store | | |
| Reliable Hosting | | |
| Custom Domain Name | | |
| Sales Channels | Facebook, Instagram | Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google, Amazon |
| Accelerated Checkout | Apple Pay | Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| POS Solution | With Square (US only) | With Shopify POS |
| Business Loans | – | With Shopify Captial |
| Secure Payment Gateways | 3 | Over 100 |
| Product Limits | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Storage Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Pricing (USD) | $14 to $49 | $29 to $292 |
| 24/7 International Support | | |
Which is Better?
You will have to scrutinize before you make a final choice. Squarespace is all about simplicity, while Shopify offers more advanced features to facilitate multi-level selling. We understand that it might be complicated for you to choose right away. Therefore, simplify your Squarespace or Shopify setup with our in-depth comparison chart to make an informed decision. Let us know the final verdict.
The Final Verdict
It all depends on how you evaluate your business needs and comprehend the best features for your eCommerce site, especially in the Squarespace or Shopify setup. That’s the only way to pick a clear winner. Both the software deliver commendable results depending on your business requirements. Feel free to connect with us if you want to know more about the eCommerce platforms.