Framer vs Squarespace: Which Website Builders Tool Is Better in 2026?
Framer
From $5
Squarespace
From $16Quick verdict
Overall pick: Tie
Pick Framer if you are building startup or tech landing pages and want the lower starting price ($5 vs $16), a free plan to trial, a dynamic CMS, and scroll/interaction animations. Pick Squarespace if you need native checkout and eCommerce, since Framer has none, and you prefer its template-driven approach for creative portfolios or lifestyle brands. Neither tool wins outright: the choice hinges on whether eCommerce or CMS-plus-animation capability matters more.
- Framer's entry plan ($5) is 69% cheaper than Squarespace's ($16).
- Framer has a free plan; Squarespace does not.
- Only Framer offers: dynamic cms collection database, scroll & interaction animations.
- Only Squarespace offers: native checkout / ecommerce.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Framer · flat | $5.00 | $60 |
| Squarespace · flat | $16.00 | $192 |
Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Launching a startup or tech landing page | Framer | Framer is positioned for startups and tech landing pages and starts at $5 with a free plan, versus Squarespace at $16 with no free plan. |
| Selling products with native checkout | Squarespace | Squarespace has native checkout/eCommerce; Framer does not. |
| Building a dynamic content-driven site | Framer | Framer includes a dynamic CMS collection database; Squarespace does not. |
| Adding scroll and interaction animations | Framer | Framer supports scroll and interaction animations; Squarespace does not. |
| A creative portfolio or lifestyle brand site | Squarespace | Squarespace is positioned for creative portfolios and lifestyle/hospitality brands with its designer templates. |
Feature comparison: Framer vs Squarespace
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Starting price | $5 /mo | $16 /mo |
| Visual drag-and-drop editor | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom code & HTML/JS injection | ✅ | ✅ |
| Native checkout / eCommerce | — | ✅ |
| Dynamic CMS collection database | ✅ | — |
| Custom domain connection | ✅ | ✅ |
| Granular SEO & sitemap controls | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-device responsive breakpoints | ✅ | ✅ |
| Scroll & interaction animations | ✅ | — |
Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.
Pros and cons
Framer
- Lowest starting price at $5 flat, with a free plan available
- Includes a dynamic CMS collection database
- Supports scroll and interaction animations
- Covers drag-and-drop editing, custom code, custom domains, SEO tools, and responsive breakpoints
- No native checkout or eCommerce
- No free eCommerce path, so selling requires another tool
Squarespace
- Native checkout and eCommerce built in
- Includes drag-and-drop editing, custom code, custom domains, SEO tools, and responsive breakpoints
- Positioned for creative portfolios and lifestyle/hospitality brands
- No dynamic CMS collection database
- No scroll or interaction animations
- Higher starting price at $16 and no free plan
Which tool would you pick for your stack?
Cast your vote to see real-time peer recommendations from other software buyers.
At a glance
Interactive website builder with Figma-like speed and AI generation.
Founded 2014 · From $5 · 7/8 tracked features
Best for: startups & tech landing pages, fast interactive design
See Framer alternatives →Award-winning designer templates and polished all-in-one websites.
Founded 2003 · From $16 · 6/8 tracked features
Best for: creative portfolios, lifestyle & hospitality brands
See Squarespace alternatives →FAQ
Is Framer cheaper than Squarespace?
Yes. Framer starts at $5 flat and offers a free plan; Squarespace starts at $16 flat with no free plan.
Which tool can I use to sell products?
Squarespace, which has native checkout/eCommerce. Framer does not.
Does Framer have a CMS?
Yes, Framer includes a dynamic CMS collection database. Squarespace does not.
Which tool supports animations?
Framer supports scroll and interaction animations; Squarespace does not.
Do both support custom domains and custom code?
Yes. Both list custom domain connection and custom code/HTML-JS injection as features.
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Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Website Builders tools →