Shopify vs Squarespace Commerce: Which E-Commerce Tool Is Better in 2026?

Shopify

From $29

Squarespace Commerce

From $23

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Tie

The two platforms are feature-identical across the compared set: both offer inventory management, abandoned cart recovery, POS support, custom domains, multi-currency, an app store, and APIs, and neither offers 0% native transaction fees. Squarespace Commerce starts lower at $23 versus Shopify's $29, both billed flat. The choice comes down to fit: Shopify is positioned for scaling brands and dropshippers, while Squarespace Commerce is positioned for artists, photographers, and lifestyle brands. Neither price advantage is decisive, so buyers should weigh audience fit over the $6 monthly difference.

Squarespace Commerce's entry plan ($23) is 21% cheaper than Shopify's ($29).
They cover the same 7 of 8 core features we track, so price and UX decide.

Try Shopify →Try Squarespace Commerce →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
Shopify · flat	$29.00	$348
Squarespace Commerce · flat	$23.00	$276

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
Scaling brand or dropshipping operation	Shopify	Shopify is explicitly positioned for scaling brands and dropshippers & retail, and its feature set covers inventory management, POS, and APIs.
Artist or photographer selling online	Squarespace Commerce	Squarespace Commerce is positioned for artists & photographers and starts at $23 versus Shopify's $29.
Lifestyle brand prioritizing lower entry cost	Squarespace Commerce	Squarespace Commerce lists a $23 starting price against Shopify's $29, with the same compared features.
Retailer needing POS and multi-channel inventory	Tie	Both platforms list inventory management and POS support as included features.
Developer needing REST and GraphQL APIs	Tie	Both Shopify and Squarespace Commerce list REST & GraphQL developer APIs as available.

Feature comparison: Shopify vs Squarespace Commerce

Feature	Shopify	Squarespace Commerce
Free plan	❌	❌
Starting price	$29 /mo	$23 /mo
Multi-channel inventory management	✅	✅
Abandoned cart recovery	✅	✅
Point of Sale (POS) hardware & integration	✅	✅
0% native transaction fees	—	—
Custom domain with free SSL	✅	✅
Multi-currency international checkout	✅	✅
Rich third-party app marketplace	✅	✅
REST & GraphQL developer APIs	✅	✅

Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.

Pros and cons

Shopify

Positioned for scaling brands and dropshippers & retail
Includes inventory management, abandoned cart recovery, POS support, multi-currency, app store, and APIs
Founded in 2006 with a flat billing model starting at $29

Does not offer 0% native transaction fees
Starting price of $29 is higher than Squarespace Commerce's $23
No free plan

Try Shopify →

Squarespace Commerce

Lower starting price at $23, billed flat
Positioned for artists & photographers and lifestyle brands
Includes inventory management, abandoned cart recovery, POS support, multi-currency, app store, and APIs

Does not offer 0% native transaction fees
No free plan
Starting price advantage is only $6 per month versus Shopify

Try Squarespace Commerce →

COMMUNITY POLL

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At a glance

Shopify

The all-in-one global commerce platform powering millions of businesses.

Founded 2006 · From $29 · 7/8 tracked features

Best for: scaling brands, dropshippers & retail

See Shopify alternatives →

Squarespace Commerce

Design-forward online stores with award-winning aesthetic templates.

Founded 2003 · From $23 · 7/8 tracked features

Best for: artists & photographers, lifestyle brands

See Squarespace Commerce alternatives →

FAQ

Is Shopify cheaper than Squarespace Commerce?

No. Shopify starts at $29 and Squarespace Commerce starts at $23, both billed flat.

Do Shopify and Squarespace Commerce offer the same features?

They match on all eight compared features: inventory management, abandoned cart recovery, POS support, custom domain, multi-currency, app store, and APIs. Neither offers 0% native transaction fees.

Which is better for artists and photographers?

Squarespace Commerce is positioned for artists & photographers, while Shopify is positioned for scaling brands and dropshippers & retail.

Do either offer a free plan?

No. Both Shopify and Squarespace Commerce list no free plan.

Do both support multi-currency checkout?

Yes. Both list multi-currency international checkout as a feature.

Related comparisons

Data last reviewed: pending verification. All E-Commerce tools →