Squarespace vs Wix: Which Website Builders Tool Is Better in 2026?

Squarespace

From $16

Wix

From $17

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Wix

Wix is the stronger pick for buyers who need a dynamic CMS collection database or want to start on a free plan before paying, and it suits small business sites and beginners wanting an all-in-one solution. Squarespace is a reasonable alternative for creative portfolios and lifestyle or hospitality brands that want a slightly lower starting price and do not need CMS collections. Neither tool offers scroll and interaction animations, so buyers who require that should look elsewhere.

Squarespace's entry plan ($16) is 6% cheaper than Wix's ($17).
Wix has a free plan; Squarespace does not.
Only Wix offers: dynamic cms collection database.

Try Squarespace →Try Wix →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
Squarespace · flat	$16.00	$192
Wix · flat	$17.00	$204

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
Buyer who needs a dynamic CMS collection database	Wix	Wix lists cms_database as supported, while Squarespace does not.
Buyer who wants to try the builder before paying	Wix	Wix offers a free plan; Squarespace has no free plan.
Budget-conscious buyer comparing starting prices	Squarespace	Squarespace starts at $16 per month versus $17 for Wix, both billed flat.
Creative professional building a portfolio site	Squarespace	Squarespace lists creative portfolios among its best-for use cases.
Beginner wanting an all-in-one small business site	Wix	Wix lists small business websites and beginners wanting an all-in-one solution as best-for use cases.

Feature comparison: Squarespace vs Wix

Feature	Squarespace	Wix
Free plan	❌	✅
Starting price	$16 /mo	$17 /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

Squarespace

Flat pricing starting at $16 per month
Supports visual drag-and-drop editing, custom code, ecommerce, custom domains, SEO tools, and responsive breakpoints
Positioned for creative portfolios and lifestyle or hospitality brands
Founded in 2003, giving it a longer operating history than Wix

No free plan
No dynamic CMS collection database
No scroll and interaction animations

Try Squarespace →

Wix

Offers a free plan
Includes a dynamic CMS collection database, which Squarespace lacks
Supports visual drag-and-drop editing, custom code, ecommerce, custom domains, SEO tools, and responsive breakpoints
Positioned for small business websites and beginners wanting an all-in-one solution

Starting price of $17 per month is slightly higher than Squarespace's $16
No scroll and interaction animations
Founded in 2006, later than Squarespace

Try Wix →

COMMUNITY POLL

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At a glance

Squarespace

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 →

Wix

All-in-one website builder with drag-and-drop ease and built-in apps.

Founded 2006 · From $17 · 7/8 tracked features

Best for: small business websites, beginners wanting an all-in-one solution

See Wix alternatives →

FAQ

Is Squarespace cheaper than Wix?

Squarespace starts at $16 per month and Wix at $17 per month, both billed flat, so Squarespace's starting price is $1 lower.

Does Wix have a free plan?

Yes, Wix offers a free plan. Squarespace does not offer a free plan.

Which tool has a dynamic CMS collection database?

Wix supports a dynamic CMS collection database; Squarespace does not list this feature.

Do both tools support ecommerce and custom domains?

Yes, both Squarespace and Wix list native checkout/ecommerce and custom domain connection as supported.

Do either of these tools offer scroll and interaction animations?

No, neither Squarespace nor Wix lists scroll and interaction animations as a supported feature.

Related comparisons

Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Website Builders tools →