Quick Answer: Choose Shopify if entrepreneurs and brands selling physical or digital products. Choose Squarespace if creatives wanting beautiful templates.
Disclosure: Toplytics is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
At a Glance
| Shopify | Squarespace | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Entrepreneurs and brands selling physical or digital products | Creatives wanting beautiful templates |
| Starting Price | $39/mo | $16/mo |
| Free Plan | 3-day free trial | 14-day trial |
| Our Rating | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Key Strength | Most complete e-commerce platform for online stores | Best-designed website templates for portfolios and brands |
| Try It | Try Shopify | Try Squarespace |
Shopify Overview
Shopify is a e-commerce tool designed for entrepreneurs and brands selling physical or digital products. Its key differentiator is most complete e-commerce platform for online stores.
Top Features:
- Store builder
- POS system
- Shopify Payments
- App store
- Dropshipping
Squarespace Overview
Squarespace is a website builder tool designed for creatives wanting beautiful templates. Its key differentiator is best-designed website templates for portfolios and brands.
Top Features:
- Designer templates
- E-commerce
- Scheduling
- Email campaigns
- Analytics
Read our full Squarespace review
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Shopify | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|
| Store builder | Yes | — |
| POS system | Yes | — |
| Shopify Payments | Yes | — |
| App store | Yes | — |
| Dropshipping | Yes | — |
| Designer templates | — | Yes |
| E-commerce | — | Yes |
| Scheduling | — | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
| Shopify | Squarespace | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | 3-day free trial | 14-day trial |
| Starting Price | $39/mo | $16/mo |
When to Choose Shopify
- You need most complete e-commerce platform for online stores
- You are entrepreneurs and brands selling physical or digital products
- You want a tool starting at $39/mo
When to Choose Squarespace
- You need best-designed website templates for portfolios and brands
- You are creatives wanting beautiful templates
- You want a tool starting at $16/mo
FAQ
Is Shopify better than Squarespace?
It depends on your needs. Shopify is better for entrepreneurs and brands selling physical or digital products, while Squarespace excels at serving creatives wanting beautiful templates. Shopify rates 8.5/10 vs Squarespace’s 8/10 in our testing.
Which is cheaper, Shopify or Squarespace?
Shopify starts at $39/mo and Squarespace starts at $16/mo. Shopify offers 3-day free trial while Squarespace offers 14-day trial.
Our Verdict
Both Shopify and Squarespace are excellent e-commerce tools, but they serve different needs. Choose Shopify if you prioritize most complete e-commerce platform for online stores. Choose Squarespace if you need best-designed website templates for portfolios and brands.
Not Sure Which Tool Is Right for You?
Take our free 2-minute quiz and get a personalized recommendation based on your budget, team size, and goals.
Stay Ahead of the AI Curve
Get our weekly digest of the best AI and SaaS tools — reviews, deals, and strategies delivered to your inbox every Tuesday.
Disclosure: Toplytics earns a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Related Pages
- Shopify Review — Full in-depth review with features, pros, cons, and verdict
- Shopify Pricing and Deals — Current plans, discount codes, and money-saving tips
- Squarespace Review — Full in-depth review with features, pros, cons, and verdict
- Squarespace Pricing and Deals — Current plans, discount codes, and money-saving tips