Squarespace vs WordPress: The Differences

Squarespace

Squarespace is a High level complete package that includes hosting, themes, plugins and more.

Can only be hosted on squarespace servers.

Squarespace is is more user friendly but less flexible.

You don't have to think about technicalities.

WordPress

WordPress is not a complete package at first, you have to install it on a web post.

Hosting is not included with WordPress.

WordPress can be installed in many web posts.

WordPress is an open source CMS and has many 3rd party plugins and themes.

Has a steeper learning curve because it's more flexible.

The Editor

Squarespace

uses a visual editor that lets you drag and drop content blocks around the website.

A good example of real time preview on SquareSpace is how you can create a photo gallery on a website as a perfect grid more easily on SquareSpace with their built in tools.

WordPress

Uses Guttenberg and doesn't show how the website looks real time.

Word press is designer to be more flexible so the UI is more abstract and based on fundamentals.

Open vs Closed Source

Squarespace

Is not open source, they curate partners to create themes and plugins, and everything is compatible without tweaking code.

Square space will never have as much content as WordPress, but everything that has been added to SquareSpace is compatible with each other.

WordPress

is open source, so anybody can contribute to it. This can help the amount of themes and plugins, the downside is that many themes and plugins can become incompatible and require a look at the code.

Most themes don't work out of the box, and require the code to be tweaked.

Features

Squarespace

conventional website are recommended to be created with this CMS.

Photography portfolio, blogs, and small business are examples of conventional websites.

WordPress

websites with unconventional features are recommended to be built with this CMS.

Buddy press, content randomizer, redirection, Visual Link Preview, and TablePress are examples of unconventional features.

Themes

Squarespace

There are around 70 themes.

Squarespace's style editor let's you customize thousands of style options.

WordPress

There are 1100 or more word press themes.

WordPress themes can be totally customized as long as you're willing to code or hire a developer.

WordPress style editor called customizer feels like a watered down version of SquareSpace's editor and might vary in functionality from theme to theme.

Pricing

Squarespace

Offers four plans from 4-40$.

Hosting is included.

Templates are included.

And includes all features available.

WordPress

Is free to use.

You have to pay for hosting.

Free WordPress themes are available, but the best ones are behind a paywall.

There are free plugins, but paid plugins tend to be better.

Customer Support

Squarespace

Provides 24/7 email support and a live chat service.

WordPress

No customer support, although some paid themes might offer help to set up.

Conclusion

Squarespace is a complete package where everything just works, but it is never going to match WordPress in terms of flexibility and custom features.