Today, 5.3 billion people use the Internet worldwide. This means 65.7% of them could be your next customer. Building a strong online presence is key for businesses. You have many options like Wix , Squarespace,and Shopify to create your website or online store.These platforms offer different features, pricing, and strengths. We’ll compare Wix vs Squarespace vs Shopify to help you choose the best for your business.
Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify each have unique features. Wix is a cloud-based platform, Squarespace focuses on website building, and Shopify is a top ecommerce choice. Knowing their features and pricing is crucial, whether you need a simple site or a complex online store.
We’ll explore their pricing, design options, ecommerce features, and more. This will help you decide which platform is right for your online store.
By the end of this article, you’ll know the strengths and weaknesses of each platform. You’ll be able to pick the best website builder for your business. This will help you create a successful online store.
Understanding Website Builder Platforms
When you think about starting an online presence, you’ll find many website builders. They offer features like ecommerce, design templates, and drag-and-drop editors. This makes creating a website easier. With more people shopping online, it’s key to know what to look for in a website builder.
Look for website builders with lots of design templates to make your site look professional. Drag-and-drop editors are also important. They let you change your site easily without coding. Also, check if the platform has good ecommerce tools, like payment systems and inventory management.
What Are Website Builders?
Website builders let you make and manage a website without coding. They have design templates, drag-and-drop editors, and ecommerce tools. Popular ones include Wix, Shopify, and Squarespace, each with different features and prices.
Key Features to Consider
When picking a website builder, think about these key features:
- Ecommerce tools, like payment systems and inventory management
- Design templates and drag-and-drop editors
- How much you can customize and change things
- Integration with other apps and services
- Pricing and how it grows with your site
The Evolution of Website Building
Website building has changed a lot, thanks to website builders. Now, it’s easier for people and businesses to have an online presence. Website builders offer many tools, like design templates, drag-and-drop editors, and ecommerce features.
| Website Builder | Design Templates | Ecommerce Features | Drag-and-Drop Editor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | 920 | Yes | Good |
| Shopify | 13 | Yes | Adequate |
| Squarespace | 185 | Yes | Excellent |
Platform Overview: Wix vs Squarespace vs Shopify
Choosing a website builder or ecommerce platform can be tough. Wix or Squarespace, or Shopify are top choices for different needs. Wix is a cloud-based platform with ecommerce features, design templates, and drag-and-drop editors. Squarespace also offers ecommerce, design templates, and drag-and-drop editors for websites. Shopify is a leading ecommerce platform for creating and managing online stores.
Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses. Shopify offers a 3-day free trial without a credit card, and over 6,000 apps for ecommerce. Wix has over 250 apps, while Squarespace has about 24 extensions. Shopify supports over 100 payment gateways, more than Wix’s 61 and Squarespace’s PayPal and Stripe.
Strenghts and Weaknesses for each Platform
Here’s a comparison table outlining the strengths and weaknesses of Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify:
| Platform | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Wix | -Easy drag-and-drop interface -Highly customizable templates -Affordable pricing plans -Flexible eCommerce options -Great for beginners | -Limited scalability for larger businesses -Can become slow with complex sites -Some features require additional apps or upgrades |
| Squarespace | -Beautiful, professionally designed templates -Strong blogging and content management -All-in-one platform -Mobile-friendly templates | -Less customizable than Wix -Higher pricing for advanced plans -Limited eCommerce features compared to Shopify |
| Shopify | -Best for eCommerce -Scalable with multiple sales channels -Extensive app marketplace -Excellent payment processing -Great customer support | -Steeper learning curve -Higher monthly fees -Limited design flexibility compared to Wix and Squarespace |
Here are another Key features to consider include:
- Ecommerce capabilities: Shopify is great for ecommerce with features for offline sales.
- Payment gateways: Shopify has over 100 options, while Wix and Squarespace have fewer.
- App store: Shopify has over 9,771 apps, Wix has over 800, and Squarespace has about 100 extensions.
Pricing varies across platforms. Shopify has 6 plans from $5 to $399 per month. Wix offers plans from $4.50 to $159 per month for ecommerce. Squarespace starts at $25 per month for Personal and goes up to $72 for Advanced Commerce.
Pricing Structure Comparison
Choosing an ecommerce platform means looking at pricing plans and subscription options. Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify have different costs. Prices range from $17 to $159 per month for Wix, $25 to $72 for Squarespace, and $32 to $299 for Shopify.
Wix plan
Shopify plan
Squarespace’s plan
Each platform has pricing plans for various business needs. Wix has a free plan, great for small businesses and individuals. Squarespace and Shopify offer plans with ecommerce features, design templates, and easy editing tools.
Important features to consider include the number of templates and apps you can use. Wix has over 900 templates, while Squarespace has 150. Shopify offers ecommerce-specific templates.
Looking at subscriptions, Squarespace has a 14-day free trial. Wix offers a 10% discount code. Shopify’s basic plan is $29 per month, while Wix’s is $23. Squarespace’s business plan is $36 per month, or $18 if billed annually.
Fees Comparison for Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify in 2025
| Platform | Pricing Plans | Monthly Fees (Approx.) | Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | -Combo -Unlimited -Pro -VIP -Business Basic (eCommerce) | $14 to $39 (Standard Plans) $23 to $49 (Business) | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (using Wix Payments) |
| Squarespace | -Personal -Business -Basic eCommerce -Advanced eCommerce | $16 to $49 | 3% on Business Plan No fees for higher eCommerce plans |
| Shopify | -Basic -Shopify -Advanced Shopify -Shopify Plus (Enterprise) | $39 to $399+ | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (Basic Shopify) Lower rates for higher plans |
DEPENDING ON MY EXPERIENCE WINNER FOR LOW FEES IS: SQUARESPACE
Design and Customization Options
When designing your website, you want a website builder that’s flexible and creative. Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify offer many design templates and customization options. This lets you create a unique online space. With drag-and-drop editors, you can move elements around easily, without coding.
Here are some key features to consider when evaluating these platforms:
- Wix offers over 800 customizable templates and a drag-and-drop editor
- Squarespace provides 157 free templates and a user-friendly interface
- Shopify includes 12 free templates and a drag-and-drop editor
These features help you personalize your website. You can make it look professional and reflect your brand. Whether you’re new to web design or experienced, these platforms have what you need to make a stunning website.
| Platform | Design Templates | Drag-and-Drop Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Wix | 900+ | Yes |
| Squarespace | 185 | Yes |
| Shopify | 13 | Yes |
DEPENDING ON MY EXPERIENCE, WINNER ON QUALITY OF templates is: SQUARESPACE
E-commerce Capabilities and Features
Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify offer many features for online stores. You’ll find shopping carts, payment gateways, and tools for managing inventory. It’s important to choose the one that fits your business best.
Wix and Squarespace have basic ecommerce tools like shopping carts and payment gateways. But Shopify is made for big online stores. It has tools for growing your business, like working with over 600 dropshipping suppliers.
- Shopping cart functions: Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify all offer shopping cart functions, but Shopify’s are more comprehensive.
- Payment gateway integration: Shopify supports over 100 payment gateways, including popular options like PayPal, while Wix has integration with 30 payment gateways and Squarespace cooperates with only 2 payment providers.
- Inventory management tools: Shopify’s inventory management tools are more advanced, allowing for easier tracking and management of products.
Shopify is great for big online stores because of its strong features and ability to grow. But Wix and Squarespace might be better for smaller shops. Your choice should depend on what your business needs and wants.
| Platform | Shopping Cart Functions | Payment Gateway Integration | Inventory Management Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | Basic | 30 payment gateways | Basic |
| Squarespace | Basic | 2 payment providers | Basic |
| Shopify | Comprehensive | Over 100 payment gateways | Advanced |
DEPENDING ON MY EXPERIENCE WINNER FOR E-commerce IS :SHOPIFY
SEO and Marketing Tools
SEO features and marketing tools are key for growing online. Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify have tools to help. They make your website search-friendly and reach your audience better. With email marketing and social media integration, you can plan a full marketing strategy. This strategy can increase website traffic and sales.
Some important features to look at include:
- Meta tags and titles for better search engine ranking
- Marketing automation for easier email campaigns
- Social media integration to expand your reach and engagement
Using these seo features and marketing tools can boost your website’s visibility. It can also drive more traffic and increase sales. Whether you’re using Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify, make sure to use email marketing and social media integration to the fullest.
| Platform | SEO Features | Marketing Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Wix | Meta tags and titles | Email marketing and social media integration |
| Squarespace | Meta tags and titles | Marketing automation and social media integration |
| Shopify | Meta tags and titles | Email marketing, social media integration, and marketing automation |
DEPENDING ON MY EXPERIENCE THE BEST PLATFORM FOR SEO IS: SHOPIFY
Mobile Responsiveness and App Integration
When picking the best platform for your website, think about mobile responsiveness and app integration. Most people use their mobile devices to access websites. So, having a mobile-responsive design is key for a smooth user experience. Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify offer mobile-responsive templates, making it easy to create a website that looks great on any device.
All three platforms have an app marketplace where you can find apps to improve your website’s functionality. Shopify’s app marketplace is huge, with over 9,000 apps for e-commerce. Wix’s app market has over 250 apps, and Squarespace offers around 40 extensions from third-party developers. Shopify and Wix have a slight edge in mobile performance, with their websites loading quickly and efficiently on mobile devices.
Here are some key features to consider when it comes to mobile responsiveness and app integration:
- Mobile-responsive templates for a seamless user experience
- App marketplaces with various apps to enhance website functionality
- Mobile performance, with fast loading speeds and efficient website operation
By considering these factors, you can choose the platform that best meets your needs. Whether you prioritize mobile responsiveness, app integration, or mobile performance, Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify all have their strengths and weaknesses in these areas.
Customer Support and Resources
Having good customer support is key when you’re building a website. Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify offer different ways to get help. You can call, email, or chat live, depending on your plan.
It’s also important to have a detailed knowledge base. All three platforms have big knowledge bases. They cover everything from setting up to advanced customizations. Plus, there are forums and social media groups for community support.
Some important features include: * Many ways to get help, like phone, email, and live chat * A big knowledge base with tutorials and guides * Community support through forums and social media groups * Expert help and special support for premium plans
Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify want to help you succeed online. They offer reliable support and resources. This is true whether you’re new or have lots of experience.
DEPENDING ON MY EXPERIENCE ALL THESE PLATFORM ARE WINNING,
THEY PROVIDE A GOOD SUPPORT SERVICES
Performance and Security Features
Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify focus on performance and security for your website. They offer different hosting options to meet your needs. Also, uptime guarantees are crucial to keep your site up and running.
Shopify is PCI-DSS compliant, making it very secure for online transactions. Squarespace has some security features but not as many as Shopify. Wix provides SSL certificates and two-factor authentication for security.
Shopify is known for its fast speeds and handling big traffic. This is great for e-commerce sites, where speed is key. Squarespace and Wix are also fast but not as quick as Shopify.
- Hosting options: What plans are available, and what are the costs?
- Uptime guarantees: What level of uptime can you expect, and what happens if the platform goes down?
- Security features: What measures are in place to protect your website and visitors?
- Performance: How fast does the platform load, and can it handle high traffic volumes?
Think about these factors to choose the best platform for your site’s performance and security.
DEPENDING ON MY EXPERIENCE WINNER FOR PERFORMANCE AND SECURITY IS:SHOPIFY
Best Use Cases for Each Platform
Choosing the right website builder is key. You need to match the platform with your business needs. We’ll look at who should use Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify.
Wix is great for small businesses and individuals. It has over 900 templates and is easy to use. Squarespace is best for creatives who value design. It offers sleek templates for a beautiful website.
Here’s a breakdown of the ease of use for Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify:
- Wix: Very Easy to Use
Wix is known for its drag-and-drop interface, making it incredibly user-friendly, especially for beginners. You don’t need technical skills to create a website, and it offers great flexibility with design and customization.
- Squarespace: Easy to Use
Squarespace offers a polished, user-friendly experience with pre-designed templates. While it’s not as flexible as Wix in customization, its simplicity and aesthetic design make it easy for users to set up beautiful websites with minimal effort.
- Shopify: Moderately Easy to Use
Shopify is tailored for eCommerce, and while it’s relatively easy to use for online store creation, it has a steeper learning curve compared to Wix and Squarespace, especially if you’re new to managing a store. However, once you get the hang of it, Shopify is a powerful tool for growing a business.
Use Cases for Each Platform
- Wix: small businesses, individuals, and those who want a user-friendly interface
- Squarespace: creatives, businesses that prioritize design, and those who want a visually appealing website
- Shopify: e-commerce businesses, those who want advanced inventory management, and businesses that require multiple payment gateways
Think about your needs when choosing a platform. Wix is good for easy use and customization. Squarespace is for those who love design. Shopify is best for e-commerce with advanced features.(Read more)
Squarespace is perfect for businesses focusing on design. Wix is ideal for quick website creation. Shopify is best for e-commerce needs.
| Platform | Ideal Users | Perfect Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Wix | Small businesses, individuals | Quick and easy website creation |
| Squarespace | Creatives, businesses that prioritize design | Strong online presence, prioritizing design |
| Shopify | E-commerce businesses | Advanced inventory management, multiple payment gateways |
DEPENDING ON MY EXPERIENCE , WINNER FOR EASE OF USE IS: WIX
Subscriber Numbers for Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify in 2025
As of early 2025, the estimated number of subscribers for each platform is as follows:
| Platform | Number of Subscribers |
|---|---|
| Wix | 258 million users |
| Squarespace | 4.6 million unique subscriptions |
| Shopify | 700 million customers |
Please note that these figures are approximate and may vary based on different metrics and reporting methods.
Conclusion
Wix or Squarespace, and Shopify each have unique features for different needs. Whether you’re starting a small online store or a large e-commerce business, the right platform matters a lot.
Wix’s $17/month Business Basic plan is great for small businesses or individuals. Squarespace’s $27/month Basic Commerce plan is good for medium-sized stores. Shopify’s $29/month Basic plan is best for small online stores with advanced features.
For big businesses or high-volume e-commerce, Shopify’s advanced plans are better. They offer features like multi-location inventory management. Shopify also has a huge app marketplace and a 90-day trial for just $1.
Choosing the right platform depends on your business needs, budget, and customization needs. By comparing each platform’s pros and cons, you can make a smart choice. This will help your online venture succeed in the long run.
