Choosing between Webflow and Squarespace for your website isn't just a technical decision, it's a pivotal choice that can influence your site's performance, scalability, and your overall business growth. Whether you're a startup aiming for flexibility, a creative agency seeking customization, or a small business looking for simplicity, this decision matters.
But here's the thing: you don't need to wade through complex jargon or endless comparisons to make an informed choice. In this straightforward guide, we'll break down the key differences between Webflow and Squarespace, helping you understand which platform aligns best with your goals.
By the end of this article, you'll have a clear, jargon-free understanding of which website builder suits your needs, empowering you to make a confident decision.
If you’re new to website builders, here’s the gist: Webflow and Squarespace are both tools that help you create websites without starting from scratch but they do it in very different ways.
Webflow is like giving you a blank canvas with all the tools you could imagine. It’s flexible, scalable, and SEO-friendly, making it a favorite for marketing teams, startups, and agencies that want full control over how their site looks and performs. Think of it as the platform that grows with your business. You can start small and scale without hitting limitations.
On the other hand, Squarespace is all about simplicity. It comes with polished, professional templates that are ready to go, making it perfect for small businesses or beginners who want a website that looks good quickly, without worrying about the technical stuff.
Both platforms get the job done, but if you’re thinking long-term and want room to grow, Webflow tends to offer more flexibility down the road.
Which Platform Might Be Right for You? (Interactive Decision Quiz)
Still unsure whether Webflow or Squarespace is the right choice? Don’t worry you’re not alone. Choosing a website platform can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a quick, friendly quiz to help you figure out which platform fits your needs best. Just answer these questions as honestly as you can:
1. How much control do you want over your website design?
- Option A: I want to control almost everything layout, interactions, animations, and design details.
→ This points to Webflow, where you can customize nearly every pixel.
- Option B: I want something that looks great out of the box, with minimal tweaking.
→ This leans toward Squarespace, which gives you polished templates ready to go.
2. How big is your team or business?
- Option A: I’m part of a small business or flying solo.
→ Squarespace can get you a professional-looking site fast without much setup.
- Option B: I’m in a startup, agency, or a growing marketing team.
→ Webflow is better for collaboration, scaling, and complex projects.
3. How important is SEO and long-term growth to you?
- Option A: I care a lot about SEO, site performance, and growth opportunities.
→ Webflow gives more control over technical SEO, structured data, and future-proofing your site.
- Option B: I just want a simple site; SEO isn’t a top priority right now.
→ Squarespace handles basic SEO automatically.
4. How comfortable are you with learning a slightly more advanced tool?
- Option A: I don’t mind investing a little time to learn something powerful.
→ Webflow offers incredible flexibility, but it comes with a learning curve.
- Option B: I want the simplest tool possible that works immediately.
→ Squarespace is designed for ease of use and speed.
5. Do you plan to scale or expand your website in the future?
- Option A: Yes! I might add e-commerce, custom features, or hundreds of pages.
→ Webflow is built for scalability; you won’t outgrow it quickly.
- Option B: No, my site will stay fairly simple with occasional updates.
→ Squarespace is perfect for a small, steady site.
Result: Where Do You Land?
- If most of your answers point to Webflow, you’ll get full flexibility, long-term growth options, and more control over design and SEO.
- If most of your answers point to Squarespace, you’ll get ease of use, quick setup, and beautiful templates perfect for smaller projects or beginners.
Next Step: Now that you know which category you fall into, let’s dive deeper into the features, pricing, SEO, and real-world examples of both platforms so you can make a confident decision.
Feature Comparison: Webflow vs Squarespace
Let’s break it down in simple terms. Here’s how Webflow and Squarespace stack up on the features that really matter:
| Feature |
Webflow |
Squarespace |
What It Means for You |
| Design Flexibility & Customization |
Almost complete control over every design element, layouts, animations, and interactions. |
Limited to template structure; some customization available but not fully flexible. |
If you want a truly unique site or plan to scale design complexity over time, Webflow gives you more freedom. Squarespace is great if you just want a polished look fast |
| SEO & Analytics |
Advanced SEO controls: meta tags, alt text, structured data, Google Analytics integration |
Basic SEO tools built in, works fine for simple sites. |
Webflow is better for businesses that care about ranking and growing traffic. Squarespace covers basic needs. |
| E-commerce Capabilities |
Full-featured e-commerce: product variants, custom checkout, integrations, and scalability. |
Simple e-commerce for small stores; limited advanced functionality. |
Planning to sell a lot or scale your store? Webflow is the stronger choice. For a small online shop, Squarespace works. |
| Integrations & Plugins |
Supports a wide range of third-party integrations and APIs. |
Limited plugins and integrations; mostly built-in features. |
Need advanced tools or marketing software? Webflow plays nicely with more systems. |
| Ease of Use |
Steeper learning curve but powerful once you know it. |
Very easy to use; drag-and-drop, ready-made templates. |
Squarespace is beginner-friendly. Webflow takes some learning but pays off for control and growth. |
| Pricing & Value for Money |
Higher starting cost, but better ROI for scalable projects. |
Cheaper upfront, good for simple sites or small businesses. |
Squarespace is great for getting started quickly; Webflow is an investment for long-term flexibility. |
Key Takeaways (Plain Language)
- Webflow = Power & Growth
If you want full control, better SEO, scalable e-commerce, and flexibility to grow, Webflow is your best bet.
- Squarespace = Simple & Quick
If you want a beautiful website fast, with minimal learning, and don’t plan to scale aggressively, Squarespace is ideal.
- Your Choice Depends on Goals
Ask yourself: Do you want simplicity or room to grow? Design control or ready-made templates? Long-term flexibility or fast setup?
Who Should Use Which Platform? (Detailed Decision Matrix / Checklist)
Choosing the right website platform isn’t just about features, it's about who you are, what your goals are, and how much you want to grow. Here’s a breakdown to help you see where you fit:
Marketing Teams → Webflow
If you’re part of a marketing team, your website isn’t just a brochure it’s a tool. You probably need:
- Complete design control for campaigns and landing pages
- Easy integration with marketing tools (email, analytics, CRMs)
- Advanced SEO capabilities to drive traffic
Why Webflow? It gives you the flexibility to create highly customized pages, test campaigns, and optimize without running into platform limitations. You can launch, tweak, and scale your site as your marketing strategies evolve.
Startups → Webflow
Startups often grow fast, pivot quickly, and need a website that can keep up. You might need:
- Scalability for new features and products
- Custom workflows for your unique business model
- A website that looks professional but adapts to change
Why Webflow? Webflow is perfect for startups because it grows with you. You can start small and gradually add new sections, complex layouts, or e-commerce capabilities as your business expands without rebuilding your site from scratch.
Creative Agencies → Webflow
Agencies need tools that let them showcase creativity and deliver client projects without compromise. Key priorities include:
- Full design freedom for unique client websites
- Ability to handle multiple projects efficiently
- Support for client handoffs and custom integrations
Why Webflow? Agencies love Webflow because it allows for complete design customization, advanced animations, and complex structures, all while keeping projects organized and professional.
Small Businesses / Beginners → Squarespace
If you’re a small business owner or a beginner, your priority is likely:
- Getting a website up fast
- Simple management without a steep learning curve
- Beautiful templates that look professional immediately
Why Squarespace? Squarespace is ideal here because it provides ready-to-use templates, drag-and-drop editing, and built-in features for a polished website with no design experience needed. It’s perfect for businesses that want a simple, reliable site without extra hassle.
- Webflow → Best if you want flexibility, scalability, and control. Ideal for marketing teams, startups, and agencies that plan to grow or need advanced features.
- Squarespace → Best if you want simplicity and speed. Perfect for small businesses or beginners who want a professional website without diving into complex tools.
Pricing – What You’re Really Paying
Let’s talk money because at the end of the day, your website has to fit your budget and your long-term goals.
Both Webflow and Squarespace offer monthly and annual plans, but the way they charge and what you get can feel a bit confusing if you’re new to website builders. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Plan Type |
Webflow |
Squarespace |
Notes / What It Means for You |
| Basic Website |
$16/month (billed annually) |
$16/month (billed annually) |
Both are similar for a basic site, but Webflow gives slightly more control over SEO and design. |
| Business/Growth |
$29–$49/month |
$23–$27/month |
Squarespace is cheaper upfront, but Webflow includes more advanced features that help if you want to scale. |
| E-commerce / Online Store |
$29–$212/month (depending on features) |
$27–$49/month |
Webflow is built to grow your store and customize checkout, while Squarespace is good for smaller stores. |
| Hidden Costs |
Templates mostly free, but some advanced integrations may cost extra |
Templates included, some add-ons cost extra |
Keep in mind add-ons, custom code, or third-party apps can add up on either platform. |
Here’s What It Really Means for You
- Webflow: Slightly higher upfront, but designed for businesses that plan to grow, customize, or scale their website over time. You’re investing in flexibility and future-proofing.
- Squarespace: Affordable and simple, great if you’re happy with a ready-made, easy-to-manage site without plans to expand heavily.
Note: Think of it this way: it’s not just about the monthly fee. It’s about the value you get for your goals. Spending a bit more now on Webflow can save headaches later if your business grows or needs more advanced features.
Ease of Use – Who Can Actually Handle It?
When it comes to building a website, how easy it is to use matters just as much as features. Nobody wants to spend hours scratching their head trying to figure out where things go. Let’s see how Webflow and Squarespace compare for different types of users:
Marketers
- Webflow: Offers full flexibility to create custom landing pages, integrate marketing tools, and tweak SEO but there’s a small learning curve.
- Squarespace: Easier to start, with ready-made templates, but customization is limited.
Tip: If you’re comfortable exploring a bit, Webflow gives you more control and long-term value.
Startups
- Webflow: Great for growing teams that want a site that scales. Might take a little time upfront, but it pays off as your business grows.
- Squarespace: Quick setup and simple management, but can feel restrictive as you add features.
Tip: Start with Webflow templates to save time, then customize gradually.
Creative Agencies
- Webflow: Perfect for agencies that need total design freedom, animations, and complex layouts. Takes time to master but the payoff is unique, professional sites for clients.
- Squarespace: Limited in customization, better for small-scale or internal projects.
Tip: Use Webflow’s designer-friendly interface and tutorials to get started efficiently.
Small Businesses / Beginners
- Webflow: Can feel overwhelming at first but with a little patience (and some tutorials), it’s manageable.
- Squarespace: Extremely beginner-friendly. Drag-and-drop editing and pre-designed templates make building your site quick and painless.
Tip: Squarespace is perfect for fast launches. If you eventually want to scale, consider migrating to Webflow later.
Quick Takeaways
- Squarespace = Fast & Simple → Great if you want a polished site with minimal learning.
- Webflow = More Powerful, Slightly Steeper Learning Curve → Worth it for marketers, startups, and agencies planning for growth.
- Getting Started Without Stress: Start with templates, explore tutorials, and don’t try to master everything at once. Even beginners can get a simple Webflow site up in a few days.
Conversion Note:
- If you want help getting started, our Webflow onboarding services make learning smooth, so you can focus on running your business instead of fighting your website.
SEO & Performance – Why It Matters
Even the most beautiful website won’t do much for your business if no one can find it. That’s why SEO (search engine optimization) and performance are just as important as design. Let’s break down how Webflow and Squarespace handle these key areas:
Page Speed
- Webflow: Optimized for fast loading times out of the box, with clean code and image compression. Faster pages mean better user experience and higher rankings in Google.
- Squarespace: Generally fast, but templates can sometimes be heavier, which may slightly slow down load times.
Takeaway: Faster websites keep visitors happy and make it easier for Google to rank your pages.
Mobile-Friendliness
- Webflow: Fully responsive design. You can customize layouts for mobile, tablet, and desktop.
- Squarespace: Templates are mobile-friendly, but customization options are limited.
Takeaway: Mobile users make up most of web traffic today. A responsive site is essential to keep visitors engaged and coming back.
SEO Tools
- Webflow: Offers full control over meta titles, descriptions, alt text, structured data, and automatic sitemap generation. You can integrate Google Analytics, Search Console, and other marketing tools easily.
- Squarespace: Covers basic SEO (titles, descriptions, alt text), but fewer options for advanced SEO tactics.
Takeaway: If ranking higher in search results and getting more organic traffic is important, Webflow gives you more control to make it happen.
Analytics & Insights
- Webflow: Connects seamlessly with Google Analytics, Hotjar, and other analytics tools for deep insights into user behavior.
- Squarespace: Built-in analytics are easy to read but limited in depth compared to Webflow.
Takeaway: Better analytics mean smarter decisions. Webflow helps you see what’s working and what’s not so you can grow faster.
Quick Takeaways
- Webflow = Control & Growth → Faster, more SEO-friendly, and fully customizable for scaling.
- Squarespace = Simple & Basic → Works fine for small sites with minimal SEO needs.
- Remember: Speed, mobile responsiveness, and SEO aren’t optional; they affect how many people actually find and stay on your site.
How We Help You Build a Fast, Scalable Webflow Site
So, you’ve got a better sense of whether Webflow or Squarespace is right for you but maybe you’re still wondering, “Can someone just help me get this done?” That’s where That Webflow Agency comes in.
We specialize in building fast, secure, and scalable Webflow websites for marketing teams, startups, agencies, and small businesses. Here’s how we make your life easier:
- Strategy & Planning: We help you figure out what your site really needs so you don’t waste time or money.
- Custom Webflow Design & Development: From pixel-perfect design to responsive layouts, we handle the technical stuff so you can focus on your business.
- SEO & Performance Optimization: Your site won’t just look good it will load fast, rank well, and perform on all devices.
- Ongoing Support & Maintenance: We stick around to make updates, fix issues, and ensure your website keeps growing with your business.
Think of us as your website pit crew ready to handle the heavy lifting while you run the show.
Choosing between Webflow and Squarespace doesn’t have to be complicated. In simple terms, Webflow is best for marketing teams, startups, and creative agencies who want flexibility, scalability, and full control over design, SEO, and long-term growth. It gives you the tools to create a truly customized website that can grow with your business, handle complex layouts, and adapt to your evolving needs.On the other hand, Squarespace is ideal for small businesses or beginners who want a polished, professional-looking site quickly and with minimal effort. Its templates and drag-and-drop interface make launching a website simple and stress-free, which is perfect if you’re focused on getting online fast rather than building a highly customized, scalable site.
At the end of the day, both platforms can work, but your choice comes down to how much control you want, how fast you want to launch, and what your long-term goals are. If you’re leaning toward Webflow and want a fast, secure, stress-free website that grows with your business, That Webflow Agency can help. Think of us as your website pit crew handling all the heavy lifting while you focus on running your business.