Comparing Squarespace vs. WIX in 2026

I’m biased. I have been a Squarespace designer since 2016 and I truly love the platform even though I sometimes wish it had some features that don’t currently exist. But I’ve seen the behind the scenes work Squarespace does to improve its product and the team there always gives me reason to believe.

I recently helped a client with his WIX site and although I have worked with WIX in the past, I hadn’t looked at it carefully in some time. I wanted to share my thoughts on the differences between the two web builder platforms.

Squarespace and Wix are two of the most popular all-in-one website builders available today. Both allow users to create professional websites without coding, manage hosting and security, and launch quickly. However, they differ significantly in design philosophy, flexibility, ecosystem structure, and overall user experience. Below is a comparison of their advantages and disadvantages, presented with a focus on the strengths of Squarespace while acknowledging where Wix may offer benefits.

Design Quality and Aesthetics

Squarespace Advantages

Squarespace is widely recognized for its design-forward templates. Its themes emphasize strong typography, balanced spacing, and clean layouts that create a polished, modern appearance. Even with minimal customization, websites built on Squarespace often look cohesive and professional.

The platform enforces visual consistency across pages through structured design systems, global styles, and section-based layouts. This reduces the risk of visual inconsistencies and helps maintain brand integrity.

Wix Considerations

Wix offers a larger number of templates and allows extensive design flexibility. Its drag-and-drop editor enables users to position elements almost anywhere on a page. While this flexibility can be empowering, it may also increase the likelihood of inconsistent spacing, misalignment, or visual clutter if not carefully managed.

Editing Experience

Squarespace Advantages

Squarespace uses a structured, section-based editor that emphasizes layout integrity. Content blocks align within a grid system, which helps maintain visual harmony across devices. This approach reduces the need for pixel-level adjustments and encourages efficient workflows.

The editing interface is streamlined and organized, allowing users to focus on content, branding, and messaging rather than technical layout issues.

Wix Considerations

Wix provides near-total freedom in element placement. This can be beneficial for highly customized layouts or unconventional designs. However, the increased level of control also introduces more design decisions and potential complexity.

Brand Consistency

Squarespace Advantages

Squarespace emphasizes cohesive design through global style settings. Users can define typography, color palettes, spacing rules, and button styles that apply consistently across the entire site. This structured approach makes it easier to maintain a unified brand identity.

Templates are built around strong visual hierarchies, helping guide visitors naturally through content.

Wix Considerations

Wix also allows global styling, but its flexible editing system makes it easier to override styles on individual elements. While this can be useful in some cases, it may lead to inconsistency if not carefully managed.

E-Commerce Capabilities

Squarespace Advantages

Squarespace integrates e-commerce features seamlessly into its design framework. Product pages, checkout flows, and storefront layouts are visually aligned with the overall site aesthetic. This integration supports a cohesive brand experience.

The platform handles essential commerce functions—inventory management, digital products, subscriptions, and payment processing—within a unified interface, reducing reliance on third-party add-ons.

Wix Considerations

Wix also offers strong e-commerce functionality and may provide a wider range of app-based enhancements for specialized needs. However, integrating multiple apps can sometimes introduce interface inconsistencies or added complexity.

Built-In Features vs. App Marketplace

Squarespace Advantages

Squarespace provides many core features natively, including blogging, scheduling, analytics, email campaigns, and basic marketing tools. Because these tools are built into the platform, they share a consistent design language and interface.

This integrated ecosystem reduces dependency on external apps and minimizes compatibility concerns.

Wix Considerations

Wix offers a large app marketplace with numerous third-party integrations. This can be beneficial for niche functionality or industry-specific needs. However, relying on multiple apps may create a more fragmented management experience.

SEO and Performance

Squarespace Advantages

Squarespace includes essential SEO tools such as customizable title tags, meta descriptions, clean URLs, and automatic sitemaps. Its structured templates encourage logical content hierarchy and mobile responsiveness.

The platform’s emphasis on typography, spacing, and readability contributes to positive user experience factors, which can indirectly support search performance.

Wix Considerations

Wix also supports SEO fundamentals and has improved significantly in recent years. However, due to the flexibility of its editor, maintaining clean content structure may require more attention from the user.

Pricing and Value

Squarespace Advantages

Squarespace offers straightforward pricing tiers with clearly bundled features. Plans typically include hosting, SSL certificates, templates, and essential tools without requiring numerous add-ons.

For users seeking a streamlined experience with integrated tools, this bundled approach can simplify budgeting and reduce decision fatigue.

Wix Considerations

Wix provides a broader range of pricing plans, including lower entry-level options. This may appeal to users seeking maximum flexibility in feature selection. However, advanced functionality may require additional paid apps.

Flexibility and Customization

Squarespace Advantages

Squarespace balances customization with structure. Users can modify layouts, typography, and color schemes while working within a cohesive design framework. This approach helps maintain visual quality across devices and screen sizes.

The platform also supports custom CSS and code injection for advanced users who require deeper customization.

Wix Considerations

Wix’s drag-and-drop flexibility enables highly customized layouts without code. For projects requiring unconventional positioning or experimental designs, this may be advantageous.

Overall Comparison

Squarespace excels in delivering cohesive design, streamlined editing, and integrated features within a unified system. Its structured approach supports brand consistency and professional aesthetics with reduced risk of design fragmentation.

Wix offers broader design freedom and an extensive app marketplace, which may benefit users with highly specific or unconventional requirements.

The decision ultimately depends on priorities. For users who value strong design foundations, visual consistency, and an integrated platform experience, Squarespace provides a compelling solution. For those who prioritize maximum flexibility and extensive third-party integrations, Wix may offer additional customization opportunities.