I’ll Explain Squarespace’s Pricing in 2024: See The Best Value Plan

squarespace pricing

When I first started looking into website builders, Squarespace was one of the first ones that popped up. Known for their beautiful templates and easy to use interface, Squarespace was high on my list. But like you, I was also wondering about the pricing.

After all, a good website should look good and be affordable. Let me break it down for you and I’ll share my thoughts along the way.

Key Points

  • Squarespace has four plans: Personal, Business, Basic Commerce, and Advanced Commerce.
  • Each plan is for different needs: personal blogs to full blown online stores.
  • Annual billing saves you money and includes a free domain for the first year.
  • Knowing the differences in pricing and features will help you choose the right plan for your site.

Squarespace Pricing Overview

When you’re building a website, Squarespace has four main plans: Personal, Business, Basic Commerce, and Advanced Commerce. Each plan is for different needs: personal blog, small business website or full blown online store. Here’s a quick look:

  • Personal ($16/month or $12/month): For individuals who want a simple and beautiful website without ecommerce.
  • Business ($26/month or $18/month): For small businesses with e-commerce, advanced analytics and custom code.
  • Basic Commerce ($30/month or $26/month): For those just starting to sell online with essential e-commerce tools no transaction fees.
  • Advanced Commerce ($46/month or $40/month): For established online stores with advanced e-commerce features like abandoned cart recovery and advanced shipping options.

The 14-Day Free Trial is Worth It

Before you commit to any of the Squarespace plans, I highly recommend you try out their 14-day free trial. This is a great opportunity to test the platform and see if it’s for you without any risk.

What You Can Do During the Free Trial

During the trial you can build your whole site, try out different templates and features from all plans. This was super helpful for me when deciding between the Business Plan and Basic Commerce.

My Trial Experience

I spent most of my trial testing the ecommerce features. This allowed me to get a feel for the backend, how products were managed and how customizable my store could be. By the end of the trial I was confident in choosing the Basic Commerce plan because I knew it had everything I needed.

Why Should You Trust This Guide?

As a web developer, I’ve spent years helping clients build and optimize their websites, and one of the most common questions I get is about choosing the right pricing plan on Squarespace. Whether you’re setting up a personal blog, launching a small business, or starting an online store, selecting the right plan is crucial to getting the most out of your website without overspending.

Given my experience in guiding clients through this decision-making process, I decided to create this comprehensive guide on Squarespace pricing. My goal is to help you understand the different options available and choose the plan that best suits your needs.

Whether you’re new to website building or looking to upgrade your current site, this guide will give you the clarity you need to make an informed decision.

What is Squarespace?

Before we get into the pricing let me quickly explain what Squarespace is. Squarespace is a website builder that allows you to create beautiful professional websites without knowing how to code. Whether you’re looking to build a portfolio, a blog or an ecommerce site, Squarespace has you covered. But of course all these perks come at a cost, which brings us to the plans.

Summary of Available Plans

Squarespace has four main plans:

  1. Personal: For individuals or bloggers who want a simple and beautiful website.
  2. Business: For small businesses that need more features like email and advanced analytics.
  3. Basic Commerce: For those who want to start selling online with essential ecommerce features.
  4. Advanced Commerce: For established businesses that need advanced ecommerce features like abandoned cart recovery and gift cards.

Squarespace Pricing ComparisonTable

Pricing Plan
Monthly Price (Paid Monthly)

Monthly Price (Paid Annually)
Best ForKey Features

Personal

$16/month

$12/month

Personal websites/blogs

Free custom domain (annual), SSL security, mobile optimization, basic metrics

Business

$26/month

$18/month

Small businesses

All Personal Plan features, advanced analytics, professional email, e-commerce, custom code

Basic Commerce

$30/month

$26/month

E-commerce startups

No transaction fees, customer accounts, point-of-sale, e-commerce analytics

Advanced Commerce

$46/month

$40/month

Established online stores

All Basic Commerce features, abandoned cart recovery, advanced shipping, gift cards

Breakdown of Each Pricing Plan

squarespace pricing

Personal Plan

I started with the Personal Plan. It’s $16/month if you pay monthly or $12/month if you pay annually. This plan is great if you want a simple website without all the business features. You get a free custom domain for the first year, SSL security and unlimited bandwidth.

The templates are all mobile optimized so your site will look great on any device. But there are some limitations—no ecommerce features and only basic website metrics. But if you’re just starting out it’s a good choice.

Business Plan

As my site grew I upgraded to the Business Plan which is $26/month (monthly) or $18/month (annually). This plan includes everything in the Personal Plan plus a lot more. You get access to premium integrations and blocks, advanced website analytics and professional email from Google.

The biggest upgrade though is the ecommerce features. You can start selling products but keep in mind there’s a 3% transaction fee. This plan also allows you to add custom code which is great if you want to customize your site further.

Basic Commerce Plan

When I decided to get into ecommerce I found the Basic Commerce Plan to be the sweet spot. It’s $30/month (monthly) or $26/month (annually) and eliminates the transaction fees from the Business Plan and adds customer accounts, point-of-sale options and ecommerce analytics. This plan is great for those who are serious about selling online but don’t need the advanced features of the next tier.

Advanced Commerce Plan

If you’re running a full blown online store the Advanced Commerce Plan is probably what you need. It’s $46/month (monthly) or $40/month (annually) and includes everything from the Basic Commerce Plan plus abandoned cart recovery, advanced shipping options and gift cards.

It’s a bit pricey but if these features will help you make more sales then it’s worth it. Personally I find this plan most useful for businesses that have outgrown the Basic Commerce Plan and need those extra tools to maximize revenue.

Monthly vs Annual Billing

When I was choosing my plan I had to decide between monthly and annual billing. Here’s what I found: Annual billing is always the better deal if you plan to stick with Squarespace long term. Not only do you get a lower monthly rate but Squarespace also throws in a free domain for the first year which can save you around $20.

But if you’re just testing the waters or need a site for a short term project, monthly billing gives you the flexibility to cancel at any time without being locked in for a longer term.

Additional Costs to Consider

Squarespace’s pricing is simple but there are a few extra costs to consider.

  • Domain Name: While Squarespace gives you a free domain for the first year on annual plans, you’ll need to pay for it after that. Domain costs range from $20 to $70 per year depending on the extension.
  • Email Services: If you want a professional email (yourname@yourdomain.com) you’ll need to use a third party service like Google Workspace which is around $6/month per user.
  • Extensions and Add-Ons: Squarespace has a marketplace for extensions and while many are free some premium ones come with extra costs. These can add up depending on what you need.

How to Choose the Right Squarespace Plan

Choosing the right Squarespace plan depends on what you need from your website. Here’s my advice:

  • Personal use: The Personal Plan is a good starting point. It’s cheap and has all the basic features you need to build a website.
  • Small business: The Business Plan is the sweet spot. The ability to add custom code and sell products makes it worth the upgrade.
  • Ecommerce Beginners: The Basic Commerce Plan is perfect if you’re just starting to sell online. No transaction fees and extra ecommerce features is great value.
  • Established Ecommerce Users: If you’re serious about your online store the Advanced Commerce Plan’s features are worth the investment. It’s more expensive but those features could pay for themselves with more sales.

Is Squarespace Worth the Cost?

After using Squarespace for a bit I can say it’s good value for money especially compared to Wix and WordPress. It’s a bit more expensive but the design and ease of use is what sets it apart. For someone like me who values design and simplicity Squarespace’s pricing is worth it. But if you’re on a tight budget or need something very specific that Squarespace doesn’t offer then it might be worth considering other options.

How to Save on Squarespace Pricing

Here are a few tips I’ve found to save on Squarespace pricing:

  • Use Discount Codes: Squarespace often has discount codes especially around holidays. A quick Google search will often turn up a code that will save you 10-20%.
  • Go Annual: As I mentioned above annual billing saves you money in the long run. Plus you get that free domain for the first year which is a nice bonus.
  • Try the Free Trial: Before committing to any plan try the 14 day free trial. It gives you time to try out the platform and make sure it’s right for you.

Squarespace Pricing FAQs

Is Squarespace pricing negotiable?

No, Squarespace pricing isn’t negotiable. They have set prices for each plan and while you can save by going annual or using a discount code there isn’t any room for negotiation. But honestly I think the prices are fair.

Can I upgrade or downgrade my plan?

Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade at any time. If you upgrade the change happens immediately and you’ll be charged a prorated amount for the rest of your billing cycle. Downgrades take effect at the end of your current billing period.

What happens if I cancel my plan?

If you cancel your plan Squarespace gives you a refund within the first 14 days of purchase. After that you won’t get a refund but you can still use your site until the end of the billing period. I think this is a fair policy especially since you can cancel at any time.

Are there any hidden fees with Squarespace?

Not really. What you see is what you get with Squarespace. The only extra costs are for things like domains, email services and any premium extensions you choose to add. As long as you know about these there shouldn’t be any surprises.

Squarespace Pricing vs Competitors

When I first started comparing website builders pricing was a big factor. Squarespace is often compared to Wix, WordPress and Weebly. Here’s how Squarespace pricing compares to these competitors:

Squarespace vs Wix Pricing

Wix has more pricing options starting with a free plan and going up to their VIP plan. But I found the features in Wix’s lower tier plans don’t quite match up to what Squarespace offers especially in terms of design and e-commerce. If you want a professional looking site the higher cost of Squarespace might be worth it.

Squarespace vs WordPress Pricing

WordPress is a whole different animal. While WordPress.org is free, you need to factor in the cost of hosting, themes and plugins which can add up quick. I’ve used both and while WordPress offers more flexibility it’s also more complicated. For those who want an all in one solution with simple pricing Squarespace is often the better choice.

Squarespace vs Weebly Pricing

Weebly’s pricing is similar to Squarespace’s but in my experience Weebly doesn’t quite measure up in terms of design quality and overall user experience. If you’re on a tight budget Weebly might save you a few bucks but if you value aesthetics and ease of use Squarespace is worth the extra cost.

How to Upgrade Your Squarespace Plan as Your Business Grows

One of the things I like most about Squarespace pricing is the ability to upgrade your plan as your needs change. This is key for anyone starting small but planning for growth.

When to Upgrade

If you find yourself needing more advanced features like premium integrations, custom code or enhanced e-commerce capabilities it’s time to upgrade. For example I started with the Business Plan and upgraded to Basic Commerce when I needed to get rid of transaction fees and offer customer accounts.

How to Upgrade

Upgrading is easy you can do it right from your Squarespace dashboard. The best part? The upgrade happens instantly so you can start using the new features right away. The cost is prorated so you only pay the difference for the remainder of your billing cycle.

My Recommendation

If you have an ecommerce store I recommend starting with the Basic Commerce plan. It’s a solid foundation and gives you room to grow without having to worry about transaction fees.

Squarespace Domain Pricing and Renewal Costs

Domains are a part of your online presence and understanding the costs associated with them is important when looking at Squarespace pricing.

What’s Included with Your Squarespace Plan

Squarespace gives you a free domain for the first year if you opt for an annual billing plan. This is a nice perk if you’re just starting out. But after the first year you’ll need to pay to renew your domain.

Domain Renewal Costs

The cost to renew your domain through Squarespace is around $20 to $70 per year depending on the domain extension (e.g. .com, .net, .org). In my experience this is pretty standard across most domain registrars but something to keep in mind when budgeting for your site.

Register Elsewhere?

Some people register their domain through a separate registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap and then connect it to their Squarespace site. I’ve done this before and while it can save you a few bucks it adds an extra layer of complexity. For simplicity I usually recommend keeping everything with Squarespace if you’re not tech savvy.

How to Make the Most of Your Squarespace Subscription

Now that you’ve chosen your plan how do you get the most out of Squarespace pricing?

Use What’s Included

Make sure you’re using everything that’s included with your plan. For example if you’re on the Business Plan use the premium blocks and integrations. These can add a lot of value to your site without any extra cost.

Review Your Site Regularly

As your site grows your needs will change. I recommend reviewing your site’s performance and feature usage every few months. This will help you decide if it’s time to upgrade (or downgrade) your plan.

Use the Support

Squarespace’s support is included with your subscription and it’s pretty good. Whenever I’ve had issues or needed advice on how to optimize my site their support team has been helpful and quick to respond. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help—you’re paying for it!

Squarespace Pricing in a Nutshell

Ultimately Squarespace pricing is about finding the right balance between cost and features for your needs. Whether you’re starting a simple blog or building an online store Squarespace has a plan for you.

Overall the platform is worth it. Just know what you need and how you’ll grow. Then you’ll find a Squarespace plan that works.

I'm a highly motivated self-taught software developer with over a decade of experience. My journey in software development began when I left college to pursue my passion, and since then I have been working on a wide range of projects. I have extensive experience creating custom WordPress sites, mobile apps using React Native, web apps using React-based frameworks, and Shopify apps with Node.js. I have also played with numerous other technologies, tools, and frameworks over time, and have contributed to many open-source projects. I pride myself on creating clean, well-formatted, and properly documented code that is easy to maintain. My perfectionist approach ensures that every project I deliver meets the highest standards. I always ask myself, "If I were the client, would I be happy with this?" This mindset has helped me to deliver excellent projects for my clients and build a reputation for quality work.

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