If you're building a website for your small business, Squarespace and Wix are probably the first two names you'll come across. Both let you build a professional site without writing code. Both have templates, AI tools and built-in hosting. So which one should you choose?
We'll be upfront: at FirstGen Pro VAs, we build most of our client websites on Squarespace. But Wix is a genuinely good platform, and for some businesses it's the better fit. Here's an honest Squarespace vs Wix comparison to help you decide.
Prices and plan details were checked on both official pricing pages in October 2026. Both companies say prices vary by location and change from time to time, so check the current price where you are before you sign up.
The short answer
Choose Squarespace if you want a polished, professional look with less effort, and a site that's hard to accidentally "break."
Choose Wix if you want to start for free, like full drag-and-drop control over where everything goes, or need features like bookings on a mid-range plan.
Now for the details.
Ease of use
Wix uses a freeform drag-and-drop editor. You can place text, images and buttons almost anywhere on the page. That's great if you like control, but it's also easy to end up with a page that looks messy, especially on mobile.
Squarespace uses a more structured, section-based editor. You have a little less freedom, but your pages stay neat and consistent, and they tend to look good on phones without much fixing.
Our take: for most busy business owners who want a clean site without fuss, Squarespace's structure is a plus. If you enjoy designing and want pixel-level control, you may prefer Wix.
Design and templates
Both platforms offer plenty of templates and AI tools to help you get started. Wix has more than 2,000 templates and an AI builder that can create a site from a short description. Squarespace's templates are known for their clean, modern, magazine-style look.
If design quality matters most and you don't want to spend hours adjusting layouts, Squarespace usually gets you to a professional result faster. Wix gives you more variety and more freedom to make something different.
Free plan vs free trial
This is one of the biggest differences.
Wix has a free plan with no time limit. The catch: your site shows a Wix ad banner, uses a Wix web address rather than your own domain, and can't take payments. It's fine for testing ideas, but not for a serious business website.
Squarespace has no free plan, but it offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.
Either way, a real business website needs a paid plan so you can use your own domain name and remove the platform's branding.
Pricing
Here's what each platform showed for annual billing when we checked in October 2026. Squarespace's prices were viewed from Jamaica, and Wix shows US dollar prices "for reference only," so you may see different numbers where you are.
Squarespace: no free plan; Basic US$12 a month, Core US$17 a month, Advanced US$25 a month.
Wix: Free US$0; Light US$17 a month, Core US$29 a month, Business US$39 a month, Business Elite US$159 a month.
Both platforms include a free custom domain for the first year on paid annual plans, and both charge more if you pay month to month.
Selling online and taking payments
Squarespace: every paid plan lets you sell products and services and send invoices. The Basic plan charges a 2% transaction fee on online store sales. Core and Advanced remove that fee, though normal payment processing fees still apply.
Wix: the Light plan can't accept payments. You need Core or higher to sell online, take payments and use scheduling for services and appointments.
A tip for Caribbean businesses: before you choose any platform, check which payment processors work in your country and how payouts reach your bank. This can matter more than the website platform itself.
Team access
If more than one person will work on the site, check how many collaborators each plan allows. Squarespace's Basic plan allows up to 2 contributors, and Core and Advanced allow unlimited contributors. Wix allows 2 collaborators on Light, 5 on Core and 10 on Business.
SEO and getting found on Google
Both Squarespace and Wix give you the SEO basics a small business needs: custom page titles and descriptions, clean web addresses, mobile-friendly design, image alt text and the ability to connect Google tools. Neither platform will rank you on its own. What matters far more is having clear, useful content (like this blog) and a properly set-up site.
Squarespace vs Wix: side by side
Editor style: Squarespace uses structured sections that stay neat by default. Wix is freeform drag and drop.
Free plan: Squarespace has none (14-day free trial). Wix has one, with Wix ads and a Wix web address.
Cheapest paid plan (annual): Squarespace Basic, US$12 a month. Wix Light, US$17 a month. Prices as shown in October 2026 and may vary by location.
Cheapest plan that takes payments: Squarespace Basic (2% store fee). Wix Core.
Templates: Squarespace offers polished, modern designs. Wix offers 2,000+ templates.
Best for: Squarespace suits a professional look with low maintenance. Wix suits creative control and starting free.
So, which is better for a small business?
There's no wrong answer here. Both are solid, well-established platforms.
Pick Squarespace if you're a service business, consultant, real estate professional, creative or anyone who wants a clean, professional website that's easy to keep looking good.
Pick Wix if you want to start free, love tweaking designs, or need bookings and selling on the same mid-range plan.
The bigger risk isn't picking the wrong platform. It's picking one and then never finishing the site, or launching something that doesn't clearly say what you do. Our checklist of 7 things visitors check on a small business website is a good place to start.
Want it done for you?
At FirstGen Pro VAs, we design, redesign and maintain small business websites, mostly on Squarespace. We focus on what actually brings in business: a clear message, a layout that works on phones, and an obvious way for visitors to contact or book you.
See our Websites & Online Presence services or book a free consultation, and we'll help you work out what your site needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Squarespace better than Wix?
It depends on what you value. Squarespace is better if you want a polished, consistent design with less effort. Wix is better if you want a free plan or complete drag-and-drop control.
Is Wix really free?
Wix has a free plan with no time limit, but it shows Wix ads, uses a Wix web address and can't take payments. Most businesses will need a paid plan.
Does Squarespace have a free plan?
No. Squarespace offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, then you choose a paid plan.
Which is easier to use, Squarespace or Wix?
Wix is easier to start with if you like dragging things anywhere on the page. Squarespace is easier to keep looking tidy, because its structured layouts prevent most design mistakes.
Which is better for SEO, Squarespace or Wix?
Both cover the SEO basics small businesses need. Your content, page titles and site structure matter far more than the platform you choose.
Can I move my website from Wix to Squarespace?
Yes, but it isn't automatic. You'll usually rebuild the pages on the new platform and move your text and images across, then point your domain to the new site.
