When it comes to website systems, platforms like Squarespace often come up next to WordPress. Both look modern and powerful – but they follow completely different approaches. In this post I’ll show you the differences and which system truly makes sense for your project long-term.

Open source or platform: how free do you really want to be?

WordPress is an open-source CMS. You install it on your own hosting (e.g. with all-inkl.com), you have full access to files, database, and code – and you can customize everything however you want. I regularly develop custom plugins, for example, to implement exactly the functionality a project needs.

Squarespace works entirely in the browser. It’s a hosted system with an integrated editor. You sign up, choose a design, and can start right away. Simple, but also strongly limited: no FTP access, no PHP, no plugins – only what the platform allows.

Design & editing in comparison

Squarespace offers elegant templates with visual editing. Everything is geared towards design – but within a fixed framework.

WordPress is more flexible: you can use a ready-made theme, a page builder like Elementor, or build the entire design yourself. That requires more know-how – but offers infinitely more freedom.

Functionality and extensibility

Squarespace is limited to built-in features: blog, shop, forms, SEO – everything is there, but without real extension options.

WordPress is modular. Over 60,000 plugins are available. And if something is missing? No problem – I can code it for you.

Pricing model and control

Squarespace is only available as a subscription. You pay monthly – depending on the plan between 16€ and 49€. Hosting, SSL, backups, etc. are included – but you’re tied to the platform.

WordPress itself is free. You only need hosting (from around 5€/month with all-inkl.com). In return you keep full control – no dependency, no lock-ins, no system limits.

Who is which system suitable for?

My conclusion

Squarespace is a nice solution if you want to go online quickly and don’t have special requirements. But you keep paying long-term – and you’re technically limited.

WordPress is my preferred system for individual, scalable long-term projects. I can build custom designs and functionality, work independently of providers – or switch to TYPO3 or my own CMS when it makes more sense.

If you want more than just a “website builder with a pretty interface”, WordPress is clearly the better decision.