Squarespace offers four main plans: Personal ($12/month), Business ($17–$18/month), Commerce Basic ($23/month), and Commerce Advanced ($35/month) with annual billing. Features range from essential site tools to advanced eCommerce functions. The Business plan includes a 3% transaction fee, while Commerce plans remove these fees. A custom web address is free for the first year on annual plans. Additional services and discounts are available. More details are provided when comparing the specific differences between each plan.
Key Takeaways
- Squarespace offers four main plans: Personal ($12/month), Business ($17/month), Commerce Basic ($23/month), and Commerce Advanced ($35/month) when billed annually.
- Annual plans are up to 36% cheaper than monthly billing, with the Personal Plan saving $48 per year.
- All plans include a 14-day free trial and a free custom domain for the first year with annual subscriptions.
- Only the Business Plan charges a 3% transaction fee on sales; Commerce plans have no transaction fees.
- Additional costs may include domain renewal ($10–$20/year), payment processing fees, and optional premium features or third-party apps.
Overview of Squarespace Pricing Structure
While evaluating website building solutions, it is essential to understand the pricing structure offered by Squarespace, which consists of four primary plans: Personal ($12/month billed annually), Business ($17/month), Commerce Basic ($23/month), and Commerce Advanced ($35/month).
Each plan includes a 14-day free trial, allowing users to assess the platform before committing. Annual subscriptions present cost savings compared to monthly billing.
For web address registration, Squarespace provides a free custom web address for the first year with annual plans; subsequent renewals typically cost $10–$20 per year.
Transaction fees differ across plans: the Business plan incurs a 3% fee on sales, while Commerce Basic and Commerce Advanced plans remove these fees, making them more suitable for online business.
This structured approach supports varied user needs.
Comparing All Squarespace Plans
A comparative analysis of all Squarespace plans highlights key differences in feature sets, pricing structures, and e-commerce capabilities.
Each plan addresses distinct user requirements, ranging from personal websites to advanced online stores.
This section presents a breakdown of included features, cost variations, and the scope of e-commerce tools across the available options.
Plan Features Breakdown
Clarity in selecting a website platform emerges from a detailed comparison of Squarespace’s four primary plans: Personal ($12/month annually), Business ($17/month annually), Commerce Basic ($23/month annually), and Commerce Advanced ($35/month annually).
The Personal plan, as listed on the pricing page, offers unlimited bandwidth, storage, basic SEO tools, and a complimentary web address for the first year but excludes eCommerce tools.
The Business plan introduces online selling capabilities and accepts payments, but imposes a 3% transaction fee on each sale.
Commerce Basic removes transaction fees and enhances eCommerce functionality, supporting customer accounts and inventory management.
Commerce Advanced further expands the plan features breakdown with advanced sales tools, including subscription products, abandoned cart recovery, and real-time shipping rates, targeting high-volume online businesses.
Pricing Differences Explained
Squarespace’s four primary pricing plans—Personal ($12/month annually), Business ($17/month annually), Commerce Basic ($23/month annually), and Commerce Advanced ($35/month annually)—reflect clear differences in both cost structure and included features.
The Personal Squarespace plan is positioned for basic websites, offering essential tools without eCommerce capabilities. The Business plan introduces eCommerce functionality but applies a 3% transaction fee on all sales, impacting profitability for online stores.
Upgrading to the Commerce Basic or Commerce Advanced plans removes all platform transaction fees, with Commerce Basic providing core eCommerce features and Advanced adding premium tools.
Opting for the annual billing cycle across any pricing plans results in substantial cost savings—up to 36%—and includes a complimentary website address for the first year. Additional expenses may include website address renewal and third-party integrations.
Ecommerce Capabilities Compared
Most Squarespace plans offer some level of eCommerce capability, but significant distinctions exist in transaction fees, feature sets, and scalability.
The Business Plan imposes a 3% transaction fee on each sale, which diminishes profit margins and is less suitable for growing online stores. In contrast, both the Commerce Basic Plan and Advanced Commerce Plan eliminate transaction fees, making them preferable for serious eCommerce operations.
The Commerce Basic Plan, at $23/month, provides essential tools such as customer accounts and product management. For $35/month, the Advanced Commerce Plan introduces advanced features, including subscription sales, abandoned cart recovery, dynamic shipping rates, and automated discounts.
Personal Plan: Features and Cost
The Personal Plan is priced at $12 per month with annual billing or $16 per month on a monthly basis, targeting users with basic website requirements.
Key features include unlimited bandwidth and storage, mobile optimization, and a complimentary custom URL for the first year on annual plans.
This plan is optimized for individuals such as bloggers or portfolio creators, but excludes eCommerce functions and advanced integrations.
Core Features Breakdown
Although positioned as an entry-level option, the Personal Plan offers unlimited bandwidth and storage at $12 per month when billed annually, or $16 per month for monthly billing.
This Squarespace plan is designed for individuals or small-scale website projects where simple content hosting is required. The pricing structure includes a complimentary custom web address for the first year with annual payment, enhancing the value proposition.
Core features encompass essential SEO guidance and mobile optimization, ensuring that websites are discoverable and function efficiently across devices.
Significantly, the Personal plan omits eCommerce functionality, making it unsuitable for users intending to conduct online sales.
Pricing and Payment Options
With annual billing set at $12 per month and monthly billing at $16, Squarespace’s Personal Plan targets individuals seeking an affordable, entry-level website solution. This plan’s Squarespace pricing structure supports two payment options: discounted annual billing or flexible monthly cost. Key features include unlimited bandwidth, storage, access to 180 templates, and mobile optimization. A notable value is the free web address for one year with annual subscriptions. However, eCommerce plan capabilities are not available, which restricts online selling functionality. The included SEO and website health tools enhance site performance for non-commercial users. The table below outlines the plan’s core attributes for clarity.
| Feature | Personal Plan | eCommerce Plan Available? |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (Annual) | $12 | No |
| Monthly Cost (Monthly) | $16 | No |
| Free Web Address | 1 Year (Annual Only) | No |
| Bandwidth/Storage | Unlimited | No |
| Templates | 180+ | No |
Ideal User Profiles
Affordability defines the Personal Plan, positioning it as a cost-effective option at $12 per month billed annually or $16 on a monthly basis for individuals requiring a straightforward web presence.
Ideal user profiles for this plan include those seeking Squarespace pricing benefits without the complexity of eCommerce capabilities. The plan’s features—unlimited bandwidth and storage, a free custom web address for the first year (with annual billing), basic SEO tools, and mobile optimization—support personal blogs, portfolios, and informational websites.
- No eCommerce capabilities make it unsuitable for businesses intending to sell online
- Free custom web address (first year, annual billing) adds value for personal branding
- Unlimited bandwidth/storage supports content-heavy projects without extra charges
- Designed for users prioritizing simplicity and essential site functions over advanced commerce features
Business Plan: Features and Cost
For small businesses seeking integrated eCommerce capabilities, the Squarespace Business Plan is priced at $17 per month when billed annually or $24 when billed monthly.
This business plan includes all features from the Personal Plan, while adding eCommerce integration, enabling users to sell products online.
Key features include a free Gmail and Google Workspace account for the first year, pop-up functionality, email campaigns, and basic website analytics.
However, a 3% transaction fee is imposed on sales made through the eCommerce integration under this plan, which is not the case for higher-tier Commerce plans.
The cost structure and included features make the Business Plan suitable for small business owners who require a balance of website management tools and online selling, but wish to minimize initial investment.
Commerce Basic Plan: Features and Cost
The Commerce Basic Plan is priced at $23 per month when billed annually or $28 per month on a monthly basis.
It eliminates transaction fees, in contrast to the Business Plan, and provides a suite of key sales features such as customer accounts, stock indicators, and product waitlists.
Additional capabilities include product management tools, related product displays, and customer review collection.
Commerce Basic Plan Pricing
While aimed at businesses managing online stores, the Squarespace Commerce Basic Plan is priced at $23 per month when billed annually, or $28 per month with monthly billing.
This Squarespace subscription is designed to provide cost-effective access to e-commerce tools without imposing additional transaction fees on sales, distinguishing it from entry-level plans. However, standard credit card processing fees still apply, in line with industry norms.
The plan is particularly suited for small to medium-sized online stores seeking essential sales and customer management features. Key inclusions support efficient inventory tracking and customer engagement.
- No transaction fees on sales; only credit card processing fees are charged
- Customer account creation and product waitlist signup options
- Stock availability indicators to inform buyers in real-time
- Tools for showcasing related products and collecting customer reviews
Key Sales Features
Robust sales functionality defines the Squarespace Commerce Basic Plan, which is priced at $23 per month when billed annually or $28 per month with monthly billing. This plan is tailored for online stores seeking advanced product management tools and a streamlined user experience. Importantly, the Commerce Basic Plan eliminates transaction fees, allowing merchants to retain full revenue from sales. Key features include customer account creation, stock availability indicators, and product waitlist signups. Additionally, the plan supports the display of related products and enables customer reviews, both of which are essential for boosting engagement and trust.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| No transaction fees | Maximized revenue retention |
| Product management tools | Efficient control over inventory & listings |
| Customer reviews | Enhanced buyer trust and conversion |
Transaction and Processing Fees
Among the available Squarespace plans, Commerce Basic distinguishes itself by eliminating transaction fees entirely, allowing merchants to retain 100% of their sales revenue. This is a significant advantage for online store owners, as many platforms deduct a percentage from each sale.
With the Basic plan, priced at $23 per month (annual billing) or $28 per month (monthly billing), users are only responsible for standard payment processing fees set by their chosen gateway. Squarespace Commerce Basic includes robust features for managing and optimizing online sales while keeping costs predictable.
Key highlights related to transaction fees and processing for this plan include:
- Zero Squarespace transaction fees on sales
- Only third-party payment processing fees apply
- Predictable monthly costs for an online store
- Full revenue retention for every transaction
Commerce Advanced Plan: Features and Cost
Designed for businesses with advanced eCommerce needs, the Squarespace Commerce Advanced Plan is priced at $35 per month when billed annually or $43 per month for monthly billing.
This plan targets eCommerce stores seeking robust features to optimize sales and customer engagement. Key features include the ability to sell subscription products, automated abandoned cart email reminders, and support for dynamic shipping rates based on customer addresses.
Automated discounts can be configured to incentivize purchases, and businesses can offer free shipping for qualifying orders. A significant advantage is the elimination of Squarespace transaction fees, enabling merchants to retain more revenue per sale.
These features and cost considerations make the Commerce Advanced Plan suitable for larger-scale or growing eCommerce stores requiring advanced sales and marketing functionality.
Understanding Squarespace Billing Cycles
After evaluating the advanced features and pricing of Squarespace’s Commerce Advanced Plan, it is essential to reflect on how Squarespace structures its billing cycles.
Squarespace offers users flexibility with both monthly plans and annual subscriptions, catering to different budgetary and commitment needs. Each website requires its own billing plan, and users can start with a 14-day free trial to assess the platform before payment.
Subscriptions automatically renew according to the chosen billing cycle. Significantly, annual subscriptions yield a lower average monthly cost and include a free custom website address for the first year, whereas monthly plans do not.
- Monthly plans and annual subscriptions available
- Each site operates under an individual billing plan
- 14-day free trial allows evaluation before payment
- Automatic renewal; partial refunds on annual cancellations after 14 days
Squarespace transaction fees may also apply depending on the plan.
Annual Vs Monthly Subscriptions
Squarespace provides users with a choice between annual and monthly subscriptions, each presenting distinct cost implications and billing flexibility.
Annual plans yield savings of up to 36% compared to monthly rates, while monthly options offer greater adaptability for short-term or uncertain projects.
This section presents a data-driven comparison of cost efficiency and payment structures for both subscription models.
Cost Savings Comparison
While evaluating website platform expenses, a clear cost advantage emerges for users who choose Squarespace’s annual subscription over monthly billing.
Data shows that annual subscriptions for Squarespace plans deliver cost savings of up to 36% compared to monthly payments, enabling substantial total savings over time.
For instance, the Personal Plan is priced at $12/month when billed annually versus $16/month monthly, equating to $48 in total savings per year.
Similarly, the Business Plan’s annual billing results in savings of $84, and the Commerce Basic Plan provides $60 in yearly savings.
Additionally, annual plans offer a free custom URL for the first year.
- Up to 36% cost savings with annual subscriptions
- $48–$84 total savings per year on select Squarespace plans
- Free first-year custom URL with annual billing
- Lower overall costs versus monthly payments
Billing Flexibility Options
In addition to the cost-saving benefits of annual subscriptions, users are presented with flexible billing options, including both monthly and annual payment structures.
Squarespace enables users to select a monthly subscription for short-term needs or opt for annual subscriptions to reduce the effective monthly rate. Annual plans not only offer lower per-month pricing but also include a complimentary custom web address for the first year, increasing overall value.
This billing flexibility allows individuals and businesses to align expenditures with their budget cycles and website growth trajectories. Users can initiate service with a monthly subscription and shift to annual billing as their website matures, ensuring scalability.
Additionally, the ability to start or cancel subscriptions at any point provides further control over ongoing costs and contractual commitments.
Transaction and Payment Processing Fees
A significant component of the total cost for online sales through Squarespace arises from transaction and payment processing fees.
Users on the Business plan incur a 3% transaction fee on each sale, while those subscribing to Commerce plans benefit from zero transaction fees.
Payment processing fees, separate from subscription and transaction fees, are assessed by third-party providers such as Stripe and PayPal. These typically amount to around 2% plus $0.25 per transaction, though exact rates depend on geographic location and payment method.
Payment processing fees from providers like Stripe and PayPal usually start at 2% plus $0.25 per sale, varying by region and method.
All these fees can impact profit margins when users accept payments through supported methods, including credit cards and Apple Pay.
- 3% transaction fee applies to Business plan sales
- Commerce plans have no transaction fees
- Payment processing fees are set by Stripe/PayPal
- Fees vary by country and payment method
Additional Costs and Hidden Fees
Beyond the primary subscription and transaction fees, users of Squarespace may encounter several additional costs that can greatly impact the total expense of operating a website.
For example, while the Business plan imposes a 3% transaction fee on sales, Commerce Basic and Advanced plans eliminate this charge, but all plans are still subject to payment processing fees, typically ranging from 2% + $0.25 to 3% + $0.25 per transaction.
Additional costs are also associated with scheduling services, which require separate subscriptions ranging from $11 to $40 per month.
Moreover, integrating third-party applications can introduce hidden fees, as many popular integrations and add-ons have their own monthly charges, sometimes reaching $75 or more.
These factors should be carefully evaluated when estimating total operational expenses.
Domain Registration and Renewal Costs
While additional platform fees and integration costs can accumulate, site registration and renewal represent another core component of Squarespace’s total pricing structure.
Squarespace offers a free custom site registration for the first year with annual subscriptions, providing value for new users. Beyond the initial period, renewal costs typically range from $10 to $20 per year, depending on the selected top-level domain (TLD).
Registration of extra sites is available, with pricing and renewal costs consistent with those of the primary site. Users should note the following technical details:
- Free site registration applies only to the first year with annual subscriptions.
- Renewal costs vary by top-level domain, generally between $10–$20 annually.
- Sites remain active as long as renewal fees and subscription are maintained.
- External site registration is possible but requires separate renewal management.
Scheduling and Additional Service Pricing
Many users require advanced scheduling capabilities beyond Squarespace’s core website plans, prompting consideration of the platform’s dedicated scheduling service.
This service is offered separately and incurs additional costs, commonly referred to as scheduling fees. The pricing model is structured into three tiers.
The Emerging tier, targeted at small businesses with basic needs and single calendars, is priced at $11–12 per month.
The Growing tier, ranging from $20–22 per month, accommodates multiple employees and introduces features such as SMS reminders.
The Powerhouse tier, designed for larger businesses requiring complex calendar management, costs between $37–40 per month.
These additional costs are not included in standard Squarespace subscriptions, necessitating careful budgeting when advanced scheduling functionality is required for business operations.
Discounts, Promotions, and Ways to Save
Although Squarespace’s standard pricing is fixed, several mechanisms exist for users to reduce costs through targeted discounts and promotions.
Data shows that annual plans offer the highest savings, with discounts of up to 36% compared to monthly billing.
Annual plans deliver the greatest value, offering up to 36% in savings compared to paying month-to-month.
Students are eligible for a 50% discount on annual plans by verifying their status, considerably lowering their long-term costs.
Limited-time promotions include 20% off the first payment of any new website plan when a valid discount code is applied at checkout.
Additionally, general coupon codes provide a 10% discount, though only one code can be redeemed per transaction.
- Annual plans yield up to 36% savings over monthly billing.
- Student Beans verification grants students 50% off new annual plans.
- 20% promotional discount on first payment with select codes.
- Single-use coupon codes offer 10% savings at checkout.
Enterprise and Custom Plans
Beyond standard discounts and promotions, Squarespace addresses the needs of larger organizations through Enterprise and custom plans.
These Enterprise solutions offer tailored packages that include custom templates, dedicated account management, and expert consultations in SEO and design. Custom plans allow businesses to specify requirements, with flexible pricing and features based on team size and operational complexity.
Significantly, advanced features such as organization roles, tags, and filters optimize website management and streamline account dashboard control.
Businesses begin by starting a trial at squarespace.com, after which they can select and customize the most suitable plan.
Dedicated support and ongoing consultation are integral to Enterprise plans, providing strategic guidance for efficient website management.
This approach guarantees organizations receive scalable, thorough solutions aligned with their unique digital objectives.
Squarespace Vs Competitor Pricing
When evaluating Squarespace’s pricing structure relative to major competitors, clear distinctions emerge in both cost and feature sets across comparable plans.
Squarespace pricing begins at $12/month, undercutting basic plans from competitors like GoDaddy and Hostinger. For eCommerce, the Business Plan is $24/month with a 3% transaction fee, while Shopify’s Basic plan starts higher at $39/month but has no transaction fees.
The Commerce Basic Plan at $23/month provides robust eCommerce tools without added transaction fees, whereas Wix’s equivalent can cost up to $35/month. Remarkably, Squarespace’s Advanced Commerce Plan at $35/month offers features such as subscription sales, while Shopify’s comparable offering is considerably higher at $259/month.
- Squarespace pricing starts lower compared to many competitors
- eCommerce tools included at lower costs
- Transaction fees vary by plan and provider
- Strong value proposition for small online sellers
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Squarespace Cost in the UK?
A UK pricing breakdown shows Squarespace plans range from £12 to £43 monthly. A Squarespace features comparison and subscription benefits analysis highlight cost effective strategies, while an alternative platforms review aids users in selecting ideal solutions for their needs.
How Much of a Cut Does Squarespace Take?
Squarespace fees involve a 3% revenue share as a commission structure on the Business plan, with pricing transparency for users. Commerce plans incur no such service charges, though standard payment processing fees apply across all plans regardless of tier.
Does Squarespace Have Any Hidden Fees?
The current question explores hidden charges within Squarespace’s subscription models. While pricing transparency is emphasized, users may encounter additional costs such as service fees for transactions, web address renewals, payment processing, and third-party integrations, which may affect total expenses.
Does Squarespace Offer Payment Plans?
Regarding payment options, Squarespace provides subscription flexibility through monthly or annual billing across various pricing tiers. Accepted payment methods include major credit cards. Users may benefit from upgrade discounts and can cancel subscriptions anytime, enhancing overall payment flexibility.
Conclusion
Squarespace’s pricing structure offers a range of plans tailored to individual, business, and commerce needs, with monthly costs spanning from $16 to $49. Additional services, such as Scheduling, incur extra fees. Annual billing and promotional discounts provide opportunities for savings. When compared to competitors, Squarespace remains competitively priced, particularly for users seeking integrated features and ease of use. Ultimately, selecting the ideal plan depends on specific website requirements, anticipated growth, and desired functionality.
