In this head-to-head comparison between two top hosting providers,
Webflow and
Squarespace, there can be only one winner. Both vendors offer a range of hosting options and site-building tools for professional web designers and others working on large-scale projects. Now, let’s see how they compare and compete.
Features
Webflow gets a head-start on the feature front by providing a fast and scalable web hosting service with these features:
- 99% uptime
- Ten data centers worldwide
- Free SSL certificates
- Automatic backups
- DDoS protection
- SEO and social tools
Squarespace squares up by offering a simpler hosting service but with the following features:
- Unlimited resources
- Inclusive SSL certificates
- Free domain with annual subscriptions.
Squarespace’s site builder includes a rich suite of apps and widgets, and a robust blogging engine with geo-tagging, post scheduling, and URL customizations. This provider is also e-commerce oriented, with support for PayPal, shipping details, data export, and coupon creation.
Webflow offers a more complex and highly advanced site builder for professionals who want to work with mobile-optimized sites. It comes with an extensive array of features including drop-down menus, HTML/CSS sliders and carousels, video integration, custom typography, interactive Google maps, and social sharing options. If you’re working on a project, you can effortlessly export the code you’ve generated.
So,
Squarespace outshines Webflow when it comes to website building, thanks to its highly polished and more flexible site builder that caters to a wider audience of beginners and experts alike. While Webflow is undoubtedly powerful, it is aimed almost exclusively at professional website designers.
Ease of Use
If you have a good design background and solid coding skills, you’ll be at home with Webflow’s interface. However, beginners and amateurs will find it rather complicated.
Squarespace proves itself as a user-friendly and cohesive platform, particularly beneficial for individuals without coding expertise. Users can effortlessly preview templates, as well as personalize, publish, and effectively manage their websites.
Pricing
Webflow and Squarespace are
both averagely priced. Webflow offers a wider range of price plans and a free plan, but it’s slightly more expensive than Squarespace and offers no refund. Squarespace does do refunds – from 5 days to 15 days, depending on the plan – and offers a 14-day free trial.
Support
Both vendors provide top-class customer support, with comprehensive knowledge bases and support ticket systems. Squarespace also lets you talk to staff via live chat, and typically responds to support tickets within 90 minutes.
Squarespace Wins
It’s a close call because both hosts provide powerful features and effective website builders, but
I’m declaring Squarespace to be the winner. The clinchers, in this case, are the
lower prices,
user-friendly software, and
live chat support.
