StackEvalifyWebsite builders · Desk research
Wix vs Squarespace: plans, store fees, and trial options
Wix and Squarespace both combine site building and hosting, but their free access and store charges differ. This comparison uses US-dollar annual-plan prices as a reference and focuses on what a small business gets before paying for add-ons or payment processing.
Source check: · Desk research only; StackEvalify has not run a hands-on product test for this comparison.
Quick take
Wix offers a permanent free plan, but it uses Wix branding and a wixsite.com address. Squarespace has a 14-day trial instead. For a basic online store, Wix Core and Squarespace Core are both listed at US$29/month with annual billing in the US; Squarespace Basic is US$19/month but includes a 2% online store transaction fee that Core removes.
A simple break-even illustration: the US$10 monthly difference between Squarespace Basic and Core equals a 2% fee on US$500 in monthly store sales. This compares only the plan price and that platform fee; payment processing, taxes, promotions, and regional prices can change the total.
Published plans and costs
Free access
- Wix
- A free plan can publish on a Wix-branded wixsite.com address. It includes hosting, but not a custom domain or online payment acceptance.
- Squarespace
- No permanent free plan; Squarespace offers a 14-day free trial. Paid plans include managed hosting.
Paid entry plan
- Wix
- Light is listed at US$17/month with annual billing, paid in full. It adds a custom domain for one year, 2 GB storage, and 2 collaborators; it is not the first plan for accepting payments.
- Squarespace
- Basic is listed at US$19/month with annual billing. It allows 2 contributors and can sell products, but charges a 2% online store transaction fee.
First plan for online payments
- Wix
- Core is listed at US$29/month with annual billing, paid in full. It adds payment acceptance, basic ecommerce, 50 GB storage, and up to 5 site collaborators.
- Squarespace
- Core is listed at US$29/month with annual billing. It removes the 2% online store transaction fee and allows unlimited contributors.
Payment processing
- Wix
- Payment processing is an additional cost; Wix says rates vary by location and payment method.
- Squarespace
- Squarespace Payments lists US card processing from 2.9% + US$0.30 on Basic and Core. These processing fees are separate from the online store transaction fee.
Hosting and domain
- Wix
- Wix includes hosting. Paid plans include a domain voucher for one year; renewal and plan prices depend on location.
- Squarespace
- Paid plans include managed hosting. Annual plans include one year of domain registration on eligible domains.
Wix states that prices and currency vary by location, and annual prices are charged in full at purchase. Squarespace prices also vary by plan and location. Confirm your checkout total, billing period, tax, processor rates, and renewal price before subscribing.
Which option should you trial?
Shortlist Wix
Try Wix if you want to experiment on a free published site, or if its Core plan’s listed storage and collaborator allowance fits your team. Before launching a store, verify the payment methods and processing rates available in your country.
Shortlist Squarespace
Try Squarespace if its Core plan’s 0% online store transaction fee or unlimited contributors matter to your business. If you expect lower sales, compare Basic’s lower subscription price with its 2% transaction fee and your payment processing rate.
Do not choose from templates or price alone. Build the same representative page and checkout flow in both trials, then check mobile editing, product setup, tax and shipping settings, accessibility, SEO controls, and the total price at renewal.
Sources and method
This page summarizes vendor-published plan and fee information checked on 29 October 2026. It is desk research, not independent usability testing. Prices and plan terms can change and vary by location; confirm the current options for your site and billing address.