Squarespace vs Bluehost | 9 Crucial Differences To Know in 2024

Having doubts about Squarespace vs Bluehost?

I get you! It’s a choice many people have doubts about. And I’m here to help you understand the differences, so you can make the choice that’s best for you!

You found the right page. I’ve built and analyzed over 300 websites built with Squarespace vs Bluehost, and I’m here to share my experiences with you.

My work is supported by affiliate commissions. Learn more.

My name is Ralph de Groot. I’m the founder and author at My Codeless Website. Wake me up for a great web design!

Squarespace vs Bluehost at a glance

1. Two most popular website builders

Squarespace vs Bluehost are the two top-rated website builders! Combined, they have over 1 million websites up and running.

2. Aggressive feature releases

Both Squarespace vs Bluehost have been releasing new features at the speed of light. It’s clear that they’re going head to head to become the most popular website builder. That being said, when one of them releases a popular feature, it won’t be long until the other releases it as well.

3. Main difference between Squarespace and Bluehost

The primary distinction between Bluehost and Squarespace is that Bluehost is a hosting company, whereas Squarespace is a website builder that also includes hosting. Bluehost, as a hosting company, provides a wider range of hosting options. You can only obtain shared hosting with Squarespace.

Although Bluehost does have its own website builder, it’s rather simple compared to Squarespace. 

4. Incredible templates

Bluehost has 300+ premium templates while Squarespace has 113. That being said, I’m sure you’ll find a beautiful one with both of them!

A premium theme template can be a quick and easy way to create a professional-looking website without breaking the bank. Thankfully, Bluehost offers over 800 premium WordPress themes to pick from, whether it’s for an eCommerce store or a plain blog.

5. Disadvantages Bluehost ❌

• There are no email addresses included.
• There is no eCommerce store with the basic plan.
• It’s harder to grasp, and you’ll need to gather components from several locations.

6. Disadvantages Squarespace ❌

• It’s impossible to get custom solutions from support
• They don’t offer a one-time pricing
• The customer support isn’t amazing

Installing Bluehost or Squarespace is actually super easy! Just follow my steps, and you’ll have everything set up in less than 5 minutes. Pinky promise!

I split it up into 2 phases.

Phase 1 is for Bluehost, and Phase 2 is for Squarespace.

Phase 1 – How to Install Bluehost

Step 1: To get started with Bluehost’s website builder, go to its website first.

Step 3: Pick a plan. 

Here is the latest pricing for the Website Builder as of April 2024:

• Introductory Price – 1 Month – $9.95 per month
• Introductory Price – 12 Months – $5.95 per month
• Introductory Price – 36 Months – $4.95 per month
• Renewal Price (Monthly) – $19.99 per month
• Renewal Price (Annual +) – $10.99 per month

Step 4: Create an account and finish the payment information. 

That’s it! Four easy steps to get started. Users can move back and forth between Bluehost’s built-in website builder and a WordPress builder with a single click.

Bluehost’s drag-and-drop builder is simple to use, allowing you to quickly put together a website, alter its aesthetic, and add new elements!

Phase 2 – How To Install Squarespace

Step 1: Go to the website of Squarespace and click on Get Started.

Step 2: Choose a template.

Once you press Get Started, you’ll be prompted to choose a template.

On the Squarespace website alone, there are already more than 100 visually appealing templates to choose from.

It may be time-consuming and stressful to decide which option is the greatest match for your website, even while it is good to have so many alternatives. To make your job easier, check out the type or topic options to filter. You can also select a blank page.

Step 3: Look like a professional by setting up a domain. 

Step 4: Create a style for your website to establish your brand’s tone. 

Step 5: Add the pages you need and delete the ones you don’t.

Step 6: Configure SEO.

The marketing section of your toolbar includes an SEO option where you can import your keyword list for ranking purposes. 

Step 7: Prioritize analytics!

Data analytics is significant since it allows you to improve your performance. You can also utilize data analytics to make smarter decisions and monitor customer patterns and satisfaction.

Step 8: It’s time to party!

Your Squarespace website is ready for use! 

Bluehost recently launched a new website builder based on WordPress that is designed to let you create a professional-looking website without any technical knowledge.

Drag-and-drop and copy-and-paste are the only skills required. The templates are beautiful, functional foundations for how your website will look, which you may customize as much as you like.

Check this sample:

Example Template 1 – Generate Press

Things you should know about Bluehost Templates: 

• Templates are fully changeable “themes” that allow you to create the appearance and feel you want without starting from scratch. Drag-and-drop and copy-and-paste are the only skills required. The templates are beautiful, functional foundations for your website’s look, which you may customize as much as you like.

• The benefit of using Bluehost’s website builder is that it allows you to change the design and feel of your website at any moment. You can visually evaluate your website in real-time. If you want to modify photographs, text, movies, etc., you can preview how your pages will appear to your visitors before you re-publish to the world.

Squarespace Templates

Let’s continue with some amazing Squarespace templates.

Squarespace provides a fantastic selection of templates.

Although aesthetics are subjective, I believe that no other website builder can compete with Squarespace’s clean, contemporary templates.

Just replace the placeholder content with your own and that’s it, you got a website. You can adjust elements to make them just the way you like it.

In fact, click here if you want to see the other 110 Squarespace templates.

Squarespace Template 1 – Emmeline 

Squarespace Template 2 – Reseda 

Squarespace Template 3 – Condesa 

Things you should know about Squarespace Templates:

• Templates are responsive, which means that they adapt to the browser window’s size, making them suitable for use on desktops, mobile devices, and tablets.

• Squarespace designs have a distinct appearance, including bold text, white space, and ample website area to display photos.

• As of Squarespace 7.1, templates serve as starting points for new projects. Every template is a member of the same family and shares the same features and customization possibilities.
• Squarespace designs are intended to display photography. Even the most basic stock photographs will improve the overall appearance of a Squarespace website.

Winner:

Definitely Squarespace! Through the years, their main asset is their use of templates. The fantastic thing is, there are over 100 designs to pick from, and they appear both creative and modern.

Unfortunately, with the 7.1 upgrades, swapping from one template to another is no longer feasible. Nevertheless, its designs are now more versatile, making them easy to modify.

It’s tough to compare the user interface of Bluehost and Squarespace, as it’s highly dependent on personal preferences.

There will be tons of people who think that Bluehost clearly has a better editor. But then again, others will say Squarespace wins.

I’ll start comparing the two for you to see the difference:

The Bluehost editor compared to Squarespace

The Bluehost Website Builder is a website-building tool that requires no coding or technical experience to use.

Users can visually click, drag, and drop material to create a home page and other pages for their website while still having access to all of WordPress’ power, versatility, and features. Furthermore, it is a crucial tool to employ when constructing a breathtakingly professional website, regardless of whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned WordPress master.

The Squarespace editor compared to Bluehost

Compared to Shopify, Squarespace’s sections and content blocks are the building components of its pages.

Content blocks are the various pieces that make up your websites, such as text, buttons, photos, maps, forms, and other features. In general, they are known as building blocks.

Sections are stacked vertically on your website and include content chunks that are linked together.

Even though you may build a part from scratch, you can also select from a library of pre-designed sections, such as the following:

Background pictures may be used in sections, which is essential for a contemporary, full-bleed image feel. The height, breadth, alignment, and colors of a section may all be customized, but you cannot go too much from this basic structure.

Winner:

Squarespace it is! In my opinion, its simple template editor and user-friendly interface are difficult to match. Once you’ve figured out what you’re doing, editing becomes quick and simple, and you’ll love the clean menus.

Without a hint of doubt, the Squarespace editor gets simpler with practice – all you need is a little time and effort to get the most out of it.

Nonetheless, the drag-and-drop of Bluehost website builder has a user interface that is simple, intuitive, and efficient. As users, you’ll be pleased with the editing process.

Bluehost

You can start building your website with Bluehost once you’ve accomplished the sign-up process and domain registration. That’s how easy it is! Even though Bluehost is giving a simplified building experience, it’s website builder allows the full versatility of WordPress to remain available.

As your website and expertise of WordPress increase, you’ll have access to all of WordPress’s features.

Furthermore, Bluehost is the cheapest platform for getting a website up and running, with a lot of great features for a low starting fee. This is something you should get try while it lasts. 

Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder geared for beginners that allows users to construct websites without knowing any code. Anyone may take charge of the construction process and develop a website in their spare time.

Furthermore, customers may choose a package that already includes a name and hosting, eliminating the need to independently maintain or purchase these items.

One downside, however, once you choose a template and edit it to your liking, it’s not easy to change to a different template. In fact, it means you have to start over.

On Squarespace, you can even build and fully complete your website before ever paying. This is super handy if you’re comparing different builders.

Winner:

Squarespace vs Bluehost? I believe that Squarespace’s UI is more streamlined and more straightforward to use, particularly in terms of essential content management!

It may not be the most user-friendly website builder, but I feel it is one of the greatest products of its kind. I’ve been using it for years now, and I believe Squarespace provides the ideal balance of power, ease of use, and great design!

Can you use Bluehost or Squarespace for eCommerce?

Yes, actually, they’re both perfect for it. Let me show you why.

Let’s start with Bluehost. 

Bluehost

The Bluehost website builder is a good choice for eCommerce.

With a simple drag-and-drop editor, you can bring your online store concept to life. If you’re interested, choose their ONLINE STORE plan for only $9.95/month.  It is very ideal for use on the internet product-filled storefronts.

Some of its top features include blog post-management, image library with unlimited uploads, unlimited online store Products, and more!

Squarespace

Squarespace isn’t the greatest ecommerce platform out there, but it’s a great option for small and developing businesses looking for a fully integrated online store. Its two ecommerce plans contain a variety of essential features, including Apple pay integration and incorporation of ShipStation.

Winner:

Both options have great features that your online store will love! In addition, they offer specialized ecommerce price plans, allowing anyone to sell an infinite number of things.

Both Bluehost and Squarespace have a lot of features. Honestly, I can’t think of any feature I would like to add to either one of them.

However, I can imagine you want to know more about what features are included. So here we go.

Bluehost

• Built on WordPress 

Bluehost Website Builder is not like Wix, Squarespace, or Weebly, which are standalone website builders. Rather than reshaping them, Bluehost Website Builder is built on the popular WordPress content management system.

• One of the easiest builders there is 

The Bluehost Website Builder is one of the easiest to use website builders. After a few minutes, the drag-and-drop editor appears when you select Website Builder in the WordPress interface.

• Ease of Use

From novice to expert, Bluehost Website Builder allows you to create beautiful WordPress websites faster and more easily than with traditional construction tools. Simply bring your ideas and they’ll get to work on creating a custom, professional website that grows with you. 

• Stock Image Library

Hundreds of free images are available to download.

• Quick-Start Smart Templates

Forget about the cookie cutter. Make your own templates based on your preferences. Your design is guided by built-in Smart AI, so you can’t go wrong. Quick-start templates let you get up and running quickly. Without the use of code, real-time layout changes make things simple.  

• 24/7 Support

If you have any questions or issues, you contact their customer service staff through phone, chat, or email.

Squarespace

Now let’s continue with Squarespace.

• Blogging

Excellent. In terms of blogging, Squarespace is the only website builder that competes with WordPress. If you’re a blogger looking for a website builder, Squarespace is a great option.

• Form Builder

My only concern is this: Squarespace does not automatically save your submissions; you must link it to a source. Why can’t submissions be saved by default?

• Photographic Galleries

Squarespace has long been a favorite among artists and photographers, thanks to its stunning picture galleries.

• Scheduling Appointments

Visitors can arrange and pay for visits using Appointment Scheduling. There is a monthly charge, and options begin at $14 per month.

• Analytics

While Google Analytics may always be added, Squarespace offers its analytics that seamlessly integrates with current Squarespace capabilities to measure sales per product.

• Members Only Area

Members Area, which allows you to produce and manage premium content for registered customers, was introduced by Squarespace in 2024. It does come at a cost (monthly plans start at $9) and a transaction fee.

Winner:

Both are great options! Bluehost and Squarespace are two different types of platforms, yet they both fared well in this comparison. The best option for you is determined by your preferred method of website development.

Let’s talk about pricing. When comparing Squarespace vs Bluehost, price is an essential factor to consider. So, which platform is less expensive and which gives more value?

Let’s take a closer look.

Bluehost Pricing

Here is the latest pricing for the Website Builder as of April 2024:

• Introductory Price – 1 Month – $9.95 per month
• Introductory Price – 12 Months – $5.95 per month
• Introductory Price – 36 Months – $4.95 per month
• Renewal Price (Monthly) – $19.99 per month
• Renewal Price (Annual +) – $10.99 per month

Squarespace Pricing

Compared to Bluehost, Squarespace offers four pricing options:

• Personal —  $16 per month
• Business —  $23 per month
• Basic Commerce — $28 per month
• Advanced Commerce — $52 per month

With only $52 per month, you already have access to Squarespace’s most powerful commerce features.

Winner:

Bluehost is a better deal than Squarespace in terms of price. For $9.95 per month, Bluehost provides you with a server space as well as the necessary resources – such as bandwidth and storage space to allow you to get a large number of visitors. A domain name is also included in the annual plan.

Overall Bluehost is the cheapest platform for getting a website up and running, with a lot of great features for a low starting fee. 

Both are good for SEO if you ask me. In fact, I’ve seen several big Bluehost and Squarespace websites with millions of visitors per month, all because of SEO!

Squarespace

Squarespace Email Campaigns are a unique approach to increasing your audience and communicating with them while staying true to your brand and style. Allow yourself to grow, manage, and engage! 

No matter where your audience is, you can reach them. Because all of the layouts are designed with Squarespace’s responsive designs, your emails will look amazing on any device.

• Here is a collection of my favorite 79 Squarespace websites
• Here is a collection of epic 27 Bluehost websites.

Look at both these examples to better understand what’s possible with each site builder.

Everyone enjoys receiving assistance in many ways. That’s why website builders must provide a variety of assistance features. 

Bluehost vs Squarespace is a fascinating comparison when it comes to aid and assistance. Both have a variety of options to obtain help, but it’s crucial to figure out what works best for

Bluehost 

Bluehost delivers the greatest customer service and support.  Responses were prompt, courteous, and helpful, far above our expectations for ‘excellent’ service.

Squarespace

Articles, guidelines, and video lessons have always been around in the Squarespace knowledge base. In addition, you can register for webinars and participate in community forum conversations for more in-depth answers.

Winner:

In terms of assistance and support, Squarespace comes out on top as it offers superior customer service than Bluehost. Bluehost’s customer service is excellent, but there’s only so much they can do when it comes to helping you design your website. Squarespace, on the other hand, can assist you with a wide range of issues, from technical issues to design questions.

Should you use Bluehost or Squarespace? Honestly, it depends on what you need.

Choose Bluehost if you’re looking for the most cost-effective solution to create a website. Anyone planning to launch an online publication or blog with hundreds of pages/posts should keep this in mind.

On the other hand, choose Squarespace if you want an all-rounder that excels at both eCommerce and website tools.

I recommend Squarespace to anyone who wants a gorgeous, feature-rich website without having to know how to code. Although you won’t be able to create a website in minutes, the level of creativeness and advanced tools will more than compensate.

Which is faster, Squarespace or Bluehost?

It’s a draw! Both of them function well with no interruptions, so you don’t need to worry about anything.

Is Bluehost better than Squarespace?

No. Both Squarespace and Bluehost excel at making it simple for users to construct highly appealing, yet still functional, websites. Still, I’d like to recommend Squarespace for its high-end features and reliable support.

Which is cheaper, Squarespace or Bluehost?

Definitely Bluehost. It’s the cheapest platform for getting a website up and running. Starts at $2.95/month!