Squarespace vs Showit vs Wix: Which Website Platform is Best for Your Business?
Choosing the right website platform can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it is easy to wonder which one will actually help you build a site that looks beautiful, feels professional, and supports your business goals.
Three of the most popular platforms right now are Squarespace, Showit, and Wix. Each one has strengths, and each one is loved by different kinds of business owners. The real question is not which is best overall but which is best for you.
In this post, we will explore the differences between the platforms so you can feel confident choosing the one that will give you a website you are proud to share.
Squarespace: Elegant, User-Friendly, All-in-one Platform
Squarespace is a favorite for entrepreneurs who want a website that feels polished without being complicated.
Best for: service-based businesses, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone who values simplicity and design.
What people love about Squarespace:
Beautiful, modern templates that are easy to customize
Built-in features like email marketing, scheduling, and e-commerce all in one place!
A platform that handles SEO, domain purchasing, hosting, security, and updates for you no need for endless plugins
Best responsive design with accessability that looks professional right out of the box
Potential downsides:
Slightly limited flexibility compared to a fully drag-and-drop builder
Advanced animated customizations often require code snippets
Even tho it has a built in e-commerce feature it is not the best choice for scaling a large online store (but great for smaller boutique product lines)
Squarespace is perfect if you want a streamlined process, professional design, and a site that can grow with your business without extra plugins or tech stress.
Showit: Creative solution for full design control
Showit is a website builder loved by designers and photographers because of its freedom and flexibility.
Best for: designers and creative professionals who want full control over their site’s layout.
What people love about Showit:
True drag-and-drop design with no coding needed
Endless creative freedom to customize every part of the site
Seamless WordPress blog integration for advanced blogging
Fully customize desktop and mobile layouts
Potential downsides:
The learning curve can be steep for beginners
No built-in e-commerce, blog, scheduling, email marketing or analytics
Because of its freedom, it is easy to create inconsistent or overwhelming designs if you don’t have an eye and skill for it
Mobile layout is designed completely separately (which can be a good thing if you are designer, or a headacke if you’re a beginner)
Showit shines for those who want a completely unique website design and are willing to spend a little extra time on customization.
Wix: Affordable and flexible Platform
Wix has become popular for its variety and affordability. It offers a large selection of templates and features, making it attractive for businesses just starting out.
Best for: small businesses, side projects, or those who want flexibility at a lower cost.
What people love about Wix:
Affordable pricing, including a free plan for testing
App marketplace for extra features like bookings and marketing tools
Drag-and-drop editor with more flexibility than Squarespace
Potential downsides:
Designs can feel less refined compared to Squarespace or Showit
Not the best for device optimization and elements can often shift around
SEO capabilities are more limited
Too much freedom can create cluttered or unprofessional layouts
Migrating to another platform later can be difficult
Wix is a good option for budget-conscious entrepreneurs, but if you are building a luxury brand or want a timeless, polished look, Squarespace or Showit may be stronger choices.
So, which website platform is best for your business?
Choose Squarespace if you want a beautiful, professional site with everything built in, perfect for service-based entrepreneurs and creatives who value simplicity.
Choose Showit if you crave creative freedom, want something fully unique, and do not mind investing more time into learning and customizing.
Choose Wix if budget is your main priority or if you want a flexible option to test ideas, though you may eventually outgrow it.
My recommendation as a designer
I usually guide my clients toward Squarespace because it offers the perfect balance of beauty and functionality. It is elegant, user-friendly, and includes everything you need to run your business in one place. Of course, every business is unique, and the right platform always depends on your specific goals and needs.
As a designer, I love the flexibility Squarespace allows me to create stunning website, and how with just a little custom code I can make it feel truly one of a kind. But what I love most is seeing how confident my clients feel once their site is handed over. Squarespace makes it easy to update, edit, and manage without needing ongoing tech support, which means the site continues to feel like theirs long after our collaboration is complete.
The same philosophy guides our Squarespace Template Shop. Each template is designed with elegance and strategy in mind, so your website doesn’t just look polished, it also works with you to grow your business with ease.
