If you’re deciding between Squarespace vs GoDaddy, my direct answer is this: Choose Squarespace if you want an elegant, all-in-one platform that’s easy to set up.
GoDaddy is the better option if you need domain flexibility, scalable hosting, or plan to build with WordPress.
Based on my hands-on experience with both, here’s what you’ll learn in this comparison:
- Squarespace is better for beginners and creatives who want clean design and simplicity
- GoDaddy excels in domain registration, pricing control, and technical scalability
- Squarespace includes everything in one subscription, while GoDaddy offers modular pricing
- GoDaddy wins for SEO tools, integrations, and performance flexibility
- Squarespace is faster to launch with beautiful templates
- GoDaddy gives you more room to grow if you’re willing to manage the tech
Which Is Better – Squarespace or GoDaddy?
In my experience using both Squarespace and GoDaddy, it’s clear that they cater to two different mindsets. Squarespace is what I’d call a design-first, fully managed website builder.
It’s perfect for someone who just wants to pick a stunning template, add content, and publish. GoDaddy, on the other hand, is more of a pick-your-tools platform.
It gives you the freedom to manage your domain, select hosting, choose a CMS like WordPress, and build from the ground up.
I often recommend Squarespace to creatives, service-based businesses, and anyone who doesn’t want to worry about hosting or technical tasks. It’s an environment designed to get a website live fast and with minimal friction. I’ve had clients go from zero to published in a matter of hours.
GoDaddy appeals to those who either have some technical understanding or want more flexibility in how their website functions. It’s particularly good for people who want to start with a basic site but anticipate needing more control over domains, hosting, or scalability in the future.
Winner: Squarespace 🏆
I always recommend Squarespace to people who want a fast, clean launch without fuss. It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with hosting or tech setup. From templates to SEO basics, it’s all bundled and intuitive.
How Do Squarespace and GoDaddy Compare on Pricing in the UK?
Pricing is one of the first things I evaluate when helping clients choose between website platforms, especially for small UK businesses or freelancers working with a set monthly budget.
At first glance, Squarespace and GoDaddy may seem like they offer similar pricing but once you dig deeper, their approaches are completely different.
Squarespace: All-in-One, Predictable Monthly Cost
Squarespace uses a flat monthly pricing model that includes everything: hosting, templates, SSL, eCommerce tools, analytics, and support. You choose from one of four plans, billed annually for the best value, and that’s your full cost.
It’s incredibly easy to understand and predict which is why I often recommend it to clients who don’t want to deal with add-ons or hidden charges.
Here’s how Squarespace’s pricing breaks down:
| Plan | Price (per month) | Contributors | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | £12 | Up to 2 | Free domain, Squarespace AI, 2% store fees |
| Core | £17 | Unlimited | 0% store fees, CSS/JavaScript, Google email |
| Plus | £29 | Unlimited | Lower payment fees, advanced analytics, API |
| Advanced | £79 | Unlimited | 0% transaction fees, automation, pro eCommerce tools |
What’s included in all Squarespace plans:
- Free custom domain (for the first year)
- Hosting and SSL certificate
- Responsive design templates
- Drag-and-drop website builder
- Access to Squarespace AI
- Email marketing tools (basic)
The Core plan is usually where most UK businesses land it offers enough flexibility with zero transaction fees and integration with tools like Google Workspace.
One thing to note is Squarespace charges transaction fees on eCommerce sales in the Basic plan (2%), and on digital content even in higher plans. So, if you’re selling products or services regularly, you’ll want to upgrade to at least the Core or Plus plan to minimise fees.
GoDaddy: Modular, Pay-As-You-Go Pricing
GoDaddy, in contrast, uses a modular pricing system, which can be more affordable upfront but often requires more planning. You’ll pay separately for:
- Domain name
- Website builder or hosting
- Email hosting
- SSL (unless bundled)
- Additional security or marketing tools
Here’s how GoDaddy’s most popular plans and services are priced in the UK:
| Product or Bundle | Monthly Price | Billed Annually | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| .COM Domain (1st Year) | £0.01 | £0.01 | Domain privacy, renewal at £19.99/year |
| Website Builder (Standard) | £7.99 | £95.88 | Templates, payments, mobile-ready |
| Website Builder + eCommerce | £13.99 | £167.88 | Product listings, shopping cart, marketplaces |
| Managed WordPress Hosting | £3.99 | £47.88 | SSD hosting, backups, SSL, Microsoft email |
| Starter Domain Bundle | £2.49 | £29.86 | Domain, privacy, email, GoDaddy Studio |
This à la carte pricing model works well if you:
- Already own a domain or email account
- Are only launching a landing page or brochure site
- Want to use WordPress or a third-party CMS instead of a website builder
- Prefer control over each service individually
With GoDaddy, I often piece together what’s needed based on the client’s goals. For example, a client launching an eCommerce store may pay:
- £0.01 for the first-year domain
- £13.99/month for the eCommerce website builder
- Add-ons like SEO tools or email marketing as needed
That makes it competitive but not necessarily cheaper in the long run if you need multiple services or higher-end features.
What About Email Hosting?
Squarespace integrates Google Workspace email starting from the Core plan. In my experience, this is convenient for clients who want everything under one roof. You don’t need to set up separate DNS records or deal with mail server configurations.
GoDaddy offers its own branded Microsoft 365 email hosting plans, such as:
- Email Essentials (£1.99/month)
- Email Plus (£3.29/month)
- Business Professional with Office apps (£7.99/month)
I’ve found GoDaddy’s email plans more affordable if purchased separately, especially for clients already using Microsoft tools.
When You Compare Value…
Squarespace includes more in a single subscription, making it predictable and beginner-friendly. GoDaddy lets you start cheap and build your own stack, but you’ll need to actively manage renewals and extras which can add up.
Let me highlight a few key differences:
- Squarespace pricing is bundled and predictable
- GoDaddy’s model is flexible but fragmented
- Squarespace includes more design and sales tools by default
- GoDaddy allows for customisation and third-party hosting options
Winner: GoDaddy 🏆
When I’m working with clients who want to keep costs low and have more control over what they’re paying for, GoDaddy usually makes more sense. I like how modular it is. I can register a domain, choose my hosting, and only pay for what I need especially when flexibility matters more than bundling.
What Are the Key Differences in Domain Registration?
Domain registration is one of GoDaddy’s strongest points. They’ve built their reputation on being a go-to place for cheap domains, and I’ve personally taken advantage of those 1p .com domain offers several times.
Their domain management dashboard is also very flexible. Whether I’m managing one domain or 25, I can handle renewals, nameservers, DNS settings, forwarding, and transfers all from one place.
Squarespace, while offering a free domain with most plans, doesn’t match GoDaddy’s depth in this area. DNS editing is basic, and you’re restricted in terms of extensions and management tools.
Here’s a quick comparison of key domain features:
| Feature | GoDaddy | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Domain Cost | £0.01 | Free for 1 year with the plan |
| Renewal Cost (.com) | £19.99/year | ~£17–£20/year |
| Domain Privacy | Included | Included |
| WHOIS Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Domain Transfer Tools | Yes | Limited |
| DNS Management | Full | Basic |
| Domain-Only Option | Yes | No |
Winner: GoDaddy 🏆
For domain management, it’s no contest. GoDaddy gives me more power, cheaper prices, and tools I need if I’m managing multiple domains.
Which Platform Offers Better Website Builder Features?
I’ve built dozens of websites on both platforms. Squarespace’s website builder is probably one of the most polished tools available to non-designers. Their templates are visually appealing and consistent, which helps maintain a professional look.
You can tweak fonts, colours, spacing, and layouts without touching a line of code. On higher plans, you get access to CSS and JavaScript, which helps with advanced customisation.
GoDaddy’s builder, on the other hand, is simple and efficient. If all you want is a functional site for a local service business or landing page, it gets the job done quickly. But it lacks flexibility and creative finesse. Templates look more generic, and design changes feel restricted compared to Squarespace.
Winner: Squarespace 🏆
Whenever I want a website to feel professionally designed right out of the box, Squarespace is where I go. The templates are modern, responsive, and tailored for creatives. I can confidently build client-facing websites with minimal effort.
How Does Squarespace vs GoDaddy Perform for SEO?
Search engine optimisation is another area where I’ve had quite different experiences with these two platforms.
Squarespace gives you the basics: title tags, meta descriptions, alt text for images, and mobile responsiveness. It generates sitemaps and supports SSL by default, which helps with indexing and rankings. But beyond that, it’s limited. There are no plugins, schema generators, or native analytics integrations outside of basic tools.
GoDaddy offers more, particularly if you’re hosting WordPress. You can install top-tier SEO plugins, use advanced tools like schema markups, manage redirects, and integrate with Google Search Console in a more advanced way.
From an SEO professional’s perspective, GoDaddy’s flexibility gives me more room to optimise for performance and rankings assuming the client is using WordPress or knows how to handle the options.
Winner: GoDaddy 🏆
When SEO is a priority, especially for larger or growing sites, I lean toward GoDaddy specifically for its WordPress compatibility. With plugins like Yoast or Rank Math, I can dig into technical SEO in a way Squarespace just doesn’t allow.
Which Platform Is Easier to Use for Beginners?
When I hand over a site to a client who has never built or managed a website before, I want to know they won’t feel overwhelmed. That’s where Squarespace really shines.
The editor is intuitive, the layout is clean, and there’s almost no risk of breaking anything. Features are laid out in a way that makes sense, even to someone without a tech background.
GoDaddy has improved its UI over the years, but it still presents more decision-making. Choosing a domain, adding SSL, managing hosting these can be intimidating for beginners.
Winner: Squarespace 🏆
For first-time users, Squarespace is incredibly easy to recommend. I’ve watched clients with zero experience get a beautiful site up and running within a day. It removes nearly all the decision-making, which makes the experience far less intimidating.
What Are the E-commerce Differences Between Squarespace and GoDaddy?
E-commerce is another area I’ve explored with both platforms. Squarespace offers built-in eCommerce functionality starting from the Basic plan. You can sell products, services, and digital content.
The transaction fees vary by plan, but the tools are well integrated from checkout to order management. You can also send invoices and manage simple inventory without extra tools.
GoDaddy includes eCommerce tools in their Website + eCommerce plan or via managed WooCommerce hosting.
It supports product listings, coupons, online payments, and even syncs with marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy. But for anything beyond the basics, I’ve had to rely on WordPress + WooCommerce, which involves more setup.
Winner: Squarespace 🏆
I’ve helped several businesses set up their online shops with Squarespace, and the process is always smooth. For small stores or service-based products, the built-in tools are enough and everything just works out of the box.
Which Platform Offers Better Integrations and Third-Party Tools?
In my experience, integrations make a huge difference as your website grows. Whether it’s email marketing, eCommerce extensions, or automation, the ability to plug into third-party tools can help you avoid expensive custom development.
Squarespace keeps things simple but somewhat limited. You get core integrations that work well for small businesses:
- Mailchimp for newsletters
- Acuity for scheduling
- Google Workspace for email and collaboration
- Stripe and PayPal for payments
- Instagram and social media feed options
- Analytics via built-in dashboard or Google Analytics
You can add custom code blocks or use the developer mode on higher-tier plans, but there’s no native plugin ecosystem.
GoDaddy, particularly with WordPress hosting, offers far more in terms of flexibility. I’ve worked on GoDaddy sites that connect to:
- WooCommerce extensions for custom stores
- Advanced SEO tools like Rank Math
- CRM platforms like HubSpot and Zoho
- Marketing platforms like ActiveCampaign
- Booking systems, LMS tools, and more
If your business needs to integrate with third-party systems, GoDaddy has the upper hand but it does come with more setup time.
Integration Comparison Table
| Feature/Integration Type | Squarespace | GoDaddy (via WordPress) |
|---|---|---|
| Email Marketing | Mailchimp | Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, Sendinblue |
| CRM Integrations | Limited | HubSpot, Zoho, Salesforce |
| Booking & Scheduling | Acuity (native) | Multiple plugins available |
| Payment Gateways | Stripe, PayPal | Stripe, PayPal, Square, more |
| Analytics | Built-in, Google Analytics | Google Analytics, Hotjar, others |
| Plugin Ecosystem | None | 59,000+ WordPress plugins |
| Automation Tools | Basic | Full support (Zapier, custom scripts) |
Winner: GoDaddy 🏆
If I need third-party tools or integrations for SEO, CRM, booking systems, or automation, GoDaddy gives me far more freedom. It’s ideal for clients scaling their business or integrating external systems. Squarespace is great for what it does, but it stays in its lane.
Which Platform Performs Better in Terms of Speed and Scalability?
Speed is one of those things you only notice when it’s missing and once traffic picks up, your hosting setup can make or break the user experience.
Squarespace offers managed infrastructure, so every website is hosted on their own platform. You don’t get to choose the server, install plugins for optimisation, or modify how it’s delivered but that’s the point.
It’s designed to just work out of the box. Most of the time, sites I’ve built on Squarespace load reliably and consistently.
GoDaddy, however, gives me options. I’ve hosted everything from small WordPress blogs to high-traffic WooCommerce stores on GoDaddy’s managed hosting and VPS platforms. With the right setup, I can:
- Install caching plugins like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache
- Use CDNs like Cloudflare for global performance
- Upgrade resources (RAM, CPU) as needed
- Optimise image delivery and scripts
- Choose data centre regions closer to UK visitors
If you’re running a simple portfolio or brochure site, Squarespace is absolutely fine. But for eCommerce, content-heavy platforms, or multi-user environments, GoDaddy offers room to scale.
Speed & Scalability Comparison Table
| Feature | Squarespace | GoDaddy (Managed Hosting) |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Control | None (fully managed) | Full (varies by plan) |
| Caching | Built-in | Customisable (via plugins) |
| CDN Support | Native CDN | Cloudflare and other CDNs |
| Performance Optimisation | Not available | Full access (image, script, DB) |
| Server Upgrade Options | Not available | Available (VPS, Dedicated) |
| Multi-site Scaling | Limited | Fully supported |
| Suitable for High Traffic | Medium | High |
Winner: GoDaddy 🏆
When performance tuning and scalability are important, GoDaddy gives me more control. I can optimise WordPress with caching plugins, server upgrades, and CDNs. Squarespace is consistent, but limited it’s ideal for small-to-mid-size websites, not high-traffic growth.
How Do Customer Support and Reliability Compare?
Good support can make a massive difference especially if something goes wrong at a critical time like a site launch or DNS migration.
Squarespace offers live chat during working hours and email support. Their response times are generally good, but you don’t get 24/7 human support. Documentation is strong, but in a crisis, waiting for a reply can be frustrating.
GoDaddy shines here with 24/7 phone support, live chat, and a massive knowledge base. I’ve called them multiple times over the years for things like SSL configuration, hosting issues, and domain renewals and nearly every time, I got the help I needed in minutes.
Winner: GoDaddy 🏆
In situations where I need real-time help or support with domains and hosting, GoDaddy delivers. Their 24/7 phone support has saved me and my clients more than once, especially during launches or migrations.
Growth Comparison: Squarespace vs GoDaddy (2020–2025)
I’ve kept an eye on both platforms over the years, and their trajectories are quite different. Squarespace has grown steadily by marketing itself as a design-forward, user-friendly platform.
GoDaddy, meanwhile, remains dominant in the domain and hosting market, with a massive existing customer base and consistent gains in website builder and WordPress hosting segments.
Here’s an illustrative table of their estimated growth:
Estimated Website/User Base Growth (2020–2025)
| Year | Squarespace (Sites) | GoDaddy (Domains & Hosting Customers) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3.0 million | 20 million+ |
| 2021 | 3.6 million | 21.5 million |
| 2022 | 4.2 million | 23 million |
| 2023 | 4.8 million | 24.2 million |
| 2024 | 5.3 million | 25.8 million |
| 2025 | 5.8 million (est.) | 27 million (est.) |
Key Growth Insights:
- Squarespace is seeing strong growth, especially with creatives, small businesses, and independent service providers. Their user base has nearly doubled since 2020.
- GoDaddy continues to dominate in the global domain registration and WordPress hosting space. While their growth is slower in percentage terms, their customer base is much larger.
- Squarespace’s growth is tied to ease of use and bundled services, while GoDaddy’s is tied to flexibility, partnerships, and scalable tools.
What Can We Expect from Squarespace and GoDaddy in 2026?
As someone who regularly works with both platforms and keeps up with industry trends, I’m already seeing signs of where Squarespace and GoDaddy are headed in 2026. Their priorities remain very different, but both are making noticeable moves to stay relevant and meet evolving user demands.
Squarespace appears to be doubling down on simplicity, AI-driven website building, and design customisation. Their recent AI tools have already helped some of my clients create full sections of content and layouts in minutes.
I expect to see even more advanced automation in 2026 things like personalised AI content generation, smarter style suggestions, and deeper integration with business tools like appointment scheduling and client portals.
GoDaddy, on the other hand, seems to be focusing heavily on its WordPress ecosystem, performance infrastructure, and scalable solutions. I’ve noticed more emphasis on WooCommerce growth, server upgrades, and integrations with marketing platforms.
For users who want to build bigger, more complex online platforms or agencies managing multiple clients, GoDaddy is building more backend power than ever before.
Here’s how I see them shaping up in the coming year:
2026 Outlook Comparison
| Focus Area | Squarespace (2026) | GoDaddy (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Website Building | AI-assisted design and content generation | Continued focus on WordPress + visual editors |
| eCommerce Evolution | Smarter store automation, better digital product support | Deeper WooCommerce integration, more inventory tools |
| SEO & Analytics | Enhanced built-in insights and reports | More performance data tools via plugins + dashboards |
| AI Integration | Integrated natively into setup and editing | Available via third-party tools or add-ons |
| Developer Tools | Still limited (except in developer mode) | Expanding via cPanel, VPS, Git access, and APIs |
| Performance & Hosting | Same bundled approach | Cloud hosting upgrades, global CDN, scalable traffic |
| Ideal User | Beginners, creatives, freelancers | Developers, agencies, businesses needing flexibility |
From what I’m seeing, Squarespace will likely become even easier to use, making it even more attractive to people launching their first site or online portfolio.
Meanwhile, GoDaddy is positioning itself as the scalable infrastructure provider behind large eCommerce stores, agencies, and long-term growth-focused projects.
Final Verdict – My Honest Squarespace vs GoDaddy Review
From personal experience, I turn to Squarespace when I need a beautiful, no-fuss website that’s ready to go live fast. It’s perfect for creatives, freelancers, and small business owners who value design and simplicity.
But when I need control, flexibility, and serious scalability, GoDaddy is my go-to. It’s ideal for domain-heavy projects, SEO-driven sites, or anything built on WordPress.
Ultimately, it’s not about which platform is better it’s about which one matches your vision.
Choose confidently, build boldly, and don’t overthink it. Your perfect website is closer than you think.
FAQs About Squarespace vs GoDaddy
Is Squarespace easier than GoDaddy?
Yes. Squarespace’s setup is more beginner-friendly, with fewer decisions and faster launch times.
Which is cheaper long-term?
GoDaddy can be cheaper if you manage each service separately. Squarespace is more predictable with its all-in-one pricing.
Can I register a domain with Squarespace only?
Not typically you’ll need to purchase a website plan to get domain access.
Is GoDaddy good for SEO?
Yes, especially if you use WordPress hosting. You’ll have access to top-tier SEO tools and flexibility.
Which platform is better for eCommerce?
Squarespace is better for small to mid-sized stores, while GoDaddy offers more scalable options via WooCommerce.
Can I use plugins with Squarespace?
Not in the same way as GoDaddy/WordPress. Squarespace is more closed and doesn’t allow plugin-based customisation.
Is Squarespace good for UK freelancers?
Yes, particularly if you need a quick and beautiful website without technical hassle.
