Better Than Square Online? Try These 5 in 2025

3 weeks ago 14

Looking for something better than Square Online in 2025? While Square Online remains a popular choice for small businesses and local sellers, it may not offer the advanced features, design freedom, or scalability that growing brands now demand.

As the digital landscape evolves, so do the needs of online entrepreneurs. Fortunately, several Square Online alternatives are stepping up, offering more powerful website building tools, enhanced eCommerce features, and competitive pricing.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve rounded up 5 powerful Square Online alternatives that offer more in terms of scalability, performance, and user experience.

In this guide, we highlight 5 of the best website builders in 2025 that deliver where Square Online may fall short.

Top contenders like Wix, Shopify, Squarespace, Framer, and Hostinger stand out for their unique strengths—from drag-and-drop site design and AI-powered creation tools to multi-channel selling and customizable templates.

Looking for the best Square Online alternative for your business in 2025? Let’s explore the top options leading the way.

What is Square Online?
Why Consider a Square Online Alternative for 2025?
5 Square Online Options Better in 2025
Comparison Table
How to Choose the Best Website Builder for Your Needs

1. What is Square Online?

Square Online is an all-in-one eCommerce website builder designed to help small businesses, retailers, and service providers quickly create an online store and start selling.

This free-to-start online store builder offers seamless integration with Square’s payment processing tools, making it especially attractive for brick-and-mortar businesses looking to expand online.

From customizable templates to inventory syncing, Square Online eCommerce platform is built for simplicity and speed—ideal for those who want a no-fuss way to sell online.

Curious if it’s right for you. Let’s break down how Square Online works, who it’s best for, and where it stands in the growing world of website builders for small businesses.

2. Why Consider a Square Online Alternative for 2025?

Square Online is a convenient, beginner-friendly platform, especially for local businesses already using Square’s POS system.

But as your needs grow or become more specialized in 2025, you may find that it lacks in design freedom, advanced eCommerce tools, or scalability.

Here’s why you might explore better-suited alternatives:

Wix: Offers more flexibility with drag-and-drop customization, plus robust app integrations and modern templates for any business type.
Shopify: A powerhouse built for growing online stores, providing advanced inventory tools, multi-channel selling, and top-tier eCommerce features.
Framer: A modern, design-first builder for those who prioritize interactive layouts, animations, and developer-level control—ideal for portfolios and agencies.
Squarespace: Known for stunning, creative designs and all-in-one branding tools—ideal for professionals, creatives, and content-driven businesses.
Hostinger: Lightweight and budget-friendly, perfect for users who want AI-powered site creation with decent performance at a lower cost.

Each alternative offers something Square Online doesn’t—be it visual control, deeper eCommerce capabilities, or high-performance hosting. If your business is scaling or your creative needs are expanding, 2025 might be the right time to switch.

3. 5 Square Online Options Better in 2025

1. Wix – Versatile Website Builder with Creative Freedom

Wix stands out in 2025 as one of the most flexible website builders, catering to users of all skill levels. Its powerful drag-and-drop editor allows full customization, making it ideal for building everything from personal blogs and creative portfolios to professional business websites and full-featured online stores.

Wix for small businesses is especially popular, thanks to features like appointment scheduling, eCommerce integration, and multilingual support. Entrepreneurs and freelancers can create polished, responsive websites without needing to hire a developer.

For those focusing on SEO in 2025, Wix offers integrated tools and customizable metadata, helping sites rank on search engines efficiently.

Wix continues to be a top choice among website builders in 2025, offering a blend of creative freedom, performance, and user-friendly functionality.

Key Features:

Extensive Template Library: 800+ professionally designed templates for various industries and purposes.
App Market: Add functionality like live chat, booking systems, pop-ups, forms, and more.
Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence): Quickly generate a site tailored to your needs by answering a few questions.
Built-In SEO Tools: Custom URLs, meta tags, image optimization, and Google indexing support.
eCommerce Support: Product listings, digital downloads, payment integration, and shopping cart features.

Limitations:

Template Lock-In: Once you choose a template, you can’t switch to a different one without rebuilding.
Performance Varies by Design: Heavy use of animations or apps may affect site loading speed.
Pricing Tiers Add Up: While feature-rich, some advanced features are locked behind higher-tier plans.
Learning Curve for Deep Customization: Although easy for basic sites, advanced features might require time to master.

Best For:

Design-Focused Branding: Ideal for photographers, designers, artists, and other creative professionals who want full creative control and visual impact.
Service-Based Businesses: Coaches, consultants, and freelancers benefit from integrated booking tools, contact forms, and custom landing pages.
Small to Medium Online Stores: Great for merchants seeking a visually polished storefront with built-in eCommerce tools, payment integrations, and product management.

2. Shopify – A Smart Solution for Modern eCommerce Needs

Shopify has become a go-to platform for businesses that are serious about selling online. Designed to support everyone from small startups to enterprise-level brands, Shopify empowers users to build a professional, fully functional online store without needing deep technical skills.

With its vast library of themes, robust app ecosystem, and seamless integrations with major marketplaces and social platforms, it offers unmatched flexibility and scalability.

Its drag-and-drop editor is intuitive, and the back-end dashboard makes it easy to track orders, manage customers, and run marketing campaigns.

Key Features:

Customizable Themes: Hundreds of free and premium templates tailored for various industries.
Extensive App Marketplace: Over 8,000 apps to extend your store’s functionality (SEO, marketing, inventory, shipping, etc.).
Mobile-Optimized Checkout: Fast, secure, and designed for conversions across all devices.
Inventory Management: Real-time stock tracking, bulk imports, product variants, and SKU management.
Analytics & Reports: In-depth performance insights, customer behavior, and sales tracking.

Limitations:

Transaction Fees: Third-party payment options come with extra fees.
Costly Add-Ons: Many advanced features require paid apps or upgrades.
Theme Limitations: Custom design changes may require coding or developer assistance.
Blogging Limitations: Not ideal for content-heavy sites compared to platforms like WordPress.

Best For:

Retailers with Growing Inventory: Brands needing robust tools for inventory, order, and shipping management.
Subscription & Digital Sellers: Supports recurring billing and digital product delivery with plugins.
Service Providers with Online Stores: Sell physical products alongside services or events.

3. Framer – Modern Web Design Tool with Real-Time Visual Editing

Framer is an advanced, no-code website builder crafted specifically for designers, developers, and creative entrepreneurs seeking total control over their online presence.

Positioned as one of the best website builders for designers in 2025, Framer combines professional-grade design tools with real-time visual editing, interactive animations, and AI-assisted workflows—all in a sleek, browser-based platform.

Unlike traditional site builders, Framer delivers a powerful balance of creative freedom and performance. Users can design and publish fully responsive websites with built-in SEO optimization, fast page loading, and integrated CMS—all without writing a single line of code.

As an AI website builder, Framer also includes intelligent features to help you generate layouts, structure content, and fine-tune design elements in seconds.

Key Features:

AI Website Generator: Generate entire websites using AI by entering simple prompts—great for fast ideation and prototyping.
Interactive Animations: Add smooth transitions and micro-interactions without custom code.
Custom CMS: Easily manage structured content internally without using add-on plugins.
SEO Tools Built-In: Native support for meta tags, alt text, Open Graph previews, and lightning-fast page speed.
Team Collaboration: Work with multiple team members in real time—ideal for agencies and startups.

Limitations:

Steeper Learning Curve: Compared to traditional drag-and-drop builders like Wix or Squarespace, Framer’s interface may take time to master for beginners.
Limited eCommerce Features: Not ideal for large online stores—requires external integrations for full-scale selling.
Higher Price Point: Premium features and team collaboration come at a cost; not the most budget-friendly for personal projects.
Template Variety: While beautifully designed, Framer has fewer templates than mainstream builders like Shopify or WordPress.

Best For:

Creative Professionals & Agencies: Designers, developers, and freelancers who want pixel-perfect control and stunning visuals.
Startups & SaaS Products: Tech-forward teams that need modern, fast-loading landing pages and marketing sites.
Portfolios & Personal Branding: Ideal for showcasing work with interactive galleries and dynamic layouts.

4. Squarespace – Sleek and Stylish Sites for Modern Brands

Squarespace stands out in 2025 as one of the best all-in-one website builders for individuals and businesses that prioritize design, elegance, and functionality. As a drag-and-drop website builder with premium, mobile-responsive templates, it enables users to create professional-grade websites—no coding required.

From stunning portfolios to polished business sites and stylish online stores, Squarespace delivers a seamless experience for users looking to combine beauty and performance.

Its powerful suite of tools includes built-in blogging, eCommerce, SEO optimization, email marketing, and appointment scheduling, making it an ideal solution for creators and entrepreneurs who want everything under one roof.

Squarespace is one of the top choices in 2025 for building an online presence that not only looks good but performs beautifully.

Key Features:

Designer-Quality Templates: Dozens of stunning, mobile-optimized themes that appeal to creatives and professionals.
All-in-One Platform: Built-in tools for blogging, eCommerce, marketing, and scheduling—no third-party integrations required.
Built-In eCommerce: Supports product listings, digital downloads, inventory management, tax, and shipping configuration.
Analytics & Reporting: Clear insights into traffic, sales, and engagement with real-time data.
Strong Mobile Responsiveness: All templates automatically adjust for seamless mobile browsing.

Limitations:

Limited Customization Beyond Templates: While beautiful, templates are more rigid compared to builders like Webflow or WordPress.
Pricing: Marginally more expensive than minimalistic options like Hostinger and Weebly.
No Free Plan: Only a 14-day free trial—no forever-free version.
Third-Party App Marketplace is Limited: Fewer external plugins or extensions than platforms like Shopify or WordPress.

Best For:

Design-Focused Branding: Ideal for photographers, designers, artists, and other creative professionals.
Service-Based Businesses: Coaches, consultants, and freelancers using the built-in booking and scheduling tools.
Bloggers & Content Creators: Clean layout options and robust blogging features for storytelling and long-form content.

5. Hostinger – Lightweight, Budget-Friendly Builder for Beginners

Searching for a reliable and affordable website builder in 2025 that doesn’t compromise on speed or ease of use? Hostinger continues to rise as a popular choice for users seeking a fast website builder with smart AI tools, minimal setup time, and a clean, beginner-friendly interface.

Designed for those who want to create stunning websites without hiring a developer or learning complex code, Hostinger makes the process seamless from start to finish.

This AI-powered website builder automatically generates fully functional and responsive websites within minutes based on simple prompts, making it perfect for time-strapped entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners.

You’ll find essential features like drag-and-drop customization, SEO settings, custom domains, mobile optimization, and even built-in analytics—all packaged in one of the most cost-effective website builder plans on the market.

Key Features:

AI-Powered Builder: Generate entire websites instantly using AI prompts—great for beginners or those short on time..
Fast Performance: Built for speed with lightweight code and optimized hosting for fast loading times.
Mobile Optimization: All templates are responsive by default, ensuring seamless experiences across devices.
Built-In SEO Tools: Customize meta titles, descriptions, and URLs to improve search engine rankings.
SSL & Security: Free SSL certificate, secure backups, and solid protection against cyber threats.

Limitations:

Limited Design Flexibility: While customizable, it lacks the advanced design depth of platforms like Webflow or Wix.
No Free Plan: Only a 30-day money-back guarantee; there’s no fully free version.
Limited Blogging Functionality: Blogging tools are available but quite basic, without deep content management features.
One Website per Plan: Each subscription only allows the creation of one website.

Best For:

Beginners & Non-Tech Users: Perfect for those who want to build a professional-looking site quickly using AI tools without coding.
Freelancers & Solopreneurs: Great for service providers, consultants, and portfolio creators looking for a fast, cost-effective online presence.
Fast Website Deployment: Excellent for users who want to get a sleek, functional website up and running in minutes.

4. Comparison Table

Contents	Wix	Shopify	Framer	Hostinger	Squarespace
Free Plan	✔	❌	✔	❌	❌
Monthly Billed Price Starting	$24	$39	$10	$11.99	$25
Annual Billed Price Starting	$17	$29	$5	$2.99	$16
Storage	2 GB (Starting Plan)	Unlimited	10 GB (Starting Plan)	50 GB (Starting Plan)	Unlimited
Transaction Fees	0% – 3%	0% – 2%	0%	0%	0% – 3%
Design Flexibility	High with drag & drop editor	Template-based, customizable via code	High flexibility with visual canvas	Limited flexibility, AI-generated	Sleek templates, moderate flexibility
Best For	Creative freedom & small businesses	Scalable eCommerce & multi-channel sales	Designers, devs, and prototyping	Beginners, freelancers, & fast launches	Design-focused brands & professionals
Customer Support	24/7 live chat & ticket support	24/7 live support	Email support, community	24/7 live chat, knowledge base	24/7 email & live chat

5. How to Choose the Best Website Builder for Your Needs

Selecting the best platform is key to building a strong online presence. With so many platforms—like Wix, Shopify, Framer, Squarespace, and Hostinger—offering unique features, it’s essential to match the tool to your specific goals.

From ease of use and design flexibility to eCommerce capabilities and pricing, this guide breaks down the key factors to help you confidently pick the best builder for your needs in 2025.

1. Define Your Website’s Purpose

Starting a new blog, digital storefront, creative portfolio, or company website? Your goal helps determine the best platform.

Wix is ideal for portfolio sites, creative designs, and all-purpose websites.
Shopify is a go-to for building powerful online stores with scalable features.

2. Consider Ease of Use

Not all platforms offer the same user experience. Choose one that fits your comfort level.

Hostinger and Wix are great for beginners with drag-and-drop simplicity.
Framer has a learning curve but offers intuitive visual editing for designers.

3. Evaluate Design Flexibility

Want creative control? Some builders offer full customization, while others are more template-based.

Framer and Wix provide high design freedom and visual editing tools.
Squarespace offers clean, stylish templates with moderate customizability.

4. Check eCommerce Capabilities

If you’re selling online, pay attention to product management, checkout systems, and integrations.

Shopify is the best for serious online stores with multi-channel selling.
Squarespace and Wix support small to mid-size online shops.

5. Analyze Pricing and Value

Consider what’s included in the plan—domains, storage, SSL, marketing tools—and compare monthly vs. annual costs.

Hostinger and Wix support economical plans backed by strong features.
Shopify has a steeper price tag, though it includes advanced tools for online stores.

6. Understand Storage and Hosting

More storage and bandwidth may be essential, depending on your site type.

Shopify and Squarespace offer unlimited storage on most plans.
Hostinger provides scalable storage for growing sites affordably.

7. Support & Resources

Quality support is crucial, especially for non-tech users.

Wix, Shopify, and Hostinger provide nonstop chat support and an extensive knowledge base.
Framer offers community-based and email support for technical users.

Conclusion

Choosing the best website builder in 2025 comes down to clearly understanding your needs, audience, and long-term vision. No one-size-fits-all solution exists—each platform brings its own strengths, pricing, and user experience to the table.

Wix is an excellent option for users who want creative freedom, eye-catching design tools, and versatile features without needing to code.
Shopify stands out as the ultimate choice for anyone focused on building a robust online store with powerful inventory management and multi-channel selling.
Framer caters to designers and creative professionals seeking interactive layouts, motion design, and a modern, no-code web design approach.
Squarespace is the go-to for branding-heavy businesses, portfolios, and service-based websites that need sleek templates and a polished online presence.
Hostinger is great for beginners, bloggers, and small businesses looking for a fast, easy, and affordable way to build a site with strong performance and AI tools.

No matter what kind of website you’re planning, the key is to align your builder with your purpose. Consider your content type, customization needs, and growth potential. The right platform will not only launch your site quickly—it will support your online success for years to come.

FAQ

1. What is the best website builder for beginners in 2025?
Hostinger and Wix are ideal for beginners. Hostinger offers a lightweight, AI-powered builder with an intuitive setup process, while Wix provides a drag-and-drop interface with extensive templates and customization options.

2. Which website builder is best for eCommerce?
Shopify leads the pack for online stores, offering advanced eCommerce tools, inventory management, and multi-channel selling. Squarespace and Wix also provide strong eCommerce capabilities for smaller-scale shops.

3. Can I switch from one website builder to another later?
Yes, but it can be time-consuming. Some platforms let you export content, but designs and custom features may not transfer easily. It’s best to choose the right platform from the start based on your long-term needs.

4. Do these website builders offer free plans?
Some do. Wix and Framer provide no-cost plans, though with basic functionality. Hostinger and Squarespace provide free trials, while Shopify has a low-cost trial period. Free plans often include ads or limited storage, so upgrading may be necessary.

5. Which builder is best for creatives or portfolios?
Framer and Squarespace are excellent for creatives. Framer offers interactive, modern design tools perfect for designers and developers. Squarespace stands out for its polished templates and visual storytelling options.

6. What’s the most affordable website builder?
Hostinger offers the lowest entry price for its premium features. It’s ideal for budget-conscious users who still want performance, support, and basic eCommerce options.

7. Is SEO included in these website builders?
Yes. Most builders like Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, and Shopify include built-in SEO tools like meta tags, sitemaps, and mobile optimization. Some platforms offer more in-depth SEO control than others.