Ghost vs Squarespace: Which Is Better in 2026?

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right website builders tool for your needs.

Too Close to Call

Both tools are closely matched with similar overall ratings

Quick Comparison

Aspect
G
Ghost
S
Squarespace
Overall Rating
8/10
8/10
Starting Price
$9/mo
$16/mo
Free Plan
Free Trial
Best For
solo
solo
Ease of Use
8/10
9/10
Features
7/10
8/10
Value for Money
8/10
7/10
Support
7/10
8/10

Overview

Ghost is an open-source publishing platform focused on professional blogging and newsletters. Popular among writers, journalists, and publications.

Squarespace is known for stunning, designer-quality templates. All-in-one platform for websites, blogs, online stores, and scheduling with excellent design quality.

Pricing Comparison

Better value: Ghost
G

Ghost

Better Value
Pricing ModelFreemium
Starting Price$9/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier
S

Squarespace

Pricing ModelPaid
Starting Price$16/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier

Features Comparison

Winner: Squarespace
FeatureGhostSquarespace
Drag Drop
Limited
Ecommerce
Blogging
Custom Code
Limited
Seo Features
Membership
Cms Features
Animations
Basic
Templates
50+
100+
Custom Domain

0

features unique to Ghost

1

features unique to Squarespace

Pros & Cons

G

Ghost

Pros

  • Beautiful default themes
  • Built-in memberships/subscriptions
  • Newsletter features included
  • Fast and lightweight
  • Open source (self-host free)

Cons

  • Primarily for publishing
  • Limited page building
  • Fewer themes than WordPress
  • Technical for self-hosting
S

Squarespace

Pros

  • Stunning design templates
  • All-in-one platform
  • Great for portfolios
  • Solid e-commerce features
  • Built-in analytics

Cons

  • Limited customization
  • No free plan
  • Switching templates difficult
  • Transaction fees on basic plan

The Verdict: It's a Tie

Both Ghost and Squarespace are excellent website builders tools that deliver strong value. With nearly identical overall ratings, the choice between them comes down to your specific requirements rather than one being objectively better.

Ghost shines in professional bloggers, while Squarespace excels at creatives and artists. Consider trying both with their free trials to see which fits your workflow better.

Our recommendation: We recommend Ghost if you prioritize beautiful default themes, and Squarespace if stunning design templates matter more to you.

Choose Ghost if you...

  • • Need professional bloggers
  • • Need newsletter creators
  • • Need publications and magazines

Choose Squarespace if you...

  • • Need creatives and artists
  • • Need portfolio websites
  • • Need small businesses wanting polish

Ready to Get Started?

* We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit these tools through our links. This doesn't affect our ratings or comparisons.

Ghost vs Squarespace FAQ

Both Ghost and Squarespace are excellent choices with similar ratings. The better option depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
Yes, Ghost is more affordable with plans starting at $9/month, compared to $16/month for the other.
Squarespace scores higher in ease of use (9/10) compared to Ghost (8/10).
Yes, migration between Ghost and Squarespace is possible. Most tools offer data export features. Check each tool's documentation for specific migration guides and import capabilities.
Both tools can work for small teams. Ghost is best for solo teams while Squarespace suits solo teams.
For startups, consider your growth trajectory. Ghost offers a free tier which is great for bootstrapped startups.
Yes, each tool has unique strengths. Ghost excels at: Professional bloggers, Newsletter creators. Squarespace is better for: Creatives and artists, Portfolio websites. Review our detailed feature comparison above.
Squarespace rates higher in customer support (8/10) compared to Ghost (7/10).
Ghost offers better value for money with a rating of 8/10 compared to Squarespace's 7/10.
Consider switching if Squarespace's strengths (Creatives and artists) align better with your current needs. However, factor in migration effort and learning curve before making the switch.