Network Solutions vs Squarespace: Which Website Builder Is Right for You?  

Key takeaways: 

• Network Solutions vs Squarespace is a choice between simplicity and creative control, depending on your business goals. 
• Network Solutions proves ideal for small business owners who want an all-in-one setup for domains, hosting, and website creation.
• Squarespace fits users who value design freedom with built-in templates, marketing tools, and eCommerce options. 

Trying to decide between Network Solutions and Squarespace? You’re probably looking for a website that looks great, runs smoothly, and doesn’t take hours to build. Both platforms can help your brand grow and attract customers online, but the real question is which one fits your business best. 

This guide breaks down how Network Solutions and Squarespace compare in features and pricing. We’ll look at the ease of use, design options, templates, eCommerce tools, and customer support, so you can choose the platform that works best for your business. 

How we developed this comparison 

We reviewed Network Solutions and Squarespace using the latest 2025 data and insights from Trustpilot, G2, TrustRadius, Capterra, and Reddit. Both are trusted website builders and hosting providers for small businesses. Each one offers flexible templates, built-in tools, and reliable support for every skill level. 

We also checked real user feedback to see how each platform performs in eCommerce, security, and overall reliability. Pricing and plan details were verified to keep this comparison current. The goal is to show what users value most and how each platform delivers. 

This comparison gives small business owners practical choices for dependable, all-in-one website solutions that match their goals and budget. 

Disclaimer: Pricing and product information are accurate as of publication but may change without notice. 

At a glance: Network Solutions vs Squarespace 

Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick look at how Network Solutions and Squarespace compare across key areas like such as domains, hosting, builder tools, eCommerce platform, and pricing value. 

Category	Network Solutions	Squarespace
Target users	Small businesses that want an all-in-one setup for domains, hosting, email, and a guided AI website builder.	Creative entrepreneurs and freelancers who want design freedom and modern visuals.
Domain registration	Full registrar with wide TLD selection and an optional 100-Year Domain service and WHOIS privacy add-ons.	Annual website plans include integrated domain registration and a free domain for the first year.
Hosting	Shared hosting with a posted 99.9% uptime and entry promo pricing on the hosting page.	Hosting included on all plans with unlimited (unmetered) bandwidth and delivery via global CDNs.
Website builder	Simple AI-guided setup made for beginners who prefer speed and convenience.	Drag-and-drop builder designed for creative flexibility and advanced customization.
Templates	Professional, business-focused templates optimized for conversions and mobile use.	Award-winning, modern designs known for high-quality visuals and customization.
eCommerce functionalities	Offers eCommerce websites and pro-built store packages; scope is geared to smaller catalogs.	Built-in store features including subscriptions and abandoned-cart recovery on commerce tiers.
Marketing capabilities	Add-on SEO tools, social media integration, and email marketing through bundled services.	Built-in SEO, email campaigns, and social media integrations for automated marketing.
Website security	Free SSL, malware scanning, DDoS protection, and privacy options for domains.	SSL included by default, with stronger protection features on higher plans.
Customer support	Phone support available during business hours; 24/7 live chat and email support and a knowledge base with how-to guides.	24/7 email support; live chat available on weekdays during set hours.
Pricing value	Basic tier website builder starts with $1.99/month for the first term and renews at $16.99/mo	Website plans start at $16/mo billed annually.

Next, we’ll see how each platform supports your business goals through its core features. 

In-depth features comparison of Network Solutions and Squarespace  

With the quick comparison done, it’s time to look closer. Here’s how Network Solutions and Squarespace measure up in usability, design, eCommerce, and support. 

But first, let’s see what each platform offers for small business owners. 

Key benefits for small business owners 

Small business owners usually want something affordable, dependable, and quick to set up. Both brands deliver those goals, but they do so in different ways. 

1. Ease of use and setup 

Both Network Solutions and Squarespace make website building simple, with drag-and-drop tools and intuitive navigation that align with modern industry standards for usability. 

• Network Solutions. Designed for busy small business owners, our AI-guided website builder streamlines setup with automatic design suggestions and preloaded business templates. Domains, hosting, email, and SSL come bundled under one dashboard. Support is available 24/7, and advanced add-ons like malware scanning and daily backups simplify long-term site management. 
• Squarespace. Offers a more hands-on, design-driven experience through a drag-and-drop editor and sleek, responsive templates. Built-in SEO tools, eCommerce features, and marketing integrations give users creative control, though setup can take longer for full customization. 

2. Performance, reliability, and security 

Both Network Solutions and Squarespace deliver consistent uptime and protection for business websites, but they differ in control, flexibility, and overall speed. If you plan to scale your business, pay attention to how the builder handles increasing website traffic in terms of load times, hosting infrastructure and, conversion tools. 

• Network Solutions. Known for dependable performance and long-term stability, it’s a solid choice for small business sites that prioritize reliability. While entry-level plans can load slower than newer cloud platforms, our AI-powered website builder helps optimize layouts and images for smoother browsing. Security features include free SSL certificates, malware scanning, and spam protection, with optional upgrades such as SiteLock, daily backups, and DDoS monitoring for extra defense. 
• Squarespace. Squarespace includes hosting with its plans and uses content-delivery-network (CDN) storage for fast, stable performance. All sites come with free SSL certificates, and updates and infrastructure management are handled by the platform. Most users benefit from unlimited bandwidth and storage, though large-media and video hosting may face per-plan or usage guidelines. If you want to get online quickly without managing servers or security yourself, Squarespace is a great choice. 

3. Customer support and managed services 

Both Network Solutions and Squarespace help users manage and troubleshoot their websites, but they differ in how much hands-on help they provide. 

• Network Solutions. Delivers 24/7 assistance by phone and live chat to make sure users always have access to real support. We also offer managed services that cover SEO, PPC, maintenance, and web design. These options appeal to small business owners who prefer expert help instead of doing everything on their own. 
• Squarespace. Provides 24/7 email and live chat support, though chat availability can vary by region. Its support hub includes tutorials, webinars, and community guides for users who like learning as they go. Squarespace’s focus is more on self-service resources than full-service management, which works well for users who want creative control instead of outsourcing. 

Squarespace, on the other hand, excels in design freedom and creative control. It’s a strong pick if visuals and customization are your top priorities, but it may take more time and effort to manage. 

For most small business owners, the difference comes down to focus. Network Solutions delivers dependability and long-term value, while Squarespace excels for those who want creative flexibility over technical convenience. 

Domain registration 

Registering your domain is the first real step in building your online presence. Both Network Solutions and Squarespace help you lock in your name fast, but they handle flexibility, control, and long-term value differently. 

Network Solutions 

Network Solutions has been providing domains since 1993 as the first domain registrar on the internet. We’ll let you search for and register domains from a wide range of top-level domains such as .com, .store, or .tech. You can choose between simply registering a domain if you already have your hosting and website, or getting it bundled for free when you use our hosting and website builder services.  

It also includes full domain management tools and advanced domain services so you can organize your domains in a single dashboard together with your hosting and website builder with the option to upscale as your company grows. . 

This setup is ideal for business owners who want control under one provider. 

Key features 

• Wide selection of domain extensions with full DNS settings and email integration 
• WHOIS privacy protection to keep contact details private 
• Bundled domain registration and hosting in one dashboard for easy setup 
• Advanced domain tools and services such as GlobalBlock, domain management, and expiration protection 

Squarespace 

Squarespace offers also domain registration as part of its all-in-one platform. Every plan includes a free domain for the first year with WHOIS privacy automatically applied. You can register and manage domains in the same dashboard where you build your site and keep everything in one spot. However, since it’s focus isn’t really on domains, it lacks advanced domain services unlike Network Solutions. 

Key features 

• Free domain for the first year with automatic WHOIS privacy 
• Domain purchase and management in the same dashboard as your website 
• Simplified extension options and domain tools for ease of use 

Verdict 

Network Solutions provides more options and greater flexibility for long-term domain management. But if you just want a basic domain to get started on your website, then Squarespace can provide you adequately with your needs. 

Hosting 

Reliable hosting keeps your website available to visitors around the clock. Both Network Solutions and Squarespace include hosting in their plans, but they handle flexibility and growth in different ways. 

Network Solutions 

Network Solutions provides a range of hosting options for small business websites, including shared and WordPress-optimized plans. Our hosting is designed for users who want dependable performance and easy integration with domain and email services. But even if your site builder and domain registrar aren’t from Network Solutions, you can still avail their hosting services.  

Key features 

• 99.9% uptime guarantee, with UNIX-based hosting reaching up to 99.99% on select plans 
• Built-in SSL, domain, and email management tools 
• Upgradeable storage and bandwidth for growing websites 
• Optional add-ons and premium features for advanced security and backups 

Squarespace 

Squarespace includes fully managed cloud hosting in every plan, removing the need for third-party hosting or setup. It’s ideal for creatives and business owners who want speed, convenience, and consistent uptime without technical work. However, their hosting is exclusive to their website hosting, so if you’re not using their website builder, you won’t be able to use their hosting services. 

Key features 

• Built-in cloud hosting with global content delivery (CDN) for fast page loading 
• Unlimited bandwidth and automatic scaling for steady performance during traffic spikes 
• SSL encryption and automatic updates included in all plans 
• Hands-free hosting management for users who prefer simplicity 

Verdict 

Network Solutions empowers small business owners to take control and grow their websites with reliable uptime and flexible upgrade options. Our hosting is bundled with other website building essentials such as a site builder and domain. However, it’s still compatible with other providers, and if you’re planning to scale up due to an increase of traffic, we have several tiers you can upgrade your hosting with. 

Squarespace, on the other hand, delivers simplicity with reliable, fully managed hosting that performs well out of the box. If you don’t plan on looking for other hosting providers and simply want basic hosting for your Squarespace website, then this is your best bet.  The better choice depends on what you value more: hands-on flexibility or hands-off convenience. 

Website builder  

Both Network Solutions and Squarespace include drag-and-drop website builders, but they serve different goals. Network Solutions focuses on simplicity and speed, while Squarespace offers more room for creative design. 

Network Solutions 

Network Solutions offers an AI-powered website builder designed for beginners and small businesses. You answer a few questions about your brand, and the tool helps you create a complete website that you can then customize.  

Key features 

• AI website builder that creates a draft site with layouts, content, and images based on your input 
• Drag-and-drop tools and customizable templates for quick design and content edits 
• Built-in hosting, domain, SSL, and professional email in one package 

Squarespace 

Squarespace provides a drag-and-drop builder called Fluid Engine that gives more creative control and design flexibility. It’s built for users who want to build a website that reflects their brand and are comfortable with a bit more involvement. 

Key features 

• Fluid Engine editor for flexible, grid-based design control 
• Built-in modern, responsive templates for portfolios, product sites, and creative businesses 
• Integrated eCommerce and marketing tools for product displays, checkout flows, and consistent design 

Verdict 

If you want a fast, guided builder with minimal setup, go with Network Solutions. If you value full creative freedom and want more control over layout and design, Squarespace is the better fit. 

Templates 

Templates create the layout of your website and determines your users’ navigation, so picking one that fits your brand and audience is key. Both Network Solutions and Squarespace offer predesigned templates, but they differ in focus and flexibility. 

Network Solutions 

Network Solutions provides a comprehensive suite of templates tailored for small business owners who want quick, professional results. Each template is mobile-responsive and optimized for conversion, with built-in design elements like visuals, color palettes, and call-to-action sections that help businesses create a polished look. 

Key features 

• Hundreds of customizable templates with thousands of images and unlimited color choices 
• Mobile-responsive designs optimized for conversion with industry-specific visuals and clear calls to action 
• Templates built for service businesses, local shops, and professional industries 
• Preview options for eCommerce sites through a custom design gallery that shows how a finished site could look 
• Built-in color and font tools that help small business owners create professional, conversion-ready designs 

Squarespace 

Squarespace focuses on design-forward, visually rich templates made for creatives and entrepreneurs who care about aesthetics as much as function. 

Key features 

• About 180–190 professionally designed templates built on version 7.1 and the Fluid Engine editor
• Flexible customization for fonts, color palettes, grids, and spacing to match brand identity 
• Mobile- and desktop-optimized templates with built-in effects and section styles that enhance visual appeal 

Verdict 

If you want to launch quickly with a business-ready look and minimal fuss, Network Solutions provides templates that help you get online with fewer decisions. If your brand’s design means everything and you’re comfortable spending a bit more time customizing the look and feel, Squarespace offers more creative control and a high-end visual style. 

eCommerce functionalities 

Running an online store means more than adding a “Buy” button. You need advanced commerce tools that simplify selling, shipping and tracking while keeping customer data secure. Both platforms support eCommerce, but in different ways. 

Network Solutions 

Network Solutions offers built-in eCommerce tools designed for small businesses and startups who prefer an all-in-one provider managing domain, hosting and selling in one place. 

Key features 

• Integrated payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and credit cards for direct sales 
• Centralized dashboard to manage inventory, orders, and shipping 
• Easy setup for tax and delivery options for local or national sales 
• Mobile-friendly store templates that look great on any device 
• Combined hosting, domain, and email services under one account for simplicity 

Squarespace 

Squarespace supports online stores with strong visual design and integrated commerce tools. It suits entrepreneurs, creators or boutique owners who value aesthetics and built-in selling features. 

Key features 

• Professional storefront with flexible product grids and gallery-style layouts 
• Payment options through Stripe, PayPal, and Apple Pay 
• Advanced tools for discount codes, gift cards, subscriptions, and abandoned cart recovery 
• Built-in analytics to track revenue, traffic sources, and conversions 
• Unified dashboard to manage inventory, shipping, and email campaigns 
• International selling support with carrier-calculated shipping, automated taxes, and localization 

Verdict 

If you value a straightforward, bundled solution where domain, hosting and eCommerce are all in one place, Network Solutions offers a practical path. On the other hand, if you prioritize design, built-in marketing tools and a store that reflects your brand identity, Squarespace delivers stronger commerce features with visual polish and advanced selling tools. 

Marketing capabilities 

Marketing means more than visibility. It’s how you attract the right audience and turn visits into sales. Both Network Solutions and Squarespace help businesses build awareness, but they take different paths to achieve it. 

Network Solutions 

Network Solutions focuses on helping small businesses get found online through guided tools and managed services. The tools are basic, but if you’re starting out as a beginner or a small business, you won’t need the complicated ones from the get go. 

It’s ideal for users who want expert-backed marketing support and still need to create campaigns that connect with the right audience. 

Key features 

• Built-in SEO tool to optimize page titles, keywords, and site structure without advanced skills 
• Managed SEO services for users who prefer expert support 
• Business directory listings to boost visibility on search engines and niche sites 
• Online reputation management to track reviews and mentions across platforms 
• In-house PPC specialists handling targeted ad campaigns 

Squarespace 

Squarespace is built around creative, self-managed marketing. It suits entrepreneurs and creators who want full control over their brand and automation built into their site. 

Key features 

• Automated SEO tools that optimize pages and URLs for better search visibility
• Built-in email campaigns with branded templates managed directly from the dashboard 
• Social media integration with Instagram, Facebook, and X for easy sharing 
• Real-time analytics showing sales, traffic sources, and audience engagement 
• eCommerce marketing tools such as discount codes, banners, and abandoned cart recovery 

Verdict 

Network Solutions is an excellent choice for businesses that prefer expert-managed marketing and integrated ad tools under one provider. Squarespace works better for creative users who want to control their own marketing and use automation to grow their brand visually. 

Website security 

Strong website and data security builds trust. Both Network Solutions and Squarespace protect sites with default safeguards, but the control you get is different. 

Network Solutions 

Network Solutions blends standard safeguards with optional premium add-ons for businesses that plan to scale. This flexibility means you can start simple and expand your protection as your site grows. 

Key features 

• Free SSL certificates in most plans to encrypt data and verify site authenticity 
• Security tools including malware scans, firewalls, and automatic vulnerability fixes
• Domain privacy protection to keep personal registration details off public WHOIS listings 
• Optional upgrades for advanced protection such as real-time threat detection and recovery tools 

Squarespace 

Squarespace keeps your site protected with built-in security on every plan. It’s a good choice if you’d rather not deal with the technical side of maintenance. All updates and monitoring happen in the background, so you can focus on your content and design. 

Key features 

• SSL encryption automatically active on all sites to protect visitor connections 
• Managed infrastructure with automatic updates, DDoS protection, and server monitoring 
• Spam and fraud filters that block suspicious submissions and unwanted traffic 

Verdict 

Choose Network Solutions if you want more control and the option to add stronger security as your traffic grows. Pick Squarespace if you prefer automatic, out-of-the-box protection that requires little to no maintenance. 

Customer support 

Reliable support options can make a big difference when you’re managing a website. Both Network Solutions and Squarespace provide multiple ways to get help, but they differ in availability, accessibility, and depth of guidance. 

Network Solutions 

Network Solutions offers direct, human support for business owners who prefer talking with real specialists. It combines live assistance with educational tools for those who like step-by-step guidance. 

Key features 

• 24/7 live chat support and weekday phone assistance from 8 AM to 9 PM ET for real-time help
• Comprehensive knowledge base with FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and step-by-step tutorials for domains, hosting, account settings, and website tools 
• Access to the Network Solutions blog featuring expert advice, product updates, and easy guides on SEO, email setup, and eCommerce 
• Responsive live support that customers often praise, with some noting longer wait times during peak hours 

Squarespace 

Squarespace takes a faster, self-service approach that focuses on digital convenience. It provides 24/7 assistance through chat and email, supported by a detailed online help center for independent users. 

Key features 

• 24/7 chat and email support with quick response times to help users resolve issues faster 
• Built-in help center with searchable articles, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides for every tool and feature 
• Community forum connecting users and moderators who share tips, solutions, and best practices 
• Responsive chat team often praised for its helpful support, though phone assistance isn’t available 

Verdict 

Network Solutions offers more human-to-human support through both phone and chat, which appeals to small business owners needing real-time guidance. Squarespace provides quicker, always-on digital support with excellent documentation for users who are comfortable troubleshooting on their own. 

Pricing and plan inclusions 

Choosing between Network Solutions and Squarespace often comes down to pricing transparency and what’s included in each tier.  

Here’s a quick comparison of their core website builder and hosting plans: 

Price category for	Network Solutions	Squarespace
Basic / Informational Website	$1.99/month (renews at $16.99/month)	$16 per month
Website with Marketing Tools	$3.99/month (renews at $21.99/month)	$23 per month
eCommerce / Online Store	$9.99/month (renews at $29.99/month)	$36–$99 per month

Note: Pricing is current as of 2025 but may change without prior notice. Always check the provider’s site for updated rates and renewal costs, as promotional pricing may increase after the first term. 

Both Network Solutions and Squarespace offer flexible pricing for different business needs, but what’s included in each plan varies. 

• Network Solutions. Entry promos start at $2.99/month for web hosting and $5.99/month for WordPress hosting. These plans already include a domain, email, and security tools, which makes them appealing for small business owners who want everything in one place. Renewal rates are higher, but the bundled setup saves time and avoids the need for multiple providers. 
• Squarespace. Basic website plans start at $16/month when billed annually. Each plan includes hosting, templates, and built-in tools for analytics and SEO. It costs more upfront, but users get a strong all-in-one setup that’s ideal for creatives and business owners who value design and simplicity. 

Note: Pricing may vary by region and promotional terms. Renewal rates are typically higher than first-term offers. 

Verdict 

If you’re building a business website that needs reliability, support, and bundled tools under one provider, Network Solutions is the more practical choice. Our all-in-one setup covers domains, hosting, email, and security from the start, so you spend less time troubleshooting and more time running your business. 

What users are saying 

Reviewers on G2, Trustpilot, and Sitejabber praise Network Solutions for its reliable performance and quick setup. One user said it’s easy to get up and running, in the same way as many small business owners like having their domain, hosting, and email managed in one place, saying it saves time and effort. A Sitejabber reviewer also shared, “My domain had entered redemption and I couldn’t access my account because verification emails weren’t arriving. The support team took ownership of the issue, guided me through every step, and patiently resolved it. It was one of the best customer-support experiences I’ve had in a long time.” Some mention frequent upsell prompts, but most agree the overall service and support make up for it. 

Squarespace, on the other hand, earns consistent praise for its modern templates and easy drag-and-drop editor. One G2 reviewer noted, “I love the easy drag-and-drop features and the clean, high-quality pictures. Ease of use, ease of integration, and ease of implementation.” Users like how the platform blends design flexibility with built-in tools for SEO, analytics, and eCommerce. 

In the end, both platforms deliver dependable website-building experiences but cater to different needs. Network Solutions attracts small business owners who want reliability and guided support, while Squarespace appeals to creatives who value sleek visuals and simple, all-in-one site management. 

Frequently asked questions 

Network Solutions vs Squarespace: Which one should you choose? 

The right choice depends on your goals. Squarespace offers sleek design and an easy interface, while Network Solutions provides long-standing reliability and flexibility for managing your domain and hosting. 

Looking for a reliable domain name and hosting for your website? We’ve got you covered. Find your perfect domain and explore our hosting packages to get started today. Better yet, consult our professionals so we can find the perfect solution for you.