The best alternatives to Squarespace
Squarespace’s grid-based editor locks you into a rigid layout system that works for simple portfolios but quickly hits walls when you need nested sections, custom breakpoints, or third-party integrations that aren’t on their shortlist. The bigger friction, though, is where your data lives: all sites run on US servers, which means Patriot Act and CLOUD Act exposure for EU teams that need to keep client data inside GDPR boundaries. If you’re building anything beyond a brochure site, the platform’s e-commerce ceilings and template constraints force workarounds that cost more time than they save.
European alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Why switch from Squarespace to a European alternative?
Squarespace’s US-based hosting can conflict with GDPR requirements for EU businesses, especially if client data is processed. European alternatives typically offer server locations within the EU or EEA, clearer DPAs, and more transparent data handling. Beyond compliance, many provide greater design flexibility, modular content structures, and open-source or API-first architectures that avoid vendor lock-in.
How hard is it to migrate a Squarespace site to a European CMS?
Migration difficulty depends on the site’s complexity. Simple portfolio sites can often be rebuilt in a few days using export tools or manual content transfer. E-commerce stores or sites with custom integrations may require more effort, as Squarespace’s closed ecosystem limits direct data exports. European CMS platforms like TYPO3 or Storyblok offer migration guides, and many agencies specialize in moving Squarespace sites to open-source systems.
Are European Squarespace alternatives more expensive?
Not necessarily. Squarespace’s pricing can feel steep once you hit feature limits, especially for e-commerce. European alternatives often have different pricing models: some charge per user or project, others offer free open-source versions with paid hosting or support. While entry-level plans may cost similarly, European tools typically scale more predictably for growing sites, without sudden price jumps or forced upgrades.
Which European alternative is best for e-commerce?
TYPO3 is a strong choice for mid-sized to large e-commerce sites, thanks to its modular architecture and native integrations with European payment providers. For smaller stores or headless setups, Storyblok or Strapi can be paired with dedicated e-commerce platforms like Shopware or Sylius. The best fit depends on your product catalog size, customization needs, and whether you prefer an all-in-one solution or a decoupled approach.
Do European alternatives support multilingual sites as well as Squarespace?
Most European CMS platforms handle multilingual content more flexibly than Squarespace. TYPO3, for example, supports unlimited languages out of the box and allows granular control over language fallbacks and URL structures. Storyblok and Strapi also offer robust multilingual features, though they may require additional configuration. The key advantage is that European tools often treat languages as first-class content dimensions, rather than an add-on.