Leaving Squarespace? Here's everything you need
Compare 4 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Squarespace is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ShopwareRecommended German e-commerce platform offering open-source and enterprise solutions for online stores of all sizes. | 🇩🇪Germany | Free plan available | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
PrestaShopRecommended French open-source e-commerce platform powering over 300,000 shops worldwide with extensive customization options. | 🇫🇷France | Free plan available | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
Saleor Saleor by Saleor Commerce is an open-source e-commerce platform designed for building and managing online stores. It offers features such as customizable storefronts, product management, order processing, and payment integration. Developers can utilize GraphQL APIs for flexibility and scalability in e-commerce solutions. | 🇵🇱Poland | Free plan available | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
Medusa Danish open-source headless commerce engine built with Node.js for developers building custom storefronts. | 🇩🇰Denmark | Free | Medium | 2-4 hours |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
German e-commerce platform offering open-source and enterprise solutions for online stores of all sizes.
Certifications:
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
German e-commerce platform offering open-source and enterprise solutions for online stores of all sizes.
Advantages
- Shopware is open source, allowing full customization of your store.
- Shopware's B2B Suite supports complex B2B transactions and pricing.
- GDPR compliance is built-in, ensuring data protection for EU customers.
- Shopware's API-first approach enables integration with various systems.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Squarespace to Shopware can be complex and time-consuming.
- Shopware's learning curve is steeper due to advanced features and options.
- Some Squarespace e-commerce tools may not have direct equivalents in Shopware.
French open-source e-commerce platform powering over 300,000 shops worldwide with extensive customization options.
Advantages
- PrestaShop is open source; customize code as needed for unique features.
- Multilingual support allows selling in multiple languages, expanding reach.
- Large module marketplace offers over 3,000 add-ons for enhanced functionality.
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers and businesses.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Squarespace may require technical skills and time investment.
- PrestaShop has a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with coding.
- Limited built-in themes compared to Squarespace's designer templates.
Saleor by Saleor Commerce is an open-source e-commerce platform designed for building and managing online stores. It offers features such as customizable storefronts, product management, order processing, and payment integration. Developers can utilize GraphQL APIs for flexibility and scalability in e-commerce solutions.
Advantages
- Saleor's GraphQL API allows for custom integrations and flexibility.
- Open source nature enables full code access for customization and control.
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection for EU customers and businesses.
- Multi-channel support lets you sell across various platforms seamlessly.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Squarespace may require significant data transfer effort.
- Steeper learning curve for non-developers compared to Squarespace's UI.
- Limited built-in templates compared to Squarespace's designer options.
Danish open-source headless commerce engine built with Node.js for developers building custom storefronts.
Advantages
- Open source allows for custom modifications to fit specific needs.
- Headless architecture enables flexibility in frontend technology choices.
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection aligned with EU regulations.
- Self-hostable option reduces long-term costs compared to subscription fees.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Squarespace may require significant data transfer effort.
- Learning curve for developers unfamiliar with Node.js and APIs.
- Fewer built-in design templates compared to Squarespace's extensive library.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Squarespace before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your Squarespace account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. Squarespace is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Squarespace?
There are 4 European alternatives to Squarespace. Shopware, PrestaShop, Saleor are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Squarespace?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Squarespace?
Yes, most services including Squarespace allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your Squarespace account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from Squarespace to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Squarespace first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Squarespace subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Squarespace to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.