Should I Buy My Domain Name From Squarespace?
Should You Buy Your Domain Name From Squarespace?
When setting up a website, one of the first decisions you’ll face is where to buy your domain name. Squarespace offers domain registration services, making it easy to purchase and manage your domain directly through their platform. But is it the best option for you?
This guide breaks down:
Pros & Cons of Buying a Domain from Squarespace
How Squarespace Domains Compare to Other Providers
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy a Domain from Squarespace
1. Pros & Cons of Buying a Domain from Squarespace
✅ Pros (Why You Might Buy Your Domain from Squarespace)
✔ One-Stop Shop Convenience
If you’re building your website with Squarespace, buying your domain directly through them keeps everything in one place.
No need to connect external domain settings or adjust DNS records.
✔ Free Domain for 1 Year (With Annual Plan)
Squarespace gives you a free domain for the first year when you sign up for an annual website plan.
Saves money upfront compared to buying a separate domain elsewhere.
✔ Automatic SSL and Domain Setup
All domains purchased through Squarespace include free SSL certificates (HTTPS security).
Squarespace automatically configures your domain to work with your site—no manual setup required.
✔ Private Registration is Free
Unlike some domain registrars (like GoDaddy) that charge extra for privacy protection, Squarespace includes WHOIS privacy for free.
This keeps your personal contact information hidden from public records.
✔ Minimal Technical Work Needed
No need to update DNS settings manually—everything works automatically with your Squarespace site.
Great for beginners who don’t want to deal with domain management complexities.
❌ Cons (Why You Might NOT Buy a Domain from Squarespace)
✖ More Expensive in the Long Run
After the first free year, Squarespace domain renewals cost around $20–$70/year, depending on the domain extension (.com, .net, etc.).
This is more expensive than registrars like Google Domains, Namecheap, or Cloudflare, which charge ~$10–$15/year.
✖ Fewer Advanced Domain Management Features
Squarespace is not a dedicated domain registrar, so it lacks advanced DNS features like email forwarding, subdomain flexibility, and custom name servers.
If you ever want advanced email hosting (like using your domain with Gmail or Microsoft 365), you may find Squarespace’s domain settings limiting.
✖ Difficult to Transfer Domains Away
If you ever decide to move your site to another platform (WordPress, Shopify, etc.), transferring your domain out of Squarespace can take extra steps and time.
Some users report delays in domain transfer approvals, especially when trying to move away from Squarespace.
✖ No Bulk Domain Purchases
If you plan to buy multiple domains (for different business names or ideas), Squarespace isn’t ideal.
Domain registrars like Namecheap and Google Domains let you buy and manage multiple domains more efficiently.
2. How Squarespace Domains Compare to Other Registrars
Squarespace vs. Other Domain Registrars
| Feature | Squarespace | Google Domains | Namecheap | GoDaddy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing (after 1st year) | $20–$70/year | ~$12/year | ~$10–$15/year | ~$20–$25/year |
| Free Privacy Protection | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✖ No (Extra $10–$15) |
| SSL Included | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Email Forwarding | ✖ No | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes (Paid) |
| Bulk Domain Management | ✖ No | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Ease of Setup | ✔ Very Easy | ✔ Easy | ✖ Requires Setup | ✖ Requires Setup |
| Best For | Beginners using Squarespace | SEO-focused sites | Budget-conscious buyers | Large businesses |
Key Takeaways:
Squarespace is best for beginners who want an easy, hassle-free setup.
Google Domains or Namecheap are better for long-term cost savings and flexibility.
GoDaddy is expensive and charges for privacy protection, making it a weaker option unless you need business-specific tools.
3. Should You Buy a Domain from Squarespace?
✅ Buy from Squarespace if:
You only plan to use Squarespace and want an easy, all-in-one solution.
You’re a beginner who doesn’t want to deal with DNS settings.
You want a free domain for the first year with your website plan.
❌ Buy from another provider if:
You want lower renewal costs ($10–$15/year instead of $20–$70).
You might switch website platforms later (Squarespace makes domain transfers tricky).
You need advanced email hosting or DNS controls (Namecheap or Google Domains offer better options).
You own multiple domains and need a flexible, cost-effective way to manage them.
Final Verdict: Is a Squarespace Domain Worth It?
👉 If convenience matters more than cost, buying your domain from Squarespace is fine.
👉 If saving money and flexibility are more important, use Google Domains or Namecheap instead.
If you already have a domain elsewhere, you don’t need to transfer it—you can simply connect it to your Squarespace site by updating the DNS settings.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, buy your domain from Google Domains or Namecheap, then connect it to Squarespace. This gives you flexibility if you ever want to switch website platforms in the future.
Need Help Choosing the Best Domain Setup?
Have questions about setting up your domain with Squarespace? Drop a comment below, and I’ll help you out!