Final verdict
Square Online and Webnode both offer valuable tools for building websites, but they cater to different user needs and preferences.
-
Square Online (Overall Grade: 7.2/10)
is a comprehensive platform designed for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence, particularly in the ecommerce sector. It excels in providing integrated payment processing, POS capabilities, and a range of marketing tools. Square Online is ideal for retailers, restaurants, and service businesses aiming to transition smoothly from brick-and-mortar operations to online sales. Its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options make it a robust choice for businesses seeking a seamless and efficient online management system. -
Webnode (Overall Grade: 6.5/10)
is a user-friendly website builder that caters to beginners and individuals looking to create simple websites quickly and easily. It offers a drag-and-drop interface, a variety of customizable templates, and multilingual support, making it accessible to a wide audience. While it may lack some advanced ecommerce features and customization options, Webnode is a solid choice for users who prioritize ease of use and quick setup over extensive functionality.
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Design functionalities & templates |
7.4 |
7.1 |
|
Ease of use |
8.4 |
8.0 |
|
Ecommerce |
7.3 |
6.3 |
|
Website Editors |
6.6 |
7.3 |
|
Product testing options |
7.8 |
5.3 |
|
Price |
7.5 |
7.7 |
|
Hosting quality |
7.8 |
6.3 |
|
Website speed optimization |
6.2 |
6.1 |
|
Plugins and integrations |
7.6 |
6.8 |
|
Marketing features |
7.4 |
5.5 |
|
Customer support |
6.7 |
5.3 |
|
Security |
8.5 |
7.7 |
|
AI capabilities |
7.4 |
5.3 |
|
User Management |
5.2 |
6.9 |
Best for ecommerce
7.3
6.3
Verdict
: Square Online is better suited for businesses looking for a comprehensive ecommerce solution with integrated payment processing and POS capabilities, while Webnode is more appropriate for simpler online stores with basic ecommerce needs.
-
Square Online
: Square Online excels in providing a seamless transition from physical to online sales, making it ideal for retailers, restaurants, and service businesses. It offers robust ecommerce features such as product listing, inventory management, and integrated payment processing. Its POS capabilities and marketing tools further enhance its appeal for businesses looking to manage both online and in-person sales efficiently. Square Online’s score: 7.3. -
Webnode
: Webnode is a good option for beginners who want to create a simple online store quickly and easily. It offers essential ecommerce features like shipping options, payment gateway integrations, and order management. However, it lacks the advanced ecommerce functionalities and POS capabilities that Square Online provides. Webnode’s score: 6.3.
Best for informational & business websites
7.4
7.2
Verdict
: Square Online slightly edges out Webnode for informational and business websites, thanks to its comprehensive set of tools and higher score.
-
Square Online
: Square Online is a robust platform designed to help businesses transition from physical to online operations seamlessly. It offers a variety of customizable templates and easy drag-and-drop tools, making it suitable for creating professional informational websites. Its integration with Square’s suite of payment processing and business management tools adds to its appeal, especially for businesses looking to manage their online presence efficiently. -
Webnode
: Webnode is a user-friendly website builder that allows for quick and easy website creation without any coding knowledge. It offers a drag-and-drop interface and a variety of templates, making it a good option for beginners. However, it may limit customization options for those seeking more specific design visions. Webnode’s free plans come with limitations, but its paid plans offer more storage and the ability to remove ads, making it a viable option for simple informational websites.
Detailed comparison
Design functionalities & templates
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
7.4
7.1
🏆
Winner: Square Online.
If you’re looking for a platform that offers more creative control and a wide array of design features, Square Online is the preferred choice.
Square Online offers a flexible website builder with a focus on e-commerce, providing a variety of design options through integration with platforms like Weebly. Users can customize their sites extensively, choosing from themes and preset styles to best represent their brand. While the exact number of templates available directly from Square is not specified, the integration with Weebly provides about a hundred themes, including 15 for online stores, emphasizing professional design and mobile responsiveness.
Compared to Square Online, Webnode offers a variety of website templates designed for different purposes, from business and portfolios to restaurants and travel. These templates are customizable and responsive, ensuring they display well on any device. While an exact number isn’t available, Webnode provides a wide selection to cater to diverse website needs.
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Ease of use
Ease of useReflects the platform’s overall user-friendliness.Score
Components:
- Learning curve (40%): Quickness and ease of getting started.
- Interface design (30%): Simplicity and intuitiveness of layout.
- User guidance (20%): Quality of tutorials and support.
- Flexibility (10%): Adaptability to various user skills.
8.4
8.0
🏆 Winner: Square Online
. With a score of 8.4, Square Online edges out Webnode, which scored 8.0. Square Online’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of tools make it a great choice for businesses looking to expand online. Webnode, while also user-friendly, may limit customization options for those seeking more specific design visions.
Learning Resources
🏆 Winner: Draw
. Both Square Online and Webnode offer a variety of learning resources, including official documentation, video tutorials, and customer service. However, Square Online has an official community forum for its users, which can be a valuable resource for learning and troubleshooting.
For ecommerce
EcommerceMeasures the platform’s effectiveness in supporting online business activities.Score Components:
- Ecommerce themes and templates (20%): Variety and design of templates.
- Product management (25%): Ease of managing and organizing products.
- Payment options (25%): Variety and convenience of payment methods.
- Ecommerce features (20%): Features for managing an ecommerce store.
- Integration (10%): Compatibility with external e-commerce tools and services.
7.3
6.3
Square Online and Webnode both offer ecommerce capabilities, but they cater to different needs and have different strengths.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Ecommerce themes and templates |
6.8 |
6.5 |
|
Product page customization |
7.6 |
7.0 |
|
Payment processing and commissions |
7.9 |
6.8 |
|
POS capabilities |
9.0 |
4.0 |
|
Payment gateways |
7.5 |
7.0 |
|
Product numbers |
7.0 |
5.5 |
|
Additional ecommerce features |
7.2 |
6.0 |
Square Online ecommerce features:
- Product Listing and Inventory management
- Payment Processing and POS features
- Shipping and Fulfillment
- Marketing features
Webnode ecommerce features:
- Shipping options
- Payment gateway integrations
- Order management
- Coupons and discounts
Ecommerce themes & templates
Square Online offers a range of ecommerce templates designed to meet various business needs, enabling users to customize their sites to match their brand identity. It includes dynamic styling tools, personalized user experiences, and integrated payment solutions, including Square’s own payment gateway. However, it may offer limited design flexibility and payment processing options compared to other platforms.
On the other hand, Webnode offers ecommerce-specific templates designed for creating online stores. These templates typically come with features such as product showcasing, shopping cart functionality, support for various payment gateways, and customization options. However, users should be mindful of potential limitations such as customization restrictions, feature limitations based on plan tiers, transaction fees, and integration limitations when choosing a template and plan for their ecommerce website on Webnode.
Product page customization
In Square Online, you can add up to 250 variations per item, like different sizes or versions, through “Selectable Options” in the item details section of your online store. Additionally, “Item Modifiers” allow for further customization by letting customers choose options or input custom text, such as engraving names on jewelry, without affecting inventory levels.
Webnode provides users with extensive customization options for product pages, allowing for the creation of visually appealing and informative displays. Through customizable content blocks, product images and galleries, and tailored product descriptions, users can effectively showcase their products. Additionally, features such as customizable call-to-action buttons, product variations, and SEO optimization contribute to a seamless and optimized shopping experience.
Payment processing
Square’s website builder supports a variety of payment options including Square Pay, Apple Pay, Cash App Pay, Google Pay, and Afterpay, catering to diverse customer payment preferences. The platform charges a transaction fee of 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction for its free plan, with a discounted fee available on the Premium plan. Additionally, Square offers comprehensive POS capabilities, with a range of hardware solutions that seamlessly integrate with its online store and point of sale systems, ensuring a unified management system for both online and in-person sales.
Webnode website builder supports various payment gateways, including popular options like PayPal and Stripe, for online transactions. While Webnode itself doesn’t charge commissions on transactions, payment gateways may have their own fee structures. Webnode primarily focuses on facilitating online transactions and doesn’t provide native POS capabilities, although integration with third-party POS solutions may be possible. For the latest information on supported payment gateways, transaction fees, and POS integrations, users should refer to Webnode’s official documentation or contact their customer support.
Website Editors
Website EditorsEvaluates the platforms’ website building and editing capabilities.Score Components:
- Customization tools (40%): Range and power of editing features.
- Editor usability (30%): User experience within the editor.
- Design flexibility (20%): Freedom in layout and design changes.
- Update and maintenance ease (10%): Simplicity of updating and maintaining the site.
6.6
7.3
🏆
Winner: Webnode
. With a score of 7.3, Webnode’s website builder features a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface with customizable templates, enabling users to easily create professional-looking websites without coding skills. The editor offers responsive design capabilities and multilingual support, catering to diverse audiences across different devices and languages. Built-in features such as SEO tools, e-commerce functionality, and analytics integration empower users to optimize their websites for search engines, sell products online, and track performance metrics effectively.
Square Online’s website builder, scoring 6.6, is designed for businesses looking to establish an online presence with ease, focusing on e-commerce functionality. It offers limited customization options, aiming to simplify the design process, yet includes essential e-commerce and marketing tools suitable for a variety of business needs. The platform supports an unlimited number of products and integrates with Square’s payment processing, albeit with limited external payment options. While Square Online is user-friendly and efficient for quickly setting up a website, it may not cater to those seeking extensive design flexibility or advanced e-commerce features.
Mobile editor/app
5.5
5.5
🏆
It’s a tie
. Both Square Online and Webnode do not have a dedicated mobile editor app. However, they allow users to manage and edit their websites using the mobile browser version. This provides some level of convenience for users who need to make quick changes or updates on the go. However, it’s important to note that editing your website on a mobile browser comes with certain limitations compared to the full desktop version.
Therefore, for more complex edits or design changes, it’s recommended to use the desktop version of the website builder.
Product testing options
Product Testing OptionsAssesses the options for trying out platform features before commitment.Score Components:
- Trial quality (40%): Extent and usefulness of the trial or free version.
- Feature accessibility (30%): How many features are available to test.
- Trial duration (20%): Length of the trial period.
- Ease of transition (10%): Smoothness of moving from trial to paid plans.
7.8
5.3
Overall Result
:
Square Online wins
. Square Online scores 7.8, offering a 30-day free trial with the possibility to test premium features, while Webnode scores 5.3, offering a free plan with limited premium feature testing and no trial version.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free Plan |
Yes | Yes |
|
Trial Duration |
30 days | No trial version |
|
Testing Premium Features |
Yes, during the 30-day trial |
Limited, with the free plan |
|
Money Back Guarantee |
No | 15-day money back guarantee |
Price
PriceLooks at the cost-effectiveness and value for money of each platform.Score Components:
- Plan value (40%): What each pricing tier offers.
- Transparency and clarity (30%): Clearness of pricing structures.
- Flexibility of plans (20%): Range of options to suit different budgets.
- Hidden costs (10%): Additional expenses not included in the plan.
7.5
7.7
Square Online and Webnode have similar price scores, indicating that they offer comparable value for money.
Square Online does not offer a discount for annual billing, while Webnode offers a 14-25% discount depending on the plan. Square Online has a Premium plan designed for larger businesses, while Webnode does not have an enterprise plan.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Free |
Free ($0/month): For businesses who want to start selling online fast. Online payments with 2.9% + 30¢, basic-site layouts and design controls, tax calculation, unlimited items, SEO tools, blog feature, Facebook ads. |
No offering at this amount. |
|
$0-$10 |
No offering at this amount. |
LIMITED ($5.50/month): Basic plan, 200 MB storage, attach domain, website statistics, up to 5 form fields, last 30 days backup. This plan allows to manage 1 website with unlimited number of pages. Value for price: 3.0 |
|
$10-$20 |
No offering at this amount. |
MINI ($10.00/month): All essentials for a simple website, 1 GB storage, 3 GB bandwidth, website statistics, 1 email account. This plan allows to manage 1 website with unlimited number of pages. Value for price: 4.5 |
|
$20-$30 |
No offering at this amount. |
STANDARD ($16.90/month): For starting an online store, 3 GB storage, 10 GB bandwidth, 20 email accounts, basic store features. This plan allows to manage 1 website with unlimited number of pages. Value for price: 6.0 |
|
$30+ |
Plus ($29/month): For businesses looking to drive online growth and streamline operations. Includes all the features of the free plan, plus, free custom domain for a year, professional branding, custom embed code, manage multiple sites, pre-orders, abandoned cart recovery, free shipping and delivery progress bar, product reviews, discounts, website statistics. Value for price: 7.5 |
PROFI ($26.50/month): Professional websites, 7 GB storage, unlimited bandwidth, 100 email accounts, full online store capabilities. This plan allows to manage 1 website with unlimited number of pages. Value for Price: 7.5 |
location. As a result in rare cases the prices displayed here can differ from the ones you see on their
websites.
Hosting quality
Hosting
qualityExamines the reliability and performance of the hosting solutions.Score Components:
- Uptime (40%): Consistency and reliability of website availability.
- Speed (30%): Loading times and performance.
- Bandwidth and storage (20%): Sufficiency of resources provided.
- Data centers (10%): Quality and distribution of hosting infrastructure.
7.8
6.3
🏆
Winner: Square Online
Square Online and Webnode both offer hosting services, but Square Online has a higher uptime of 99.96% compared to Webnode’s 99.6%. Neither platform provides an uptime guarantee or discloses the type and locations of their data centers. However, Square Online’s higher uptime and hosting quality score give it the edge in this comparison.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Do they offer hosting? |
Yes, with unlimited bandwidth |
Yes, from 1GB to unlimited bandwidth and automated backups on higher plans |
|
Type of hosting: |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
Uptime: |
99.96% |
99.6% |
|
Uptime Guarantee: |
No |
No |
|
Data Centers: |
Not disclosed |
Not disclosed |
Website Speed Optimization
Website Speed OptimizationEvaluates optimization of website loading timesScore Components:
- PageSpeed Score (30%): Google’s score indicating performance optimization.
- Loading Time (30%): The average time until a website is fully interactive.
- Mobile Optimization (15%): Optimization effectiveness for mobile devices.
- Resource Optimization (15%): Optimizing images, scripts, and other heavy resources.
- CDN Usage (10%): Use of CDN to enhance speed across geolocations.
6.2
6.1
🏆 Winner: Square Online
Both Square Online and Webnode have similar strategies for website speed optimization, but Square Online has an additional strategy of Lazy Loading which gives it a slight edge.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Key Strategies |
Lazy Loading, Code Minification, Caching, Image optimization |
Code Minification, Image Optimization, Caching |
|
Load Times |
Varies depending on optimization and website complexity |
Varies depending on optimization |
|
Page Speed Scores Range |
Varies depending on optimization and website complexity |
Varies depending on optimization |
|
Core Web Vitals Improvement |
No specific information provided |
No specific information provided |
Square Online uses strategies such as Lazy Loading, Code Minification, Caching, and Image optimization to optimize website speed. However, the load times and PageSpeed scores vary depending on the optimization and website complexity. Square Online does not provide any specific information on their Core Web Vitals improvements.
Webnode, on the other hand, uses strategies such as Code Minification, Image Optimization, and Caching for website speed optimization. Similar to Square Online, the load times and PageSpeed scores vary depending on the optimization. Webnode also does not provide any specific information on their Core Web Vitals improvements.
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Plugins and integrations
Plugins and integrationsMeasures the range and effectiveness of additional plugins and integrations.Score Components:
- Variety of options (40%): Range of available add-ons.
- Integration smoothness (30%): Ease of integrating plugins into the site.
- Quality of plugins (20%): Functionality and reliability of the options.
- Custom integration capabilities (10%): Support for custom or third-party integrations.
7.6
6.8
🏆 Winner: Square Online.
With a score of 7.6, Square Online offers a wide array of app integrations that facilitate various aspects of business operations, including eCommerce, accounting, marketing, and employee management. These integrations span from free options to premium services, allowing businesses to tailor their Square setup to their specific needs. On the other hand, Webnode, scoring 6.8, supports a variety of plugins developed by Elfsight, aiming to enhance website functionality, improve user engagement, and drive conversions. However, Square Online’s comprehensive integrations and advanced functionalities give it the edge over Webnode.
Marketing Features
Design FunctionalitiesRepresents how well each platform allows for creative design and customization of websites.Score Components:
- Template Variety (30%): Range and quality of design templates.
- Customization (30%): Flexibility and options for design alterations.
- User Interface (20%): Ease and intuitiveness of the design process.
- Responsiveness (10%): Adaptability to different devices and screen sizes.
- Innovation (10%): Unique design features and tools.
7.4
5.5
🏆
Overall Winner: Square Online
. Square Online stands out for its comprehensive set of marketing tools, particularly in SEO, email marketing, and analytics. Webnode, while offering a range of features, is more suitable for users with some experience in SEO and email marketing.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
SEO Tools |
|
|
|
Email Marketing |
|
|
|
Blogging |
|
|
|
Social Media Integration |
|
Yes, through third party integration |
|
Analytics and Reporting |
|
|
|
Ads and Promotions |
|
|
Customer Support
Customer supportEvaluates the quality and availability of support options.Score Components:
- Response time (40%): Speed of support responses.
- Support quality (30%): Effectiveness and helpfulness of the support.
- Availability (20%): Range of support channels (phone, chat, email).
- Resource richness (10%): Quality of self-help and educational materials.
6.7
5.3
🏆 Winner: Square Online
. Comparing Square Online vs Webnode, Square Online takes the lead in this category with its more comprehensive support options. Square Online offers customer support through phone, live chat, and email, with availability from 6 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time on weekdays and extended hours for account issues. Premium plan users also benefit from 24/7 phone support, making it a robust choice for businesses needing reliable assistance.
Webnode, on the other hand, provides customer support primarily through email, available five days a week with a 24-hour response time. While it offers support in over 20 languages and priority phone support for premium customers, the lack of live chat and limited phone support availability can be a drawback for users needing immediate help. Overall, Square Online’s more extensive support options make it the better choice for customer support.
Security
SecurityLooks at the platforms’ security measures and data protection.Score Components:
- Data protection (40%): Safeguards for user and customer data.
- SSL and encryption (30%): Implementation of secure connections.
- Compliance (20%): Adherence to industry security standards.
- Regular updates (10%): Frequency of security updates and patches.
8.5
7.7
🏆
Winner: Square Online
. Square Online takes the lead in security with a score of 8.5, compared to Webnode’s 7.7. Square Online’s commitment to user privacy and data security is evident in its encryption measures, adherence to industry standards, and constant security monitoring. It also provides free SSL security for every site, ensuring that personal and financial information remains confidential and protected.
Webnode, while offering a variety of security measures including a Premium Site Security add-on and automatic HTTPS for all sites, falls slightly short in comparison. Its focus on user-friendly design and navigation, as well as GDPR compliance tools, make it a good option for beginners who want to create a simple, secure website.
AI Capabilities
AI capabilitiesMeasures the effectiveness of AI-driven features and tools.Score Components:
- Automation efficiency (40%): Impact of AI on streamlining processes.
- Personalization (30%): AI-driven customization for users or customers.
- AI-Assisted design (20%): Role of AI in website design and functionality.
- Data analysis (10%): Use of AI in interpreting user data and analytics.
7.4
5.3
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
AI Builder |
|
Webnode AI builder generates custom websites based on user inputs |
|
Personalized Recommendations |
AI algorithms offer personalized product recommendations |
|
|
AI Content Generation |
AI-generated photo environments, email copy, website content |
|
|
Additional AI Features |
Team Announcements, Auto-imported Services, Kitchen Categories |
|
🏆 Winner: Square Online
. With a score of 7.4, Square Online offers a range of AI features that enhance the shopping experience and streamline operations for businesses. These features include personalized product recommendations, AI-generated content, and additional features that improve communication and efficiency.
Webnode, with a score of 5.3, only offers an AI-assisted builder and does not have any other AI features. This makes it less versatile compared to Square Online in terms of AI capabilities.
User Management
User ManagementAssesses the platforms’ capabilities in managing user roles, permissions, and accessibility.Score Components:
- Role Customization (40%): Flexibility in creating and defining user roles and
permissions. - Ease of Management (30%): User interface and tools for managing users.
- Access Control (20%): Effectiveness of access control measures for different user
levels. - Scalability (10%): Ability to manage a growing number of users efficiently.
5.2
6.9
🏆 Winner: Webnode
. Both Square Online and Webnode allow multiple users to manage and edit a website. However, Webnode provides more detailed information about user roles and access levels, which is not available for Square Online.
- Square Online allows multiple staff accounts, but does not specify the number of supported accounts.
- Webnode allows multiple users to manage and edit a website, but the exact number varies depending on the subscription plan. The free version of Webnode provides limited user access for management and editing, while premium plans offer more flexibility, including the ability to add multiple users with different roles and permissions.
Webnode User Roles and Access Levels:
| Role | Description | Access Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Website Owner | The individual or entity that owns the Webnode website. | Full access: can modify site structure, design, content, and manage user roles. |
| Administrator | Users with administrative privileges assigned by the website owner. | Nearly full access, including content management, and some settings adjustments. |
| Editor | Users tasked with creating, editing, and publishing content. | Access to add and edit content, blog posts, and pages, but cannot alter design. |
| Contributor | Users who can contribute content but cannot publish it. | Can draft content but need approval from an Editor or Administrator to publish. |
| Viewer/Visitor | Individuals who visit the website without any editing permissions. | Can view the public website and interact through comments or contact forms. |
| E-commerce Manager | Specifically for websites with an e-commerce component, managing products. | Can add, edit, and manage products, orders, and customer interactions. |
Additional Features
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
SSL Certificate |
|
|
|
Custom Domain |
|
|
|
Free Custom Domain Included |
|
|
|
International Domains |
|
|
|
Mobile Responsive |
|
|
|
Page Speed |
|
|
|
Website Builder Mobile App |
|
|
|
Convert a Website To An App |
|
|
|
Website Analytics |
|
|
|
Multilingual Sites |
|
|
|
Multiple Users |
|
|
User Feedback
Users appreciate Square Online for its ease of setup, no initial payment requirement for registration, and dependable payment processing. The platform is lauded for its simple user interface, which allows for quick product sales and efficient inventory management. However, some users express dissatisfaction with the limited design customization options and the simplicity of the store layouts, noting that they do not match the design quality of competitors like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify. Additionally, limitations in scheduled order processing and a desire for more advanced features and better support for custom HTML and SEO were highlighted.
User feedback on Webnode highlights its ease of use, rapid website creation capabilities, and the wide range of templates available, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses seeking an intuitive web development platform. While praised for its user-friendly interface and quick setup, including domain purchase and application, some users express a desire for more flexibility and customization options, especially in themes and e-commerce features. Comparatively, it falls short on advanced functionalities such as SEO tools and widgets offered by competitors like WordPress. Customer service experiences vary, with some users facing challenges in getting support for email hosting and analytics integration.
The making of this blog
We followed a clear, step-by-step process to write and research this article.
FAQ
Which platform is better for ecommerce, Square Online or Webnode?
Can I create a professional informational website with Square Online or Webnode?
How do Square Online and Webnode compare in terms of design and customization?
Which platform offers better support and learning resources?
How do the pricing and value for money compare between Square Online and Webnode?
Which platform has better website speed optimization?
Are there any differences in the platforms' hosting quality?
Which platform is recommended for users looking for advanced marketing features?
How do Square Online and Webnode address website security?
Which platform is more user-friendly for beginners?
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