Overview
Squarespace, founded in 2004 and headquartered in New York City, is a globally recognized website building platform and domain registration provider. In 2024, Squarespace acquired Google Domains, taking over 10M+ domains and becoming a major player in the domain registration space.
Squarespace's domain service is unique in its deep integration with the website builder platform. Users can register domains, build websites, manage content, and run ecommerce stores — all within a single platform without switching between services. The domain management interface inherits Google Domains' minimalist design philosophy for an intuitive experience.
Key Strengths
- Google Domains Successor: Acquired Google Domains in 2024, inheriting 10M+ domains. Google Domains users were seamlessly migrated, and domain management experience was preserved. Migration tools simplify transfers from other registrars.
- Integrated Website Builder: Domain registration is natively integrated with Squarespace's website builder. From domain purchase to site launch, no manual DNS configuration is needed — everything auto-configures. Ecommerce features are also natively integrated.
- Minimalist Management Interface: The domain dashboard inherits Google Domains' clean design DNA. DNS setup, domain forwarding, and email configuration are straightforward even for non-technical users.
- Free WHOIS Privacy: Every domain includes free WHOIS privacy protection, automatically hiding registrant contact information.
Product Ecosystem
Domain Registration
Supports .com, .net, .org and hundreds of new gTLDs. Clean domain search interface with transparent pricing.
Squarespace Website Builder
The core product. Drag-and-drop site builder with hundreds of professionally designed templates covering personal sites, blogs, portfolios, and online stores.
Ecommerce Platform
Built-in ecommerce with product management, inventory tracking, payment processing, and shipping logistics — deeply integrated with domain and site builder.
Google Workspace Integration
Seamless Google Workspace (business email) integration for custom domain email setup.
Limitations
- Transition Period: The Google Domains acquisition integration is still ongoing. Some former Google Domains users report adjustment friction with interface changes and feature consolidation. The domain business roadmap is still evolving.
- Basic Domain Features: Compared to Cloudflare and Namecheap, Squarespace's domain management is basic — lacking advanced DNS tools, bulk domain management, and API access for power users.
- Premium Pricing: .com domains at ~$20/yr (with WHOIS privacy) are 30-50% above Namecheap and Porkbun. As a website builder add-on, domain pricing reflects brand premium rather than competitive positioning.
Use Cases
- Former Google Domains Users (★★★★★): 10M+ domains were automatically migrated to Squarespace. Managing domains within Squarespace is the most convenient option.
- Squarespace Website Builders (★★★★★): If you're building a site on Squarespace, registering domains within the platform is seamless — no external DNS configuration needed.
- Budget-Conscious Users (★★): Premium pricing makes this a poor fit for cost-sensitive users. Choose Sav or Porkbun for better value.
Pricing
| TLD | Price |
|---|---|
| .com | ~$20/yr |
| .net | ~$22/yr |
| .org | ~$20/yr |
| .io | ~$50/yr |
Note: Prices include WHOIS privacy. Squarespace website plans (Personal from $16/mo) typically include a free custom domain for the first year.
FAQ
- What should former Google Domains users know? Domains were auto-migrated to Squarespace. Log in with your Squarespace account to manage domains, DNS, and renewals. If you used Google Domains' free email forwarding, reconfigure after migration. For domain transfers, see Domain Transfer Guide.
- Can I register a domain without using Squarespace building? Yes, Squarespace supports standalone domain registration. However, pricing is premium. Consider specialized registrars if you don't need the website builder. For registrar selection, see Domain Registrar Selection Guide.
- Can I transfer domains away from Squarespace? Yes, following ICANN standard procedures. Unlock the domain, obtain the EPP authorization code, and initiate the transfer. Backup your DNS records before transferring. For domain transfer and backup guidance, see Domain Transfer Guide.