Shopify
E-commerce
Squarespace
E-commerce
Shopify vs Squarespace in Singapore — which is right for your business?
Both are e-commerce tools used by Singapore businesses. Here is a side-by-side comparison covering SGD pricing, PSG eligibility, PDPA compliance, and local context to help you decide.
Singapore-specific comparison
| Criterion | Shopify | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|
| SGD pricing (incl. 9% GST) | S$1.47/mo | S$24.99/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| PSG grant eligible | Checking | Checking |
| PDPA compliant | No | No |
| SG / APAC data centre | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| GST / InvoiceNow ready | No | No |
| PayNow / local bank feeds | No | No |
| CPF payroll support | No | No |
| SkillsFuture eligible | No | No |
Stackd verdict
Shopify
Singaporean businesses using Shopify Payments are subject to strict MAS and ACRA regulations, requiring them to provide detailed information about their directors, beneficial owners, and account representatives to ensure compliance with AML/CFT requirements.
Squarespace
In Singapore, a Squarespace website serves as an essential owned digital asset for businesses, ensuring credibility and control over their online presence, a key differentiator from social media or marketplace-only operations (as per MediaPlus Digital).
Pros & cons — Singapore view
Shopify
Pros
+Complies with Singapore's Payment Services Act and MAS regulations for payment processing.
+Enhanced identity verification and KYC processes provide regulatory certainty and consumer safeguards.
+Robust platform with features like the 'world's best checkout' and extensive app store for customization.
+Easy to start with a free trial for 3 days.
Cons
–Requires extensive KYC information for all directors and beneficial owners of the business.
–Account representatives must have authorized roles, possibly requiring letters of authorization.
–Failure to provide requested information can lead to paused payment processing or account termination.
Squarespace
Pros
+Scalable e-commerce functionality with robust tools
+Professional email from Google Workspace included in higher plans
+Reduced or 0% transaction fees for online stores on higher plans
+Enhances business credibility and trust (as per Singapore context)
Cons
–Transaction fees for digital content/memberships still apply on some business plans
–No explicit confirmation of Singapore GST filing support
–No explicit mention of PayNow or local payment gateway integrations
Who should choose which
Choose Shopify if...
›SMEs
›Startups
›Enterprises
›Freelancers
Choose Squarespace if...
›Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
›E-commerce Startups
›Service-based businesses
›Businesses prioritizing a strong online presence
Singapore FAQ
Is Shopify available in Singapore?
Yes, Shopify Payments operates in Singapore and complies with the local Payment Services Act 2019, requiring specific identity and KYC verification.
Does Shopify support SGD pricing?
The provided search results indicate pricing in USD, and do not explicitly confirm support for SGD pricing or display prices in SGD. Users can start with a promotional rate of $1/month USD for 3 months.
Is Shopify PSG-eligible?
Based on the provided search results, there is no mention of Shopify being eligible for the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) in Singapore.
Is Shopify PDPA compliant?
The search results discuss compliance with Singapore's Payment Services Act (PSA) and MAS regulations for payment processing, but do not explicitly mention compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
Want to explore each tool further?
Read our full Singapore reviews before deciding.