Squarekicker vs Spark Plugin – Which Extension is the Best?
If you want to customize your Squarespace site beyond the standard options provided in settings, you have two options.
The first option is to learn code and add code snippets into Squarespace.
The second option? Use a Squarespace extension to style your website.
A Squarespace extension extends the styling capabilities of your website without the need for code. This means you can have a stunning website that looks and functions like no other.
Two of the best Squarespace extensions on the market are Spark Plugin and Squarekicker. Yes, I might be a little biased!
Both extensions were created by web designers that love Squarespace, but wanted more functionality and flexibility.
So, if you’re looking to take your Squarespace site to the next level, which extension should you choose?
I’ve put together a Spark Plugin and Squarekicker review to explain how they are similar, and where the key differences lie.
Spark Plugin vs Squarekicker review – the similarities
Both extensions are code free
Using code to customize your Squarespace website can be frustrating.
You have to either code it yourself or get someone to do it for you, and if it’s wrong, it can break your website.
And the worst thing is that if this happens, Squarespace can’t help you put things right!
Squarekicker and Spark Plugin are code free.
This means all the coding is done behind the scenes for you, and that you can make small changes to your site whenever you want, without worrying about CSS code.
Both extensions can be used with Fluid Engine
Fluid Engine is the drag-and-drop editor for Squarespace 7.1. It’s easier to use than the traditional editor, making it easier to style your pages the way you want.
Spark Plugin and Squarekicker both work with Fluid Engine, meaning you can fine-tune the layout of your website with lazer-precision.
With Fluid Engine and your choice of design extension, you call the shots over how your website looks!
Pricing is more or less the same
The pricing for Squarekicker and Spark Plugin is similar.
The basic tier for Spark Plugin is $9 a month when you pay annually, and $12 for Squarekicker. However, Spark Plugin lets you customize two websites, whereas Squarekicker lets you customize one.
The designer package is $25 a month on Spark Plugin and $39 on Squarekicker. If you sign up for one of the higher-tier Squarekicker packages you get early access to new features, which is pretty cool! Another advantage is that you can cancel the subscription and still keep your changes on your site.
Both extensions have different features and functionalities (more on that in a bit) so comparing the price is a bit like comparing apples and oranges.
Trust me; you get great value for money with both platforms!
Spark Plugin vs Squarekicker review – the differences
Spark Plugin has a faster workflow
If you want to create a stunning website in a short space of time, Spark Plugin is your best option.
Thanks to a range of pre-made customizations, you can style your Squarespace site in a couple of clicks.
Just see how fast this section is designed.
If you were to make the same changes in Squarekicker, it would involve a lot more steps.
Here’s an example.
The images below look great, right? With Spark Plugin, you can choose the animated image shapes plugin in one click… and job done!
If you’re looking for an extension that is easy to use and lets you get started right away, Spark Plugin is a great investment.
Squarekicker gives you more control over your site design
Squarekicker lets you fully control the style of your pages, block by block. As Squarekicker says, you can control ‘each pixel of your design.’
Just click on the element you want to tweak, and take advantage of the advanced customization options.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of tutorials to give you inspiration.
What’s more in this review is that Squarekicker lets you create custom presets. This means that once you’ve configured a particular style you want to reuse, you can save it to use on another page.
Spark Plugin is more ‘plug and play’ than Squarekicker. Install it on your site, choose the customizations you want to use, and you’re good to go! If you’re looking for an extension that is easy to use and lets you get started right away, it’s a good investment.
Spark Plugin has design presets
Spark Plugin has a library of over 100 finished design presets.
These has all been made by professional designers which means that your site will look extraordinary.
Below are some design presets, for example section dividers, animated announcement, floating header, carousel design.
Squarekicker lets you customize fonts and forms
Squarekicker has a few more customization options than Squarespace (although the Squarespace customizations on offer are very good indeed!)
For example, Squarekicker lets you incorporate over 1,000 Google fonts into your Squarespace site, giving you lots more options when it comes to typography. You can also customize your forms, adding extra elements and form fields that help boost your conversion rate.
Spark Plugin has the most profitable referral scheme
Want to make your website look nice and make a little cash at the same time?
Spark Plugin offers a referral scheme.
Get your affiliate link, and if someone signs up, you earn a 30% lifetime cut for every transaction as long as they’re a Spark Plugin customer.
Squarekicker also offer a referral scheme, but it is less profitable and is only available to selected active users.
So… which Squarespace extension should you choose?
You’d think that I’d be telling you that Spark Plugin is the better Squarespace extension in this review, and that you should use it over Squarekicker.
However, the honest answer is… both extensions are fantastic in their own ways!
It’s essential to choose the extension that best supports the needs of your website and offers the designs you want to use.
Look at the features that are available on both Squarekicker and Spark Plugin and see which is right for you.
For example, do you want to change the font, have more control over galleries, or tweak your navigation bar?
My honest opinion?
I think Squarekicker offers customization on an incredibly detailed level which is ideal if you’re a design pro or want more control over the look and feel of your Squarespace site.
However, Spark Plugin has a faster workflow, meaning you can customize your website more quickly.
Honestly, if you decide to go with Squarekicker, I won’t be offended (okay, maybe just a little bit!)
Want to give Spark Plugin a try? Sign up for an account today!
