In the battle of Square versus Epicor, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Square is particularly strong for Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups, while Epicor excels at Large enterprises with complex needs. Whether you prioritize No monthly fees or Enterprise depth, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison: Square vs Epicor
| Feature | Square | Epicor |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Multi-Industry | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) | Contact for pricing |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business | Mid-Market to Enterprise |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Quote-based |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
| Best For | Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups | Large enterprises with complex needs |
Square Overview
Square is a comprehensive payment and point-of-sale platform that helps businesses of all sizes accept payments, manage inventory, and grow their business. Known for its iconic card reader and user-friendly interface.
Square is offered by Block, Inc. (formerly Square, Inc.) (founded 2009) based in San Francisco, CA. The system focuses on Retail, Restaurants, Services, Appointments.
Key Features:
- Free POS app
- Inventory management
- Employee management
- Customer directory
- Analytics dashboard
- Online ordering
Epicor Overview
Epicor provides enterprise software including retail POS, ERP, and supply chain solutions. Serves manufacturing, distribution, retail, and hospitality industries.
Epicor is offered by Epicor Software (founded 1972) based in Austin, TX. The system focuses on Manufacturing, Distribution, Retail.
Key Features:
- ERP
- Retail POS
- Supply Chain
- Manufacturing
- Financial Management
- BI & Analytics
Feature Comparison
Square Features:
- Free POS app
- Inventory management
- Employee management
- Customer directory
- Analytics dashboard
Epicor Features:
- ERP
- Retail POS
- Supply Chain
- Manufacturing
- Financial Management
When comparing features, Square stands out with No monthly fees, while Epicor differentiates itself with Enterprise depth. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Square | Epicor |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) | Contact for pricing |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Quote-based |
| Price Range | Budget | Premium |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
Square is more budget-friendly, making it a better choice for cost-conscious businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
Square
Pros:
- No monthly fees for basic plan
- Easy setup and use
- Excellent mobile app
- Strong ecosystem of add-ons
- Transparent pricing
Cons:
- Transaction fees can add up
- Limited customization
- Account stability concerns for high-risk businesses
Epicor
Pros:
- Enterprise scale
- Industry-specific solutions
- Deep functionality
- Global presence
Cons:
- Complex implementation
- High cost
- Requires dedicated IT
Who Should Choose Square?
Square is ideal for Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Restaurants, Services, Appointments.
However, Square may not be the best fit for Large enterprises needing deep customization.
Who Should Choose Epicor?
Epicor is ideal for Large enterprises with complex needs. The system is particularly well-suited for Manufacturing, Distribution, Retail.
However, Epicor may not be the best fit for Small businesses wanting simple POS.
Our Recommendation
Both Square and Epicor are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Square if you’re Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups. Choose Epicor if you’re Large enterprises with complex needs. Square has a higher user rating (4.7 vs 3.9). Also, choose Square if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.