In the battle of Square versus SumUp, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Square is particularly strong for Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups, while SumUp excels at Small businesses and mobile sellers. Whether you prioritize No monthly fees or No monthly fees, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison: Square vs SumUp
| Feature | Square | SumUp |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Multi-Industry | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) | $39 (reader) + 2.75% per transaction |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Transaction-based |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
| Best For | Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups | Small businesses and mobile sellers |
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
SumUp Overview
SumUp provides mobile payment solutions and card readers for small businesses. Features simple pricing, no monthly fees, and easy setup for accepting card payments on the go.
SumUp is offered by SumUp (founded 2012) based in London, UK. The system focuses on Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.
Key Features:
- Card Reader
- Mobile Payments
- Invoicing
- Payment Links
- Reporting
- No Monthly Fees
Feature Comparison
Square Features:
- Free POS app
- Inventory management
- Employee management
- Customer directory
- Analytics dashboard
SumUp Features:
- Card Reader
- Mobile Payments
- Invoicing
- Payment Links
- Reporting
When comparing features, Square stands out with No monthly fees, while SumUp differentiates itself with No monthly fees. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Square | SumUp |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) | $39 (reader) + 2.75% per transaction |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Transaction-based |
| Price Range | Budget | Budget |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
Square offers a free version, which is great for testing or small operations. 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
SumUp
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Simple flat-rate pricing
- Easy setup
- Portable
Cons:
- Higher per-transaction rate
- Limited POS features
- Basic reporting
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 SumUp?
SumUp is ideal for Small businesses and mobile sellers. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.
However, SumUp may not be the best fit for High-volume businesses where percentage fees add up.
Our Recommendation
Both Square and SumUp 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 SumUp if you’re Small businesses and mobile sellers. Square has a higher user rating (4.7 vs 4.3). 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.