Choosing between Square and Shopify POS for your business? Both are popular multi-industry solutions, but they serve different needs. Square starts at Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) and is All-in-one payment and business management platform, while Shopify POS starts at $89/month (POS Pro) and is Unified commerce platform connecting online and in-store sales. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.
Quick Comparison: Square vs Shopify POS
| Feature | Square | Shopify POS |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Multi-Industry | Retail |
| Starting Price | Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) | $89/month (POS Pro) |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | Yes |
| Free Version | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Small retail shops, food trucks, service businesses, and startups | Retailers already using or planning to use Shopify for eCommerce |
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
Shopify POS Overview
Shopify POS seamlessly connects your online and retail stores, allowing you to sell anywhere. It syncs products, inventory, and customer data between your online store and physical locations.
Shopify POS is offered by Shopify Inc. (founded 2013) based in Ottawa, Canada. The system focuses on Retail, Pop-up shops, Markets, Omnichannel sellers.
Key Features:
- Unified inventory
- Customer profiles
- Staff management
- In-store analytics
- Product management
- Gift cards
Feature Comparison
Square Features:
- Free POS app
- Inventory management
- Employee management
- Customer directory
- Analytics dashboard
Shopify POS Features:
- Unified inventory
- Customer profiles
- Staff management
- In-store analytics
- Product management
When comparing features, Square stands out with No monthly fees, while Shopify POS differentiates itself with Best-in-class eCommerce integration. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Square | Shopify POS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction) | $89/month (POS Pro) |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Price Range | Budget | Mid-range |
| Free Trial | Not available | Available |
| Free Version | Yes | Yes |
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
Shopify POS
Pros:
- Seamless eCommerce integration
- Beautiful interface
- Strong brand recognition
- Extensive app store
- Great for omnichannel
Cons:
- Best with Shopify eCommerce
- POS Pro needed for key features
- Transaction fees without Shopify Payments
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 Shopify POS?
Shopify POS is ideal for Retailers already using or planning to use Shopify for eCommerce. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Pop-up shops, Markets, Omnichannel sellers.
However, Shopify POS may not be the best fit for Restaurants or businesses not doing eCommerce.
Our Recommendation
Both Square and Shopify POS 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 Shopify POS if you’re Retailers already using or planning to use Shopify for eCommerce. Square has a higher user rating (4.7 vs 4.5). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.
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