Choosing between Heartland Retail and PayPal Zettle? Both are leading point of sale systems with unique strengths. This comprehensive 2025 comparison breaks down pricing, features, pros/cons, and real-world use cases to help you make the right decision for your business.
Heartland Retail: $89/mo | 4.2/5 rating | Best for Retail Stores
PayPal Zettle: $0/mo | 4.4/5 rating | Best for Mobile & Pop-up
Heartland Retail vs PayPal Zettle: Quick Summary
| Feature | Heartland Retail | PayPal Zettle |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $89/mo | $0/mo |
| Best For | Retail Stores | Mobile & Pop-up |
| Industry | Retail | Multi-Industry |
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Key Strength | Full-featured | Free software |
Heartland Retail Overview
Price: $89/mo | Rating: 4.2/5 | Best For: Retail Stores
Heartland Retail is a Retail POS system designed specifically for Retail Stores. Key benefits include: Full-featured.
- Cloud retail POS
- Inventory
- CRM
- E-commerce
- Reporting
- Gift cards
PayPal Zettle Overview
Price: $0/mo | Rating: 4.4/5 | Best For: Mobile & Pop-up
PayPal Zettle is a Multi-Industry POS system designed specifically for Mobile & Pop-up. Key benefits include: Free software.
- Mobile POS
- Card reader
- Inventory
- Reporting
- PayPal integration
- E-commerce sync
Pros & Cons Comparison
Heartland Retail Pros
- ✅ Full-featured
- ✅ Good support
- ✅ Integrations
Heartland Retail Cons
- ❌ Processing tied to Heartland
- ❌ Mid-range pricing
PayPal Zettle Pros
- ✅ Free software
- ✅ PayPal ecosystem
- ✅ Mobile-first
PayPal Zettle Cons
- ❌ Limited features
- ❌ Processing fees
The Verdict: Heartland Retail vs PayPal Zettle
Choose Heartland Retail if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Retail Stores and value Full-featured.
Choose PayPal Zettle if your business focuses on Mobile & Pop-up and you prioritize Free software.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Heartland Retail and PayPal Zettle compare across key features that matter most to Retail businesses.
| Feature | Heartland Retail | PayPal Zettle |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Good | Good |
| Hardware Options | Required | Optional |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Small Business |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Month-to-month available |
Who Should Choose Heartland Retail?
Heartland Retail is the ideal choice for:
- Retail Stores who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Full-featured
- Those who value Good support
- Companies with budget around $89/mo per month
Who Should Choose PayPal Zettle?
PayPal Zettle is the ideal choice for:
- Mobile & Pop-up who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Free software
- Those who value PayPal ecosystem
- Companies with budget around $0/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Heartland Retail vs PayPal Zettle for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, PayPal Zettle ($0/mo) offers better value while still providing essential features like Mobile POS and Card reader.
Heartland Retail vs PayPal Zettle for Multi-Location Businesses
Multi-location businesses should consider scalability and centralized management. Both systems can scale to multiple locations with proper setup. Request a demo to see how each handles multi-store reporting and inventory sync.
Heartland Retail vs PayPal Zettle for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. PayPal Zettle (rated 4.4/5) has proven reliability for busy Multi-Industry environments, especially for Mobile & Pop-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Heartland Retail or PayPal Zettle?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Heartland Retail (rated 4.2/5) excels for Retail Stores, while PayPal Zettle (rated 4.4/5) is optimized for Mobile & Pop-up. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Heartland Retail cost compared to PayPal Zettle?
Heartland Retail starts at $89/mo, while PayPal Zettle starts at $0/mo. Both may have additional costs for hardware, payment processing, and add-on features. Request a custom quote for accurate pricing based on your business needs.
Can I switch from Heartland Retail to PayPal Zettle?
Yes, switching POS systems is possible. Most providers offer data migration assistance and training. Consider contract terms, hardware compatibility, and staff training time when planning a switch.
What integrations do these POS systems offer?
Both systems offer integrations with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and third-party apps. Heartland Retail features Cloud retail POS, Inventory, CRM. PayPal Zettle offers Mobile POS, Card reader, Inventory.
Get a Free Quote
Still not sure which POS system is right for your business? Our experts can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, budget, and growth plans.
Last updated: December 2025. Pricing and features subject to change.