POS Comparisons

Retail Pro vs PayPal Zettle: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

By Mauricio • Nov 17, 2025 • 3 min read

In the battle of Retail Pro versus PayPal Zettle, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Retail Pro is particularly strong for Multi-store specialty retailers, while PayPal Zettle excels at Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. Whether you prioritize Enterprise retail focus or No monthly fees, this comparison covers everything you need to know.

Quick Comparison: Retail Pro vs PayPal Zettle

FeatureRetail ProPayPal Zettle
CategoryRetailMulti-Industry
Starting PriceContact for pricing$29 (card reader) + 2.29% per transaction
Rating4.0/54.2/5
Target BusinessMid-Market to EnterpriseSmall Business
Pricing ModelQuote-basedTransaction-based
Free TrialNoNo
Free VersionNoYes
Best ForMulti-store specialty retailersSmall businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model

Retail Pro Overview

Retail Pro is an enterprise retail management software for specialty retailers. Offers POS, inventory management, and customer engagement tools for multi-store operations.

Retail Pro is offered by Retail Pro International (founded 1986) based in Folsom, CA. The system focuses on Specialty Retail, Apparel, Multi-store.

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Key Features:

  • POS
  • Inventory Management
  • Multi-store
  • Customer Management
  • Reporting
  • E-commerce Integration

PayPal Zettle Overview

PayPal Zettle is a mobile POS system with card readers and simple POS software. Features no monthly fees on the basic plan, integration with PayPal, and affordable hardware options.

PayPal Zettle is offered by PayPal (founded 2010) based in Stockholm, Sweden. The system focuses on Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.

Key Features:

  • Mobile POS
  • Card Reader
  • Inventory Management
  • Reporting
  • Digital Receipts
  • PayPal Integration

Feature Comparison

Retail Pro Features:

  • POS
  • Inventory Management
  • Multi-store
  • Customer Management
  • Reporting

PayPal Zettle Features:

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  • Mobile POS
  • Card Reader
  • Inventory Management
  • Reporting
  • Digital Receipts

When comparing features, Retail Pro stands out with Enterprise retail focus, while PayPal Zettle differentiates itself with No monthly fees. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing AspectRetail ProPayPal Zettle
Starting PriceContact for pricing$29 (card reader) + 2.29% per transaction
Pricing ModelQuote-basedTransaction-based
Price RangePremiumBudget
Free TrialNot availableNot available
Free VersionNoYes

PayPal Zettle 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

Retail Pro

Pros:

  • Enterprise scalability
  • Deep inventory features
  • Multi-store management
  • Customizable

Cons:

  • High cost
  • Complex implementation
  • Requires IT resources

PayPal Zettle

Pros:

  • No monthly fees
  • PayPal integration
  • Affordable hardware
  • Easy setup

Cons:

  • Processing fees on every transaction
  • Limited advanced features
  • Basic reporting

Who Should Choose Retail Pro?

Retail Pro is ideal for Multi-store specialty retailers. The system is particularly well-suited for Specialty Retail, Apparel, Multi-store.

However, Retail Pro may not be the best fit for Small single-location stores.

Who Should Choose PayPal Zettle?

PayPal Zettle is ideal for Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. The system is particularly well-suited for Retail, Service, Mobile Businesses.

However, PayPal Zettle may not be the best fit for High-volume operations where processing fees add up.

Our Recommendation

Both Retail Pro and PayPal Zettle are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Retail Pro if you’re Multi-store specialty retailers. Choose PayPal Zettle if you’re Small businesses wanting pay-per-transaction model. PayPal Zettle has a higher user rating (4.2 vs 4.0). Also, choose PayPal Zettle if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.

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D
Written by

David Thompson

Retail Technology Expert
Verified Expert

David Thompson is a Retail Technology Expert specializing in point-of-sale systems for retail environments. With 15 years in retail technology consulting, David has helped over 200 businesses select and implement POS solutions. He holds an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg and previously led retail technology initiatives at Best Buy Corporate.

MBA, Northwestern Kellogg School of ManagementFormer Director of Retail Technology, Best Buy15+ years retail technology consulting
Expertise:
Retail POS SystemsE-commerce IntegrationOmnichannel SolutionsInventory Management