Shopify POS vs Square: Complete 2025 Retail POS Comparison
For retail businesses, Shopify POS and Square represent two different philosophies. Shopify POS is built around eCommerce-first omnichannel retail, while Square is a versatile all-in-one solution that works for everything from retail to food service. Which is right for your business?
Quick Verdict: Choose Shopify POS if you have or plan to have a significant online presence and want seamless inventory sync between online and in-store. Choose Square if you’re primarily brick-and-mortar, want free software, or need to handle food service alongside retail.
Last updated: December 2025
Shopify POS
Unified online and in-store selling
Square
Best for small businesses & startups
Quick Verdict
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Shopify POS | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Free POS software | With Shopify subscription | ✓ Yes |
| Inventory management | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Employee management | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Online ordering | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Advanced reporting | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Loyalty program | Add-on | Add-on |
| Table management | ✗ No | Add-on |
| Kitchen display | ✗ No | Add-on |
| 24/7 phone support | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Offline mode | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Shopify POS
Pros
- Seamless online/offline integration
- Beautiful checkout experience
- Excellent inventory sync
- Strong for eCommerce sellers
- Easy to learn and use
Cons
- Requires Shopify subscription
- Not ideal for restaurants
- Advanced features need Pro plan
- Limited without online store
Square
Pros
- Free to start with no monthly fees
- Easy setup and intuitive interface
- Affordable hardware options
- Excellent for mobile payments
- Robust free features
Cons
- Higher processing fees than some competitors
- Limited restaurant-specific features in free plan
- Account stability issues reported
- Add-ons can increase costs
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Get Free Custom Quotes Compare pricing from top providers - takes 60 secondsShopify POS vs Square: Key Differences
Online Integration
This is the fundamental difference. Shopify POS is an extension of Shopify’s eCommerce platform – inventory, customers, orders, and analytics sync seamlessly between online and in-store. Square has Square Online, but it’s less sophisticated for complex eCommerce needs.
Pricing Structure
Square: Free POS software with 2.6% + 10c processing. Hardware from $49-$799.
Shopify POS: Requires a Shopify subscription ($39-$399/mo) plus POS Pro add-on ($89/mo per location) for full retail features. But you get lower processing rates (2.4% + 30c with Shopify Payments).
The Total Cost Reality
For a single-location retail store doing $30,000/month in sales:
- Square: ~$780/month processing + $0 software = $780/month
- Shopify: ~$720 processing + $79 Basic + $89 POS Pro = $888/month
Square is cheaper for pure brick-and-mortar. Shopify becomes cost-effective when online sales are significant.
Inventory Management
Shopify’s inventory management is more sophisticated, especially for tracking inventory across multiple locations and sales channels. Square’s inventory is adequate for most small retailers but less powerful for complex operations.
Who Should Choose Shopify POS?
- Retailers with significant online sales
- Businesses selling across multiple channels (website, Amazon, social)
- Multi-location retailers needing unified inventory
- Fashion, apparel, and lifestyle brands
- Those with international shipping needs
Who Should Choose Square?
- Primarily brick-and-mortar retailers
- Small retailers wanting to avoid monthly fees
- Businesses combining retail with food service
- Pop-up shops and market vendors
- Those wanting simple, quick setup
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Shopify POS without Shopify eCommerce?
Technically yes, but you still need a Shopify subscription, so it doesn’t make financial sense. If you’re not selling online, Square is more cost-effective.
Which has better hardware?
Both offer iPad-based solutions. Square has more hardware variety including the Square Register (all-in-one terminal). Shopify’s hardware is solid but more limited in options.
Can Square handle buy-online-pickup-in-store?
Yes, Square Online supports local pickup and delivery. But Shopify’s implementation is more mature with more pickup options and better customer communication tools.
Which processes payments faster?
Both deposit funds in 1-2 business days. Square offers instant deposit for a fee. Both are reliable and backed by major financial infrastructure.
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