Choosing between Square and Cloud Retailer? 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.
Square: $0/mo | 4.8/5 rating | Best for Small Business & Retail
Cloud Retailer: $69/mo | 4.5/5 rating | Best for Retail Chains
Square vs Cloud Retailer: Quick Summary
| Feature | Square | Cloud Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/mo | $69/mo |
| Best For | Small Business & Retail | Retail Chains |
| Industry | Retail | Retail |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Key Strength | Free to start | True cloud |
Square Overview
Price: $0/mo | Rating: 4.8/5 | Best For: Small Business & Retail
Square is a Retail POS system designed specifically for Small Business & Retail. Key benefits include: Free to start.
- Free POS software
- Payment processing
- Inventory management
- E-commerce
- Appointments
- Team management
Cloud Retailer Overview
Price: $69/mo | Rating: 4.5/5 | Best For: Retail Chains
Cloud Retailer is a Retail POS system designed specifically for Retail Chains. Key benefits include: True cloud.
- Cloud retail POS
- Multi-location sync
- Inventory
- Reporting
- CRM
- E-commerce
Pros & Cons Comparison
Square Pros
- ✅ Free to start
- ✅ Easy to use
- ✅ Great ecosystem
Square Cons
- ❌ Processing fees add up
- ❌ Limited customization
Cloud Retailer Pros
- ✅ True cloud
- ✅ Multi-location
- ✅ Modern interface
Cloud Retailer Cons
- ❌ Newer platform
- ❌ Limited integrations
The Verdict: Square vs Cloud Retailer
Choose Square if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Small Business & Retail and value Free to start.
Choose Cloud Retailer if your business focuses on Retail Chains and you prioritize True cloud.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Square and Cloud Retailer compare across key features that matter most to Retail businesses.
| Feature | Square | Cloud Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Excellent |
| Hardware Options | Optional | Required |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Small Business |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Month-to-month available |
Who Should Choose Square?
Square is the ideal choice for:
- Small Business & Retail who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Free to start
- Those who value Easy to use
- Companies with budget around $0/mo per month
Who Should Choose Cloud Retailer?
Cloud Retailer is the ideal choice for:
- Retail Chains who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize True cloud
- Those who value Multi-location
- Companies with budget around $69/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Square vs Cloud Retailer for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, Square ($0/mo) offers better value while still providing essential features like Free POS software and Payment processing.
Square vs Cloud Retailer 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.
Square vs Cloud Retailer for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. Square (rated 4.8/5) has proven reliability for busy Retail environments, especially for Small Business & Retail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Square or Cloud Retailer?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Square (rated 4.8/5) excels for Small Business & Retail, while Cloud Retailer (rated 4.5/5) is optimized for Retail Chains. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Square cost compared to Cloud Retailer?
Square starts at $0/mo, while Cloud Retailer starts at $69/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 Square to Cloud Retailer?
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. Square features Free POS software, Payment processing, Inventory management. Cloud Retailer offers Cloud retail POS, Multi-location sync, 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.