Choosing between Square and NCR Counterpoint? 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
NCR Counterpoint: $99/mo | 4.2/5 rating | Best for Specialty Retail
Square vs NCR Counterpoint: Quick Summary
| Feature | Square | NCR Counterpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/mo | $99/mo |
| Best For | Small Business & Retail | Specialty Retail |
| Industry | Retail | Retail |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Key Strength | Free to start | Robust inventory |
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
NCR Counterpoint Overview
Price: $99/mo | Rating: 4.2/5 | Best For: Specialty Retail
NCR Counterpoint is a Retail POS system designed specifically for Specialty Retail. Key benefits include: Robust inventory.
- Specialty retail POS
- Inventory management
- Purchase orders
- Multi-store
- E-commerce
- Reporting
Pros & Cons Comparison
Square Pros
- ✅ Free to start
- ✅ Easy to use
- ✅ Great ecosystem
Square Cons
- ❌ Processing fees add up
- ❌ Limited customization
NCR Counterpoint Pros
- ✅ Robust inventory
- ✅ Specialty retail focus
- ✅ Reliable
NCR Counterpoint Cons
- ❌ Dated interface
- ❌ Higher cost
The Verdict: Square vs NCR Counterpoint
Choose Square if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Small Business & Retail and value Free to start.
Choose NCR Counterpoint if your business focuses on Specialty Retail and you prioritize Robust inventory.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Square and NCR Counterpoint compare across key features that matter most to Retail businesses.
| Feature | Square | NCR Counterpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Good |
| 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 NCR Counterpoint?
NCR Counterpoint is the ideal choice for:
- Specialty Retail who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Robust inventory
- Those who value Specialty retail focus
- Companies with budget around $99/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Square vs NCR Counterpoint 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 NCR Counterpoint 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 NCR Counterpoint 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 NCR Counterpoint?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Square (rated 4.8/5) excels for Small Business & Retail, while NCR Counterpoint (rated 4.2/5) is optimized for Specialty Retail. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Square cost compared to NCR Counterpoint?
Square starts at $0/mo, while NCR Counterpoint starts at $99/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 NCR Counterpoint?
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. NCR Counterpoint offers Specialty retail POS, Inventory management, Purchase orders.
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.